JP2013017607A - Endoscope apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain a clearer special light image and to secure the safety of eyes against special light in an endoscope apparatus for irradiating an observed region inside the body with special light and obtaining the special light image by receiving the light emitted from the observed region irradiated with the special light.SOLUTION: The endoscope apparatus includes: an insertion section 30 for irradiating the observed region inside the body with the special light and receiving the light emitted from the observed region irradiated with the special light; and a light source section 2 having special light sources 54 and 58 which emit the special light for feeding the special light emitted from the special light sources to the insertion section 30; wherein a plurality of special light emission pathways for independently emitting the special light emitted from the special light sources 54 and 58 are provided in the light source section 2, and wherein a plurality of special light incident pathways on which the special light emitted from the plurality of special light emission pathways is independently incident are provided in the insertion section 30. The special light incident from the plurality of special light incident pathways is guided by the insertion section 30 and emitted from the distal end section to irradiate the observed region.

Description

  The present invention relates to an endoscope apparatus including an insertion unit that irradiates special light to an observation part in the body and receives light emitted from the observation part by irradiation of the special light.

  Conventionally, endoscope systems for observing tissue in a body cavity are widely known, and a normal image is obtained by imaging a portion to be observed in a body cavity by irradiation with white light, and this normal image is displayed on a monitor screen. Electronic endoscope systems have been widely put into practical use (for example, see Patent Document 1).

  And as one of such endoscope systems, for example, to observe blood vessels running under fat and blood flow, lymphatic vessels, lymph flow, bile duct running, bile flow, etc. that do not normally appear on the image, An endoscope system has been proposed in which ICG (Indocyanine Green) is previously introduced into an observation part and an ICG fluorescence image is acquired by irradiating the observation part with excitation light of near infrared light. Further, Patent Document 2 proposes an endoscope system that acquires autofluorescence emitted from an observed part by irradiating the observed part with excitation light and acquires a fluorescence image.

JP 2006-166983 A JP 2007-20775 A

  Here, since the fluorescence of the ICG and the autofluorescence as described above are weak light, it is necessary to irradiate strong excitation light in order to obtain a clearer fluorescent image. Therefore, for example, a laser light source that has a narrow wavelength range and little influence on the contrast between excitation light and fluorescence is used as the excitation light source.

  On the other hand, the conventional endoscope system as described above supplies the excitation light emitted from the light source device to the endoscope main body via a light guide connected to the light source device. The light guide and the light source device or the light guide and the endoscope main body are configured to be detachable. For example, when the light guide is attached to the light source device or after the procedure is finished, the light guide is inserted into the endoscope main body. If the light source device is accidentally left with the excitation light emitted from the light source device, the excitation light emitted from the light guide connection port of the light source device or the light guide connection to the endoscope body May enter the eye.

  In particular, when the laser light source as described above is used to irradiate high-power laser light, there is a concern about eye damage when the excitation light is directly viewed.

  Therefore, in order to avoid such a risk, a predetermined reference value (laser class) is determined for the amount of excitation light that can be emitted from the light source device, and this reference value is determined from the excitation light emission port of the light source device. Only the amount of excitation light below the value can be emitted.

  However, excitation until the excitation light emitted from the excitation light emission port of the light source device enters the endoscope main body through the light guide, is emitted from the distal end portion of the endoscope main body, and is irradiated to the observed portion. Optical members such as connectors and optical fibers are arranged in the light path, and a loss of light quantity occurs while excitation light passes through them. Therefore, even if the excitation light having the light amount of the reference value is emitted from the light source device, the light amount of the excitation light irradiated to the observed portion may be insufficient.

  That is, the objective of obtaining a clearer fluorescent image and the objective of ensuring safety against excitation light are in a trade-off relationship, and an endoscope system that can satisfy both of these is desired.

  In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide an endoscope apparatus that can acquire a clearer fluorescent image and can ensure safety against excitation light.

  An endoscope apparatus according to the present invention is inserted into a body, irradiates special light to an observed part in the body, and receives an emitted light from the observed part by irradiation of the special light, and a special part. In an endoscope apparatus having a special light source that emits light, and a light source unit that supplies special light emitted from the special light source to the insertion unit, each of the light sources emits special light emitted from the special light source. A plurality of special light emission paths that individually emit, and the insertion unit includes a plurality of special light incident paths through which the special lights emitted from the plurality of special light emission paths are individually incident, and the plurality of special lights. It is characterized in that the special light incident from the incident path is guided, emitted from the tip portion, and irradiated to the observed portion.

  Further, the insertion unit shall guide and emit the received light, and provide an imaging unit having an imaging element that receives the light emitted from the insertion unit and photoelectrically converts the received light. The imaging unit includes an imaging unit light guide unit that guides at least one of special light emitted from the plurality of special light emission paths of the light source unit, and the imaging unit light guide unit. Thus, the special light guided by can be made incident on the special light incident path of the insertion portion.

  The first light source is connected to the light source unit and the insertion unit, and guides at least one of the special lights emitted from the plurality of special light emission paths of the light source unit to enter the special light incident path of the insertion unit. The light guide is connected to the light source unit and the imaging unit, and guides at least one of the special lights emitted from the plurality of special light emission paths of the light source unit to the light guide unit in the imaging unit of the imaging unit. A second light guide to be incident can be provided.

  In addition, the signal cable that propagates the image signal output from the imaging element of the imaging unit and the second light guide can be integrated and connected to the imaging unit.

  Also, an image signal output from the image sensor of the imaging unit is input, and an image processing unit and a light source unit that perform predetermined processing on the image signal can be integrally configured.

  In addition, an image signal output from the image pickup device of the image pickup unit is input, an image processing unit that performs a predetermined process on the image signal, and some special light emission paths among the plurality of special light emission paths. It can be configured integrally.

  A first light guide that is connected to the light source unit and the insertion unit, guides the special light emitted from the special light emission path other than the part, and enters the special light incident path of the insertion unit; A second light guide that is connected to the special light emission path of the image pickup unit and the imaging unit, guides the special light emitted from the part of the special light emission path, and enters the light guide unit in the image pickup unit of the image pickup unit; Can be provided.

  In addition, an image signal output from the image sensor of the imaging unit is input, an image processing unit that performs predetermined processing on the image signal is provided, and the image processing unit is connected to a plurality of special light emission paths of the light source unit. It has a light guide in the processing unit that guides at least one of the emitted special light, and the special light guided by the light guide in the processing unit enters the light guide in the imaging unit of the imaging unit. You can make it.

  Further, the image processing unit and the imaging unit can be connected by a signal cable that propagates an image signal and a light guide that guides special light.

  In addition, the signal cable and the light guide can be integrated together and connected to the imaging unit.

  In addition, the light source unit is provided with a white light source that emits white light, and both the white light emitted from the white light source and the special light emitted from the special light emission path are one special of the insertion unit. Based on what is incident from the light incident path, the insertion portion can be irradiated with white light and special light incident from the special light incident path.

  Further, near infrared light can be used as the special light.

  A laser light source can be used as the special light source.

  According to the endoscope apparatus of the present invention, the light source unit including the special light source is provided with the plurality of special light emission paths that individually emit the special light emitted from the special light source. Compared with the case where special light is emitted from one special light emission path of the unit, the amount of special light can be distributed to a plurality of special light emission paths. The amount of light can be reduced. Therefore, for example, safety can be ensured even if excitation light emitted from any of the special light emission paths enters the eye.

  On the other hand, as described above, a plurality of special light incident paths through which the special lights emitted from the plurality of special light emission paths of the light source section are separately incident are provided in the insertion section. Since the special light incident from the path is guided and emitted from the tip, the special part is irradiated with the special light. Since it becomes the addition value of the special light incident on the path, it is possible to irradiate the observed part with a sufficient amount of special light, and to acquire a clearer fluorescent image.

Schematic configuration diagram of a rigid endoscope system using an embodiment of an endoscope apparatus of the present invention Schematic configuration diagram of body cavity insertion part The figure which shows the cross section of the longitudinal direction of a body cavity insertion part Schematic configuration diagram of the imaging unit The block diagram which shows schematic structure of a processor and a light source device The figure which shows embodiment which comprised the processor and the light source device integrally. The figure which shows embodiment which comprised the processor and some near-infrared LD light sources integrally. The figure which shows embodiment which makes one part excitation light radiate | emitted from the light source device inject into an imaging unit via a processor

  Hereinafter, a rigid endoscope system using an embodiment of an endoscope apparatus of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is an external view showing a schematic configuration of a rigid endoscope system 1 of the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the rigid endoscope system 1 according to the present embodiment guides the normal light and excitation light emitted from the light source device 2 and the light source device 2 that emits white normal light and excitation light. A rigid mirror imaging apparatus that irradiates the observation unit and captures a normal image based on reflected light reflected from the observed portion by irradiation of normal light and a fluorescent image based on fluorescence emitted from the observed portion by irradiation of excitation light 10, a processor 3 that performs a predetermined process on the image signal captured by the rigid endoscope imaging device 10, and a monitor 4 that displays a normal image and a fluorescence image of the observed portion based on a display control signal generated by the processor 3. And.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the rigid endoscope imaging apparatus 10 includes a body cavity insertion unit 30 that is inserted into a body cavity, and an imaging unit 20 that captures a normal image and a fluorescence image of the observed portion guided by the body cavity insertion unit 30. And.

  Moreover, as shown in FIG. 2, the rigid-scope imaging device 10 has the body cavity insertion part 30 and the imaging unit 20 connected detachably. The body cavity insertion portion 30 includes a connection member 30a, an insertion member 30b, a cable connection portion 30c, an irradiation window 30d, and an imaging window 30e.

  The connection member 30a is provided at one end 30X of the body cavity insertion portion 30 (insertion member 30b) on the imaging unit 20 side. For example, the connection member 30a is fitted into an opening 20a formed in the imaging unit 20, thereby The body cavity insertion part 30 is detachably connected.

  The insertion member 30b is inserted into the body cavity when photographing inside the body cavity, and is formed of a hard material and has, for example, a cylindrical shape with a diameter of about 5 mm. FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of the body cavity insertion portion 30. As shown in FIG. 3, a normal image L4 and a fluorescence image L5 of the observed part incident from the imaging window 30e are formed inside the body cavity insertion unit 30, and one end of the body cavity insertion unit 30 on the imaging unit 20 side is formed. A relay lens 30f that guides light to the portion 30X and emits the light from the one end portion 30X is provided. The normal image L4 and the fluorescent image L5 emitted from the relay lens 30f are incident on the imaging unit 20.

  2 and 3, a cable connecting portion 30c is provided on the side surface of the insertion member 30b, and the first light guide LG1 is mechanically connected to the cable connecting portion 30c by a connector C. Is done. As a result, the light source device 2 and the insertion member 30b are optically connected via the first light guide LG1. As shown in FIG. 3, the body cavity insertion portion 30 is bundled to guide the normal light L1 and the excitation light L2 emitted from the first light guide LG1 connected to the cable connection portion 30c. The first multimode optical fiber 30g is provided, and the first multimode optical fiber 30g guides the incident normal light L1 and pumping light L2 to the distal end portion 30Y of the insertion member 30b to be covered. Irradiate toward the observation part.

  Further, inside the body cavity insertion portion 30, excitation light L3 emitted from an imaging unit light guide portion 28 (described later) provided in the imaging unit 20 is incident, and the incident excitation light L3 is inserted into the insertion member 30b. A bundled second multi-mode optical fiber 30h that guides light to the tip portion 30Y is further provided.

  As described above, the first multimode optical fiber 30g and the second multimode optical fiber 30h provided in the insertion member 30b are gathered together at the distal end portion of the insertion member 30b. The tips of the second multimode optical fibers 30g and 30h are polished to form an irradiation window 30d.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the imaging unit 20. The imaging unit 20 includes a first imaging system that captures a fluorescent image L5 of the observed part imaged by the relay lens 30f in the body cavity inserting part 30 and generates a fluorescent image signal of the observed part, and a body cavity inserting part And a second imaging system that generates a normal image signal by capturing the normal image L4 of the observed portion imaged by the relay lens 30f within 30. These imaging systems are divided into two optical axes orthogonal to each other by a dichroic prism 21 having a spectral characteristic that reflects the normal image L4 and transmits the fluorescent image L5.

  The first imaging system cuts light having a wavelength equal to or less than the wavelength of the excitation light reflected by the observed portion and transmitted through the dichroic prism 21 and an excitation light cut filter 22 that transmits fluorescent wavelength region illumination light, which will be described later, and a body cavity A first imaging optical system 23 that forms a fluorescent image L5 emitted from the insertion unit 30 and transmitted through the dichroic prism 21 and the excitation light cut filter 22, and a fluorescent image L5 imaged by the first imaging optical system 23 And a high-sensitivity image pickup device 24 for picking up images.

  The high-sensitivity imaging element 24 detects light in the wavelength band of the fluorescent image L5 with high sensitivity, converts it into a fluorescent image signal, and outputs it. As the high sensitivity image sensor 24, for example, a monochrome image sensor can be used.

  The second imaging system includes a second imaging optical system 25 that forms a normal image L4 emitted from the body cavity insertion unit 30 and reflected by the dichroic prism 21, and a normal image formed by the second imaging optical system 25. An image sensor 26 that captures the image L4 is provided.

  The image sensor 26 detects light in the wavelength band of the normal image, converts it into a normal image signal, and outputs it. On the image pickup surface of the image pickup element 26, color filters of three primary colors red (R), green (G) and blue (B), or cyan (C), magenta (M) and yellow (Y) are arranged in a Bayer array or a honeycomb. It is provided in an array.

  In addition, the imaging unit 20 includes an imaging control unit 27. The imaging control unit 27 performs CDS / AGC (correlated double sampling / automatic gain control) processing and A / A processing on the fluorescence image signal output from the high-sensitivity imaging device 24 and the normal image signal output from the imaging device 26. A D-conversion process is performed and output to the processor 3 via the cable 5 (see FIG. 1).

  Further, in the imaging unit 20, excitation light L3 emitted from the light source device 2 and guided by a second light guide LG2 described later is incident, and the excitation light L3 is guided to the opening 20a and emitted. An imaging unit light guide 28 is provided. The imaging unit light guide 28 is formed by, for example, a bundled multimode optical fiber. The excitation light L3 guided by the imaging unit light guide unit 28 is emitted from the opening 20a of the imaging unit 20, and is provided in the body cavity insertion unit 30 connected to the opening 20a. The optical fiber 30h is configured to enter from the end face.

  In addition, it is desirable to further add a configuration in which the optical axis of the in-imaging unit light guide 28 and the optical axis of the second multimode optical fiber 30h are substantially coincident, for example, a body cavity with respect to the opening 20a of the imaging unit 20 What is necessary is just to provide the structure which controls the rotation of the circumferential direction of the insertion part 30 in the opening 20a of the imaging unit 20, and the connection member 30a of the body cavity insertion part 30, respectively. Specifically, a convex portion may be provided on the connection member 30a of the body cavity insertion portion 30, and a groove that fits the convex portion may be formed in the opening 20a of the imaging unit 20.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the processor 3 includes a normal image input controller 41, a fluorescence image input controller 42, an image processing unit 43, a memory 44, a video output unit 45, an operation unit 46, a TG (timing generator) 47, and a CPU 48. ing.

  The normal image input controller 41 and the fluorescence image input controller 42 include a line buffer having a predetermined capacity, and the normal image input controller 41 receives a normal image signal for each frame output from the imaging control unit 27 of the imaging unit 20. The fluorescent image input controller 42 temporarily stores a fluorescent image signal. The normal image signal stored in the normal image input controller 41 and the fluorescent image signal stored in the fluorescent image input controller 42 are stored in the memory 44 via the bus.

  The image processing unit 43 receives the normal image signal and the fluorescence image signal for each frame read from the memory 44, performs predetermined image processing on these image signals, and outputs them to the bus.

  The video output unit 45 receives the normal image signal and the fluorescence image signal output from the image processing unit 43 via the bus, performs predetermined processing to generate a display control signal, and outputs the display control signal to the monitor 4. Output.

  The operation unit 46 receives input by the operator such as various operation instructions and control parameters. The TG 47 outputs drive pulse signals for driving the high-sensitivity image pickup device 24, the image pickup device 26 of the image pickup unit 20, and a first LD driver 55 and a second LD driver 59 of the light source device 2 described later. It is. The CPU 48 controls the entire apparatus.

  The light source device 2 includes a normal light source 50 that emits normal light (white light) L1 having a broadband wavelength of about 400 to 700 nm, a condenser lens 52 that collects the normal light L1 emitted from the normal light source 50, and A dichroic mirror 53 that transmits normal light L1 collected by the condensing lens 52, reflects excitation light L2 (to be described later), and makes normal light L1 and excitation light L2 enter the incident end of the first light guide LG1. And. For example, a xenon lamp is used as the normal light source 50. In addition, a diaphragm 51 is provided between the normal light source 50 and the condenser lens 52, and the amount of the diaphragm is controlled based on a control signal output from the CPU 48 of the processor 3.

  The light source device 2 emits near-infrared light of 750 to 790 nm as excitation light, and has two separate emission paths as emission paths of the excitation light.

  The first excitation light emission path includes a first near infrared LD light source 54 that emits near infrared light as excitation light L2, and a first LD driver 55 that drives the first near infrared LD light source 54. The condenser lens 56 that condenses the excitation light L2 emitted from the first near-infrared LD light source 54, and the mirror 57 that reflects the excitation light L2 collected by the condenser lens 56 toward the dichroic mirror 53. And the dichroic mirror 53.

  On the other hand, the other second excitation light emission path is a second near-infrared LD light source 58 that emits near-infrared light as excitation light L3 and a second near-infrared light LD light source 58 that drives the second near-infrared light LD light source 58. 2 LD drivers 59, and a condensing lens 60 that condenses the excitation light L3 emitted from the second near-infrared LD light source 58.

  It is assumed that the wavelengths of the excitation light L2 and the excitation light L3 are substantially the same wavelength. In this embodiment, near-infrared light is used as the excitation light L2 and L3. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a narrower wavelength than normal light having a wideband wavelength is used. And excitation light L2, L3 is not limited to the light of the said wavelength range, It determines suitably according to the kind of fluorescent pigment | dye, or the kind of biological tissue made to autofluoresce.

  The excitation light L2 emitted from the first excitation light emission path of the light source device 2 is incident on the incident end of the first light guide LG1 connected to the cable connection portion 30c on the side surface of the body cavity insertion portion 30. . A light guide connector 61 is provided at the tip of the first light guide LG1, and the first light guide LG1 is detachably connected to the light source device 2 via the light guide connector 61.

  In addition, the excitation light L3 emitted from the second excitation light emission path of the light source device 2 is incident on the incident end of the second light guide LG2 connected to the light source device 2. One end of the second light guide LG2 is detachably connected to the light source device 2 via the light guide connector 62, and the other end is detachably connected to the imaging unit 20. . Then, the excitation light L <b> 3 guided to the second light guide LG <b> 2 and emitted from the other end enters the imaging unit light guide 28 of the imaging unit 20.

  The processor 3 is connected to a wiring cable 5a including a signal wiring for transmitting an image signal output from the imaging control unit 27 in the imaging unit 20 and a control wiring for transmitting a control signal output from the processor 3. ing. A wiring connector 63 is provided at the tip of the wiring cable 5a, and the wiring cable 5a is detachably connected to the processor 3 via the wiring connector 63.

  Then, the wiring cable 5a connected to the processor 3 and the second light guide LG2 connected to the light source device 2 are combined into one cable 5 as shown in FIG. A cable connector 5b that is detachably connected to the imaging unit 20 is provided at the distal end.

  By configuring as described above, as shown in FIG. 5, the excitation light L2 emitted from the first excitation light emission path of the light source device 2 is connected to the first light guide LG1 connected to the light source device 2. The portion to be observed is irradiated via the first multimode optical fiber 30g provided in the body cavity insertion portion 30. On the other hand, the excitation light L3 emitted from the second excitation light emission path of the light source device 2 passes through the second light guide LG2, the imaging unit light guide 28, and the second multimode optical fiber 30h. Irradiate the observation part. Note that the normal light L1 also passes through the first light guide LG1 connected to the light source device 2 and the first multimode optical fiber 30g provided in the body cavity insertion portion 30 in the same manner as the excitation light L2. To irradiate the observed part.

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

  First, the connector C of the second light guide LG1 connected to the light source device 2 is connected to the cable connection portion 30c of the insertion member 30b of the body cavity insertion portion 30, and the second light connected to the light source device 2 A cable 5 in which the guide LG2 and the wiring cable 5a connected to the processor 3 are combined into one is connected to the imaging unit 20 via the cable connector 5b.

  Next, after the light source device 2 is turned on, the user inserts the body cavity insertion part 30 into the body cavity, and the tip of the body cavity insertion part 30 is installed in the vicinity of the observed part.

  Then, the normal light L1 emitted from the normal light source 50 of the light source device 2 and the excitation light L2 emitted from the first near-infrared LD light source 54 are guided by the first light guide LG1, and the body cavity insertion unit 30. It is incident on the incident end of the first multimode optical fiber 30g.

  Then, the normal light L1 and the excitation light L2 guided by the first multimode optical fiber 30g in the body cavity insertion unit 30 are irradiated from the distal end of the body cavity insertion unit 30 toward the observed part.

  On the other hand, the excitation light L3 emitted from the second near-infrared LD light source 54 of the light source device 2 is guided by the second light guide LG2 and the imaging unit light guide 28, and then the body cavity insertion part 30. Is incident on the incident end of the second multimode optical fiber 30h. Then, the excitation light L3 guided by the second multimode optical fiber 30h in the body cavity insertion part 30 is irradiated from the tip of the body cavity insertion part 30 toward the observed part.

  That is, the excitation light irradiated to the observed part is irradiated to the observed part via the two paths of the first and second excitation light emission paths as described above. Therefore, the amount of each excitation light that passes through each excitation light emission path can be approximately halved as compared with the case where the excitation light is irradiated to the observed portion via one excitation light emission path.

  Thereby, for example, the light guide connector 61 of the first light guide LG1 or the light guide connector 62 of the second light guide LG2 is mistakenly removed from the light source device 2 while the light source device 2 remains turned on. Even if the connector C of the first light guide LG1 is removed from the body cavity insertion portion 30, the light amount of the excitation light L2 emitted from the light source device 2 or the tip of the first light guide LG1 is set to a predetermined reference value. The safety can be ensured for the eyes. Further, even if the cable connector 5b of the cable 5 is mistakenly removed from the imaging unit 20 in a state where the light source device 2 is kept on, the light amount of the excitation light L3 can be set to a predetermined reference value or less. Eye safety can be ensured.

  On the other hand, since the light quantity of the excitation light irradiated to the observed part is a light quantity obtained by adding the light quantity of the excitation light L2 and the light quantity of the excitation light L3, it is possible to irradiate the observed part with a sufficient amount of excitation light. it can.

  And the normal image based on the reflected light reflected from the observed part by the irradiation of the normal light L1 as described above is picked up, and the fluorescence based on the fluorescence emitted from the observed part by the irradiation of the excitation light L2, L3. An image is taken. It should be noted that ICG is administered to the observed part in advance, and fluorescence emitted from the ICG is imaged.

  Specifically, when the normal image is captured, the normal image L4 based on the reflected light reflected from the observed portion by the irradiation of the normal light L1 is incident from the distal end portion 30Y of the insertion member 30b, and the inside of the insertion member 30b. Are guided by the relay lens 30 f and emitted toward the imaging unit 20.

  The normal image L4 incident on the imaging unit 20 is reflected by the dichroic prism 21 in a direction perpendicular to the imaging device 26, and is imaged on the imaging surface of the imaging device 26 by the second imaging optical system 25. 26 sequentially captures images at a predetermined frame rate.

  The normal image signals sequentially output from the image sensor 26 are subjected to CDS / AGC (correlated double sampling / automatic gain control) processing and A / D conversion processing in the imaging control unit 27, and then via the wiring cable 5a. The data is sequentially output to the processor 3.

  The normal image signal input to the processor 3 is temporarily stored in the normal image input controller 41 and then stored in the memory 44. Then, the normal image signal for each frame read from the memory 44 is subjected to gradation correction processing and sharpness correction processing in the image processing unit 43 and then sequentially output to the video output unit 45.

  Then, the video output unit 45 performs a predetermined process on the input normal image signal to generate a display control signal, and sequentially outputs the display control signal for each frame to the monitor 4. The monitor 4 displays a normal image based on the input display control signal.

  On the other hand, when the fluorescent image is picked up, a fluorescent image L5 based on the fluorescence emitted from the observed portion by the irradiation of the excitation lights L2 and L3 enters from the distal end portion 30Y of the insertion member 30b, and the relay in the insertion member 30b. The light is guided by the lens 30 f and emitted toward the imaging unit 20.

  The fluorescence image L5 incident on the imaging unit 20 passes through the dichroic prism 21 and the excitation light cut filter 22, and is then imaged on the imaging surface of the high-sensitivity imaging device 24 by the first imaging optical system 23, and has high sensitivity. Images are taken at a predetermined frame rate by the image sensor 24.

  Fluorescent image signals sequentially output from the high-sensitivity image sensor 24 are subjected to CDS / AGC (correlated double sampling / automatic gain control) processing and A / D conversion processing in the imaging control unit 27, and then are connected to the wiring cable 5a. To the processor 3 sequentially.

  The fluorescence image signal input to the processor 3 is temporarily stored in the fluorescence image input controller 42 and then stored in the memory 44. Then, the fluorescence image signal for each frame read from the memory 44 is subjected to predetermined image processing in the image processing unit 43 and then sequentially output to the video output unit 45.

  Then, the video output unit 45 performs a predetermined process on the input fluorescent image signal to generate a display control signal, and sequentially outputs the display control signal for each frame to the monitor 4. The monitor 4 displays a fluorescent image based on the input display control signal.

  Further, the rigid endoscope system of the above embodiment has a configuration in which the light source device 2 and the processor 3 are provided as separate bodies. However, as shown in FIG. 6, the light source device 2 and the processor 3 are integrally configured. It is good also as the processor 6 with a built-in light source part. In the case of such a configuration, as shown in FIG. 6, an in-processor light guide unit 64 is provided in the processor 6 with a built-in light source unit, and is emitted from the second near-infrared LD light source 58 and is collected. If the excitation light L3 collected by 60 is incident on the incident end face of the in-processor light guide 64, the excitation light L3 guided by the in-processor light guide 64 is emitted from the processor 6 with a built-in light source. Good. Then, the second light guide LG2 is connected to the processor 6 with a built-in light source unit, and the excitation light L3 emitted from the processor 6 with a built-in light source unit is incident on the imaging unit 20 through the second light guide LG2. do it. It is desirable that the second light guide LG2 and the wiring cable 5a are integrated together and connected to the processor 6 with a built-in light source unit via one connector 66. Further, when the second near-infrared LD light source 58 and the condensing lens 60 can be disposed in the vicinity of the connection portion between the second light guide LG2 and the processor 6 with built-in light source unit, the in-processor light guide unit 64 is not necessarily provided. There is no need to provide it.

  Alternatively, not all the light sources of the light source device 2 are integrated with the processor 3 as shown in FIG. 6, but the second of the two near-infrared LD light sources of the light source device 2 as shown in FIG. 7. Only the near-infrared LD light source 58, the second LD driver 59, and the condensing lens 60 may be built in the processor 3 to constitute the processor 7 with a built-in near-infrared light source. Then, the second light guide LG2 is connected to the near-infrared light source built-in processor 7, and the excitation light L3 emitted from the near-infrared light source built-in processor 7 is sent to the imaging unit 20 via the second light guide LG2. You may make it enter. By configuring in this way, an existing light source device including the normal light source 50 and one first near-infrared LD light source 54 can be used. Therefore, the design can be easily changed and the manufacturing cost can be reduced. be able to.

  Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 8, the light source device 2 and the processor 8 are connected by an optical connection cable 65, and an in-processor light guide 49 is provided in the processor 8, so that the second near infrared LD of the light source device 2 is provided. The excitation light L <b> 3 emitted from the light source 58 may be emitted from the processor 8 by being guided by the optical connection cable 65 and the in-processor light guide 49.

  Then, the second light guide LG2 may be connected to the processor 8, and the excitation light L3 emitted from the processor 8 may be incident on the imaging unit 20 via the second light guide LG2.

  In the rigid endoscope system of the above embodiment, two excitation light emission paths are provided, but three or more may be provided, and three or more excitation light entrances in the body cavity insertion unit 30 may be provided. However, when the number of paths is increased in this way, the loss of the amount of excitation light may increase, so it is desirable to determine the number of paths in consideration of the loss of the amount of excitation light.

  In the rigid endoscope system of the above embodiment, the excitation light emitted from one excitation light emission path is made to enter the body cavity insertion unit 30 via the imaging unit 20. Instead, the light may enter the body cavity insertion portion 30 directly. Specifically, the second light guide LG2 is connected to the body cavity insertion part 30 via a connection part different from the cable connection part 30c, and the excitation light guided by the second light guide LG2 is connected to the body cavity insertion part. You may make it inject into 30 directly.

  In the above embodiment, the fluorescent image is captured by the first imaging system. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and an image based on the light absorption characteristics of the observed part by irradiating special light to the observed part is captured. You may make it do.

  Moreover, although the said embodiment applies the endoscope apparatus of this invention to a rigid endoscope system, you may apply not only to this but to a flexible endoscope system, for example.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Hard endoscope system 2 Light source device 3 Processor 4 Monitor 5 Cable 5a Wiring cable 5b Cable connector 6 Light source part built-in processor 7 Near infrared light source built-in processor 10 Rigid mirror image pick-up device 20 Imaging unit 24 High-sensitivity image pickup device 26 Image pickup device 28 Image pickup unit Inner light guide section 30 Body cavity insertion section 30c Cable connection section 30d Irradiation window 30e Imaging window 30f Relay lens 30g, 30h Multimode optical fiber 49 In-processor light guide section 50 Normal light source 52 Condensing lens 54 First near infrared LD light source 58 Second near-infrared LD light source 64 In-processor light guide 65 Optical connection cable

Claims (13)

An insertion unit that is inserted into the body and irradiates special light to the observed part in the body and receives light emitted from the observed part by irradiation of the special light, and a special light source that emits the special light In an endoscope apparatus comprising a light source unit that supplies special light emitted from the special light source to the insertion unit,
The light source unit includes a plurality of special light emission paths that individually emit special light emitted from the special light source,
The insertion portion includes a plurality of special light incident paths through which the special light emitted from the plurality of special light emission paths is separately incident, and guides the special light incident from the plurality of special light incident paths. Then, the endoscope apparatus emits from the distal end portion and irradiates the observed portion. The insertion portion guides and emits the received light;
An imaging unit having an imaging element that receives light emitted from the insertion unit and photoelectrically converts the received light;
The imaging unit has an in-imaging unit light guide unit that guides at least one special light of the special light emitted from the plurality of special light emission paths of the light source unit. The endoscope apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the guided special light is incident on the special light incident path of the insertion portion. Connected to the light source unit and the insertion unit, and guides at least one of the special lights emitted from the plurality of special light emission paths of the light source unit to the special light incident path of the insertion unit A first light guide to be incident;
A light guide unit connected to the light source unit and the imaging unit, guides at least one of the special lights emitted from the plurality of special light emission paths of the light source unit, and guides light in the imaging unit of the imaging unit. The endoscope apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a second light guide that is incident on the endoscope.   The signal cable for propagating an image signal output from the image sensor of the imaging unit and the second light guide are integrated together and connected to the imaging unit. Endoscopic device.   The image processing unit that receives an image signal output from an image sensor of the imaging unit and performs a predetermined process on the image signal and the light source unit are integrally configured. The endoscope apparatus according to any one of 1 to 4.   An image signal output from the image sensor of the imaging unit is input, and an image processing unit that performs a predetermined process on the image signal and a part of the special light emission paths of the plurality of special light emission paths The endoscope apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the endoscope apparatus is integrally formed. A first light guide that is connected to the light source unit and the insertion unit, guides the special light emitted from the special light emission path other than the part, and enters the special light incident path of the insertion unit; ,
The special light exit path connected to the part of the special light emission path and the imaging unit, guides the special light emitted from the part of the special light emission path, and enters the light guide unit in the imaging unit of the imaging unit. The endoscope apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising two light guides. An image processing unit that receives an image signal output from the image sensor of the imaging unit and performs a predetermined process on the image signal,
The image processing unit includes a light guide in the processing unit that guides at least one special light out of the special light emitted from the plurality of special light emission paths of the light source unit, and the light guide in the processing unit. The endoscope apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the special light guided by the laser beam is incident on a light guide part in the imaging unit of the imaging unit.   The endoscope according to claim 8, wherein the image processing unit and the imaging unit are connected by a signal cable that propagates the image signal and a light guide that guides the special light. apparatus.   The endoscope apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the signal cable and the light guide are integrated together and connected to the imaging unit. The light source unit includes a white light source that emits white light,
Both the white light emitted from the white light source and the special light emitted from the special light emission path are incident from one special light incident path of the insertion unit,
The internal vision according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the insertion portion irradiates the observed portion with the white light and the special light incident from the special light incident path. Mirror device.   The endoscope apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the special light is near infrared light.   The endoscope apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the special light source is a laser light source.

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