JP2013180079A - Electronic endoscope system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electronic endoscope system capable of adjusting an image processing parameter for each of endoscopic images displayed on a plurality of monitors.SOLUTION: An electronic endoscope system includes: an electronic endoscope; first and second image processing circuits for processing images from the electronic endoscope and outputting them as first and second video signals; first and second monitors for displaying first and second endoscopic images on the basis of the first and second video signals; and first and second parameter change means for changing the image processing parameters of the first and second image processing circuits on the basis of input from first and second users. The image processing parameters of the first image processing circuit and the second image processing circuit include a common parameter that acts in common on the first endoscopic image and the second endoscopic image respectively, and the second parameter change means inhibits the change of the common parameter included in the image processing parameter of the second image processing circuit.

Description

  The present invention relates to an electronic endoscope system that displays an endoscopic image output from an electronic endoscope on a monitor, and more particularly to an electronic endoscope that displays an image-processed endoscopic image simultaneously on a plurality of monitors. 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. (For example, Patent Document 1). Endoscopic images can be displayed on multiple monitors so that operators who operate the electronic endoscope system to assist the surgeon and visitors who observe surgery can view the endoscopic image. An electronic endoscope system is also known (for example, Patent Document 2).

JP 2003-10113 A JP 2007-307018 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 the image processing is too strong, it is difficult to see the image. Therefore, various parameters of the image processing (for example, the degree of contour enhancement, brightness, color tone) are user-preferred. It is desirable to be able to adjust according to. The configuration described in Patent Document 2 displays endoscopic images on a plurality of monitors at the same time. Generally, an operator views an endoscopic image in a dim environment, while an operator or a visitor observes the endoscopic image. Since a person views an endoscopic image in a relatively bright environment, there is a demand for adjusting image processing parameters in accordance with each environment. Therefore, as shown in Patent Document 2, when endoscopic images are simultaneously displayed on a plurality of monitors, the image processing parameters of the images displayed on the monitors can be independently adjusted according to the preference of each user. It is preferable to configure.

  As a configuration for independently adjusting the image processing parameters of the images displayed on each monitor, it may be possible to provide an image processing circuit independently for each image, but the image processing parameters include brightness adjustment and adjustment. It also includes parameters that directly affect the amount of irradiated light, such as light processing, and parameters related to the operation of the electronic endoscope such as the electronic shutter speed of the solid-state image sensor (that is, parameters that affect the entire electronic endoscope system). When such parameters are adjusted by an operator or a visitor, there arises a disadvantage that the brightness of the endoscopic image displayed on the operator's monitor changes accordingly.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, enables image processing parameters to be adjusted according to user preferences for each of endoscopic images displayed simultaneously on a plurality of monitors, and an operator. It is an object of the present invention to provide an electronic endoscope system configured such that an endoscopic image displayed on a monitor on the side is not affected by changes in image processing parameters of others (operators and visitors).

  In order to achieve the above object, an electronic endoscope system according to the present invention includes a light source that emits illumination light, guides the illumination light to irradiate a subject, receives the reflected light by a solid-state imaging device, and performs photoelectric conversion. An electronic endoscope that outputs an image 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 image as a first video signal, and acquires an image from the video signal A second image processing circuit that performs predetermined image processing on the image and outputs the second video signal; a first monitor that displays a first endoscopic image based on the first video signal; and a second video A second monitor for displaying a second endoscopic image based on the signal, and first parameter changing means for receiving an input from the first user and changing an image processing parameter of the first image processing circuit based on the input And input from the second user Second parameter changing means for receiving and changing the image processing parameter of the second image processing circuit based on the input, and each of the image processing parameter of the first image processing circuit and the image processing parameter of the second image processing circuit is The second parameter changing means prohibits the change of the common parameter included in the image processing parameter of the second image processing circuit. It is characterized by that.

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to independently adjust the image processing parameters of the first endoscopic image displayed on the first monitor and the second endoscopic image displayed on the second monitor. It becomes. In addition, since the common parameter cannot be changed from the second user side, the change of the image processing parameter of the second user affects the first endoscope image on the first user side (operator side). Therefore, the operator can concentrate on the procedure using the endoscopic image on which the desired image processing has been performed.

  Further, the first parameter changing means is configured to change the common parameter included in the image processing parameter of the second image processing circuit when the common parameter included in the image processing parameter of the first image processing circuit is changed. Is desirable.

  The second parameter changing means displays an operation screen including an operation button for changing the image processing parameter of the second image processing circuit on the second monitor, and the operation screen corresponds to the common parameter. It can be configured not to include operation buttons.

  The second parameter changing means displays an operation screen including an operation button for changing the image processing parameter of the second image processing circuit on the second monitor, and the operation button corresponding to the common parameter is operated. The operation can be made invalid.

  The second parameter changing means displays an operation screen including an operation button for changing the image processing parameter of the second image processing circuit on the second monitor, and hides the operation button corresponding to the common parameter. It can be constituted as follows.

  Moreover, the light quantity control means which controls the light quantity of illumination light based on a common parameter can be further provided.

  Further, the common parameter can include an operation parameter of the electronic endoscope. In this case, it is desirable that the operation parameters of the electronic endoscope include the shutter speed of the solid-state imaging device.

  Further, it detects that the image processing parameter of the first image processing circuit has been changed, and detects that the first notification means for notifying the first user and the image processing parameter of the second image processing circuit have been changed. And second notification means for notifying the second user. In this case, the first notification unit superimposes predetermined character information on the first video signal when the image processing parameter of the first image processing circuit is changed, and the second notification unit performs the image processing of the second image processing circuit. It is desirable to superimpose predetermined character information on the second video signal when the parameter is changed. According to such a configuration, each user can reliably recognize that the image processing parameter has been changed.

  The first notifying means has a first sound output means for emitting a sound, and outputs a predetermined beep sound or sound from the first sound output means when the image processing parameter of the first image processing circuit is changed. The second notification means has a second sound output means for emitting a sound, and outputs a predetermined beep sound or sound from the second sound output means when the image processing parameter of the second image processing circuit is changed. be able to.

  The first notifying means has first light emitting means for emitting light, and outputs light of a predetermined light emission pattern from the first light emitting means when the image processing parameter of the first image processing circuit is changed. The notifying means may include a second light emitting means for emitting light, and may output light of a predetermined light emission pattern from the second light emitting means when the image processing parameter of the second image processing circuit is changed.

  As described above, according to the electronic endoscope system of the present invention, it is possible to adjust the image processing parameters according to the user's preference for each of the endoscopic images simultaneously displayed on a plurality of monitors. In addition, since the endoscopic image displayed on the operator's monitor is not affected by changes in image processing parameters of others (operators and visitors), the operator can perform an endoscope that has undergone desired image processing. The image can be used to concentrate on the procedure.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic endoscope system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a flowchart of image processing parameter change processing executed in the electronic endoscope system of the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image processing setting screen according to the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a video user setting screen used in the electronic endoscope system according to the modification 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, an electronic endoscope system 1 according to the present embodiment includes an electronic endoscope apparatus 10 including an electronic endoscope 100, a processor 200, and a monitor 300, and a PC (Personal Computer). 500, an external device 20 including a keyboard 510 and a monitor 520. The external device 20 is connected to the electronic endoscope device 10 and is configured to receive video signals and to change various settings of the electronic endoscope device 10. In the present embodiment, the electronic endoscope apparatus 10 is mainly operated by an operator, and the external apparatus 20 is operated by an operator who supports the operator and a visitor who observes the operation. For example, the operator operates the external device 20 in accordance with an instruction from the operator, records a video signal output from the electronic endoscope device 10 as a still image or a moving image, or inputs information such as patient information and observation records. Or do. Hereinafter, in this specification, an operator or a visitor who operates the external device 20 is referred to as an “operator”.

  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 clock pulses for adjusting signal processing timing to various circuits in the electronic endoscope apparatus 10.

  The lamp 208 emits illumination 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 images displayed on the monitor 300 and the monitor 520 have appropriate brightness. The amount of illumination light emitted from the lamp 208 is Is limited according to the opening. The appropriate video brightness reference can be set by the brightness adjustment operation of the front panel 218 by the user (that is, the surgeon) of the electronic endoscope apparatus 10. 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 driver signal processing circuit 112, and after being subjected to processing such as AD conversion and signal amplification, is output to the signal processing circuit 220. 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 driver signal processing circuit 112 accesses the memory 114 and reads 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 driver 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 an electronic scope connected to the processor 200 is performed. Further, a front panel 218 and a foot switch 400 are connected to the system controller 202. The front panel 218 is, for example, a touch panel screen, and displays a menu for changing various setting values of the electronic endoscope device 10 under the control of the system controller 202, as described later. Accept input operations. When there is an input from the operator on the front panel 218, the system controller 202 executes various setting value change processing (for example, image processing parameter setting change processing) in accordance with the input content. Similarly, when there is an input to the foot switch 400, the system controller 202 performs processing corresponding to the input of the foot switch 400 (that is, a function assigned in advance to the foot switch 400 (for example, air / water supply function, image processing). Processing for executing the parameter setting changing function) is performed. The electronic endoscope 100 according to the present embodiment includes an operation button 120 so that the operation of the operation button 120 by the operator is detected by the system controller 202 via the driver signal processing circuit 112. It is configured. That is, the operation button 120 of the electronic endoscope 100 functions as an input device like the foot switch 400, and when there is an input to the operation button 120, the system controller 202 is assigned in advance to the operation button 120. Processing for executing a function (for example, an image capture function, a function for changing image processing parameter settings) is performed.

  The timing controller 204 supplies clock pulses to the driver signal processing circuit 112 in accordance with timing control by the system controller 202. The driver signal processing circuit 112 drives and controls the solid-state imaging device 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 OSD (On-Screen Display) circuit 226. The signal processing circuit 220 stores digital image data output from the driver 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 OSD circuit 226. The OSD circuit 226 outputs information such as characters and symbols (hereinafter referred to as “character information”) to the image data that has been subjected to image processing and is output from the first image processing circuit 222 and the second image processing circuit 224. Are superimposed and converted into a video signal of a predetermined format (for example, NTSC format), and then output to the monitor 300 and the PC 500 of the external device 20. In the present embodiment, the image data image-processed by the first image processing circuit 222 is displayed on the monitor 300 as an endoscopic image (hereinafter referred to as “first video IM1”).

  The PC 500 includes a video capture board (not shown), captures image data input from the OSD circuit 226, and outputs the captured image data to the monitor 520. In the present embodiment, the image data processed by the second image processing circuit 224 is displayed on the monitor 520 as an endoscopic image (hereinafter referred to as “second video IM2”). The PC 500 is connected to the system controller 202 of the electronic endoscope apparatus 10 via a LAN (Local Area Network) cable, a serial cable, or the like. When the operator or the like operates the keyboard 510, the PC 500 is connected to the system controller 202. The monitor 520 displays an operation screen for changing various setting values of the electronic endoscope apparatus 10. Then, when the operator or the like operates the operation screen displayed on the monitor 520 by operating the keyboard 510, the system controller 202 executes various setting value change processing or the like according to the input content.

  Thus, in the present embodiment, the first video IM1 image-processed by the first image processing circuit 222 and the second video IM2 image-processed by the second image processing circuit 224 are displayed on the monitor 300 and the monitor 520. Each is displayed separately. The setting values (that is, image processing parameters) for the image processing of the first video IM1 and the second video IM2 can be independently changed by image processing parameter changing processing described later.

  Next, an image processing parameter change process executed in the electronic endoscope system 1 of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a flowchart of image processing parameter change processing executed by the system controller 202 of the present embodiment. This processing is performed when there is an input to change the image processing setting by the operator operating the front panel 218 or the like or the operator using the keyboard 510 (that is, the image processing parameter changing processing is instructed). This subroutine is executed when

  When this routine is started, step S11 is executed. In step S11, the system controller 202 displays the image processing setting screen P1 or P2 on the front panel 218 or the monitor 520. That is, when this routine is started by an operation of the front panel 218 or the like by the surgeon, it is recognized as a request for changing the image processing parameter for the first video IM1 that the surgeon is viewing, and the front panel 218 receives a doctor. Image processing setting screen P1 is displayed, and when this routine is started by the operation of the keyboard 510 by an operator or the like, it is recognized as a request for changing the image processing parameter for the second video IM2 that the operator or the like is viewing. Then, an image processing setting screen P2 for the operator is displayed on the monitor 520 via the PC 500. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image processing setting screen according to the present embodiment, FIG. 3A illustrates an example of an image processing setting screen P1 for a doctor, and FIG. 3B illustrates an image for an operator. An example of the image processing setting screen P2 is shown. The image processing setting screens P1 and P2 are user interfaces for selecting an image processing item whose setting is to be changed and changing a setting value (image processing parameter) of the item. As shown in FIG. 3A, the image processing setting screen P1 includes a button B1 for setting the degree of contour enhancement, a button B2 for setting the degree of noise reduction, a button B3 for setting the redness of the endoscope image, A button B4 for setting the bluish color of the endoscopic image, a button B5 for selecting whether or not to generate a pseudo-dye scattered image, a button B6 for selecting whether or not to emphasize only a specific spatial frequency, and gamma correction Button B7 for setting the degree of brightness, button B8 for setting the brightness (brightness) of the endoscopic image, and a dimming algorithm (for example, dimming using the maximum luminance value of the image or dimming using the average luminance value of the image) Button B9 for selecting the light, buttons B11 and B12 for changing the setting values of the items assigned to the buttons B1 to B9, and the end button B13 for inputting the end of the image processing setting. It is made. As shown in FIG. 3B, the image processing setting screen P2 has substantially the same configuration as the image processing setting screen P1, but differs from the image processing setting screen P1 in that the buttons B8 and B9 are not provided. . In other words, the operator or the like cannot set the brightness (brightness) of the endoscopic image and select the dimming algorithm. When the brightness of the endoscopic image and the setting of the dimming algorithm are changed by the buttons B8 and B9, the amount of illumination light emitted from the emission end of the LCB 102 is changed, and the first image processing circuit 222 and the second image processing circuit are changed. This directly affects the imaging signal of the solid-state imaging device 108 that is input to both of the H.224. That is, these items cannot be adjusted independently for each of the first video IM1 and the second video IM2. Therefore, in this embodiment, image processing items that affect both the first video IM1 and the second video IM2 (that is, the entire electronic endoscope system 1) are independent as common parameters. And can be set only on the image processing setting screen P1 for the doctor and cannot be set on the image processing setting screen P2 for the operator (described later).

  An operator, an operator, or the like (user) operates the buttons B1 to B9 on the image processing setting screen P1 or the buttons B1 to B7 on the image processing setting screen P2 to select an image processing item whose setting is to be changed. Then, the set values are changed by operating the buttons B11 and B12 for the selected item. For example, when the degree of contour emphasis is changed, the degree of contour emphasis can be lowered or raised by operating the button B11 or B12 after operating the button B1, in the case of FIG. The degree of edge enhancement is set to “+3”. When the image processing setting screen P1 or P2 is displayed on the front panel 218 or the monitor 520 and input from the user can be accepted, the processing proceeds to step S12.

  In step S12, the system controller 202 determines whether or not the setting of the image processing has been completed (that is, whether or not pressing (input) of the end button B13 has been detected). When the pressing of the end button B13 by the user is detected (step S12: YES), this routine ends. When the pressing of the end button B13 by the user is not detected (step S12: NO), the process proceeds to step S13.

  In step S13, the system controller 202 determines whether or not the image processing setting has been changed in step S11. Until the user operates the front panel 218 or the like or the keyboard 510 to change any of the image processing settings in the image processing setting screen P1 or P2, the process repeats steps S11 to S13 (step S13: NO) When the process setting is changed (step S13: YES), the process proceeds to step S14.

  In step S14, the system controller 202 determines whether the image processing item changed in step S11 is a common parameter. If it is determined that the image processing item changed in step S11 is a common parameter (step S14: YES), the process proceeds to step S15, and if it is determined that the item is not a common parameter (step S14). : NO), the process proceeds to step S17.

  In step S15, the system controller 202 sets the image processing parameters changed in step S11 in the first image processing circuit 222 and the second image processing circuit 224. As described above, when the image processing item changed in step S11 is a common parameter, it is determined that each of the first video IM1 and the second video IM2 cannot be adjusted independently, and The same set value is set in the first image processing circuit 222 and the second image processing circuit 224. By executing the process of step S15, the brightness of the first video IM1 and the second video IM2 changes. Specifically, when the image processing item changed in step S11 is a common parameter (that is, a change in brightness using the button B8 or a change in the dimming algorithm using the button B9), the button B9 is displayed for the first video IM1. The maximum luminance value of the image or the average luminance value of the image is obtained in accordance with the dimming method set in Step 1, and the driver 216 and the motor 214 are used so that this value becomes a value corresponding to the brightness set by the button B8. The diaphragm 212 is driven. Next, the process proceeds to step S16.

  In step S16, the system controller 202 controls the OSD circuit 226 to display predetermined character information superimposed on the first video IM1 and the second video IM2 for a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds). Here, the character information is a means for allowing each user to recognize that the image processing parameter has been changed. For example, the content of the changed image processing parameter (for example, “brightness: ± 0”) is a character. Information is displayed below the first video IM1 and the second video IM2. In this process, since the setting values of the first image processing circuit 222 and the second image processing circuit 224 are changed in step S15, the image processing parameters of the first video IM1 and the second video IM2 are changed. The character information is superimposed and displayed for both the first video IM1 and the second video IM2. That is, the operator and the operator are notified that the image processing parameter has been changed. When the process of step S16 ends, the process returns to step S11.

  In step S <b> 17, the system controller 202 determines whether the image processing parameter changed in step S <b> 11 has been performed on the first video IM <b> 1 (that is, whether the image processing parameter of the first video IM <b> 1 has been changed). ). Specifically, when the image processing parameter is changed on the image processing setting screen P1, it is recognized that the image processing parameter is changed with respect to the first video IM1 viewed by the surgeon (step S17: YES), The process proceeds to step S18, and when the image processing parameter is changed on the image processing setting screen P2, it is recognized that the image processing parameter is changed for the second video IM2 viewed by the operator or the like (step S17: NO). ), The process proceeds to step S21.

  In step S18, the system controller 202 sets the image processing parameter changed in step S11 in the first image processing circuit 222. Thereby, for example, the degree of edge enhancement of the first video IM1 changes. Next, the process proceeds to step S19.

  In step S19, the system controller 202 controls the OSD circuit 226 to display predetermined character information superimposed on the first video IM1 for a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds). In this process, since it is recognized in step S17 that the image processing parameter is changed for the first video IM1, only the first video IM1 is displayed with character information superimposed, Notifies that the image processing parameter has been changed. The character information superimposed on the first video IM1 is the same as in step S16. For example, the content of the changed image processing parameter (for example, “brightness: ± 0”) is the first video IM1 as the character information. It is displayed on the lower side. When the process of step S19 ends, the process returns to step S11.

  In step S21, since it is determined in step S17 that the image processing parameter of the second video IM2 viewed by the operator or the like has been changed (step S17: NO), the system controller 202 changes the image changed in step S11. Processing parameters are set in the second image processing circuit 224. Thereby, for example, the degree of edge enhancement of the second video IM2 changes. Next, the process proceeds to step S22.

  In step S22, the system controller 202 controls the OSD circuit 226 to display predetermined character information superimposed on the second video IM2 for a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds). In this process, since it is recognized in step S17 that the image processing parameter has been changed for the second video IM2, only the second video IM2 is displayed with the character information superimposed thereon. Notifies that the image processing parameter has been changed. The character information superimposed on the second video IM2 is the same as in steps S16 and S19. For example, the content of the changed image processing parameter (for example, “brightness: ± 0”) is the second character information. It is displayed below the video IM2. When the process of step S22 ends, the process returns to step S11.

  As described above, the image processing parameter changing process of the present embodiment is repeated until it is detected in step S12 that the end button B13 on the image processing setting screen P1 or P2 is pressed. In step S12, the user presses the end button B13. When the pressing is detected, the image processing parameter changing process ends.

  As described above, in the image processing parameter changing process according to the present embodiment, the image processing setting screen P1 for the doctor is displayed for the surgeon, and the image processing setting screen P2 for the operator is displayed for the operator. And the image processing parameters can be changed from both. Then, when the image processing parameter is changed on the image processing setting screen P1 or P2, it is determined whether it is performed on the first video IM1 or the second video IM2. The image processing parameters of the first image processing circuit 222 or the second image processing circuit 224 are changed according to the determination result. That is, the image processing parameters of the first video IM1 and the second video IM2 displayed at the same time can be adjusted independently according to the preference of each user.

  Also, image processing items that affect both the first video IM1 and the second video IM2 (that is, the entire electronic endoscope system 1) are managed as common parameters, and an image processing setting screen for a doctor is used. It can be changed only at P1 and cannot be changed on the operator image processing setting screen P2 (that is, change is prohibited). Therefore, the endoscope image displayed on the operator's monitor 300 is not affected by the change of the image processing parameter by the operator or the like, and the operator can perform the first video IM1 on which the desired image processing has been performed. It is possible to concentrate on the procedure using

  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, in the image processing parameter changing process of the present embodiment, when the image processing parameter of the first video IM1 or the second video IM2 is changed, the character information is displayed on the first video IM1 or the second video IM2. However, the information is not limited to character information as long as it can be notified to an operator or an operator. For example, instead of character information, image information such as icons may be displayed. Further, the electronic endoscope system 1 may include a speaker (sound output means) and notify the user of a change in the image processing parameters of the first video IM1 or the second video IM2 by a predetermined beep sound or voice information. Good. The electronic endoscope system 1 also includes light emitting means such as LEDs, and notifies the user of changes in image processing parameters of the first video IM1 or the second video IM2 by causing the light emitting means to emit light in a predetermined light emission pattern. It is good also as composition to do.

  Moreover, although the electronic endoscope system 1 of this embodiment was demonstrated as a structure provided with the external device 20, it is not limited to this structure, For example, it replaces with the external device 20 and a monitor and keyboard only for an operator are used. May be directly connected to the electronic endoscope system 10.

  In this embodiment, the brightness of the endoscopic image and the setting of the dimming algorithm have been described as common parameters. However, the common parameters include parameters related to the operation of the electronic endoscope 100 (for example, the solid-state image sensor 108). Electronic shutter speed, etc.) can also be included.

  Further, in the image processing parameter changing process of the present embodiment, a configuration using a doctor image processing setting screen P1 displayed to the operator and an operator image processing setting screen P2 displayed to the operator or the like is used. However, for example, it may be configured only by the image processing setting screen P1, and the button operations of the buttons B8 and B9 on the image processing setting screen P1 may be set to be enabled or disabled according to the user. B8 and B9 may be set to be displayed or hidden depending on the user. In this case, it is preferable to set the user of the first video IM1 and the second video IM2 in advance.

  As a configuration for presetting users of the first video IM1 and the second video IM2, a video user setting screen P10 as shown in FIG. 4 can be used. The video user setting screen P10 is a user interface that is displayed on the front panel 218 or the monitor 520 and is operated by an operator or an operator. The video user setting screen P10 is a list box A12 for setting a user of the first video IM1, a second video IM2 A list box A15 for setting the user and an end button A10 for inputting the end of the setting. Then, by setting the users of the first video IM1 and the second video IM2 in advance on the video user setting screen P10 and using these information (user information) in the image processing parameter changing process, the image processing setting is performed. The display / non-display of the buttons B8 and B9 on the screen P1 is switched according to the user. Specifically, for example, as shown in FIG. 4, the user of the first video IM1 (namely, the list box A12) is set to “in charge doctor” and the user of the second video IM2 (namely, the list box A15). Is set to “visitor”, and when the image processing parameter changing process is started by operating the front panel 218 or the like, it is a request for changing the image processing parameter for the first video IM1 viewed by the surgeon. When the button B8 and B9 are recognized and the image processing parameter changing process is started by operating the keyboard 510, it is a request for changing the image processing parameter for the second video IM2 being viewed by the operator or the like. Recognize and hide buttons B8 and B9. As described above, according to the present modification, the setting of image processing parameters and the operation restriction according to the user of each video can be set on one setting screen, so that desirable settings can be applied easily and quickly.

1 Electronic Endoscope System 10 Electronic Endoscope Device 20 External Device 100 Electronic Endoscope 102 LCB
104 Light Distribution Lens 106 Objective Lens 108 Solid-State Image Sensor 112 Driver Signal Processing Circuit 114 Memory 120 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 OSD circuit 300 Monitor 400 Foot switch 500 PC
510 Keyboard 520 Monitor

Claims (12)

A light source that emits illumination light;
An electronic endoscope that guides the illumination light and irradiates the subject, receives the reflected light by a solid-state imaging device, photoelectrically converts it, and outputs it 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 first monitor for displaying a first endoscopic image based on the first video signal;
A second monitor for displaying a second endoscopic image based on the second video signal;
First parameter changing means for receiving an input from a first user and changing an image processing parameter of the first image processing circuit based on the input;
Second parameter changing means for receiving an input from a second user and changing an image processing parameter of the second image processing circuit based on the input;
With
Each of the image processing parameter of the first image processing circuit and the image processing parameter of the second image processing circuit includes a common parameter that acts in common on the first endoscopic image and the second endoscopic image,
The electronic endoscope system according to claim 2, wherein the second parameter changing unit prohibits the change of the common parameter included in the image processing parameter of the second image processing circuit.   When changing the common parameter included in the image processing parameter of the first image processing circuit, the first parameter changing unit changes the common parameter included in the image processing parameter of the second image processing circuit. The electronic endoscope system according to claim 1, wherein:   The second parameter changing means displays an operation screen including an operation button for changing an image processing parameter of the second image processing circuit on the second monitor, and the common parameter is displayed on the operation screen. The electronic endoscope system according to claim 1, wherein an operation button corresponding to is not included.   The second parameter changing means displays an operation screen including an operation button for changing an image processing parameter of the second image processing circuit on the second monitor, and an operation button corresponding to the common parameter is displayed. The electronic endoscope system according to claim 1, wherein when operated, the operation is invalidated.   The second parameter changing means displays an operation screen including an operation button for changing an image processing parameter of the second image processing circuit on the second monitor, and the operation button corresponding to the common parameter is displayed. The electronic endoscope system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the electronic endoscope system is not displayed.   The electronic endoscope system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a light amount control unit that controls a light amount of the illumination light based on the common parameter.   The electronic endoscope system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the common parameter includes an operation parameter of the electronic endoscope.   The electronic endoscope system according to claim 7, wherein the operation parameter of the electronic endoscope includes a shutter speed of the solid-state imaging device. First notification means for detecting that the image processing parameter of the first image processing circuit has been changed and notifying the first user;
Second notifying means for detecting that the image processing parameter of the second image processing circuit has been changed and notifying the second user;
The electronic endoscope system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising: The first notification means superimposes predetermined character information or image information on the first video signal when an image processing parameter of the first image processing circuit is changed,
The electronic device according to claim 9, wherein the second notification unit superimposes predetermined character information or image information on the second video signal when an image processing parameter of the second image processing circuit is changed. Endoscope system. The first notification means includes first sound output means for emitting sound, and outputs a predetermined beep sound or sound from the first sound output means when an image processing parameter of the first image processing circuit is changed. ,
The second notifying means has a second sound output means for generating a sound, and outputs a predetermined beep sound or sound from the second sound output means when an image processing parameter of the second image processing circuit is changed. The electronic endoscope system according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the electronic endoscope system is configured as described above. The first notification means includes first light emission means for emitting light, and outputs light of a predetermined light emission pattern from the first light emission means when an image processing parameter of the first image processing circuit is changed,
The second notification means includes second light emission means for emitting light, and outputs light of a predetermined light emission pattern from the second light emission means when an image processing parameter of the second image processing circuit is changed. The electronic endoscope system according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the electronic endoscope system is characterized.

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