JP2012147893A - Inspection system for endoscope light guide, endoscope processor, and endoscope unit - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an inspection system for endoscope light guide which is used for inspecting the spectral deterioration of a light guide.SOLUTION: An endoscope processor 20 includes a memory 23, a system controller 24, and a color difference computing circuit 27. When initialization of the light guide is carried out, the color difference computing circuit 27 generates an initial color coordinate component from an initial image signal. The memory 23 stores the initial color coordinate component. When a light guide inspecting function is carried out, the color difference computing circuit 27 generates an inspection color coordinate component from an inspection image signal. The color difference computing circuit 27 computes a color difference from the initial color coordinate component and the inspection color coordinate component. The system controller 24 compares the color difference with first and second thresholds to discriminate whether the spectral deterioration has occurred to the light guide 31.

Description

  The present invention relates to an endoscope light guide inspection system for inspecting spectral deterioration of a light guide provided in an endoscope.

  An electronic endoscope used for observing the inside of a body or a structure is known. In an electronic endoscope, an insertion tube is inserted into a desired site, and a desired image can be observed by taking a subject image with an imaging device provided at the tip of the insertion tube.

  Usually, external light is not irradiated to the inside of the body or the structure. Therefore, in order to capture a subject image, the illumination light emitted from the external light source is transmitted by the light guide provided inside the insertion tube, and the illumination light is irradiated on the inside of the body.

  Since a high-power lamp is used as the external light source, the light guide may deteriorate. Due to the deterioration of the light guide, the illumination light is attenuated in the middle of transmission, and the subject cannot be irradiated with a sufficient amount of illumination light. Therefore, it has been proposed to recognize the deterioration state of the light guide by measuring the luminance of the light transmitted by the light guide (see Patent Document 1).

  However, even in the case where the transmittance of the entire light guide has not deteriorated, the transmittance of some bands may be lowered. Therefore, the light guide inspection method disclosed in Patent Literature 1 cannot inspect spectral degradation of the light guide, that is, deterioration of light transmittance in some bands.

JP 2010-44062 A

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an endoscope light guide inspection system that inspects spectral degradation of a light guide.

  The endoscope light guide inspection system of the present invention is an endoscope light guide inspection system that inspects the transmission characteristics of a light guide that transmits illumination light emitted from a light source to the distal end of an insertion tube of an electronic endoscope. A receiving unit that receives a color image signal generated by an imaging device provided at a distal end of the insertion tube imaging an object irradiated with illumination light; and a color coordinate component acquisition unit that acquires a color coordinate component from the color image signal; , An initial value memory for storing color coordinate components, and a color coordinate signal from the initial color image signal in the color coordinate component acquisition unit by causing the reception unit to receive the color image signal as an initial color image signal when executing the initialization of the color coordinate component The first control unit that acquires the component as the initial color coordinate component and stores the initial color coordinate component in the initial value memory, the switch that executes the light guide inspection, and the switch is turned on In this case, the receiving unit receives the color image signal as the inspection color image signal, the color coordinate component acquisition unit acquires the color coordinate component from the inspection color image signal as the inspection color coordinate component, and reads the initial color coordinate component from the initial value memory. A second control unit; a calculation unit that calculates a discrimination value that changes in accordance with a change between the initial color coordinate component and the inspection color coordinate component; and a discrimination unit that discriminates that the light guide is abnormal when the discrimination value exceeds a threshold value. It is characterized by comprising.

  The discrimination value is preferably a distance in the coordinate space between the initial color coordinate component and the inspection color coordinate component.

  The first and second color signal components preferably correspond to coordinate components on a uniform color space.

  The initial value memory can store color coordinate components for each color of the subject that has imaged, and the first control unit obtains the initial color coordinate components acquired from the initial color image signal of the subject colored to the first index color. Is stored in the initial value memory as the initial color coordinate component of the first index color, and the initial color coordinate component acquired from the initial color image signal of the subject colored to the second index color different from the first index color is the second index. The initial color coordinate component of the color is stored in the initial value memory, and the second control unit uses the inspection color coordinate component from the inspection color image signal of the subject colored to the first index color as the inspection color coordinate component of the first index color. The color coordinate component acquisition unit acquires the inspection color coordinate component as the inspection color coordinate component of the second index color from the inspection color image signal of the subject obtained by the color coordinate component acquisition unit and colored to the second index color. Two fingers The initial color coordinate component of the color is read from the initial value memory, the calculation unit calculates the discrimination value for the first and second index colors as the discrimination values of the first and second index colors, and the discrimination unit is the first and second discrimination colors. It is preferable to determine that the light guide is abnormal when at least one of the two index color determination values exceeds a threshold value.

  In addition, it is preferable to include an index color designation input unit for designating which of the plurality of index colors including the first and second index colors the color of the subject corresponding to the color image signal.

  An area memory for storing the first and second area positions which are the positions of the first and second areas in the color chart having the first and second areas colored with the first and second index colors. And a color recognizing unit for recognizing the colors of the first and second region positions of the image corresponding to the color image signal as the first and second index colors when the color chart is imaged as the subject. preferable.

  In addition, an information receiving unit that receives unique identification information given to the electronic endoscope from the electronic endoscope, and an electronic endoscope in which the electronic endoscope is newly connected based on the identification information received by the information receiving unit It is preferable that the color coordinate component is initialized when the electronic endoscope is a newly connected electronic endoscope.

  Alternatively, it is preferable to provide an initialization switch that executes initialization of the color coordinate component.

  In the endoscope processor of the present invention, an imaging device provided at the distal end of an insertion tube of an electronic endoscope captures an object irradiated with illumination light transmitted from a light source to the distal end of the insertion tube by a light guide. A receiving unit that receives a color image signal generated by the color image signal, a color coordinate component acquiring unit that acquires a color coordinate component from the color image signal, an initial value memory that stores the color coordinate component, and an initialization of the color coordinate component Sometimes the receiving unit receives the color image signal as the initial color image signal, the color coordinate component acquisition unit acquires the color coordinate component from the initial color image signal as the initial color coordinate component, and stores the initial color coordinate component in the initial value memory. 1 control unit, a switch for executing light guide inspection, and the color image signal is received as an inspection color image signal by the receiving unit when the switch is turned on. A second control unit that causes the color coordinate component acquisition unit to acquire the color coordinate component from the inspection color image signal as the inspection color coordinate component and to read the initial color coordinate component from the initial value memory; and the initial color coordinate component and the inspection color coordinate component A calculating unit that calculates a discriminant value that changes in response to a change and a discriminating unit that discriminates that there is an abnormality in the light guide when the discriminant value exceeds a threshold value.

  The endoscope unit of the present invention is an endoscope unit including an electronic endoscope and an endoscope processor that are detachable from each other, and is provided with the illumination light emitted from a light source provided in the electronic endoscope. A light guide that transmits the image to the distal end of the insertion tube of the electronic endoscope, an imaging device that is provided at the distal end of the insertion tube and that generates a color image signal by imaging a subject irradiated with illumination light, and an endoscope processor A color coordinate component acquisition unit that acquires a color coordinate component from a color image signal, an initial value memory that stores the color coordinate component, and an initialization processor that is received when performing initialization of the color coordinate component The color image signal is received as the initial color image signal in the unit, the color coordinate component acquisition unit is acquired as the initial color coordinate component from the initial color image signal, and the initial color coordinate component is stored in the initial value memory. A first control unit that controls the light guide that is provided in at least one of the electronic endoscope and the endoscope processor, and a receiver that is provided in the endoscope processor when the switch is turned on. A second control unit that receives the color image signal as the inspection color image signal, causes the color coordinate component acquisition unit to acquire the color coordinate component from the inspection color image signal as the inspection color coordinate component, and reads the initial color coordinate component from the initial value memory; A calculation unit that is provided in the endoscope processor and calculates a discrimination value that changes according to a change between the initial color coordinate component and the inspection color coordinate component, and a light guide that is provided in the endoscope processor and the discrimination value exceeds a threshold value. It comprises a discriminator for discriminating that there is an abnormality.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to determine whether or not there is an abnormality in the light guide by comparing the determination value with the threshold value.

1 is a block diagram schematically showing an internal configuration of an endoscope unit having an endoscope processor including an endoscope light guide inspection system to which a first embodiment of the present invention is applied. FIG. It is a top view of a chart board. It is a 1st flowchart which shows control of the operation | movement performed at the time of the light guide initial setting in 1st Embodiment. It is a 2nd flowchart which shows control of the operation | movement performed at the time of the light guide initial setting in 1st Embodiment. It is a 1st flowchart which shows control of the operation | movement performed in the light guide test | inspection function in 1st Embodiment. It is a 2nd flowchart which shows control of the operation | movement performed in the light guide test | inspection function in 1st Embodiment. In a 2nd embodiment, it is a figure showing the state where a chart frame is displayed on a moving picture in a monitor at the time of light guide initial setting and light guide inspection function execution. It is a flowchart which shows control of the operation | movement performed at the time of the light guide initial setting in 2nd Embodiment. It is a 1st flowchart which shows control of the operation | movement performed in the light guide test | inspection function in 2nd Embodiment. It is a 2nd flowchart which shows control of the operation | movement performed in the light guide test | inspection function in 2nd Embodiment.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing an internal configuration of an endoscope unit having an endoscope processor including an endoscope light guide inspection system to which the first embodiment of the present invention is applied.

  The endoscope unit 10 includes an endoscope processor 20, an electronic endoscope 30, and a monitor 11. The endoscope processor 20 is connected to the electronic endoscope 30 and the monitor 11.

  Illumination light for illuminating the subject is supplied from the endoscope processor 20 to the electronic endoscope 30. The subject irradiated with the illumination light is imaged by the electronic endoscope 30. An image signal generated by imaging of the electronic endoscope 30 is sent to the endoscope processor 20.

  In the endoscope processor 20, predetermined signal processing is performed on the image signal obtained from the electronic endoscope 30. The image signal subjected to the predetermined signal processing is transmitted to the monitor 11, and an image corresponding to the transmitted image signal is displayed on the monitor 11.

  Next, the configuration of the electronic endoscope 30 will be described. The electronic endoscope 30 is provided with a light guide 31, an image sensor 32, and the like.

  The light guide 31 extends from the connector 33 connected to the endoscope processor 20 to the distal end of the insertion tube 34. Illumination light supplied from the endoscope processor 20 enters the incident end of the light guide 31. The illumination light incident on the incident end is transmitted to the exit end. The illumination light transmitted to the emission end is irradiated to the subject in the distal direction of the insertion tube 34.

  The optical image of the reflected light of the subject irradiated with the illumination light reaches the light receiving surface of the image sensor 32 provided at the distal end of the insertion tube 34. The image sensor 32 is controlled so as to generate an image signal (color image signal) of one field every fixed period, for example, 1/60 seconds. The light receiving surface of the image sensor 32 is covered with an RGB color filter, and the image signal is composed of an R signal component, a G signal component, and a B signal component. The light receiving surface may be covered with a color filter of another color such as a CMYG complementary color filter.

  Next, the configuration of the endoscope processor 20 will be described. The endoscope processor 20 includes a light source system 21, first and second video signal processing circuits 22a and 22b, a memory 23 (initial value memory), a system controller 24 (first and second control units, a color recognition unit), A timing controller 25, an input unit 26 (switch, index color designation input unit, initialization switch), a color difference calculation circuit 27 (color coordinate component acquisition unit, calculation unit, determination unit), and the like are provided.

  Illumination light is emitted from the light source system 21. When the electronic endoscope 30 is connected to the endoscope processor 20, the light source system 21 is optically connected to the light guide 31. The illumination light emitted from the light source system 21 is incident on the incident end of the light guide 31.

  When the electronic endoscope 30 is connected to the endoscope processor 20, the image sensor 32 is electrically connected to the first video signal processing circuit 22a. The image signal generated and transmitted by the image sensor is received by the first video signal processing circuit 22a.

  In the first video signal processing circuit 22a, predetermined signal processing such as white balance processing and color interpolation processing is performed. The first video signal processing circuit 22 a is connected to the memory 23. The image signal that has undergone predetermined signal processing is stored in the memory 23.

  The memory 23 is connected to the second video signal processing circuit 22 b and the color difference calculation circuit 27. During normal image observation, the image signal stored in the memory 23 is transmitted to the second video signal processing circuit 22b. At the time of initial setting and light guide inspection, which will be described later, the image signal stored in the memory 23 is transmitted to the color difference calculation circuit 27.

  The second video signal processing circuit 22b performs predetermined signal processing on the received image signal. An image signal that has undergone predetermined signal processing is transmitted to the monitor 11 as a video signal. As described above, an image signal is generated every 1/60 seconds and transmitted to the monitor 11. By switching the image displayed on the monitor 11 every 1/60 seconds, a real-time moving image is displayed on the monitor 11.

As will be described later, the color difference calculation circuit 27 calculates (a ^* , b ^* ) in the Lab color system of the image corresponding to the image signal as the first and second color signal components based on the image signal. Further, the color difference calculation circuit 27 detects the spectral deterioration of the light guide 31 based on the first and second color signal components.

  The first and second video signal processing circuits 22 a and 22 b and the memory 23 are connected to the system controller 24 and the timing controller 25 via the bus 28. The system controller 24 controls the operations of the first and second video signal processing circuits 22a and 22b and the memory 23. In addition, the timing controller 25 controls the timing of the operations of the first and second video signal processing circuits 22a and 22b and the memory 23.

  The bus 28 is also connected to the input unit 26. Various input operations by the user are possible on the input unit 26, and the system controller 24 controls each part according to the input operation.

  The endoscope processor 20 is provided with a light guide inspection function. The light guide inspection function is executed by an input operation to the input unit 26. Before executing the light guide inspection function, it is necessary to perform the light guide initial setting. The light guide initial setting and light guide inspection function will be described below together with the function of the color difference calculation circuit 27.

  It is necessary to use a white balance adjustment cap (not shown) or an inspection color chart for the initial setting of the light guide and the inspection function of the light guide.

  The white balance adjustment cap is a conventionally known cap for calculating R and B gains for white balance adjustment. The white balance adjustment cap is provided with a hole through which the distal end of the insertion tube 34 can be inserted, and the inside is colored white.

  Further, the color chart for inspection is provided with a chart plate inside and is shielded from the outside so that external light does not enter. As shown in FIG. 2, each of the first to sixth chart areas ca1 to ca6 on the chart plate 12 is red (first index color), green (second index color), blue, cyan, magenta, and yellow. Colored.

  When an operation input for executing the light guide initial setting is performed, an image signal of one field is generated every 1/60 seconds by the image sensor 32 as in normal observation, and a real-time moving image is displayed on the monitor 11. .

  When an operation input for measurement shooting is performed on the input unit 26 while a moving image is being displayed, an image signal for calculating an initial color coordinate component is generated. The generated image signal is stored in the memory 23 as described above. The image signal stored in the memory 23 is transmitted to the color difference calculation circuit 27 as an initial image signal.

  In the color difference calculation circuit 27, the R pixel signal component, G pixel signal component, and B pixel signal component of all the pixels constituting the initial image signal are averaged separately. The averaged R, G, and B pixel signal components are further converted into coordinate values in the Lab color system.

The color difference arithmetic circuit 27 stores the a signal component and the b signal component generated by the conversion in the memory 23 as initial color coordinate components (a ₀ ^* , b ₀ ^* ). When the initial color coordinate signal components (a ₀ ^* , b ₀ ^* ) are stored in the memory 23, the light guide initial setting ends.

  Note that the measurement shooting is performed only once when the white balance adjustment cap is used. On the other hand, when the color chart for inspection is used, photographing is performed six times for each of the first to sixth chart areas ca1 to ca6.

  In the case of using an inspection color chart, the user performs alignment so that one of the first to sixth chart areas ca1 to ca6 is imaged by the entire imaging range. Each time the measurement shooting is finished, an input for specifying the color of the shot image or an input of red, green, blue, cyan, magenta, or yellow is required.

When the user designates or selects a color, the initial image signal corresponding to the measurement imaged portion, that is, the red initial image signal, the green initial image signal, the blue initial image signal, the cyan initial image signal, and the magenta color The initial color coordinate components (a ₀ ^* , b ₀ ^* ) calculated for the initial image signal and the yellow initial image signal are stored in the memory 23 separately.

  Note that the initial color coordinate component is preferably calculated in a state where the light guide 31 is not deteriorated, and it is recommended that the initial color coordinate component be calculated before the electronic endoscope 30 is newly used and after the electronic endoscope 30 is repaired. The It is also recommended that the initial color coordinate components be calculated before the endoscope processor 20 is newly used or when the light source system 21 is replaced.

  Next, the light guide inspection function will be described. When an operation input for executing the light guide inspection function is performed, an image signal of one field is generated every 1/60 seconds by the image sensor 32 as in normal observation, and a real-time moving image is displayed on the monitor 11. .

  When an operation input for photographing for measurement is performed on the input unit 26 while a moving image is displayed, an image signal for calculating an inspection color coordinate component is generated. The generated image signal is stored in the memory 23 as described above. The image signal stored in the memory 23 is transmitted to the color difference calculation circuit 27 as an inspection image signal.

  In the color difference calculation circuit 27, the R pixel signal component, the G pixel signal component, and the B pixel signal component of all the pixels constituting the inspection image signal are averaged separately as in the light guide initial setting. Further, the averaged R, G, B pixel signal components are further converted into Lab color coordinate system coordinate values.

Unlike the initial setting of the light guide, the color difference calculation circuit 27 reads the initial color coordinate components (a ₀ ^* , b ₀ ^* ) stored in the memory 23 after calculating the a signal component and the b signal component in the inspection image signal. .

In the color difference calculation circuit 27, the a color signal component (a ^* , b ^* ) which is the a signal component and b signal component generated for the inspection image signal, and the initial color coordinate component (a ₀ ^* , b ₀ ^* ). Is calculated as a color difference ΔC (discriminant value). The color difference ΔC is calculated by the equation (1).

  The color difference calculation circuit 27 compares the calculated color difference ΔC with the first and second threshold values (first threshold value <second threshold value). The first and second threshold values are stored in a ROM (not shown) and read out to the color difference calculation circuit 27 as necessary.

  The color difference calculation circuit 27 determines that the light guide 31 is sufficiently usable when the calculated color difference ΔC is equal to or smaller than the first threshold value. When the calculated color difference ΔC exceeds the first threshold value and is equal to or less than the second threshold value, it is determined that the light guide 31 is being deteriorated. If the calculated color difference ΔC exceeds the second threshold, it is determined that the light guide 31 is unsuitable for accurate color reproduction.

  The determination result is transmitted to the second video signal processing circuit 22b. In the second video signal processing circuit 22b, a message to be displayed on the monitor 11 is selected.

  When the color difference ΔC ≦ the first threshold value, the light guide 31 displays a first message indicating that no spectral deterioration is observed. When the first threshold value <the color difference ΔC ≦ the second threshold value, a second message indicating that there is spectral degradation of the light guide 31 and the replacement time is approaching is displayed. Further, when the second threshold value <the color difference ΔC, a third message indicating that the light guide 31 has sufficiently deteriorated in spectrum and that replacement is essential is displayed.

  When the light guide inspection function is executed using the inspection color chart, the inspection image signal is generated for each color. That is, an inspection image signal is generated for each of the first to sixth chart areas ca1 to ca6 of the inspection color chart, and an inspection color coordinate component is generated for each color of the first to sixth chart areas ca1 to ca6. The A color difference ΔC is calculated based on the inspection color coordinate component and the initial color coordinate component of the same color.

  Until the third message is displayed, the calculation of the color difference and the comparison with the first and second threshold values are performed in order for each color of each region of the inspection color chart.

  Next, control of the operation of each part executed by the system controller 24 and the color difference calculation circuit 27 at the time of initial setting of the light guide will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. As described above, the light guide initial setting is started when an initial setting operation is input to the input unit 26.

  In step S100, the system controller 24 executes signal processing for causing the monitor 11 to display a message for instructing the second video signal processing circuit 22b to select an inspection instrument. In other words, a message requesting input of whether to use the white balance adjustment cap or the inspection color chart is displayed. After the message is displayed, the process proceeds to step S101.

  In step S101, the system controller 24 determines whether the inspection instrument used based on the input operation is a white balance adjustment cap or an inspection color chart. If the white balance adjustment cap is used, the process proceeds to step S102. If an inspection color chart is used, the process proceeds to step S103.

  In step S102, the inspection instrument flag F is set to zero. On the other hand, the inspection instrument flag F is set to 1 in step S103. After setting the inspection instrument flag F, the process proceeds to step S104.

  In step S104, the system controller 24 starts generating an image signal of one field every 1/60 seconds. Further, the generated image signal is subjected to predetermined signal processing and transmitted to the monitor 11 to display a real-time moving image on the monitor 11. After generation of the image signal is started, the process proceeds to step S105.

  In step S <b> 105, the system controller 24 determines whether or not there is an input for performing measurement shooting. If no photographing execution input is detected, the process returns to step S105, and thereafter, a standby state is entered until a photographing execution input is detected. If a shooting execution input is detected, the process proceeds to step S106.

  In step S106, the system controller 24 causes the image sensor 32 to generate an image signal as an initial image signal. Further, after performing predetermined signal processing and storing it in the memory 23, the initial image signal is transmitted to the color difference calculation circuit 27. After the transmission to the color difference calculation circuit 27, the process proceeds to step S107.

In step S107, the color difference calculation circuit 27 generates initial color coordinate components (a ₀ ^* , b ₀ ^* ) using the initial image signal. After the initial color coordinate components (a ₀ ^* , b ₀ ^* ) are generated, the process proceeds to step S108.

  As shown in FIG. 4, in step S <b> 108, the system controller 24 determines whether the inspection instrument flag F is 0 or 1. If the inspection instrument flag F is 0, the process proceeds to step S109. If the inspection instrument flag F is 1, the process proceeds to step S110.

In step S109, the system controller 24 stores the initial color coordinate components (a ₀ ^* , b ₀ ^* ) generated in step S107 in the memory 23. After storing in the memory 23, the light guide initial setting process is terminated.

  In step S110, the system controller 24 causes the rear-stage video processing circuit 22b to perform signal processing so that a message requesting input of the color of the photographed subject is displayed on the monitor 11. After the message is displayed, the process proceeds to step S111.

  In step S111, the system controller 24 determines whether or not there is an input for designating a color. When the color designation input is not detected, the process returns to step S111, and thereafter, the process waits until the designation input is detected. If a designated input is detected, the process proceeds to step S112.

In step S112, the system controller 24 stores the initial color coordinate components (a ₀ ^* , b ₀ ^* ) generated in step S107 in the storage area on the memory 23 corresponding to the designated color. After storing in the memory 23, the process proceeds to step S113.

In step S <b ^> 113, the system controller 24 determines whether initial color coordinate components (a ₀ ^* , b ₀ ^* ) are generated for all colors of the inspection color chart and stored in the memory 23.

  If generation and storage have not been completed for all colors, the process returns to step S105 (see FIG. 3). Thereafter, the processing from step S105 to step S113 is repeated until it is determined in step S113 that generation and storage for all colors have been completed. If the generation and storage for all colors has been completed, the light guide initial setting process is terminated.

  Next, the control of the operation of each part executed by the system controller 24 and the color difference calculation circuit 27 in the light guide inspection function will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. As described above, the light guide inspection function is started when an inspection execution operation is input to the input unit 26.

  In step S200, the system controller 24 starts generating an image signal of one field every 1/60 seconds. Further, the generated image signal is subjected to predetermined signal processing and transmitted to the monitor 11 to display a real-time moving image on the monitor 11. After the start of image signal generation, the process proceeds to step S201.

  In step S <b> 201, the system controller 24 determines whether or not there is an input of measurement execution for measurement. If no shooting execution input is detected, the process returns to step S201, and thereafter, a standby state is entered until a shooting execution input is detected. If a shooting execution input is detected, the process proceeds to step S202.

  In step S202, the system controller 24 causes the image sensor 32 to generate an image signal as an inspection image signal. Further, after performing predetermined signal processing and storing in the memory 23, the inspection image signal is transmitted to the color difference calculation circuit 27. After the transmission to the color difference calculation circuit 27, the process proceeds to step S203.

In step S203, the color difference calculation circuit 27 generates inspection color coordinate components (a ^* , b ^* ) using the inspection image signal. After the inspection color coordinate components (a ^* , b ^* ) are generated, the process proceeds to step S204.

  In step S204, the system controller 24 determines whether the inspection instrument flag F is 0 or 1. If the inspection instrument flag F is 0, the process proceeds to step S205. If the inspection instrument flag F is 1, the process proceeds to step S206.

In step S <b ^> 205, the system controller 24 reads the initial color coordinate components (a ₀ ^* , b ₀ ^* ) from the memory 23. The read initial color coordinate components (a ₀ ^* , b ₀ ^* ) are transmitted to the color difference calculation circuit 27. After the transmission, the process proceeds to step S209 (see FIG. 6).

  As described above, when the inspection instrument flag F is 1 in step S204, the process proceeds to step S206. In step S206, the system controller 24 causes the rear-stage video processing circuit 22b to perform signal processing so that a message requesting input of the color of the photographed subject is displayed on the monitor 11. After the message is displayed, the process proceeds to step S207.

  In step S207, the system controller 24 determines whether there is an input for designating a color. If no color designation input is detected, the process returns to step S207, and thereafter, a standby state is entered until a designation input is detected. If a designated input is detected, the process proceeds to step S208.

In step S208, the system controller 24 reads the initial color coordinate components (a ₀ ^* , b ₀ ^* ) stored in the storage area on the memory 23 corresponding to the designated color. In addition, the read initial color coordinate components (a ₀ ^* , b ₀ ^* ) are transmitted to the color difference calculation circuit 27. After the transmission, the process proceeds to step S209.

In step S209 after step S205 or step S208, the color difference calculation circuit 27 checks the inspection color coordinate component (a ^* , b ^* ) generated in step S203 and the initial color coordinate component (a) read in step S205 or step S208. ₀ ^* , b ₀ ^* ), a color difference ΔC is calculated. After calculating the color difference ΔC, the process proceeds to step S210.

  In step S210, the color difference calculation circuit 27 determines whether or not the color difference ΔC calculated in step S209 is equal to or less than the second threshold value. If the color difference ΔC exceeds the second threshold value, the process proceeds to step S211. If the color difference ΔC is equal to or smaller than the second threshold value, the process proceeds to step S212.

  In step S211, the system controller 24 causes the post-stage signal processing circuit 22b to perform signal processing so that the third message is displayed on the monitor 11. After displaying the third message, the process proceeds to step S215.

  In step S212, the color difference calculation circuit 27 determines whether or not the color difference ΔC calculated in step S209 is equal to or less than the first threshold value. If the color difference ΔC is equal to or smaller than the first threshold value, the process proceeds to step S213. If the color difference ΔC exceeds the second threshold value, the process proceeds to step S214.

  In step S213, the system controller 24 causes the post-stage signal processing circuit 22b to perform signal processing so as to display the first message on the monitor 11. After displaying the first message, the process proceeds to step S215.

  In step S214, the system controller 24 causes the post-stage signal processing circuit 22b to perform signal processing so as to display the second message on the monitor 11. After displaying the second message, the process proceeds to step S215.

  In step S215, the system controller 24 determines whether or not the calculation of the color difference ΔC has been completed for all colors in the inspection color chart. If the calculation for all colors has not been completed, the process proceeds to step S216. If the calculation for all the colors has been completed, the light guide inspection function process is terminated. When F = 1, it is determined that calculation for all colors is complete.

  In step S216, the system controller 24 performs post-stage signal processing so as to display a message on the monitor 11 for instructing to shoot a color other than the color for which inspection has been completed, such as “Please shoot other colors”. The circuit 22b is caused to execute signal processing. After the message is displayed, the process returns to step S201.

  As described above, according to the endoscope light guide inspection system to which the first embodiment is applied, a reference color such as a white balance adjustment cap is photographed as an initial state, and the same reference is used in subsequent inspections. It is possible to detect a change in the spectral transfer characteristic of the light guide by shooting the color and comparing the color components generated by the shooting.

  Further, even when the luminance component does not change from the normal state, the replacement timing of the light guide 31 is approaching or may be replaced by comparing the change in the spectral transfer characteristics with the first and second threshold values. It is possible to warn that it should.

  Further, according to the endoscope light guide inspection system of the first embodiment, it is possible to select which one of the white balance adjustment cap and the inspection chart is used to inspect the deterioration state of the light guide 31.

  When the white balance adjustment cap is used, it is not necessary to prepare a new color chart for inspection because the adjustment cap that has been used for white balance adjustment can be used. In addition, since only a single white image is taken, there is an advantage that the user is not forced to perform complicated operations.

  On the other hand, when the inspection color chart is used, the change in color difference can be compared with the first and second thresholds using many colors, so that the light guide can be compared with the case where the white balance adjustment cap is used. It is possible to detect the degradation state of 31 with higher accuracy. In addition, it is possible to determine what color the light guide deterioration affects.

  Next, an endoscope light guide inspection system to which the second embodiment of the present invention is applied will be described. The endoscope light guide inspection system according to the second embodiment is the first in that it can automatically generate color coordinate components for each of the first to sixth chart areas ca1 to ca6 when imaging a color chart for inspection. Different from the embodiment. Hereinafter, a description will be given focusing on differences from the first embodiment. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the site | part which has the same function as 1st Embodiment.

  In the endoscope processor of the second embodiment, it is necessary to use an inspection color chart for both the initial setting of the light guide and the inspection function of the light guide.

  When an operation input for executing the light guide initial setting is performed, an image signal of one field is generated by the image sensor 32 every 1/60 seconds as in the normal observation, as in the first embodiment. Unlike the first embodiment, a superimpose process for superimposing a chart frame is performed on an image signal generated and subjected to predetermined signal processing.

  An image signal subjected to the superimpose processing is transmitted to the monitor 11. As shown in FIG. 7, the monitor 11 displays a chart frame cf on a real-time moving image.

  As in the first embodiment, when a measurement shooting operation input is performed on the input unit 26 while a moving image is being displayed, image signals for calculating first and second color initial signal components are generated. The generated image signal is stored in the memory 23 as described above.

  Unlike the first embodiment, at the time of initial setting of the light guide and at the time of light guide inspection, six regions at predetermined positions in the moving image display region of the monitor 11 are defined as the first to sixth inspection regions ia1 to ia6.

  The first to sixth inspection areas ia1 to ia6 are the first to sixth inspection color charts displayed when the inspection color chart is positioned so that the four corners of the chart plate 12 overlap the chart frame cf. The position is determined so as to overlap with the sixth chart areas ca1 to ca6.

  Unlike the first embodiment, from the initial image signal that is an image signal stored in the memory 23, the pixel signal of the pixel initially arranged in the first inspection area ia1 is transmitted to the color difference calculation circuit 27. .

  In the color difference calculation circuit 27, the R pixel signal component, the G pixel signal component, and the B pixel signal component of all the pixels constituting the first inspection area ia1 are averaged separately. The averaged R, G, and B pixel signal components are further converted into coordinate values in the Lab color system.

The color difference calculation circuit 27 stores the converted a signal component and b signal component in the memory 23 as initial color coordinate components (a ₀ ^* , b ₀ ^* ) of the first chart area ca 1. When the initial color coordinate components of the first chart area ca1 are stored in the memory 23, the initial color coordinate components of the second to sixth inspection areas ca2 to ca6 are calculated in the same manner, and the second to sixth colors are calculated. The initial color coordinate components of the chart areas ca1 to ca6 are stored in the memory 23.

  When the initial color coordinate components in the first to sixth chart areas ca1 to ca6 are calculated and stored in the memory 23, the light guide initial setting is ended.

  Therefore, when the user positions the four corners of the chart plate 12 so as to overlap the chart frame cf and performs measurement shooting, the initial color coordinate components in the first to sixth chart areas ca1 to ca6 are automatically calculated. Are stored separately in the memory 23.

  Next, the light guide inspection function in the endoscope processor of the second embodiment will be described. When an operation input for executing the light guide inspection function is performed, an image signal of one field is generated by the image sensor 32 every 1/60 seconds as in normal observation. Unlike the first embodiment, a superimpose process for superimposing the chart frame cf is performed on an image signal generated and subjected to predetermined signal processing.

  An image signal subjected to the superimpose processing is transmitted to the monitor 11. As in the initial setting of the light guide, the monitor 11 displays a chart frame cf on a real-time moving image.

  As in the first embodiment, when a measurement shooting operation input is performed on the input unit 26 while a moving image is displayed, an image signal for calculating an inspection color coordinate component is generated. The generated image signal is stored in the memory 23 as described above.

  Unlike the first embodiment, among the inspection image signals that are image signals stored in the memory 23, the pixel signals of the pixels initially arranged in the first inspection region ia1 are transmitted to the color difference calculation circuit 27. .

  As in the first embodiment, in the color difference calculation circuit 27, the R pixel signal component, the G pixel signal component, and the B pixel signal component of all the pixels constituting the first inspection area ia1 are separately averaged. The averaged R, G, and B pixel signal components are further converted into coordinate values in the Lab color system.

Similar to the first embodiment, the color difference calculation circuit 27 calculates the a signal component and the b signal component in the first inspection area ia1 as the inspection color coordinate component, and then stores the initial color coordinate component (a ^{₀ *,} _{b 0} ^*) is read out.

Like the first embodiment, the color difference calculation circuit 27, initial color coordinate component in the first chart area _{^{ca1 (a 0 *, b 0}} *) and the inspection color signal component ^(a *, ^{b *)} the distance between the Is calculated as a color difference ΔC.

  Unlike the first embodiment, the calculated color difference ΔC is compared with the second threshold value. When the color difference ΔC> the second threshold value, the third message is displayed on the monitor 11 as in the first embodiment, and the light guide inspection function ends. When the color difference ΔC ≦ the second threshold value, the first and second messages are not displayed and the color difference ΔC of the first chart area ca1 is stored in the memory 23.

  When the color difference ΔC in the first chart area ca1 is stored, the color difference ΔC in the second chart area ca2 is calculated. Thereafter, similarly, until it is determined that the color difference ΔC> the second threshold value, the calculation of the color difference ΔC up to the third to sixth chart areas ca3 to ca6, the comparison with the second threshold value, and the memory 23 Storage is performed.

  If the color difference ΔC in the sixth chart area ca6 is equal to or smaller than the second threshold value, the color difference calculation circuit 27 stores the color difference ΔC in the sixth chart area ca6 in the memory 23, and then the first chart area The color difference ΔC at ca1 is read from the memory 23.

  In the color difference calculation circuit 27, the color difference ΔC in the first chart area ca1 is compared with the first threshold value. When the color difference ΔC> the first threshold value, the second message is displayed on the monitor 11 as in the first embodiment, and the light guide inspection function ends. When the color difference ΔC ≦ the first threshold value, the color difference ΔC in the second chart area ca2 is read from the memory 23.

  Thereafter, similarly, until it is determined that the color difference ΔC> the first threshold value, the color difference ΔC is set to the first threshold value for the second to sixth chart areas ca2 to ca6. When the color difference ΔC in the sixth chart area ca6 is equal to or smaller than the first threshold value, the first message is displayed on the monitor 11 and the light guide inspection function is terminated.

  Next, control of the operation of each part executed by the system controller 24 and the color difference calculation circuit 27 at the time of initial setting of the light guide in the second embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. As described above, the light guide initial setting is started when an initial setting operation is input to the input unit 26.

  In step S300, the system controller 24 starts generating an image signal of one field every 1/60 seconds. Further, the generated image signal is subjected to predetermined signal processing and transmitted to the monitor 11 to display a real-time moving image on the monitor 11. After starting the generation of the image signal, the process proceeds to step S301.

  In step S <b> 301, the system controller 24 determines whether or not there is an input for performing measurement shooting. If no shooting execution input is detected, the process returns to step S301, and thereafter, a standby state is entered until a shooting execution input is detected. If a shooting execution input is detected, the process proceeds to step S302.

  In step S302, the system controller 24 causes the image sensor 32 to generate an image signal as an initial image signal. Further, after performing predetermined signal processing and storing in the memory 23, the process proceeds to step S303.

  In step S303, the system controller 24 resets the inspection area flag x to 1. After the inspection area flag x is reset, the process proceeds to step S304.

  In step S <b> 304, the color difference calculation circuit 27 reads out the pixel signal of the inspection area corresponding to the inspection area flag x from the memory 23. After reading out the pixel signal, the process proceeds to step S305.

In step S305, the color difference calculation circuit 27 generates initial color coordinate components (a ₀ ^* , b ₀ ^* ) using the pixel signal read in step S304. After the initial color coordinate components (a ₀ ^* , b ₀ ^* ) are generated, the process proceeds to step S306.

In step S306, the system controller 24 stores the initial color coordinate components (a ₀ ^* , b ₀ ^* ) generated in step S305 in the storage area on the memory 23 corresponding to the inspection area flag x. After storing in the memory 23, the process proceeds to step S307.

  In step S307, the system controller 24 determines whether or not the inspection area flag x is 6. If the inspection area flag x is not 6, the process proceeds to step S308, and +1 is incremented to the inspection area flag x.

  After the increment, the process returns to step S304, and steps S304 to S307 are repeated until the inspection area flag x becomes 6. When the inspection area flag x is 6, the light guide initial setting process is terminated.

  Next, the operation control of each part executed by the system controller 24 and the color difference calculation circuit 27 in the light guide inspection function in the second embodiment will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. As described above, the light guide inspection function is started when an inspection execution operation is input to the input unit 26.

  In step S400, the system controller 24 starts generating an image signal of one field every 1/60 seconds. Further, the generated image signal is subjected to predetermined signal processing and transmitted to the monitor 11 to display a real-time moving image on the monitor 11. After starting the generation of the image signal, the process proceeds to step S401.

  In step S <b> 401, the system controller 24 determines whether or not there is an input of measurement execution for measurement. If no shooting execution input is detected, the process returns to step S401, and thereafter, a standby state is entered until a shooting execution input is detected. If a shooting execution input is detected, the process proceeds to step S402.

  In step S402, the system controller 24 causes the image sensor 32 to generate an image signal as an inspection image signal. Further, after performing predetermined signal processing and storing in the memory 23, the process proceeds to step S403.

  In step S403, the system controller 24 resets the inspection area flag x to 1. After the inspection area flag x is reset, the process proceeds to step S404.

  In step S <b> 404, the color difference calculation circuit 27 reads out the pixel signal of the inspection area corresponding to the inspection area flag x from the memory 23. After reading out the pixel signal, the process proceeds to step S405.

In step S405, the color difference calculation circuit 27 generates inspection color coordinate components (a ^* , b ^* ) using the pixel signal read in step S404. After the inspection color coordinate components (a ^* , b ^* ) are generated, the process proceeds to step S406.

In step S406, the system controller 24 reads the initial color coordinate components (a ₀ ^* , b ₀ ^* ) of the inspection area corresponding to the inspection area flag x. The read initial color coordinate components (a ₀ ^* , b ₀ ^* ) are transmitted to the color difference calculation circuit 27. After the transmission, the process proceeds to step S407.

In step S407, the color difference calculation circuit 27 is based on the inspection color coordinate component (a ^* , b ^* ) generated in step S405 and the initial color coordinate component (a ₀ ^* , b ₀ ^* ) read in step S406. The color difference ΔC is calculated. After calculating the color difference ΔC, the process proceeds to step S408 (see FIG. 10).

  In step S408, the color difference calculation circuit 27 determines whether or not the color difference ΔC calculated in step S407 is equal to or smaller than the second threshold value. If the color difference ΔC exceeds the second threshold, the process proceeds to step S409. If the color difference ΔC is equal to or smaller than the second threshold value, the process proceeds to step S410.

  In step S409, the system controller 24 causes the post-stage signal processing circuit 22b to perform signal processing so that the third message is displayed on the monitor 11. After displaying the third message, the light guide inspection function process is terminated.

  In step S410, the system controller 24 stores the color difference ΔC calculated in step S407 in the memory 23. The color difference ΔC is stored for each inspection area. After storing in the memory 23, the process proceeds to step S411.

  In step S411, the system controller 24 determines whether or not the inspection area flag x is 6. If the inspection area flag x is not 6, the process proceeds to step S412. If the inspection area flag x is 6, the process proceeds to step S413.

  In step S412, the system controller 24 increments the inspection area flag x by +1. After the increment, the process returns to step S404.

  In step S413, the system controller 24 resets the inspection area flag x to 1. After the inspection area flag x is reset, the process proceeds to step S414.

  In step S 414, the system controller 24 reads the color difference ΔC of the inspection area corresponding to the inspection area flag x from the memory 23 and transmits it to the color difference calculation circuit 27. After the transmission, the process proceeds to step S415.

  In step S415, the color difference calculation circuit 27 determines whether or not the color difference ΔC read in step S414 is equal to or less than the first threshold value. If the color difference ΔC exceeds the first threshold, the process proceeds to step S416. If the color difference ΔC is equal to or smaller than the second threshold value, the process proceeds to step S417.

  In step S416, the system controller 24 causes the post-stage signal processing circuit 22b to perform signal processing so as to display the second message on the monitor 11. After the second message is displayed, the light guide inspection function process is terminated.

  In step S417, the system controller 24 determines whether or not the inspection area flag x is 6. If the inspection area flag x is not 6, the process proceeds to step S418. If the inspection area flag x is 6, the process proceeds to step S419.

  In step S418, the system controller 24 increments the inspection area flag x by +1. After the increment, the process returns to step S414.

  In step S419, the system controller 24 causes the post-stage signal processing circuit 22b to perform signal processing so as to display the first message on the monitor 11. After the first message is displayed, the light guide inspection function process is terminated.

  As described above, according to the endoscope light guide inspection system to which the second embodiment is applied, it is possible to detect a change in the spectral transfer characteristic of the light guide 31 as in the first embodiment.

  Further, as in the first embodiment, even when the luminance component does not change from the normal state, the replacement timing of the light guide 31 can be determined by comparing the change in the spectral transfer characteristics with the first and second threshold values. It is possible to warn that it is approaching or should be replaced.

  Also, in the second embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, the first to sixth chart areas ca1 are automatically obtained by photographing the four corners of the chart plate 12 so as to overlap the chart frame cf. An initial color coordinate component and an inspection color coordinate component for ~ ca6 are generated. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the operation burden on the user.

  In the first and second embodiments, the lamp guide initial setting is started when an operation for executing the lamp guide initial setting is input to the input unit 26. However, the new electronic endoscope 30 is provided in the first and second embodiments. A configuration in which the lamp guide initial setting is automatically started upon connection to the endoscope processor 20 may be employed.

  Whether the endoscope is new by reading the serial number of the electronic endoscope 30 when the electronic endoscope 30 is connected and comparing it with the serial number of the electronic endoscope 30 connected so far. Can be determined.

  In the first and second embodiments, the first and second threshold values are compared with the color difference ΔC, and any one of the first to third messages is displayed. The configuration may be such that either the first message or one of the second and third messages is displayed in comparison with only the threshold value. Even if only one of the second and third messages can be displayed, the user can be warned that the light guide 31 has undergone spectral degradation.

  In the first and second embodiments, the second and third messages are displayed on the monitor 11 to warn that spectral degradation has occurred. However, the warning is generated by other methods. It may be. For example, it is possible to issue an alarm sound, or to provide a warning by providing a warning lamp in the endoscope processor 20 and turning on the warning lamp.

  In the first and second embodiments, the R, G, and B signal components averaged by the color difference calculation circuit 27 are converted to the coordinate values of the Lab color system, but separated from the luminance components. Any color component, that is, a color difference, may be converted into coordinate values of any color system.

  However, the coordinate values in the uniform color space are preferable as in the Lab color system and the Luv color system in the first and second embodiments. In the case of coordinate values in the uniform color space, the change in color difference as a numerical value with respect to the change in perceptual color difference is linearized regardless of the band, regardless of the spectral degradation. Accordingly, it is possible to compare the color difference with the first and second threshold values that are constant regardless of the band where the spectral degradation proceeds.

  In the first and second embodiments, the color difference ΔC is calculated and compared with the first and second threshold values, but the change from the initial color coordinate component to the inspection color coordinate component is digitized. Any discriminant value may be calculated and compared with the first and second threshold values.

  In the first embodiment, it is possible to select which one of the white balance adjustment cap and the color chart for inspection is used when the light guide initial setting and the inspection function are executed, but only one of them can be used. It may be.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Endoscope unit 12 Chart board 20 Endoscope processor 23 Memory 24 System controller 26 Input part 27 Color difference calculation circuit 30 Electronic endoscope 31 Light guide ca1-ca6 1st-6th chart area cf Chart frame ia1-ia6 First to sixth inspection areas

Claims (10)

An endoscope light guide inspection system for inspecting transmission characteristics of a light guide that transmits illumination light emitted from a light source to the distal end of an insertion tube of an electronic endoscope,
A receiving unit that receives a color image signal generated by an image sensor provided at a distal end of the insertion tube capturing an image of the subject irradiated with the illumination light;
A color coordinate component acquisition unit for acquiring a color coordinate component from the color image signal;
An initial value memory for storing the color coordinate components;
When executing the initialization of the color coordinate component, the reception unit receives the color image signal as an initial color image signal, and the color coordinate component acquisition unit receives the color coordinate component from the initial color image signal as an initial color. A first control unit that obtains the coordinate component and stores the initial color coordinate component in the initial value memory;
A switch for performing inspection of the light guide;
When the switch is turned on, the reception unit receives the color image signal as an inspection color image signal, and the color coordinate component acquisition unit acquires the color coordinate component from the inspection color image signal as an inspection color coordinate component. A second control unit that reads the initial color coordinate component from the initial value memory;
A calculation unit that calculates a discriminant value that changes according to a change between the initial color coordinate component and the inspection color coordinate component;
An endoscope light guide inspection system, comprising: a determination unit that determines that the light guide is abnormal when the determination value exceeds a threshold value.   The endoscope light guide inspection system according to claim 2, wherein the discrimination value is a distance in a coordinate space between the initial color coordinate component and the inspection color coordinate component.   The endoscope light guide inspection system according to claim 2, wherein the color coordinate component corresponds to a coordinate component on a uniform color space. The initial value memory can store the color coordinate component for each color of the imaged subject,
The first control unit causes the initial value memory to store the initial color coordinate component acquired from the initial color image signal of the subject colored to the first index color as an initial color coordinate component of the first index color. The initial color coordinate component acquired from the initial color image signal of the subject colored with a second index color different from the first index color is stored in the initial value memory as an initial color coordinate component of the second index color. Let
The second control unit causes the color coordinate component acquisition unit to acquire the inspection color coordinate component as the inspection color coordinate component of the first index color from the inspection color image signal of the subject that is colored to the first index color. The color coordinate component acquisition unit acquires the inspection color coordinate component as the inspection color coordinate component of the second index color from the inspection color image signal of the subject colored to the second index color, and the first and first Read the initial color coordinate component of the two index colors from the initial value memory,
The calculation unit calculates the discrimination value as the discrimination value of the first and second index colors for the first and second index colors,
The said discrimination | determination part discriminate | determines that there is abnormality in the said light guide when at least one of the color discrimination value of a said 1st, 2nd parameter | index exceeds the said threshold value. The endoscope light guide inspection system according to claim 1.   6. An index color designation input unit for designating which of a plurality of index colors including the first and second index colors is an object color corresponding to the color image signal. The described endoscope light guide inspection system. Area memory for storing first and second area positions which are positions of the first and second areas in a color chart having first and second areas colored with the first and second index colors When,
A color recognizing unit for recognizing colors of the first and second region positions of the image corresponding to the color image signal as first and second index colors when the color chart is imaged as the subject. The endoscope light guide inspection system according to claim 5, comprising: an endoscope light guide inspection system according to claim 5. An information receiving unit for receiving unique identification information given to the electronic endoscope from the electronic endoscope;
A novelty determination unit that determines whether the electronic endoscope is a newly connected electronic endoscope based on the identification information received by the information receiving unit;
7. The initialization of the color coordinate component is executed when the electronic endoscope is a newly connected electronic endoscope. 7. Endoscope light guide inspection system.   The endoscope light guide inspection system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising an initialization switch that executes initialization of the color coordinate component. An image sensor provided at the distal end of an insertion tube of an electronic endoscope receives a color image signal generated by imaging a subject irradiated with illumination light transmitted from a light source to the distal end of the insertion tube by a light guide. And
A color coordinate component acquisition unit for acquiring a color coordinate component from the color image signal;
An initial value memory for storing the color coordinate components;
When executing the initialization of the color coordinate component, the reception unit receives the color image signal as an initial color image signal, and the color coordinate component acquisition unit receives the color coordinate component from the initial color image signal as an initial color. A first control unit that obtains the coordinate component and stores the initial color coordinate component in the initial value memory;
A switch for performing inspection of the light guide;
When the switch is turned on, the reception unit receives the color image signal as an inspection color image signal, and the color coordinate component acquisition unit acquires the color coordinate component from the inspection color image signal as an inspection color coordinate component. A second control unit that reads the initial color coordinate component from the initial value memory;
A calculation unit that calculates a discriminant value that changes according to a change between the initial color coordinate component and the inspection color coordinate component;
An endoscope processor, comprising: a determination unit that determines that the light guide is abnormal when the determination value exceeds a threshold value. An endoscope unit composed of an electronic endoscope and an endoscope processor that are detachable from each other,
A light guide that is provided in the electronic endoscope and transmits illumination light emitted from a light source to a distal end of an insertion tube of the electronic endoscope;
An image sensor that is provided at a distal end of the insertion tube and generates a color image signal by imaging a subject irradiated with the illumination light;
A color coordinate component acquisition unit provided in the endoscope processor for acquiring a color coordinate component from the color image signal;
An initial value memory provided in the endoscope processor for storing the color coordinate component;
Provided in the endoscope processor, when the color coordinate component is initialized, the reception unit receives the color image signal as an initial color image signal, and the color coordinate component acquisition unit receives the initial color image. A first control unit that obtains the color coordinate component from the signal as an initial color coordinate component and stores the initial color coordinate component in the initial value memory;
A switch that is provided in at least one of the electronic endoscope and the endoscope processor, and that performs inspection of the light guide;
Provided in the endoscope processor, when the switch is turned on, the reception unit receives the color image signal as an inspection color image signal, and the color coordinate component acquisition unit receives the color from the inspection color image signal. A second control unit that causes a coordinate component to be acquired as an inspection color coordinate component and reads the initial color coordinate component from the initial value memory;
A calculation unit that is provided in the endoscope processor and calculates a determination value that changes according to a change between the initial color coordinate component and the inspection color coordinate component;
An endoscope unit, comprising: a determination unit that is provided in the endoscope processor and determines that the light guide is abnormal when the determination value exceeds a threshold value.

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