JP2013153991A - Electronic endoscope system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electronic endoscope system which can display two or more images, to which different image processing is set, on a monitor at the same time and also can switch a displayed image by an easy operation.SOLUTION: An electronic endoscope system includes: an electronic endoscope; a first image processing circuit that acquires an image from the electronic endoscope and subjects the image to image processing to output as a first video signal; a second image processing circuit that acquires an image from the electronic endoscope and subjects the image to image processing to output as a second video signal; a monitor that displays a first endoscopic image based on the first video signal and a second endoscopic image based on the second video signal; and a display mode select means that accepts an input from a user, and selects based on the input either of a single image display mode to display the first endoscopic image on the monitor and a plural image display mode to display the first endoscopic image and the second endoscopic image on the monitor.

Description

  The present invention is an electronic endoscope system that displays an endoscopic image output from an electronic endoscope on a monitor, and more particularly, an electronic endoscope capable of simultaneously displaying a plurality of endoscopic images on a monitor. The present invention relates to an endoscope system.

  An electronic endoscope having a built-in objective optical system and an image sensor at the distal end of an insertion tube of the endoscope, and a video signal that can be displayed on a monitor by processing a video signal output from the electronic endoscope An electronic endoscope system including an electronic endoscope processor is widely used for diagnosis in a body cavity or the like.

  In an electronic endoscope system, in order to make it easy to see an endoscope image displayed on a monitor, image processing such as pseudo-dye dispersion processing and enhancement processing (contour enhancement processing) is performed by an electronic endoscope processor. In addition, a normal color image and a color image that has been subjected to image processing are simultaneously displayed on a monitor so that detailed diagnosis can be performed by comparing the two (for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2003-10113 A

  When image processing such as pseudo-pigment dispersion processing or enhancement processing is performed, it becomes easy to observe subtle irregularities on the stomach inner wall or large intestine inner wall, which is the subject, and it is possible to obtain a sharp image even from a blurred image However, if the effect of image processing is too strong, it may be difficult to view the image. Therefore, when displaying a plurality of images on a monitor as in Patent Document 1, not only a combination of a normal color image and a color image that has been subjected to image processing, but also a plurality of different image processing settings. It is preferable that the color image be displayed on the monitor at the same time.

  However, when the number of combinations of images displayed on the monitor is increased, the choice of the user (surgeon) is increased. On the other hand, the user must set (select) which image is displayed on the monitor during the procedure. Disappear.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and can display a plurality of color images having different image processing settings on the monitor at the same time, and can switch the color images on the monitor with a simple operation. An object is to provide an electronic endoscope system.

  In order to achieve the above object, an electronic endoscope system according to the present invention includes a solid-state imaging device at a distal end portion and outputs a signal obtained from the solid-state imaging device as a video signal, and an image from the video signal. A first image processing circuit that performs predetermined image processing on the image and outputs the first video signal, and acquires an image from the video signal, performs predetermined image processing on the image, A second image processing circuit that outputs the first video signal, a monitor that displays a first endoscopic image based on the first video signal and a second endoscopic image based on the second video signal; A single image display mode for receiving an input from the user and displaying the first endoscopic image on the monitor based on the input, and monitoring the first endoscopic image and the second endoscopic image Select one of the multiple image display modes to be displayed on Characterized in that it comprises a display mode selecting means.

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to set different image processing for the first endoscope image and the second endoscope image displayed on the monitor, and by operating the display mode selection unit. The image displayed on the monitor can be easily switched.

  A first operating means for accepting an input from the user and enabling or disabling the image processing of the first image processing circuit based on the input; an input from the user; and a second operation based on the input. And a second operation unit that enables or disables the image processing of the image processing circuit. According to such a configuration, a plurality of images that can be displayed on the monitor can be easily switched by operating the first operating means, the second operating means, and the display mode selecting means.

  Further, the second operation means may be configured to be operated prior to observation with an electronic endoscope. According to such a configuration, during the procedure, a plurality of images that can be displayed on the monitor can be switched by two operations of the first operation unit and the display mode selection unit.

  A first parameter input unit that inputs an image processing parameter of the first image processing circuit; and a second parameter input unit that inputs an image processing parameter of the second image processing circuit. The image processing circuit performs predetermined image processing based on the image processing parameters of the first image processing circuit, and the second image processing circuit performs predetermined image processing based on the image processing parameters of the second image processing circuit. You may comprise so that it may perform. In this case, the image processing parameter of the first image processing circuit may include a plurality of parameter sets.

  The display mode selection means is preferably an operation button provided on the operation unit of the electronic endoscope.

  The display mode selection means is preferably a foot switch.

  The display mode selection means is preferably a keyboard.

  The monitor also displays the first endoscopic image on the right side of the monitor and the second endoscopic image on the left side of the monitor when the multiple image display mode is selected by the display mode selecting means. You may comprise so that it may display on.

  A configuration including a superimposing circuit that superimposes a predetermined signal on the first video signal and the second video signal so that predetermined character information is displayed on the first endoscopic image and the second endoscopic image. It is good. According to such a configuration, the type of the image displayed on the monitor becomes clear at a glance, and it is possible to prevent misidentification and erroneous operation of the user (surgeon).

  As described above, according to the present invention, a plurality of color images having different image processing settings can be simultaneously displayed on the monitor, and the color image on the monitor can be switched with a simple operation. A mirror system is provided.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic endoscope system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an endoscopic image displayed on the monitor of the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a flowchart of the image processing parameter setting process for the first video executed in the electronic endoscope system of the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a first image processing setting screen according to the present embodiment. FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the image processing parameter setting process for the second video executed in the electronic endoscope system of the present embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a second image processing setting screen according to the present embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the settings of the first control button, the second control button, and the display mode setting button of the present embodiment and the image displayed on the monitor. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which character information is added to the first video and the second video of the present embodiment.

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

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the electronic endoscope system of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the electronic endoscope system 1 of this embodiment includes an electronic endoscope 100, a processor 200, a monitor 300, and an input interface 400.

  The processor 200 includes a system controller 202 and a timing controller 204. The system controller 202 controls each element constituting the electronic endoscope system 1. The timing controller 204 outputs a clock pulse for adjusting the signal processing timing to various circuits in the electronic endoscope system 1.

  The lamp 208 emits white light after being started by the lamp power igniter 206. As the lamp 208, a high-intensity lamp such as a xenon lamp, a halogen lamp, a mercury lamp, or a metal halide lamp is suitable. The illumination light emitted from the lamp 208 is collected by the condenser lens 210, is limited to an appropriate amount of light through the aperture 212, and enters an incident end of an LCB (Light Carrying Bundle) 102.

  A motor 214 is mechanically connected to the diaphragm 212 via a transmission mechanism such as an arm or a gear (not shown). The motor 214 is a DC motor, for example, and is driven under the control of the driver 216. The diaphragm 212 is configured such that the opening degree is changed by driving the motor 214 in order to make the image displayed on the monitor 300 have an appropriate brightness. Restrict according to The appropriate reference for the brightness of the image is changed according to the brightness adjustment operation of the front panel 218 by the operator. Note that the dimming circuit that controls the brightness by controlling the driver 216 is a well-known circuit and is omitted in this specification.

  The illumination light incident on the incident end of the LCB 102 propagates through the LCB 102 by repeating total reflection. The illumination light propagating through the LCB 102 is emitted from the emission end of the LCB 102 disposed at the tip of the electronic scope 100. The illumination light emitted from the exit end of the LCB 102 illuminates the subject via the light distribution lens 104. The reflected light from the subject forms an optical image at each pixel on the light receiving surface of the solid-state image sensor 108 via the objective lens 106.

  The solid-state image sensor 108 is a single-plate color CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) image sensor in which various filters such as an IR (InfraRed) cut filter 108a and a Bayer array color filter 108b are arranged on the front surface of the light receiving surface. The optical image formed by the pixel is accumulated as a charge corresponding to the amount of light, and converted into an imaging signal corresponding to each of R, G, and B colors. The converted imaging signal is input to the endoscope-side signal processing circuit 112 and is output to the signal processing circuit 220 after processing such as AD conversion and signal amplification. The solid-state image sensor 108 is not limited to a CMOS image sensor, but may be a CCD (Charge-Coupled Device) image sensor.

  The endoscope side signal processing circuit 112 accesses the memory 114 and reads out the unique information of the electronic scope 100. The unique information of the electronic scope 100 includes, for example, the number of pixels and sensitivity of the solid-state image sensor 108, a compatible rate, a model number, and the like. The endoscope side signal processing circuit 112 outputs the unique information read from the memory 114 to the system controller 202.

  The system controller 202 performs various calculations based on the unique information of the electronic scope 100 and generates a control signal. The system controller 202 uses the generated control signal to control the operation and timing of various circuits in the processor 200 so that processing suitable for the electronic scope 100 connected to the processor 200 is performed. In addition, a front panel 218 and an input interface 400 are connected to the system controller 202. The front panel 218 is, for example, a touch panel screen, and displays a screen for changing various setting values of the electronic endoscope system 1 under the control of the system controller 202 as well as input by the user. The operation is accepted. When there is an input from the user on the front panel 218, the system controller 202 executes various setting value change processing (for example, image processing parameter setting processing) in accordance with the input content.

  The input interface 400 is an input device that accepts input from a user, such as a keyboard or a foot switch, for example. When there is an input to the input interface 400, the system controller 202 performs processing according to the input of the input interface 400 (that is, A process for executing a function (for example, an air / water supply function) assigned in advance to a key or a foot switch of the keyboard is performed.

  The operation unit (not shown) of the electronic endoscope 100 according to the present embodiment includes a first image processing circuit control button 120 (hereinafter referred to as “first control button 120”) and a display mode setting button 121. It has been. The operation of the first control button 120 and the display mode setting button 121 by the user is detected by the system controller 202 via the endoscope side signal processing circuit 112. Although details will be described later, in the present embodiment, it is possible to switch the validity / invalidity of the image processing function of the first image processing circuit 222 through the operation of the first control button 120. When the first control button 120 is “ON”, the image processing function of the first image processing circuit 222 is enabled (ON), and when the first control button 120 is “OFF”, the image processing function of the first image processing circuit 222 is It becomes invalid (OFF). Further, the display mode (display mode) of the endoscopic image displayed on the monitor 300 through the operation of the display mode setting button 121 is changed to a mode for displaying a single endoscopic image (hereinafter referred to as “single image display mode”). Or a mode for displaying a plurality of endoscopic images (hereinafter referred to as “multiple image display mode”). In FIG. 1, the connection between the first control button 120 and the display mode setting button 121 and other blocks is omitted in order to simplify the drawing.

  The timing controller 204 supplies clock pulses to the endoscope side signal processing circuit 112 according to the timing control by the system controller 202. The endoscope-side signal processing circuit 112 controls driving of the solid-state image sensor 108 at a timing synchronized with the frame rate of the video processed on the processor 200 side in accordance with the clock pulse supplied from the timing controller 204.

  The signal processing circuit 220 includes a first image processing circuit 222, a second image processing circuit 224, and an image composition circuit 226. The signal processing circuit 220 stores digital image data output from the endoscope side signal processing circuit 112 in an image memory (not shown). The first image processing circuit 222 and the second image processing circuit 224 respectively read out the image data stored in the image memory at a predetermined timing (that is, corresponding to the horizontal and vertical synchronization frequencies of the monitor 300) and read out the image data. Predetermined image processing (for example, edge enhancement processing described later) is performed on the data, and the image data after the image processing is output to the image composition circuit 226. The image composition circuit 226 outputs image data output from the first image processing circuit 222 or output from the first image processing circuit 222 and the second image processing circuit 224 in accordance with the display mode set by the user (operator). The image data obtained by combining the image data to be one image is converted into a predetermined format video signal (for example, NTSC (National Television System Committee) format) and output to the monitor 300. As a result, the endoscopic image (hereinafter referred to as “first video IM1”) output from the first image processing circuit 222 or the first video IM1 and the second image processing circuit 224 is output to the monitor 300. Both endoscopic images (hereinafter referred to as “second video IM2”) are displayed. As described above, in this embodiment, the display mode of the endoscopic image displayed on the monitor 300 can be set through the operation of the display mode setting button 121. In the single image display mode, the first video is displayed. When IM1 is displayed and in the multi-image display mode, both the first video IM1 and the second video IM2 are displayed. Further, the image composition circuit 226 of this embodiment includes an OSD (On-Screen Display) circuit (not shown), and can superimpose information such as characters and symbols on image data in accordance with instructions from the system controller 202. (In other words, characters and symbols can be displayed together with the first video IM1 and the second video IM2.)

  FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the first video IM1 and the second video IM2 displayed on the monitor 300 of the present embodiment. FIG. 2A shows the first video IM1 displayed on the monitor 300 in the single image display mode. FIG. 2B shows the first video IM1 and the second video IM2 displayed on the monitor 300 in the multiple image display mode. As shown in FIG. 2, in the single image display mode, only the first video IM1 is displayed on the monitor 300, but in the multiple image display mode, the first video IM1 and the second video IM2 are left and right on the monitor 300. These are displayed side by side and can be diagnosed while observing them simultaneously. The setting values (that is, image processing parameters) of the image processing of the first video IM1 and the second video IM2 can be set independently by an image processing parameter setting process described later. Diagnosis can be performed while simultaneously observing two images having different image processing conditions.

(Image processing parameter setting processing of the first video IM1)
Next, an image processing parameter setting process for the first video IM1 executed in the electronic endoscope system 1 of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart of the image processing parameter setting process of the first video IM1 executed by the system controller 202 of the present embodiment. This process is a subroutine that is executed when there is an input to set an image processing parameter (hereinafter referred to as “first parameter”) of the first video IM1 by operating the front panel 218. For convenience of explanation, the processing step is abbreviated as “S” in the explanation and drawings in this specification.

  When this routine is started, S11 is executed. In S11, the system controller 202 displays the first image processing setting screen P1 on the front panel 218 and accepts an operation by the user. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the first image processing setting screen P1 of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, the first image processing setting screen P <b> 1 includes buttons A <b> 1 to A <b> 9 that select image processing items to be set, and buttons that change setting values of image processing items selected by the buttons A <b> 1 to A <b> 9. A user interface including A21 (down button), A22 (up button), a button A23 for inputting the end of setting of the first parameter, and buttons A31 to A33 for switching the parameter set of the first parameter.

  The button A1 is a button for setting the degree of contour emphasis of the first video IM1, and by selecting the button A1 and operating the button A21 or A22, “OFF, +1, +2, +3, +4, +5 , +6 ”, the degree of contour emphasis can be set.

  The button A2 is a button for setting the degree of surface enhancement (emphasis of fine unevenness existing locally) of the first image IM1, and by selecting the button A2 and operating the button A21 or A22, The degree of surface emphasis can be set in seven levels: “OFF, +1, +2, +3, +4, +5, +6”.

  The button A3 is a button for setting the degree of contrast enhancement of the first video IM1, and by selecting the button A3 and operating the button A21 or A22, “OFF, +1, +2, +3, +4, +5 , +6 ”, the degree of contrast enhancement can be set.

  The button A4 is a button for setting the color tone (tone) of the first video IM1, and by selecting the button A4 and operating the button A21 or A22, "c: large intestine", "g: stomach", etc. Therefore, it is possible to set a color tone suitable for the observation target part.

  The button A5 is a button for setting the degree of noise removal of the first video IM1, and by selecting the button A5 and operating the button A21 or A22, noise is reduced in three stages of “Low, Middle, High”. The degree of removal can be set.

  The button A6 is a button for setting the redness of the first video IM1, and by selecting the button A6 and operating the button A21 or A22, the degree of redness in 11 levels “−5 to +5” Can be set.

  The button A7 is a button for setting the blueness of the first image IM1, and the degree of blueness is selected in 11 levels “−5 to +5” by selecting the button A7 and operating the button A21 or A22. Can be set.

  The button A8 is a button for setting the brightness (brightness) of the first video IM1, and by selecting the button A8 and operating the button A21 or A22, the button A8 is brightened in 11 levels of “−5 to +5”. Can be set.

  The button A9 is a button for setting a photometric algorithm (peak photometry using the maximum luminance value or average photometry using the average luminance value) of the first video IM1, and the button A9 is selected, and the button A21 or A22 is selected. By operating, “Peak (peak metering), Ave (average metering)” can be set.

  Buttons A31 to A33 are buttons for switching the parameter set of the first parameter. In the present embodiment, three different parameter sets can be stored as the first parameter by switching the buttons A31 to A33. In other words, the first parameter that is frequently used is assigned to the buttons A31 to A33 so that the setting change (switching) of the first parameter can be easily performed.

  Thus, in S11, the user can set three types of first parameters by operating the buttons A1 to A9, A21, A22, and A31 to A33 on the first image processing setting screen P1. Next, the process proceeds to S12.

  In S12, the system controller 202 determines whether or not the setting of the first parameter is completed (that is, whether or not pressing of the end button A23 is detected). If it is detected that the user presses the end button A23 (S12: YES), the process proceeds to S13. If no user presses the end button A23 is detected (S12: NO), the process returns to S11, and S11 and S12 are repeated. Run.

  In S13, the system controller 202 stores the first parameter set in S11 in a memory (not shown), and ends this process. The parameter sets assigned to the buttons A31 to A33 are stored at different addresses on the memory. Although the details will be described later, the first parameter stored in the memory is read in an endoscopic image observation process described later when the first control button 120 is “ON”, and an image is read according to the set first parameter. The processed first video IM1 (hereinafter, the first video IM1 image-processed according to the first parameter is referred to as “first special image”) is output to the monitor 300. On the other hand, when the first control button 120 is “OFF”, the first video IM1 that is not subjected to image processing (hereinafter referred to as the first video IM1 that is not subjected to image processing) is read without being read in an endoscopic image observation process described later. The first normal image ”) is output to the monitor 300.

(Image processing parameter setting process of second video IM2)
Next, the image processing parameter setting process for the second video IM2 executed in the electronic endoscope system 1 of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the image processing parameter setting process of the second video IM2 executed by the system controller 202 of the present embodiment. This process is a subroutine executed when there is an input to set an image processing parameter (hereinafter referred to as “second parameter”) of the second video IM2 by operating the front panel 218.

  When this routine is started, S21 is executed. In S21, the system controller 202 displays the second image processing setting screen P2 on the front panel 218, and accepts an operation by the user. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the second image processing setting screen P2 of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6, the second image processing setting screen P2 includes buttons A1 to A7 for selecting image processing items to be set, and a button A21 for changing the setting values of the image processing items selected by these buttons. (Down button), A22 (up button), a button A23 for inputting the end of the setting of the second parameter, and a button for switching the validity / invalidity of the second parameter (that is, the validity / invalidity of the second image processing circuit 224). A user interface provided with A41 and A42. As can be seen from comparison with the first image processing setting screen P1 of FIG. 4, the second image processing setting screen P2 does not have the buttons A8, A9, A31 to A33, but includes the buttons A41 and A42. Different from the processing setting screen P1. Since the functions of the buttons A1 to A7 and A21 to A23 common to the first image processing setting screen P1 and the second image processing setting screen P2 are the same as those of the first image processing setting screen P1, the description thereof will be omitted. Only different configurations will be described.

  The buttons A41 and A42 are second image processing circuit control buttons (hereinafter referred to as “second control button A40”), and the image processing function of the second image processing circuit 222 is activated through the operation of the second control button A40. / Invalidation can be switched. When the user presses the button A42, the image processing function of the second image processing circuit 222 is enabled (ON), and when the user presses the button A41, the image processing function of the second image processing circuit 222 is disabled (OFF). Although details will be described later, when the user finishes the setting after pressing the button A42 (that is, with the image processing function of the second image processing circuit 222 set to ON (ON)) (when the user presses the end button A23) ), The second video IM2 image-processed according to the set second parameter in the endoscopic image observation process described later (hereinafter, the second video IM2 image-processed according to the second parameter is referred to as a “second special image”) .) Is output to the monitor 300. On the other hand, after the user presses the button A41 (that is, when the image processing function of the second image processing circuit 222 is set to invalid (OFF)) (when the user presses the end button A23), the setting will be described later. In the endoscopic image observation process, a second video IM2 that is not subjected to image processing (hereinafter, the second video IM2 that is not subjected to image processing is referred to as a “second normal image”) is output to the monitor 300.

  As described above, in S21, the user can set the second parameter by operating the buttons A1 to A7, A21, and A22 of the second image processing setting screen P2, and also operates the buttons A41 and A42. Accordingly, it is possible to switch the validity / invalidity of the image processing function of the second image processing circuit 222. Next, the process proceeds to S22.

  In S22, the system controller 202 determines whether or not the setting of the second parameter has been completed (that is, whether or not pressing of the end button A23 has been detected). If it is detected that the user presses the end button A23 (S22: YES), the process proceeds to S23. If the user does not detect the end button A23 being pressed (S22: NO), the process returns to S21, and S21 and S22 are repeated. Run.

  In S23, the system controller 202 stores the second parameter set in Step S21 in a memory (not shown), and ends this process. And the 2nd parameter memorize | stored in memory is read suitably in the endoscopic image observation process mentioned later.

(Endoscopic image observation processing)
Next, an endoscope image observation process executed in the electronic endoscope system 1 of the present embodiment will be described. The endoscopic image observation process is an endoscopic image display process executed by the system controller 202 controlling the signal processing circuit 220 and is started when the electronic endoscope system 1 is activated. In this process, the system controller 202 monitors the first control button 120, the second control button A40, and the display mode setting button 121, and based on these settings, the first image processing circuit 222 and the second image processing circuit 224. And a predetermined image is displayed on the monitor 300 as the first video IM1 and the second video IM2.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between the settings of the first control button 120, the second control button A40, and the display mode setting button 121 and an image displayed by the endoscopic image observation process. As described above, the first control button 120 switches the validity / invalidity of the image processing function of the first image processing circuit 222, and the second control button A40 switches the validity / invalidity of the image processing function of the second image processing circuit 222. The display mode setting button 121 switches the display mode (display mode) of the endoscopic image displayed on the monitor 300 to the single image display mode or the multiple image display mode. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7, the first video IM1 and the second video IM2 are switched in eight display modes by a combination thereof.

(In the case of the single image display mode (display mode setting button 121 = “OFF”))
In the single image display mode, when the second control button A40 = "OFF" and the first control button 120 = "OFF", the system controller 202 performs image processing of the first image processing circuit 222 and the second image processing circuit 224. The function is disabled, and digital image data input from the endoscope side signal processing circuit 112 to the first image processing circuit 222 and the second image processing circuit 224 is output to the image composition circuit 226 as it is. Then, as a result of selecting and outputting only the image data (first video IM1) from the first image processing circuit 222 by the image composition circuit 226, only the first normal image is displayed on the monitor 300.

  In the single image display mode, when the second control button A40 = "OFF" and the first control button 120 = "ON", the system controller 202 reads the first parameter stored in the memory, and the first image processing circuit And the image processing function of the second image processing circuit 224 is disabled. As a result, digital image data input from the endoscope side signal processing circuit 112 to the first image processing circuit 222 is subjected to image processing according to the first parameter, and the endoscope side signal processing circuit 112 performs second image processing. Digital image data input to the circuit 224 is not subjected to image processing and is output to the image composition circuit 226. Then, as a result of selecting and outputting only the image data (first video IM1) from the first image processing circuit 222 by the image composition circuit 226, only the first special image is displayed on the monitor 300. As described above, in the present embodiment, three different parameter sets can be stored as the first parameter. However, the first parameter read from the memory is a parameter set in advance by the user. Is a set. That is, the user can set in advance which of the parameter sets assigned to the buttons A31 to A33 is to be used.

  When the second control button A40 = “ON” and the first control button 120 = “OFF” in the single image display mode, the system controller 202 reads the second parameter stored in the memory, and the second image processing circuit And the image processing function of the first image processing circuit 222 is disabled. As a result, the digital image data input from the endoscope side signal processing circuit 112 to the second image processing circuit 224 is subjected to image processing according to the second parameter, and from the endoscope side signal processing circuit 112 to the first image processing. The digital image data input to the circuit 222 is not subjected to image processing and is output to the image composition circuit 226. Then, as a result of selecting and outputting only the image data (first video IM1) from the first image processing circuit 222 by the image composition circuit 226, only the first normal image is displayed on the monitor 300.

  In the single image display mode, when the second control button A40 = "ON" and the first control button 120 = "ON", the system controller 202 reads the first parameter stored in the memory, and the first image processing circuit The second parameter stored in the memory is read out and set in the second image processing circuit 224. As a result, digital image data input from the endoscope side signal processing circuit 112 to the first image processing circuit 222 is subjected to image processing according to the first parameter, and the endoscope side signal processing circuit 112 performs second image processing. The digital image data input to the circuit 224 is subjected to image processing according to the second parameter and output to the image composition circuit 226. Then, as a result of selecting and outputting only the image data (first video IM1) from the first image processing circuit 222 by the image composition circuit 226, only the first special image is displayed on the monitor 300.

(In the case of multiple image display mode (display mode setting button 121 = “ON”))
In the multiple image display mode, when the second control button A40 = "OFF" and the first control button 120 = "OFF", the system controller 202 has the image processing functions of the first image processing circuit 222 and the second image processing circuit 224. The digital image data input from the endoscope side signal processing circuit 112 to the first image processing circuit 222 and the second image processing circuit 224 is output to the image composition circuit 226 as it is. Then, the image composition circuit 226 synthesizes the image data output from the first image processing circuit 222 and the second image processing circuit 224 into one image, and outputs the result. An image and a first normal image are displayed.

  In the multiple image display mode, when the second control button A40 = "OFF" and the first control button 120 = "ON", the system controller 202 reads the first parameter stored in the memory, and the first image processing circuit 222. And the image processing function of the second image processing circuit 224 is disabled. As a result, digital image data input from the endoscope side signal processing circuit 112 to the first image processing circuit 222 is subjected to image processing according to the first parameter, and the endoscope side signal processing circuit 112 performs second image processing. Digital image data input to the circuit 224 is not subjected to image processing and is output to the image composition circuit 226. Then, the image composition circuit 226 synthesizes the image data output from the first image processing circuit 222 and the second image processing circuit 224 into one image, and outputs the result. An image and a first special image are displayed.

  In the multiple image display mode, when the second control button A40 = "ON" and the first control button 120 = "OFF", the system controller 202 reads the second parameter stored in the memory, and the second image processing circuit 224. And the image processing function of the first image processing circuit 222 is disabled. As a result, the digital image data input from the endoscope side signal processing circuit 112 to the second image processing circuit 224 is subjected to image processing according to the second parameter, and from the endoscope side signal processing circuit 112 to the first image processing. The digital image data input to the circuit 222 is not subjected to image processing and is output to the image composition circuit 226. Then, the image composition circuit 226 synthesizes the image data output from the first image processing circuit 222 and the second image processing circuit 224 into one image and outputs the result. An image and a first normal image are displayed.

  In the multiple image display mode, when the second control button A40 = "ON" and the first control button 120 = "ON", the system controller 202 reads the first parameter stored in the memory, and the first image processing circuit 222. And the second parameter stored in the memory is read out and set in the second image processing circuit 224. As a result, digital image data input from the endoscope side signal processing circuit 112 to the first image processing circuit 222 is subjected to image processing according to the first parameter, and the endoscope side signal processing circuit 112 performs second image processing. The digital image data input to the circuit 224 is subjected to image processing according to the second parameter and output to the image composition circuit 226. Then, the image composition circuit 226 synthesizes the image data output from the first image processing circuit 222 and the second image processing circuit 224 into one image and outputs the result. An image and a first special image are displayed.

  As described above, according to the endoscopic image observation processing of the present embodiment, various combinations (that is, normal images) are performed according to the button operations of the first control button 120, the second control button A40, and the display mode setting button 121. , A combination of the first special image and the second special image) can be displayed on the monitor 300. As described above, since the image processing parameters of the first special image and the second special image can be set independently, a plurality of images subjected to different image processing can be simultaneously processed. It can also be displayed on the monitor 300.

  The above is the description of the embodiment of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the technical idea. For example, although the second control button A40 of the present embodiment has been described as a button displayed in the second image processing setting screen P2, the electronic endoscope 100 is similar to the first control button 120 and the display mode setting button 121. It is good also as a structure provided in this operation part. With such a configuration, it is possible to easily operate the second control button even during the procedure. If the second control button A40 is configured as a button displayed in the second image processing setting screen P2 as in the present embodiment, the second control button A40 is operated prior to actual observation by the electronic endoscope 100. (The setting) is effective because the endoscope image displayed on the monitor can be switched by the two operations of the first operation means and the display mode selection means during the procedure. It is.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the first control button 120 and the display mode setting button 121 have been described as buttons on the operation unit of the electronic endoscope 100. However, for example, these functions are performed by the input interface 400 (for example, Keyboard, foot switch, etc.).

  In the present embodiment, the two endoscopic images of the first video IM1 and the second video IM2 have been described as being displayed on the monitor 300. However, the configuration is not limited to this configuration, and many more An endoscope image may be configured to be displayed on the monitor 300. In this case, an image processing circuit corresponding to the number of endoscopic images may be provided. Further, the first video IM1 and the second video IM2 may be displayed on separate monitors. In this case, the image composition circuit 226 is unnecessary.

  In the present embodiment, the first video IM1 and the second video IM2 are displayed side by side on the monitor 300 in the multi-image display mode, but one of the images is a child screen. The configuration may be included in the other image.

  In addition, character information indicating the type of image may be added to the first video IM1 and the second video IM2 on the monitor 300 using the OSD circuit of the image synthesis circuit 226. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which character information is added below the first video IM1 and the second video IM2 on the monitor 300. With such a configuration, the types of images displayed as the first video IM1 and the second video IM2 become clear at a glance, and it is possible to prevent misidentification and erroneous operation of the user (surgeon).

1 Electronic Endoscope System 100 Electronic Endoscope 102 LCB
104 Light Distribution Lens 106 Objective Lens 108 Solid-State Image Sensor 112 Endoscope-side Signal Processing Circuit 114 Memory 120, 121 Operation Button 200 Electronic Endoscope Processor 202 System Controller 204 Timing Controller 206 Lamp Power Supply Igniter 208 Lamp 210 Condensing Lens 212 Aperture 214 Motor 216 Driver 218 Front panel 220 Signal processing circuit 222 First image processing circuit 224 Second image processing circuit 226 Image composition circuit 300 Monitor 400 Input interface

Claims (10)

An electronic endoscope provided with a solid-state image sensor at the tip, and outputting a signal obtained from the solid-state image sensor as a video signal;
A first image processing circuit that acquires an image from the video signal, performs predetermined image processing on the image, and outputs the first video signal;
A second image processing circuit that acquires an image from the video signal, performs predetermined image processing on the image, and outputs the image as a second video signal;
A monitor that displays a first endoscopic image based on the first video signal and a second endoscopic image based on the second video signal;
A single image display mode for receiving an input from a user and displaying the first endoscopic image on the monitor based on the input; the first endoscopic image; and the second endoscopic Display mode selection means for selecting one of a plurality of image display modes for displaying an image on the monitor;
An electronic endoscope system comprising: First operating means for accepting an input from a user and enabling or disabling image processing of the first image processing circuit based on the input;
Second operating means for accepting an input from a user and enabling or disabling image processing of the second image processing circuit based on the input;
The electronic endoscope system according to claim 1, further comprising:   The electronic endoscope system according to claim 2, wherein the second operation means is operated prior to observation by the electronic endoscope. First parameter input means for inputting image processing parameters of the first image processing circuit;
Second parameter input means for inputting image processing parameters of the second image processing circuit;
With
The first image processing circuit performs the predetermined image processing based on an image processing parameter of the first image processing circuit;
4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the second image processing circuit performs the predetermined image processing based on an image processing parameter of the second image processing circuit. 5. Electronic endoscope system.   The electronic endoscope system according to claim 4, wherein the image processing parameter of the first image processing circuit includes a plurality of parameter sets.   The electronic endoscope system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the display mode selection unit is an operation button provided in an operation unit of the electronic endoscope.   The electronic endoscope system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the display mode selection means is a foot switch.   The electronic endoscope system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the display mode selection means is a keyboard.   The monitor displays the first endoscopic image on the right side of the monitor when the multi-image display mode is selected by the display mode selection means, and displays the second endoscopic image The electronic endoscope system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the electronic endoscope system is displayed on a left side of the monitor.   A superimposing circuit for superimposing a predetermined signal on the first video signal and the second video signal so that predetermined character information is displayed on the first endoscopic image and the second endoscopic image; The electronic endoscope system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising:

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