JP2014033788A - Imaging device and imaging system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an imaging device and an imaging system which can perform stable signal transmission.SOLUTION: An imaging device includes: an imaging part for outputting an electric signal after photoelectric conversion from a plurality of pixels as image information; a transmission part for outputting the image information outputted by the imaging part outside; a synchronous signal generation part for generating a synchronous signal having a prescribed cycle; a reception part for receiving the synchronous signal transmitted from outside; a mode switching part for switching a slave mode in which the transmission part transmits the image information on the basis of the synchronous signal received by the reception part and a master mode in which the transmission part transmits the image information on the basis of the synchronous signal generated by the synchronous signal generation part; and a transmission control unit which controls transmission operation of the transmission part on the basis of a standby signal that is received by the reception part from outside and sets transmission of the image information by the transmission part to either a transmission state or a stop state.

Description

  The present invention relates to, for example, an imaging apparatus and an imaging system capable of outputting, as image information, an electrical signal after photoelectric conversion from a pixel arbitrarily designated as a readout target among a plurality of pixels for imaging.

  Conventionally, in the medical field, an endoscope system is used when observing an organ of a subject such as a patient. An endoscope system has, for example, an elongated shape having flexibility, an insertion unit that is inserted into a body cavity of a subject, an imaging unit that is provided at a distal end of the insertion unit and captures an in-vivo image, and an imaging unit And a display unit capable of displaying the captured in-vivo image. When acquiring an in-vivo image using an endoscope system, after inserting the insertion portion into the body cavity of the subject, irradiate the living tissue in the body cavity with illumination light such as white light from the distal end of the insertion portion. The imaging unit captures an in-vivo image. A user such as a doctor observes the organ of the subject based on the in-vivo image displayed by the display unit. In the imaging unit, a plurality of pixels each having a photodiode for accumulating charges according to the amount of light and an amplifier for amplifying the charges accumulated by the photodiodes are arranged in a two-dimensional matrix.

  When performing imaging using an endoscope system, a synchronization signal is used as a signal to synchronize this timing in order to match the readout timing of the video signal in each pixel of the imaging unit with the processing start timing of image processing for this video signal. Used. The synchronization signal is composed of a horizontal synchronization signal (HD) indicating the start of reading pixels in each row of the screen and a vertical synchronization signal (VD) indicating the start of each field of one screen. In addition, as synchronization methods, an internal synchronization method that synchronizes the image processing system with a synchronization signal generated in the imaging unit, and an external synchronization that outputs a video signal from the imaging unit with a synchronization signal generated in the image processing system. There is a method.

  As an imaging device using the synchronization method described above, the synchronization method of the synchronization signal (external synchronization signal or internal synchronization signal) is automatically set by inputting either the internal synchronization pulse according to the internal synchronization method or the external synchronization pulse according to the external synchronization method. In addition, an imaging device (automatic switching device) that selects an internal synchronization method as a synchronization method of a synchronization signal when there is no input of an internal synchronization pulse and an external synchronization pulse is disclosed (for example, see Patent Document 1). ).

  Further, when imaging, a video signal is formed by a synchronization signal (internal synchronization signal) generated by a synchronization signal generation circuit provided in the imaging unit, and when image display is performed, synchronization signal separation provided in the VTR unit is performed. An imaging apparatus (recording / reproducing apparatus) that displays an image using a synchronization signal (external synchronization signal) extracted by a circuit is disclosed (for example, see Patent Document 2).

JP-A-2-13178 JP-A-62-206972

  By the way, in the conventional imaging apparatus, although it is possible to select a synchronization method using an internal synchronization signal and an external synchronization signal, it is not selected depending on the stability of the signal itself. That is, the internal synchronization method and the external synchronization method are not selected in a state where a signal received from the outside may become unstable, such as when the apparatus is activated. Thereby, for example, when the external synchronization method is selected at the time of starting the apparatus, there is a possibility that stable signal transmission cannot be performed due to disturbance of the external synchronization signal caused by noise or the like.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object thereof is to provide an imaging apparatus and an imaging system capable of performing stable signal transmission.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, an imaging apparatus according to the present invention includes an imaging unit that outputs electrical signals after photoelectric conversion from a plurality of pixels as image information, and the image output by the imaging unit. A transmission unit that transmits information to the outside, a synchronization signal generation unit that generates a synchronization signal having a predetermined period, a reception unit that receives a synchronization signal transmitted from the outside, and a synchronization signal received by the reception unit Based on a slave mode in which the transmission unit transmits image information, a mode switching unit for switching a master mode in which the transmission unit transmits image information based on a synchronization signal generated by the synchronization signal generation unit, and the reception unit Transmission of the transmission unit based on a standby signal that is an externally received signal that sets the transmission of the image information by the transmission unit to either a transmission state or a stopped state Characterized by comprising a transmission control section for controlling the work.

  An imaging system according to the present invention is an imaging system including the imaging device according to the above invention and a control device that performs predetermined image processing on an image captured by the imaging device. A switching control unit that causes the mode switching unit to perform mode switching between the master mode, a driving timing signal for driving the imaging device, and a drive that generates and outputs the standby signal to the imaging device And a signal generation unit.

  According to the present invention, in the imaging device that is communicably connected to the control device, the drive timing in the imaging device is controlled by switching the master / slave mode of the imaging device by the mode switching unit. There is an effect that transmission can be performed.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an endoscope system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a main part of the endoscope system according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a timing chart schematically showing signal transmission when the endoscope is a master in the endoscope system according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of a video signal output by the endoscope in the endoscope system according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a timing chart schematically showing signal transmission when the control device is a master in the endoscope system according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a timing chart schematically showing signal transmission by input of a standby signal in the endoscope system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  Hereinafter, as a mode for carrying out the present invention (hereinafter, referred to as “embodiment”), a medical endoscope system that captures and displays an image of a body cavity of a subject such as a patient will be described. Moreover, this invention is not limited by this embodiment. Furthermore, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the same part in description of drawing. Furthermore, the drawings are schematic, and it should be noted that the relationship between the thickness and width of each member, the ratio of each member, and the like are different from the actual ones. Moreover, the part from which a mutual dimension and ratio differ also in between drawings. In the following description, an endoscope system will be described as an example of an imaging system.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an endoscope system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a main part of the endoscope system 1. As shown in FIG. 1, an endoscope system 1 includes an endoscope 2 that captures an in-vivo image of a subject by inserting a distal end portion into a body cavity of a subject, and an in-vivo image captured by the endoscope 2. A control device 3 that performs predetermined image processing and comprehensively controls the operation of the entire endoscope system 1, a light source device 4 that generates illumination light emitted from the distal end of the endoscope 2, and a control device 3. And a display device 5 for displaying an in-vivo image subjected to image processing.

  The endoscope 2 includes an insertion portion 21 having an elongated shape having flexibility, an operation portion 22 that is connected to a proximal end side of the insertion portion 21 and receives input of various operation signals, and an insertion portion from the operation portion 22. And a universal cord 23 that includes various cables that extend in a direction different from the direction in which 21 extends and that are connected to the control device 3 and the light source device 4.

  The insertion portion 21 is connected to a distal end portion 24 incorporating an image pickup device to be described later, a bendable bending portion 25 constituted by a plurality of bending pieces, and a proximal end side of the bending portion 25, and has a flexible length. And a flexible tube portion 26 having a scale shape.

  The distal end portion 24 is configured by using a glass fiber or the like, and forms a light guide path for light generated by the light source device 4. An illumination lens 242 provided at the distal end of the light guide 241. An imaging device 244 as an imaging device that is provided at an imaging position of the optical system 243, receives light collected by the optical system 243, photoelectrically converts the light into an electrical signal, and performs predetermined signal processing; A treatment instrument channel (not shown) through which the treatment instrument for the endoscope 2 passes. The optical system 243 includes one or more lenses.

  The configuration of the image sensor 244 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the image sensor 244 photoelectrically converts the light from the optical system 243 and outputs an electrical signal as image information, and the electrical signal output by the sensor unit 244a. An analog front end 244b (hereinafter referred to as “AFE unit 244b”) that performs noise removal and A / D conversion, and a P / S conversion unit that performs parallel / serial conversion on the digital signal output from the AFE unit 244b and transmits the digital signal to the outside. 244c (transmission unit), drive timing of the sensor unit 244a, timing generator 244d (synchronization signal generation unit) for generating various signal processing pulses in the AFE unit 244b and the P / S conversion unit 244c, and the operation of the image sensor 244. It has the control part 244e which controls, and the memory | storage part 244k which memorize | stores various setting information. The image sensor 244 is a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor (CIS). The timing generator 244d receives various drive signals (synchronization signals) transmitted from the control device 3. The control unit 244e receives a signal for switching between a slave mode and a master mode, which will be described later. In addition, you may provide the receiving part which receives the various drive signals transmitted from the control apparatus 3 separately.

  The sensor unit 244a includes a light receiving unit 244f in which a plurality of pixels each having a photodiode that accumulates a charge corresponding to the amount of light and an amplifier that amplifies the charge accumulated by the photodiode are arranged in a two-dimensional matrix, and a light receiving unit 244f. A readout unit 244g that reads out, as image information, an electrical signal generated by a pixel arbitrarily set as a readout target among the plurality of pixels.

  The AFE unit 244b includes a noise reduction unit 244h that reduces a noise component included in the electrical signal (analog), and an AGC (Auto Gain Control) unit that adjusts the amplification factor (gain) of the electrical signal and maintains a constant output level. 244i and an A / D conversion unit 244j that performs A / D conversion on the electrical signal output via the AGC unit 244i. The noise reduction unit 244h performs noise reduction using, for example, a correlated double sampling (Correleted Double Sampling) method.

  The control unit 244e controls various operations of the distal end portion 24 according to the setting data received from the control device 3. The control unit 244e is configured using a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or the like. Further, the control unit 244e serves as a mode switching unit in the slave mode (the control device 3 is a master) in which the P / S conversion unit 244c transmits image information based on the synchronization signal received by the timing generator 244d in the image sensor 244. Based on the synchronization signal generated by the timing generator 244d, the P / S conversion unit 244c performs switching control with a master mode in which image information is transmitted. The control unit 244e includes a transmission control unit 244l.

  The transmission control unit 244 l controls transmission of the image signal to the control device 3 based on the setting data received from the control device 3. The transmission control unit 244l controls transmission of a signal from the P / S conversion unit 244c to the operation unit 22 side based on the synchronization signal generated on the timing generator 244d or the control device 3 side. Further, the transmission control unit 244l controls signal transmission by a standby signal to be operated later.

  The storage unit 244k is realized by using a semiconductor memory such as a flash memory or a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory). The storage unit 244k includes identification information of the control device 3, observation information indicating a frame sequential type or simultaneous type observation method, and an imaging element 244. Imaging speed (frame rate), readout information of pixel information from an arbitrary pixel of the sensor unit 244a, setting information such as shutter control setting, master / slave setting of the endoscope 2, and pixel information read out by the AFE unit 244b Transmission control information and the like are stored.

  A collective cable 245 in which a plurality of signal lines for transmitting and receiving electrical signals to and from the control device 3 are bundled is connected between the operation unit 22 and the distal end unit 24, and the operation unit 22 and the connector unit 27 are connected to each other. A collective cable 224 is connected between them. The plurality of signal lines include a signal line for transmitting an image signal output from the image pickup device 244 to the control device 3, a signal line for transmitting a control signal output from the control device 3 to the image pickup device 244, and the like. Further, for transmission / reception of electrical signals, a system (differential transmission) in which one signal is transmitted using two signal lines (differential signal lines) is used. By making the voltage between the differential signal lines positive (+) and negative (-, phase inversion), it is possible to cancel even if noise is mixed in each line. High-speed transmission is possible. The differential transmission described above is preferably used when the length of the universal cord 23 or the flexible tube portion 26 is long. When the length is short, the single end signal transmission using a single end signal is used. Is applicable.

  The operation unit 22 includes a bending knob 221 that bends the bending unit 25 in the vertical direction and the left-right direction, a treatment tool insertion unit 222 that inserts a treatment tool such as a biological forceps, a laser knife, and an inspection probe into the body cavity, an air supply unit, A plurality of first input switches 223a for inputting signals for switching between water supply means, gas supply means, and the like, and a switch 223 consisting of a plurality of second input switches 223b for inputting settings of the control device 3 and the light source device 4. Have. The treatment tool inserted from the treatment tool insertion portion 222 is exposed from the opening via the treatment tool channel of the distal end portion 24 (not shown). Here, when the signal is transmitted from the connector portion 27 to the distal end portion 24, a circuit that relays the signal with the universal cord 23 and converts the differential signal into a single-ended signal is provided. Further, when a differential signal is transmitted to the distal end portion 24, a conversion circuit for converting the differential signal into a single-ended signal may be a differential buffer, or a differential signal transmitted from the distal end portion 24 to the connector portion 27 may be transmitted. It is also possible to relay the operation unit 22 once and arrange a differential buffer. Note that, for example, a twinax line is used for differential signal transmission within the universal cord 23 and a coaxial line is used for single-ended signal transmission within the insertion portion 21. It is preferable to configure with an imaging cable suitable for the above.

  The universal cord 23 includes at least a light guide 241 and a collective cable 224. The universal cord 23 has a connector portion 27 (see FIG. 1) that is detachably attached to the light source device 4. The connector portion 27 has a coiled coil cable 27a extending therein, and has an electrical connector portion 28 that is detachable from the control device 3 at the extending end of the coil cable 27a. The connector unit 27 includes a control unit 271 that controls the endoscope 2 therein, an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) 272, and a reference clock signal (for example, a reference for operation of each component unit of the endoscope 2). A reference clock generation unit 273 that generates configuration data, a first EEPROM 274 that records configuration data, and a second EEPROM 275 that records endoscope-specific data including imaging information.

  Next, the configuration of the control device 3 will be described. The control device 3 includes an S / P conversion unit 301, an image processing unit 302, a brightness detection unit 303, a light control unit 304, a read address setting unit 305, a drive signal generation unit 306, and an input unit 307. , A storage unit 308, a control unit 309, and a reference clock generation unit 310. In the present embodiment, a frame sequential configuration will be described as an example of the control device 3, but it can be applied to a simultaneous type.

  The S / P converter 301 performs serial / parallel conversion on the image signal (digital signal) received from the distal end portion 24.

  The image processing unit 302 generates an in-vivo image displayed by the display device 5 based on the parallel image signal output from the S / P conversion unit 301. The image processing unit 302 includes a synchronization unit 302a, a white balance (WB) adjustment unit 302b, a gain adjustment unit 302c, a γ correction unit 302d, a D / A conversion unit 302e, a format change unit 302f, and a sample-use unit. It has a memory 302g and a still image memory 302h.

  The synchronization unit 302a inputs an image signal input as pixel information to three memories (not shown) provided for each pixel, and associates the image signal with the pixel address of the light receiving unit 244f read by the reading unit 244g. Then, the values of the respective memories are held while being sequentially updated, and the image signals of these three memories are synchronized as RGB image signals. The synchronization unit 302a sequentially outputs the synchronized RGB image signals to the white balance adjustment unit 302b, and outputs a part of the RGB image signals to the sample memory 302g for image analysis such as brightness detection.

  The white balance adjustment unit 302b automatically adjusts the white balance of the RGB image signal. Specifically, the white balance adjustment unit 302b automatically adjusts the white balance of the RGB image signal based on the color temperature included in the RGB image signal.

  The gain adjustment unit 302c adjusts the gain of the RGB image signal. The gain adjustment unit 302c outputs the RGB signal subjected to gain adjustment to the γ correction unit 302d, and a part of the RGB signal for still image display, enlarged image display, or emphasized image display 302h. Output to.

  The γ correction unit 302 d performs gradation correction (γ correction) of the RGB image signal in correspondence with the display device 5.

  The D / A conversion unit 302e converts the RGB image signal after gradation correction output from the γ correction unit 302d into an analog signal.

  The format changing unit 302f changes the image signal converted into the analog signal to a moving image file format such as a high-definition method and outputs the same to the display device 5.

  The brightness detection unit 303 detects the brightness level corresponding to each pixel from the RGB image signals held in the sample memory 302g, records the detected brightness level in a memory provided therein, and the control unit 309. Output to. The brightness detection unit 303 calculates a white balance adjustment value, a gain adjustment value, and a light irradiation amount based on the detected brightness level, and sends the white balance adjustment value to the white balance adjustment unit 302b. Are output to the gain adjusting unit 302 c and the light irradiation amount is output to the light adjusting unit 304.

  Under the control of the control unit 309, the light control unit 304 sets the type of light generated by the light source device 4, the light amount, the light emission timing, and the like based on the light irradiation amount calculated by the brightness detection unit 303. A light source synchronization signal including the set conditions is transmitted to the light source device 4.

  The read address setting unit 305 has a function of setting the pixel to be read on the light receiving surface of the sensor unit 244a and the reading order by communicating with the control unit 271 in the endoscope 2. The control unit 271 reads out the type information of the sensor unit 224 a stored in the second EEPROM 275 and transmits it to the control device 3. The read address setting unit 305 has a function of setting the pixel address of the sensor unit 244a read by the AFE unit 244b. Further, the read address setting unit 305 outputs the set address information of the pixel to be read to the synchronization unit 302a.

  The drive signal generation unit 306 generates drive timing signals (horizontal synchronization signal (HD) and vertical synchronization signal (VD)) for driving the endoscope 2, and is included in the FPGA 272 and the collective cables 224 and 245. The signal is transmitted to the timing generator 244d (image sensor 244) via a predetermined signal line. This timing signal includes address information of a pixel to be read. In addition, the drive signal generation unit 306 generates a standby signal for performing transmission control of an electric signal transmitted from the endoscope 2 to the control device 3. Here, the standby signal is a signal for setting the transmission of the electric signal (image information) by the P / S conversion unit 244c to the FPGA 272 side to either the transmission state or the stop state (standby state).

  The input unit 307 accepts input of operation instruction signals for instructing the operation of the endoscope system 1 such as freeze, release, various image adjustments (emphasis, electronic enlargement, color tone, etc.) set by the front panel or the keyboard.

  The storage unit 308 is realized using a semiconductor memory such as a flash memory or a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory). The storage unit 308 stores various programs for operating the endoscope system 1 and data including various parameters necessary for the operation of the endoscope system 1. The storage unit 308 stores identification information and observation information of the control device 3. Here, the identification information includes the unique information (ID) of the control device 3, the year, the specification information of the control unit 309, and the transmission rate information.

  The control unit 309 is configured using a CPU or the like, and performs drive control of each component including the endoscope 2 and the light source device 4, input / output control of information with respect to each component, and the like. The control unit 309 transmits setting data for imaging control to the FPGA 272 of the connector unit 27, and transmits signals and data necessary for the imaging device 244 via a predetermined signal line included in the collective cables 224 and 245. Send to. The control unit 309 generates a synchronization signal on the endoscope 2 side in the slave mode in which the synchronization signal is output from the control device 3 side to the image sensor 244 in synchronization with the endoscope 2 and in the synchronization of the endoscope 2. The switching control unit 309a outputs a control signal for causing the endoscope 2 (control unit 244e) to perform mode switching between the master mode to be output to the control device 3.

  The reference clock generation unit 310 generates a reference clock signal that serves as a reference for the operation of each component of the endoscope system 1 and supplies the generated reference clock signal to each component of the endoscope system 1.

  Next, the configuration of the light source device 4 will be described. The light source device 4 includes a light source 41, a light source driver 42, a rotary filter 43, a drive unit 44, a drive driver 45, and a light source control unit 46.

  The light source 41 is configured using a white LED (Light Emitting Diode), a xenon lamp, or the like, and generates white light under the control of the light source control unit 46. The light source driver 42 causes the light source 41 to generate white light by supplying current to the light source 41 under the control of the light source control unit 46. Light generated by the light source 41 is irradiated from the tip of the tip portion 24 via the rotary filter 43, a condenser lens (not shown), and the light guide 241.

  The rotary filter 43 is disposed on the optical path of white light emitted from the light source 41, and rotates to transmit only the light having a predetermined wavelength band through the white light emitted from the light source 41. Specifically, the rotating filter 43 includes a red filter 431, a green filter 432, and a blue filter 433 that transmit light having respective wavelength bands of red light (R), green light (G), and blue light (B). Have. The rotary filter 43 sequentially transmits light having wavelength bands of red, green, and blue (for example, red: 600 nm to 700 nm, green: 500 nm to 600 nm, blue: 400 nm to 500 nm) by rotating. As a result, the white light emitted from the light source 41 can sequentially emit one of the narrow-band red light, green light, and blue light to the endoscope 2.

  The drive unit 44 is configured using a stepping motor, a DC motor, or the like, and rotates the rotary filter 43 with reference to the synchronization signal transmitted from the control device 3. The drive driver 45 supplies a predetermined current to the drive unit 44 under the control of the light source control unit 46.

  The light source control unit 46 controls the amount of current supplied to the light source 41 according to the dimming signal transmitted from the dimming unit 304. Further, the light source control unit 46 rotates the rotary filter 43 by driving the drive unit 44 via the drive driver 45 under the control of the control unit 309.

  The display device 5 has a function of receiving and displaying the in-vivo image generated by the control device 3 via the video cable from the control device 3. The display device 5 is configured using liquid crystal, organic EL (Electro Luminescence), or the like.

  In the endoscope system 1 having the above configuration, a signal input / output mode in each mode (master mode and slave mode) of the endoscope 2 will be described. FIG. 3 is a timing chart schematically showing signal transmission when the endoscope 2 is a master in the endoscope system 1 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of an output signal output from the endoscope 2 in the endoscope system 1 according to the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, the control unit 244e (mode switching unit) of the endoscope 2 can select two modes of the slave mode (the control device 3 is a master) and the master mode.

  First, in the endoscope system 1, when the endoscope 2 is a master (master mode), the control unit 244e of the endoscope 2 generates a vertical synchronization signal (VD) generated based on a pulse generated by the timing generator 244d. The sensor unit 244a is driven by the vertical synchronization timing (CIS drive), and a signal is output to the P / S conversion unit 244c during this drive period (CIS output). Here, the vertical synchronization signal (VD) may be provided independently, or may be superimposed on the setting data. The control unit 244e controls the reading operation of the reading unit 244g for each direction (one line) by the vertical synchronization signal (VD) among the plurality of pixels arranged in a two-dimensional matrix. For each video signal corresponding to one line, the timing generator 244d superimposes a horizontal synchronizing signal (HD) and superimposes a vertical synchronizing signal (VD) for each frame. The clock for driving the front end portion 24 may be a clock generated by the reference clock generation unit 273 or a clock generated by the reference clock generation unit 310.

  As described above, when the endoscope 2 is a master in the endoscope system 1, the vertical synchronization signal (VD) is generated inside the image sensor 244 (timing generator 244 d), and the control unit 244 e performs this vertical synchronization signal. Thus, the image sensor 244 is driven and an electric signal is transmitted. At this time, in the transmission period of the electrical signal from the connector unit 27 to the control device 3, for example, as shown in FIG. 4, an output signal in which a horizontal synchronizing signal (HD) is superimposed on a video signal corresponding to one line. A predetermined number (number of images) of Os is included. In the case of the frame sequential method, exposure processing is performed from the end of the CIS drive period to the generation of the next vertical synchronization signal in FIG. For example, the emitted light is controlled by the rotary filter 43 in the order of red light (R), green light (G), and blue light (B), and the video signal output from the image sensor 244 (sensor unit 244a) immediately before. However, when it is based on red light (R), the exposure processing immediately after that is based on the wavelength band of green light (G). Further, during this exposure period (outside the video signal output period), the imaging device 244 may superimpose and output a low frequency clock having a frequency lower than the video data rate as a measure against EMI.

  When the endoscope 2 is a master, it is synchronized with the control device 3 based on the vertical synchronization signals VD (R), VD (G), and VD (B) superimposed on the video signal, and the rotation filter of the light source device 4 is used. 43 synchronization is established. The vertical synchronization signals VD (R), VD (G), and VD (B) may be controlled by superimposing codes that are different in RGB, or by using different numbers of clocks for the vertical synchronization signal VD for each RGB. The determination may be made by the device 3 or the light source device 4.

  FIG. 5 is a timing chart schematically showing signal transmission when the control device 3 is a master in the endoscope system 1 according to the present embodiment. When the control device 3 becomes the master by the switching operation of the switching control unit 309a (when the endoscope 2 becomes the slave: slave mode), the control unit 244e of the endoscope 2 performs the master / storage of the storage unit 244k. The endoscope 2 is set to the slave mode with reference to the slave setting information. In the slave mode reference, the control unit 244e receives the reference clock signal generated by the reference clock generation unit 310 and the horizontal synchronization signal (HD) and vertical synchronization signal (VD) generated by the drive signal generation unit 306 (CIS input ( VD), the sensor unit 244a is driven at this horizontal synchronization timing (CIS drive), and a signal is output to the P / S converter 244c during this drive period (CIS output).

  The control unit 244e controls the reading operation of the reading unit 244g for each direction (one line) by the vertical synchronization signal (VD) among the plurality of pixels arranged in a two-dimensional matrix. Further, the control unit 244e superimposes a horizontal synchronization signal (HD) determined by a pulse generated by the timing generator 244d for each video signal corresponding to one line, and outputs the superimposed signal as an output signal (see FIG. 4). To the P / S converter 244c.

  As described above, when the control device 3 is a master in the endoscope system 1 (when the endoscope 2 is a slave), the control unit 244e captures an image using the vertical synchronization signal (VD) generated by the control device 3. The element 244 is driven and an electric signal is transmitted. Note that, during the transmission period of the electrical signal from the connector unit 27 to the control device 3, for example, as shown in FIG. 4, a horizontal synchronization signal (HD) is generated for a video signal corresponding to one line constituting one image. A predetermined number (number of images) of the superimposed output signal Os is included. In FIGS. 5 and 6, the exposure process is performed after the end of the CIS drive period until the next vertical synchronization signal is generated. For example, the emitted light is controlled by the rotary filter 43 in the order of red light (R), green light (G), and blue light (B), and the video signal output from the image sensor 244 (sensor unit 244a) immediately before. However, when it is based on red light (R), the exposure processing immediately after that is based on the wavelength band of green light (G).

  Here, the FPGA 272 generates a standby signal for setting the transmission of the electrical signal (image information) to the FPGA 272 side by the P / S conversion unit 244c to either the transmission state or the stop state, and the control unit receives setting information from the FPGA 272 as setting data. Output to 244e. The control unit 244e sets the transmission of the electrical signal from the P / S conversion unit 244c to the FPGA 272 in either a transmission state or a stopped state (standby state) according to the input level of the input standby signal. Hereinafter, a state in which transmission of an electric signal is stopped is referred to as a standby state. Further, in the case of a system that can receive the FPGA 272 at the time when the clock is supplied from the FPGA 272 to the tip portion 24, the controller 244e of the tip portion 24 generates a standby signal and supplies it to the P / S converter 244c. It may be.

  FIG. 6 is a timing chart schematically showing signal transmission by input of a standby signal in the endoscope system 1 according to the present embodiment. Here, in the image sensor 244, an electrical signal is output from the sensor unit 244a in accordance with the vertical synchronization signal (VD) (sensor unit output). At this time, in a state where the standby signal is input to the timing generator 244d at a low (L) level (standby state), the transmission control unit 244l outputs the signal to the FPGA 272 regardless of the output of the electrical signal from the sensor unit 244a. Control is performed so as not to transmit electrical signals (CIS output).

  In this standby state, after the tip 24 is ready for stable output, an H level standby signal is output from the timing generator 244d or the controller 244e to the P / S converter 244c.

  In the transmission state, the transmission controller 244l transmits the electrical signal output from the image sensor 244 to the P / S converter 244c according to the synchronization timing of the vertical synchronization signal. Here, the transmitted electric signal includes the output signal on which the horizontal synchronization signal (HD) is superimposed for each line described above, and various setting information such as master / slave mode setting information. At this time, it is preferable that the synchronization timing for the P / S conversion unit 244c to transmit the electrical signal coincides with the synchronization timing of the vertical synchronization signal in the sensor unit 244a.

  By controlling the communication state inside the endoscope 2 by the standby signal as described above, the communication state between the endoscope 2 and the control device 3 can be controlled. As a result, for example, during the startup operation by restarting the control device 3 or the initialization operation of the FPGA 272, it is possible to prevent an electrical signal such as a video signal from being transmitted from the image sensor 244 during this operation, Then, by transmitting an electrical signal from the image sensor 244, a stable transmission / reception state can be maintained.

  According to the present embodiment described above, in the system that switches the master / slave mode of the endoscope 2 by the switching control unit 309a, the transmission of the electrical signal output from the image sensor by the standby signal is controlled. Therefore, in addition to control by mode switching, stable signal transmission is performed inside the endoscope 2 and between the endoscope 2 and the control device 3 by performing signal transmission at a stable driving timing. be able to. Further, when the clock generated on the endoscope 2 side becomes unstable when the endoscope system 1 is activated, the endoscope 2 (imaging device 244) is in the slave mode when the endoscope system 1 is activated. By setting in advance, the drive timing of each part of the image sensor 244 may be determined using a more stable clock (drive signal) from the control device 3 at the time of startup.

  In the above-described embodiment, the control unit 244e (mode switching unit) has been described as shifting from the master mode to the slave mode with respect to the endoscope 2, but there may be a case of shifting from the slave mode to the master mode. Similarly, the acquisition source of the synchronization signal is switched under the control of the control unit 244e.

  In addition, although the switching control unit has been described as being provided in the control device 3, the switching control unit may be provided in the connector unit 27 or may be provided in the imaging element 244.

  Although the light source device 4 has been described as a surface sequential type having the rotation filter 43, if the image pickup device 244 has a color filter, a simultaneous type or a rotation filter 43 in which the rotation filter 43 is made transparent. It may be a simultaneous type that does not have itself.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Endoscope system 2 Endoscope 3 Control apparatus 4 Light source device 5 Display apparatus 21 Insertion part 22 Operation part 23 Universal code 24 Tip part 25 Bending part 26 Flexible tube part 27 Connector part 28 Electrical connector part 41 Light source 42 Light source driver DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 43 Rotation filter 44 Drive part 45 Drive driver 46 Light source control part 221 Curve knob 222 Treatment tool insertion part 223 Switch 223a 1st input switch 223b 2nd input switch 224,245 Assembly cable 241 Light guide 242 Illumination lens 243 Optical system 244 Image sensor 244a Sensor unit 244b Analog front end 244c P / S conversion unit 244d Timing generator 244e, 271, 309 Control unit 244f Light receiving unit 244g Reading unit 244h Noise reduction unit 244i AGC unit 2 44j A / D unit 244k, 308 Storage unit 244l Transmission control unit 272 FPGA
273, 310 Reference clock generation unit 274 First EEPROM
275 2nd EEPROM
302 Image processing unit 303 Brightness detection unit 304 Dimming unit 305 Read address setting unit 306 Drive signal generation unit 307 Input unit 309a Switching control unit

Claims (2)

An imaging unit that outputs electric signals after photoelectric conversion from a plurality of pixels as image information;
A transmission unit for transmitting the image information output by the imaging unit to the outside;
A synchronization signal generator for generating a synchronization signal having a predetermined period;
A receiver for receiving a synchronization signal sent from the outside;
A slave mode in which the transmission unit transmits image information based on a synchronization signal received by the reception unit and a master mode in which the transmission unit transmits image information based on a synchronization signal generated by the synchronization signal generation unit are switched. A mode switching unit;
Transmission control for controlling the transmission operation of the transmission unit based on a standby signal that is received from the outside by the reception unit and sets the transmission of the image information by the transmission unit to either a transmission state or a stop state And
An imaging apparatus comprising: An imaging system comprising: the imaging device according to claim 1; and a control device that performs predetermined image processing on an image captured by the imaging device,
A switching control unit that causes the mode switching unit to perform mode switching between the slave mode and the master mode;
A driving timing signal for driving the imaging device, and a drive signal generation unit that generates the standby signal and outputs the standby signal to the imaging device;
An imaging system comprising:

Images