JP2012165865A - Endoscope apparatus, and setting method of reference image of endoscope apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an endoscope apparatus accurately and surely acquiring a reference image of a scope at a place other than a plant or the like, and to provide a setting method of the reference image of the endoscope apparatus.SOLUTION: This endoscope apparatus 1 includes a body section 4 to which the scope having an image pickup device at a distal end portion of an insertion portion 7 is detachably attachable, a video signal processing section 22, a display section 5 and a control section 21. The control section 21 displays on the display section 5 an initialization instruction screen for instructing a user to start an initialization processing to acquire a reference image of the image pickup device, displays on the display section 5 a message for instructing the user to light-shield the distal end portion according to an instruction to start initialization processing, acquires the reference image with the distal end portion light-shielded and stores the acquired reference image in a memory 27.

Description

  The present invention relates to an endoscope apparatus and a reference image setting method for the endoscope apparatus.

Endoscopic devices are widely used in the industrial and medical fields. Some endoscope apparatuses are configured by a scope having an insertion portion in which an imaging element is provided at a distal end portion, and a main body portion to which the scope is detachably connected.
The user can inspect the subject by causing the distal end of the elongated insertion portion to approach the vicinity of the subject and displaying the image captured by the imaging device on the monitor of the main body.

  The image sensor provided at the tip has a variation in sensitivity between pixels and pixel defects. Therefore, the endoscope apparatus generally has a correction circuit for correcting these sensitivity variations and the like. For example, as proposed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Sho 63-117727, an endoscope in which a correction circuit is provided in a scope connected to a main body, and correction of sensitivity variations of an imaging element of the scope is corrected in the scope. There is a device. According to the proposed endoscope apparatus, since the correction circuit is provided in the scope, there is an advantage that work for correcting sensitivity variation or the like in the main body is not required when the scope is replaced.

  Usually, the correction circuit has a non-volatile memory for storing a reference image for correction. The reference image is generated from the image signal of the image sensor output by driving the image sensor under a predetermined constant temperature state by placing the scope in a space without light such as a dark room when the scope is manufactured in the factory. The data is recorded in a flash memory of the correction circuit. Since the image sensor has temperature dependence, a reference image must be acquired under a predetermined constant temperature state.

  When the endoscope apparatus is used, a video signal obtained by being picked up by a scope is supplied to the main body after correcting sensitivity variations between pixels and pixel defects using a reference image. As a result, the main body performs signal processing on the video signal in which pixel defects and the like are corrected, and displays the subject image on the monitor.

On the other hand, when the endoscope apparatus is used in a harsh working environment, the scope may be damaged or broken. In that case, the damaged scope must be replaced.
In the case of the scope having the correction circuit described above, the scope that is replaced and newly connected also has the correction circuit, so that the video signal in which the pixel defect is corrected is supplied to the main body, and the monitor An image with corrected sensitivity variations is displayed.

JP 63-117727 A

Since the scope of the endoscope apparatus described above also has a correction circuit, the scope becomes expensive accordingly. Considering the possibility of exchanging the scope, it is preferable for the user that the scope is inexpensive in terms of cost, so it is desirable that only the elongated insertion portion of the scope can be exchanged.
If only the elongated insertion portion of the scope can be exchanged, a correction circuit is provided on the main body side, so that a reference image must be acquired each time the scope is exchanged.

  However, as described above, the acquisition of the reference image is performed at a factory in a predetermined procedure under a predetermined environment, and the reference image is acquired at a place other than the factory, for example, at a place where the insertion unit is replaced. Until now, there has been no endoscope apparatus capable of acquiring images.

  Even if only the insertion part can be exchanged at the site where the endoscope device is used, the endoscope device is transported to the factory, the manufacturer's service station, etc. to obtain the reference image, and to the correction circuit The reference image must be acquired. In that case, a series of processes occurs in which the endoscope apparatus is sent to a factory or the like to acquire a reference image and returned from the factory or the like to the site, and the user cannot use the endoscope apparatus during the process. . In addition, it is conceivable for the user to have a spare for the endoscope apparatus, but this is not preferable in terms of cost.

  Furthermore, the acquisition of the reference image is inherently performed in a predetermined environment or state in which light does not enter the image pickup device properly in a temperature-controlled room such as a factory at the time of manufacture of the scope, and can be easily performed by the user. It is not a thing.

  If the reference image of the imaging element of the insertion unit that has been replaced and newly connected is not properly acquired and set, the image displayed on the monitor will be an image of poor quality, and the user will be able to use an appropriate endoscope. The inspection cannot be performed.

  Therefore, the present invention provides an endoscope apparatus and a reference image setting method for an endoscope apparatus capable of accurately and reliably obtaining a scope reference image in a place other than a factory or the like. Objective.

  According to one aspect of the present invention, a main body having an elongated insertion portion and having a detachable scope having an image pickup device at a distal end of the insertion portion, the main body provided in the main body, and driving the image pickup device. The video signal processing unit that processes the video signal obtained by imaging with the imaging device, the display unit, and the main body unit are provided, and an initial setting process for acquiring a reference image of the imaging device is started. An initial setting instruction screen for instructing the user to display is displayed on the display unit, and a first message is displayed on the display unit in order to cause the user to shield the tip portion in response to an instruction to start the initial setting process. To provide an endoscope apparatus that includes a control unit that displays and acquires the reference image in a state where the distal end portion is shielded, and stores the acquired reference image in a predetermined memory. it can.

  According to one aspect of the present invention, a user is instructed to start an initial setting process for acquiring a reference image of an imaging device provided at a distal end portion of a scope that is detachable from a main body portion of an endoscope apparatus. An initial setting instruction screen is displayed on the display unit, and in response to an instruction to start the initial setting process, a first message is displayed on the display unit so as to make the user shield the tip. In this state, it is possible to provide a reference image setting method for an endoscope apparatus in which the reference image is acquired and the acquired reference image is stored in a predetermined memory.

  According to the endoscope apparatus and the reference image setting method of the endoscope apparatus of the present invention, the reference image of the scope can be accurately and reliably obtained at a place other than the factory.

1 is an external configuration diagram of an endoscope apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of an endoscope apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the example of the flow of the process of the initial setting of the endoscope apparatus 1 concerning embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the example of the flow of the process of the initial setting of the endoscope apparatus 1 concerning embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the screen for making a user instruct | indicate whether it performs the initial setting concerning embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the screen of a scope connection instruction | indication message in case the scope 7 is not connected to the main-body part 4 concerning embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the screen of the light-shielding instruction | indication message concerning embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the screen of the message for notifying that light-shielding is not correctly performed concerning embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the screen which instruct | indicates it to wait for predetermined time to the user concerning embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the screen for notifying a user of the normal completion of the scope initial setting concerning embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the menu screen containing the initialization process concerning the modification of embodiment of this invention.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
1. Overall Configuration First, the configuration of an endoscope apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is an external configuration diagram of an endoscope apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 1, the endoscope apparatus 1 includes a main unit 2 and an operation unit 3 connected to the main unit 2. The main unit 2 and the operation unit 3 constitute a main body 4 of the endoscope apparatus 1. The main unit 2 includes a display unit 5 such as a liquid crystal panel (LCD) as a display device on which an endoscopic image, an operation menu, and the like are displayed. The display unit 5 as a monitor may be a touch panel. The operation unit 3 is connected to the main unit 2 by a universal cable 6 that is a connection cable.

  A scope portion (hereinafter also referred to as a scope) 7 made of a flexible insertion tube is detachably connected to the operation portion 3. The scope 7 can be attached to and detached from the operation unit 3 at the connection point CP. The scope 7 is connected to the main body part 4 by connecting the connector part 7 a of the scope 7 to the connector part 3 a of the operation part 3. The main body 4 is configured such that a scope 7 having an image sensor is detachable at the distal end 8 of the insertion portion 7b.

  An imaging element (not shown) such as a CMOS sensor is built in the distal end portion 8 of the insertion portion 7b of the scope 7, and an imaging optical system such as a lens is disposed on the imaging surface side of the imaging element. A bending portion 9 is provided on the proximal end side of the distal end portion 8. A light-shielding adapter 10 that is a light-shielding member can be attached to the distal end portion 8. The light shielding adapter 10 has a cap shape and can be attached to the distal end portion 8 so as to cover the distal end portion 8. When the light shielding adapter 10 is attached to the distal end portion 8, the imaging element The light enters a light blocking state where no light enters.

  In the present embodiment, the shading adapter 10 has a cap shape to be attached to the tip 8 as shown in FIG. 1, but it may be a device such as a dark box into which the tip 8 can be inserted, or An adhesive seal member made of a material that does not transmit light and is attached to the distal end portion 8 may be used. In the case of the seal member, an adhesive material is provided on one surface of the seal member, and the adhesive surface can be attached to an imaging window for the imaging unit 12 so that the image sensor can be easily shielded from light.

  Various operation buttons such as a release button, an up / down / left / right (U / D / L / R) direction bending button, and the like are provided on the operation unit 3. The user can operate various operation buttons on the operation unit 3 to perform imaging of a subject, recording of a still image, and the like. When the display unit 5 is a touch panel, the user can operate the touch panel to instruct various operations of the endoscope apparatus 1 such as initial settings, for example, operation contents of the endoscope apparatus 1. The display unit itself constitutes the instruction unit.

Image data obtained by imaging is inspection data to be inspected, and is recorded on a recording medium such as a memory card. The external memory 30 (FIG. 2) as the recording medium is detachable from the main body 2. It has become.
The operation unit 3 can be attached to and detached from the main unit 2.

As will be described later, the scope 7 has an identification unit for identifying each type when connected to the main body unit 4. When the scope 7 is connected, the main body unit 4 is configured to detect or read the state of the identification unit or the identification data (that is, ID data) and discriminate each type. Here, the ID includes not only information on the type such as the model number of the device but also unique information such as a manufacturing number for individual identification.
As described above, the scope 7 can be attached to and detached from the operation unit 3, and when the scope 7 is damaged or the like, only the scope 7 can be replaced.

In the case of FIG. 1, the main unit 2 and the operation unit 3 are connected by the universal cable 6, but the main unit 2 and the operation unit 3 may be integrated into one unit. In this case, the scope 7 can be attached to and detached from the apparatus (main body part) that is one unit.
2. Circuit Configuration FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of the endoscope apparatus 1. As described above, the endoscope apparatus 1 includes the main body 4 and the scope 7, and the light shielding adapter 10 can be attached to the distal end of the scope 7.

The scope 7 includes an optical lens unit 11, an imaging unit 12, an illumination unit 13, and a memory 14.
The optical lens unit 11 is an objective optical system that is provided at the distal end 8 and receives reflected light from a subject.
The imaging unit 12 is an imaging element having an imaging surface such as a CMOS sensor, and is disposed in the distal end portion 8 so that the imaging surface is located at the focal position of the optical lens unit 11. The imaging unit 12 drives the imaging device based on the drive signal from the main body unit 4, and outputs a photoelectrically converted video signal to the main body unit 4.

The illuminating unit 13 includes a light emitting element that is provided at the distal end and emits illumination light to the subject. The light emitting element is, for example, an LED (light emitting diode). The illumination unit 13 is driven based on a drive signal from the main body unit 4 and emits illumination light to the subject.
The memory 14 is a non-volatile memory that stores information on the type of the scope 7 and an identifier for identifying the individual (hereinafter referred to as ID).

  The main unit 4 includes an operation unit 3, a display unit 5, a control unit 21, a video signal processing unit 22, a graphic superimposing unit 23, an illumination driving unit 24, a main memory unit 25, a real time clock (RTC) unit 26, and a memory 27. It is configured to include.

  The control unit 21 includes a central processing unit (CPU) and is a processing unit that controls the overall operation of various circuits in the main body unit 4. The control unit 21 executes processing according to an operation on the operation unit 3 (or touch panel) by the user.

  The video signal processing unit 22 operates based on a control signal from the control unit 21, supplies a drive signal to the imaging unit 12, receives a video signal from the imaging unit 12, and performs predetermined processing on the received video signal. Is output to the display unit 5 via the graphic superimposing unit 23. Further, the video signal processing unit 22 stores the video signal in the memory 27 based on the control signal from the control unit 21, or reads the video signal from the memory 27 and outputs it to the display unit 5. In other words, the video signal processing unit 22 is a circuit that is provided in the main body unit 4 and processes the video signal obtained by driving the image sensor and capturing an image with the image sensor.

The graphic superimposing unit 23 displays a menu screen or the like on the display unit 5 based on the control signal from the control unit 21 and the video signal from the video signal processing unit 22, or a video in which predetermined information is superimposed on the subject image. The signal is output to the display unit 5.
The illumination drive unit 24 outputs a drive signal to the illumination unit 13 based on the control signal from the control unit 21.

The main memory unit 25 includes a ROM that stores programs for various functions, a RAM that is used as a work area when the CPU in the control unit 21 executes the programs, and a nonvolatile memory such as a flash memory. Therefore, the CPU of the control unit 21 reads out the program in the main memory unit 25 according to the operation signal from the operation unit 3 and executes it while using the RAM. Information such as an identifier (hereinafter referred to as an ID) for identifying an individual connected scope 7 is recorded in the nonvolatile memory. As will be described later, when the power is turned on, the control unit 21 determines whether or not the scope 7 has been replaced. The information on the ID of the connected or connected scope is non-volatile. Recorded in memory.
The real-time clock unit 26 is a circuit that generates and holds a time that is recorded when an endoscopic image is recorded.

The external memory 30 is a non-volatile memory for recording a video signal obtained by being imaged by the imaging unit 12. The control unit 21 can also display an image recorded in the external memory 30 on the display unit 5 via the video signal processing unit 22.
3. Operation Next, an initial setting operation in the endoscope apparatus 1, in particular, a reference image acquisition operation will be described.
When exchanging the scope 7, the user first turns off the power of the endoscope apparatus 1, and replaces the scope 7 in the off state. After the replacement, when the user turns on the power of the endoscope apparatus 1, the processes of FIGS. 3 and 4 are executed.
FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 are flowcharts showing an example of the process flow of the initial setting of the endoscope apparatus 1. 3 and 4 are executed by the CPU of the control unit 21.

  First, when the power of the endoscope apparatus 1 is turned on, the control unit 21 determines whether or not a scope different from the previously connected scope is detected (S1). This determination can be made by comparing the scope ID recorded in the memory 14 provided in the scope 7 with the scope ID recorded in the main memory unit 25.

  When a different scope is not detected (S1: NO), the control unit 21 displays a screen for confirming execution of the initial setting on the display unit 5, and the user is instructed to perform initial setting in the operation unit 3 based on the display. It is determined whether or not. That is, in the control unit 21, the scope connected when the power source of the main body unit 4 of the endoscope apparatus 1 is turned on is different from the scope connected when the main body unit 4 was turned off last time. When this is detected, an initial setting instruction screen (FIG. 5) is displayed on the display unit 5.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen for instructing the user whether or not to perform initial setting. When a different scope is not connected (S1: NO), the control unit 21 reads the screen data recorded in the ROM of the main memory unit 25 and displays the screen of FIG. 5 on the screen 5a of the monitor 5. (S2). When the user selects the “OK” button on the screen, the initial setting is instructed (S3: YES), and when the “cancel” button is selected, the initial setting is not instructed (S3: NO). If the initial setting is not instructed (S3: NO), the process ends. That is, the control unit 21 displays an initial setting instruction screen (FIG. 5) for instructing the user to start an initial setting process for obtaining a reference image of the image sensor provided at the distal end portion 8 of the scope 7. 5 is displayed.

  When an instruction for initial setting is given (S3: YES), the control unit 21 determines whether or not the scope 7 and the main body unit 4 are connected (S4). Whether or not the scope 7 and the main body 4 are connected can be determined by confirming that the scope ID can be read out.

  When the scope 7 is not connected to the main unit 4 (S4: NO), the control unit 21 displays a scope connection instruction message “Please connect the scope to the main unit” on the screen 5a of the monitor 5. (S5), the process returns to S3. That is, if it is detected that the scope 7 is not connected to the main body 4 before acquiring the reference image, the control unit 21 displays a message instructing connection of the scope 7 to the main body 4. This is displayed on part 5.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a scope connection instruction message screen when the scope 7 is not connected to the main body 4. As shown in FIG. 6, the message and an “OK” button are displayed on the screen 5a.

  When a different scope is detected (S1: YES), or when the scope 7 is connected to the main unit 4 (S4: YES), the control unit 21 performs “scope initial setting. A light shielding instruction message “Please shield light” is displayed on the monitor 5 (S6). In other words, the control unit 21 displays on the display unit 5 a message for attaching a light shielding member so as to shield the imaging unit 12 so that light does not enter the imaging unit 12 provided at the distal end 8 of the scope 7. Is done.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen for a light shielding instruction message. As shown in FIG. 7, the message and an “OK” button are displayed on the screen 5a. That is, the control unit 21 displays a message on the display unit 5 in order to make the user shield the tip 8 from light in response to an instruction to start the initial setting process.
Since the display of FIG. 7 is displayed on the screen 5 a of the monitor 5, the user attaches the light shielding adapter 10 to the distal end portion 8 of the scope 7. After installation, the user can select the OK button. The control unit 21 waits for a predetermined time in consideration of the work time for attaching the shading adapter 10 to the distal end portion 8 of the scope 7 (S8). When the predetermined time has elapsed, the control unit 21 determines whether or not the scope 7 is correctly shielded from light (S9).

  The determination as to whether or not the light shielding is correctly performed can be performed by driving the imaging unit 12 and determining whether there are a predetermined number or more of pixel outputs that are equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold TH. This is because the image sensor is considered to receive light when there is a pixel output equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold TH.

When the light is not properly shielded (S9: NO), the control unit 21 displays a message “Please shield properly” on the monitor 5 (S10), and the process proceeds to S8. That is, after displaying the message of FIG. 7, the control unit 21 determines the light shielding state of the distal end portion 8, and when it is determined that the distal end portion 8 is not properly shielded from light, the light shielding of the distal end portion 8 is correctly performed. A message instructing the user to do so is displayed on the display unit 5.
Note that the message for shading the tip 8 is replaced with the message “The light is shielded correctly” instead of the message “Set the scope initially. Shake the tip of the scope with the shading adapter.” Messages such as “No”, “(Is it light-shielded in the first place?),“ Can I get the reference image (as it is) ”,“ Is it in the reference image acquisition state? ”, Etc.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a message screen for notifying that light is not properly shielded. As shown in FIG. 8, the message and an “OK” button are displayed. As shown in FIG. 8, the message “The light is not properly shielded. Please attach the light shielding adapter properly.” Is displayed on the screen 5a of the monitor 5. 7 can be appropriately attached to the distal end portion 8. After attachment, the user selects the OK button. As a result, the control unit 21 is instructed to end the light shielding operation.

  The connection confirmation (S9) and the screen display (S10) are performed because the operation for acquiring the reference image is not a frequent operation for the user. This is to ensure that a reliable reference image can be acquired in later processing.

When it is determined that the light is properly shielded (S7: YES), the control unit 21 displays a message “Scope is being initialized. Please wait for one minute” on the monitor 5 (S5). That is, the user is instructed to wait for a predetermined time. In other words, the control unit 21 displays a message notifying the user of the time taken to acquire the reference image on the display unit 5.
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen instructing the user to wait for a predetermined time.

  The time from when the scope 7 is newly connected to the main body 4 until the temperature of the imaging device of the scope 7 becomes the same as that in the steady state is previously measured and known by experiments. Therefore, the time is a time until the hard member of the distal end portion 8 of the scope 7 becomes the same as the steady state by heat conduction at a normal room temperature.

In addition, when acquiring a reference image after setting the imaging unit 12 to a steady state temperature, for example, 50 ± 1 ° C., a heating unit such as a heater is disposed in the tip 8 and a predetermined value is set in the heating unit. By causing the current to flow, the imaging unit 12 is brought to a predetermined temperature. In that case, the time in the message in FIG. 9 is determined and displayed in consideration of the time from the start of heating of the heating unit to the predetermined temperature. That is, the time taken to acquire the reference image included in the message of FIG. 9 includes the time until the imaging device is heated by the heater provided in the distal end portion 8 of the scope 7 to reach a predetermined temperature.
As a method for heating the imaging unit 12 to a predetermined temperature, for example, the lighting unit 13 is driven to raise the temperature of the imaging unit 12 to a predetermined temperature without using a heating unit such as a heater, or the imaging unit 12 is driven. Alternatively, the imaging unit 12 may be driven in a high power consumption mode in which the power consumption of the imaging unit 12 is increased so that the temperature of the imaging unit 12 itself rises to a predetermined temperature.

  When a predetermined time elapses after the message shown in FIG. 9 is displayed, the control unit 21 drives the imaging unit 12 in a state where the tip portion is shielded to obtain a reference image (S13). Then, the control unit 21 displays a message on the display unit 5 informing the user that the initial setting process is being executed before acquiring the reference image. That is, the screen display of FIG. 9 is displayed until at least the reference image is acquired after the “OK” button is selected on the screen of FIG. 7 or FIG. 8 before acquisition of the reference image.

  Here, acquisition of a reference image includes acquisition of a fixed pattern noise image for correcting sensitivity variations between pixels, and acquisition of position information and luminance levels of defective pixels on the imaging surface. Therefore, the reference image includes a fixed pattern noise image, position information of defective pixels, and a luminance level. Depending on the required image quality and the like, the acquisition of the reference image may acquire either the fixed pattern noise image, the position information of the defective pixel, or the luminance level.

The control unit 21 stores and records the reference image acquired by imaging by the imaging unit 12 in the memory 27 (S14).
Note that the reference image may be acquired a plurality of times by the imaging element, and the reference image may be obtained by using data of an average value or a maximum value of the plurality of images obtained.
Furthermore, the control unit 21 may store the reference image in the memory 14 instead of the memory 27.

  After storing the reference image, the control unit 21 displays a message “Scope initial setting has been completed normally” on the monitor 5 (S15). That is, after the reference image is stored in a predetermined memory, the control unit 21 displays on the display unit 5 an initial setting end screen (FIG. 10) for notifying the user of the end of the initial setting process.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen for notifying the user of the normal end of the scope initial setting. As shown in FIG. 10, an “OK” button is displayed on the screen 5 a together with a message “Scope initial setting has been completed normally”.

  The control unit 21 determines whether or not the user has selected the “OK” button on the screen (S16), and when the user selects the “OK” button on the screen (S16: YES), the control unit 21 The lighting unit 13 is driven and turned on, and the state shifts to a normal operation state, that is, a state where a live image is displayed on the monitor 5 (S17), and then the user uses the endoscope device 1 for inspection work. can do. If the user does not select the “OK” button on the screen (S16: NO), no processing is performed.

  The message as shown in FIG. 10 is displayed without any display, when the initial setting is completed and when the normal operation state is displayed on the display unit 5, the user is correctly initialized. This is because it is impossible to know whether or not there was. Further, the user selects the “OK” button in order to confirm that the initial setting has been completed.

  The reference image recorded in the memory 27 of the main body unit 4 is used by the video signal processing unit 22 of the main body unit 4 to correct sensitivity variations between pixels, pixel defects, and the like. The beautiful video signal is output to the display unit 5.

As described above, the acquisition of the reference image is conventionally performed in a temperature-controlled room in a factory or the like at the time of manufacture of the scope and has not been surely performed by the user. However, according to the endoscope apparatus of the present embodiment, In this case, the user can surely perform the reference image acquisition operation, and an accurate reference image can be acquired.
4). Modified Example Next, a modified example of the above-described embodiment will be described.
(Modification 1)
In the above-described embodiment, when the endoscope apparatus 1 is turned on, the initial setting process first detects a different scope and detects a different scope than when a different scope is detected. This is performed when an initial setting instruction is issued, but the endoscope apparatus 1 is turned on and operates in a normal operation state, that is, in a state where a live image is displayed on the monitor 5. The initial setting process from S5 onward may be executed by displaying a separate menu screen and selecting the initial setting on the menu screen.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a menu screen including an initial setting process. As shown in FIG. 10, a predetermined menu screen, for example, a main menu screen, includes an “initial setting” button 31 for acquiring the above-described reference image, and when the user selects the button 31, FIG. The initial setting process from S4 onward may be executed. That is, the menu screen of FIG. 11 constitutes an initial setting instruction screen for instructing the user to start an initial setting process including acquisition of a reference image of the image sensor.
(Modification 2)
In the above-described embodiment, the endoscope apparatus 1 is turned off and then a new scope is attached. However, the scope is not turned off, that is, in a live line state. In the case of an endoscope apparatus that can be removed and attached to 7, the attachment after the removal of the scope may be detected and the above-described initial setting process may be performed. That is, the control unit 21 may display an initial setting instruction screen (FIG. 5) on the display unit when the scope 7 is replaced while the main body unit 4 of the endoscope apparatus 1 is powered on. .
For example, when the user replaces the scope without turning off the power of the endoscope apparatus 1 during the endoscopic examination, when the control unit 21 detects the attachment after removing the scope, the initial value of S6 or less A setting process may be executed.

  As described above, according to the above-described embodiment and each modification, the acquisition of the reference image is conventionally performed in a temperature-controlled room in a factory or the like when the scope is manufactured, and can be accurately and reliably performed by the user. However, according to the endoscope apparatus of the present embodiment, the user can accurately and reliably acquire the reference image at a place other than the factory.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

1, Endoscopic device, 2 Main unit, 3 Operation part, 3a, 7a Connector part, 4 Main body part, 5 Display part, 5a Screen, 6 Universal cable, 7 Scope, 8 Tip part, 9 Curved part, 10 Light shielding Adapter, 11 Optical lens unit, 12 Imaging unit, 13 Illumination unit, 14, 27 Memory, 21 Control unit, 22 Video signal processing unit, 23 Graphic superimposing unit, 24 Illumination drive unit, 25 Main memory unit, 26 Real-time clock unit, 27 memory, 30 external memory

Claims (20)

A main body having an elongated insertion portion, and a detachable scope having an image sensor at the distal end of the insertion portion;
A video signal processing unit that is provided in the main body, drives the imaging device, and processes a video signal obtained by imaging with the imaging device;
A display unit;
An initial setting instruction screen provided on the main body unit for instructing a user to start an initial setting process for obtaining a reference image of the image sensor is displayed on the display unit, and an instruction to start the initial setting process is displayed. In response to this, the first message is displayed on the display unit to cause the user to shield the tip, and the reference image is acquired in a state where the tip is shielded. Is stored in a predetermined memory,
An endoscope apparatus characterized by comprising:   The control unit displays the second message for notifying the user that the initial setting process is being executed after the first message is displayed on the display unit and before the acquisition of the reference image. The endoscope apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the reference image is acquired in a state where the reference image is displayed and the distal end portion is shielded from light.   The control unit displays a sixth message on the display unit for notifying the user that the initial setting process is completed after acquiring the reference image in a state where the tip end portion is shielded. The endoscope apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the endoscope apparatus is characterized.   The controller determines the light shielding state of the tip after displaying the first message, and if the tip is determined not to be shielded correctly from the determination of the light shielding state, The endoscope apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a third message for instructing to correctly shield the distal end portion is displayed on the display portion.   The endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the control unit displays a fourth message for notifying a user of a time taken to acquire the reference image on the display unit. apparatus.   When the control unit detects that the scope is not connected to the main body unit before acquiring the reference image, the control unit instructs the connection of the scope to the main body unit. Is displayed on the display unit. The endoscope apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5.   The control unit displays an initial setting end screen for notifying the user of the end of the initial setting process on the display unit after the reference image is stored in the predetermined memory. The endoscope apparatus according to any one of Items 1 to 6.   The control unit is configured such that the scope connected when the power source of the main body unit of the endoscope apparatus is turned on is different from the scope connected when the main body unit was previously turned off. The endoscope apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the initial setting instruction screen is displayed on the display unit when an error is detected.   The endoscope apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the initial setting instruction screen is a menu screen.   The said control part displays the said initial setting instruction | indication screen on the said display part, when the said scope is replaced | exchanged during the power-on of the main-body part of the said endoscope apparatus, The said display part is characterized by the above-mentioned. The endoscope apparatus according to any one of the above.   6. The time required for acquiring the reference image includes a time until the imaging element is heated to a predetermined temperature by a heater provided in the distal end portion of the scope. Endoscope device.   The endoscope apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the predetermined memory is provided in the main body. An initial setting instruction screen for instructing the user to start an initial setting process for acquiring a reference image of an image sensor provided at the distal end of a scope that can be attached to and detached from the main body of the endoscope apparatus is displayed on the display unit. And
In response to an instruction to start the initial setting process, a first message is displayed on the display unit in order to make the user shield the tip.
In a state where the tip portion is shielded, the reference image is acquired,
Storing the acquired reference image in a predetermined memory;
A reference image setting method for an endoscope apparatus, characterized in that: After displaying the first message on the display unit,
Before acquiring the reference image, a second message for notifying the user that the initial setting process is being executed is displayed on the display unit,
The method for setting a reference image for an endoscope apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the reference image is acquired in a state where the distal end portion is shielded from light. In a state where the tip portion is shielded, the reference image is acquired,
The endoscope apparatus according to claim 13 or 14, wherein when the initial setting process is completed, a sixth message for notifying the user that the initial setting process is completed is displayed on the display unit. How to set the reference image. After displaying the first message, determine the light shielding state of the tip,
If it is determined from the determination of the light shielding state that the tip portion is not properly shielded, a third message instructing to correctly shield the tip portion is displayed on the display unit. The reference image setting method for an endoscope apparatus according to any one of claims 13 to 15.   The reference image of the endoscope apparatus according to any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein a fourth message for notifying a user of a time taken to acquire the reference image is displayed on the display unit. Setting method.   If it is detected that the scope is not connected to the main body before acquiring the reference image, a fifth message instructing connection of the scope to the main body is displayed on the display. The reference image setting method for an endoscope apparatus according to any one of claims 13 to 17, wherein the reference image is displayed.   19. The initial setting end screen for notifying the user of the end of the initial setting process after the reference image is stored in the predetermined memory, is displayed on the display unit. A reference image setting method for an endoscope apparatus according to any one of the above.   The reference image setting method for an endoscope apparatus according to any one of claims 13 to 19, wherein the predetermined memory is provided in the main body.

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