JP2016165352A - Endoscope apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an endoscope apparatus, in which a proper parameter is set without being followed by complex operations.SOLUTION: A series of parameters to be used in an operation to be executed by an endoscope apparatus are constituted of a fixed parameter layer M1, an intermediate parameter layer M2 and an execution parameter layer M3. If a parameter belonging to the intermediate parameter layer M2 is set in accordance with the editing works of an operator, the parameter of the intermediate parameter layer M2 is incorporated into the execution parameter layer M3. On the basis of the parameter belonging to the set-changed execution parameter layer M3, there are executed operations relating to an endoscope operation work.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to an endoscope apparatus that images a subject such as an inner wall of an organ using a scope (endoscope) and performs treatment, and more particularly to setting parameters for processing related to endoscopic work such as image processing.

  The endoscope apparatus has various processing functions including image processing such as contour enhancement (enhancement) and brightness level adjustment of an observation image, and each processing is based on a parameter having a predetermined default value. Executed. The parameter value can be changed by an operator such as a doctor according to the usage environment.

  Parameters related to image processing and the like are often set to the same value when the inspection object is the same. For this reason, a series of parameter values set in each process are collectively stored in a memory so that they can be used again (see Patent Document 1).

JP 2009-233168 A

  When a series of parameters once set by the operator is fixed, parameters that do not fit in due to different preferences, differences in the characteristics of the affected area, and differences in the work equipment environment (eg, lighting, number of image sensor pixels, monitor resolution) Processing is executed depending on the value, and appropriate processing cannot be performed.

  On the other hand, as the processing functions provided in the endoscope apparatus are diversified and the usage of the endoscope functions by operators is diversified, the individual parameters are set in detail according to the user, patient, work equipment environment, etc. The work is very complicated. For this reason, the editing work cannot be performed efficiently, and the time and effort also affects the endoscopic work.

  Therefore, in the endoscope apparatus, it is required that parameters regarding processing functions can be effectively set in accordance with various usages.

  The endoscope apparatus of the present invention includes a memory capable of storing parameters related to operation processing of the endoscope apparatus, and a parameter setting unit that sets parameters according to an input operation by an operator and stores the parameters in the memory. The type and configuration of the memory are arbitrary. The parameters include, for example, parameters used for automatic light control processing, image processing, still image capture / recording processing, and the like. It is also possible to include a group of parameters (custom parameters) that can be collectively set with one parameter value by combining several parameters.

  In the present invention, the memory includes a series of fixed parameters that cannot be edited, a series of execution parameters that are reflected in operation processing, and a series of editable intermediate parameters that are part of the series of fixed parameters. , Saved. Then, the parameter setting unit sets a predetermined intermediate parameter according to the input operation by the operator, and includes the set intermediate parameter in the series of execution parameters.

  The operator can perform editing operations on intermediate parameters that are part of parameters prepared in advance instead of execution parameters, and the changed intermediate parameters are reflected in the execution parameters. become.

  As a method of parameter division, a series of fixed parameters, a series of intermediate parameters, and a series of execution parameters can be hierarchized in this order. The configuration of a series of execution parameters can consist of a combination of a series of fixed parameters and a series of intermediate parameters, and both the originally prepared parameters and the parameters edited by the user can be used. It becomes.

  In consideration of using parameters according to the usage environment, the parameter setting unit can determine whether to include the set intermediate parameters in the series of execution parameters according to the input operation of the operator. It is.

  The parameter setting unit can also store the set intermediate parameter in the memory. Even if the operator does not reflect in the execution parameter, the parameter of the intermediate parameter layer saved in the subsequent work can be used later.

  Considering that the operator uses parameters most suitable for the work environment, the series of intermediate parameters may consist of a plurality of types of intermediate parameters. In this case, the parameter setting unit can selectively set a specific type of intermediate parameter in accordance with an input operation by the operator.

  When a plurality of parameters belong to several intermediate parameter layers with different parameter values, it is preferable to prioritize use. For example, a plurality of types of intermediate parameters can be hierarchized according to different parameter values, and the parameter setting unit can determine the setting priority order of competing parameters according to the hierarchical order according to the input operation of the operator. Furthermore, in order to cope with a change in the work environment, the parameter setting unit may be able to change the hierarchical order according to the input operation of the operator.

  In the operation method of the endoscope apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention, the parameter setting unit sets a parameter related to the operation processing of the endoscope apparatus in accordance with an input operation by the operator, and stores the parameter in a memory capable of storing the parameter. An operation method of an endoscope apparatus to be stored, wherein the memory includes a series of fixed parameters that cannot be edited, a series of execution parameters reflected in the operation process, and a part of the series of fixed parameters. A series of editable intermediate parameters are stored, and the parameter setting unit sets predetermined intermediate parameters in accordance with an input operation by an operator, and includes the set intermediate parameters in the series of execution parameters. .

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to set appropriate parameters without complicated operations in the endoscope apparatus.

It is a block diagram of the electronic endoscope apparatus in a 1st embodiment. It is the figure which showed the hierarchical structure of the parameter in 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart of the parameter setting process accompanying editing work. It is the figure which showed the hierarchy of the parameter in 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart of the parameter setting process in 2nd Embodiment. It is the figure which showed the hierarchy of the parameter in 3rd Embodiment. It is a flowchart of the parameter setting process in 3rd Embodiment. It is a flowchart of the parameter setting process in 4th Embodiment.

  Hereinafter, the electronic endoscope apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic endoscope apparatus according to the first embodiment.

  The electronic endoscope apparatus includes a video scope 10 inserted into the body and a processor 30. The video scope 10 can be detachably connected to the processor 30, and the processor 30 is connected to a monitor 60 and a memory device 90 such as a keyboard 70, a mouse 80, and a USB.

  The processor 30 includes a lamp 48 such as a xenon lamp, and the lamp 48 is driven by a lamp driving circuit 43. The light emitted from the lamp 48 enters the incident end 11 </ b> A of the light guide 11 provided in the video scope 10 through the condenser lens 45. Light emitted from the light guide 11 is irradiated from the distal end portion 10T of the scope toward the subject (observation target) via the light distribution lens 21. A diaphragm 46 is provided between the lamp 48 and the light guide 11, and the amount of illumination light is adjusted by opening and closing the diaphragm 46.

  The illumination light reflected by the subject is imaged by the objective lens 13 provided at the scope tip 10T, and a subject image is formed on the light receiving surface of the image sensor 12. The image sensor 12 composed of a CMOS, a CCD or the like is driven by a drive circuit 17, and pixel signals for one field or one frame are sent from the image sensor 12 at a predetermined field / frame time interval (for example, 1/60 seconds or 1/30). (Second interval). On the light receiving surface of the image sensor 12, a color filter array (not shown) in which color filters such as Cy, Ye, G, Mg or R, G, B are arranged in a matrix is disposed.

  A series of pixel signals read from the image sensor 12 is input to the initial circuit 15 via the amplifier 14 and digitized. The image signal processing circuit 36 of the processor 30 performs image signal processing such as white balance processing and gamma correction processing on the digital pixel signal. As a result, R, G, and B image signals are generated.

  The R, G, B image signals are temporarily stored in the image memory 34 and then sent to the subsequent image signal processing circuit 37. In the post-stage image signal processing circuit 37, contour enhancement processing, superimposition processing, and the like are performed on the image signal. By outputting the image signal as a video signal to the monitor 60, the observation image is displayed on the monitor 60 in real time.

  A system control circuit 40 including a CPU, a ROM, etc. outputs a control signal to the timing generator 38, the subsequent image signal processing circuit 37, etc., and controls the operation of the processor 30 while the processor 30 is in the power-on state. The operation control program is stored in advance in the ROM.

  When the video scope 10 is connected to the processor 30, the system control circuit 40 interacts with the scope controller 19 that controls the operation of the video scope 10, and the scope characteristics (resolution, scope type, etc.) stored in the nonvolatile memory 18. ) Is stored in the RAM 49 or the like.

  The timing generator 38 of the processor 30 outputs a clock pulse signal to each circuit of the processor 30 such as the image signal processing circuit 36, and controls and adjusts the input / output timing of each circuit. On the other hand, the timing generator 22 of the video scope 10 outputs a clock pulse signal to each circuit in the video scope 10 such as the drive circuit 17. When the freeze button 23 provided on the video scope 10 is operated, a still image is recorded and the captured still image is displayed on the monitor 60.

  The processor 30 performs automatic light control processing so that the brightness of the displayed subject image is maintained at an appropriate level. The system control circuit 40 detects the luminance level of the read pixel signal and controls the motor driver 42 based on the difference from the reference luminance value. In response to this, the diaphragm 46 is opened and closed by the motor 44.

  The front panel 50 of the processor 30 relates to adjustment and editing of an observation image, such as a brightness adjustment button for adjusting a brightness level to be referred to at the time of automatic light control processing, and an enhancement button (not shown) for enhancing an image contour. Buttons are provided and the operator operates as necessary.

  In addition, the operator can adjust parameters used when performing other image processing and processing related to endoscopic work by using the input operation unit such as the keyboard 70 and the mouse 80. Yes, based on an operation signal sent to the system control circuit 40 via the I / F circuit 39, parameter values are set in accordance with the work environment. At this time, the operator can set and change several parameters at once, and the parameter values of a group of parameters that can be set at once (hereinafter referred to as custom parameters) are collectively changed by the operator's editing work.

  In the present embodiment, a series of parameters including custom parameters is hierarchized, and a layer composed of parameter groups prepared in advance that cannot be edited (hereinafter referred to as a fixed parameter layer) and a layer composed of parameter groups that can be edited by an operator. (Hereinafter referred to as an intermediate parameter layer) and a layer (hereinafter referred to as an execution parameter layer) composed of a group of parameters that can be edited by the operator by combining the parameters included in these two layers. Then, by setting the intermediate parameter layer, it is possible to appropriately set parameters suitable for the patient, the device, and the work environment.

  Hereinafter, the parameter setting process by the hierarchized parameters and the editing work will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a hierarchical structure of parameters.

  A series of parameters is composed of three layers (hereinafter also referred to as layer 1, layer 2, and layer 3, respectively), a fixed parameter layer M1, an intermediate parameter layer M2, and an execution parameter layer M3. The fixed parameter layer M1 is edited. On the other hand, the parameters included in the intermediate parameter layer M2 and the execution parameter layer M3 can be edited by the operator while the fixed values are not allowed. An intermediate parameter layer M2 is provided between the fixed parameter layer M1 on the device side and the execution parameter layer M3 on the operator side.

  The fixed parameter layer M1 includes a series of all parameters (fixed parameters) prepared in advance for the endoscopic work, and is stored in the nonvolatile memory 41. For example, a parameter indicating the brightness level of the subject image, a parameter indicating enhancement ON / OFF, a parameter indicating the image size in the freeze image display, a parameter indicating the type of scope, and the like are stored in the memory 41.

  On the other hand, the parameters belonging to the intermediate parameter layer M2 (intermediate parameters) are constituted by a part of a series of parameters belonging to the fixed parameter layer M1. Parameters belonging to the intermediate parameter layer M2 can be edited by an operator, and parameter values can be set and changed.

  Further, the intermediate parameter layer M2 includes custom parameters obtained by combining the above-described plurality of parameters. The operator can set the values of the custom parameters at once, and the values of the parameters constituting the custom parameter are set and changed according to the parameter value setting change of the custom parameters.

  For example, by setting one parameter value of a custom parameter that combines enhancement and brightness level, the operator can set the parameters for the image quality of the observed image without setting each parameter separately. Become. For such custom parameters, different parameter values are set for each type of videoscope and for each patient (affected area). This is because it is necessary to adjust the brightness level of the observation image, the display image size, and the like according to the optical characteristics of the video scope, the imaging device, or the imaging situation of the site to be observed.

  Operators can change parameter values for parameters belonging to the intermediate parameter layer M2 or custom parameters, as well as editing work other than parameter value changes, such as selecting, adding, and deleting parameters that make up a custom parameter block Is also possible. For example, the size of a captured image displayed when recording a still image by a freeze operation can be added to the above-described custom parameter.

  The parameters (execution parameters) belonging to the execution parameter layer M3 are configured by parameter groups in which parameter values that are finally reflected in processing (image processing or the like) related to the endoscopic work are set. Both the layer M1 and the parameters belonging to the intermediate parameter layer M2 (including custom parameters) are included. Therefore, the operator can edit the parameters of both the fixed parameter layer M1 and the intermediate parameter layer M2.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a flowchart of parameter setting processing accompanying the editing operation of the operator. Processing is started in accordance with the start of editing work by the operator.

  The parameter of the intermediate parameter layer M2 is read from the memory 41 by the operator, and character information regarding the parameter is displayed on the monitor 60 or the like (S101). When the parameter value is set or changed for a predetermined parameter by the operator's input operation, or the parameter value of the parameter block is set or changed, a parameter setting process corresponding to the parameter value is performed, and the intermediate parameter layer M2 is set. The parameter to which it belongs is stored in the memory 41, the RAM 49 or the external memory device 90 (S102, S103).

  In step S104, it is determined whether or not the parameters (including custom parameters) of the intermediate parameter layer M2 whose settings have been changed by the editing work are reflected in the execution parameter layer M3. Specifically, after displaying character information or the like indicating whether or not the edited content is reflected on the monitor 60, the determination is made based on the input operation of the operator. If not reflected, the execution parameter layer M3 stored in the memory 41 is used as it is.

  On the other hand, when the parameters of the intermediate parameter layer M2 are reflected in the execution parameter layer M3, the parameters of the execution parameter layer M3 stored in the memory 41 are read, and the parameters of the intermediate parameter layer M2 stored in the memory 41 are read out. It adds to M3 (S105, S106). The parameters of the execution parameter layer M3 whose settings have been changed are stored in a memory such as the RAM 49, and the parameters are thereby used in processing related to endoscope work such as image processing (S107).

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, a series of parameters used for processing executed by the endoscope apparatus includes the fixed parameter layer M1, the intermediate parameter layer M2, and the execution parameter layer M3. When parameters belonging to the intermediate parameter layer M2 are set according to work, the parameters of the set intermediate parameter layer M2 are incorporated into the execution parameter layer M3. Then, processing related to the endoscope work is executed based on the parameters belonging to the execution parameter layer M3 whose settings have been changed.

  By having a three-layer structure that incorporates a parameter hierarchy dedicated to operator editing as an intermediate layer, the operator only needs to edit the intermediate parameter layer M2, which has a small number of types and numbers, and the parameters suitable for the work environment can be efficiently used. It is possible to set well.

  Further, by selecting whether or not the parameter of the edited intermediate parameter layer M2 is actually reflected, it is possible to sufficiently examine whether or not it is suitable for the use environment. In addition, by saving the edited parameters of the intermediate parameter layer M2, the operator can use the edited parameters in subsequent endoscopic operations. The parameters may be grouped without being hierarchized.

  Next, the electronic endoscope apparatus according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. In the second embodiment, the intermediate parameter layer is classified for each type, and any one is selected. Other configurations are substantially the same as those in the first embodiment.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a hierarchy of parameters in the second embodiment. FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the parameter setting process in the second embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the intermediate parameter layer M2 includes two types of intermediate parameter layers M2A and M2B. In the intermediate parameter layers M2A and M2B, several different values are set for each parameter value constituting the above-described custom parameter depending on the work environment or the like.

  Here, custom parameters whose parameter values are determined collectively for each patient with respect to the brightness level and enhancement described above belong to the intermediate parameter layer M2A, and custom parameters having different parameter values according to the type of scope are included in the intermediate parameter layer M2B. belong to. The operator selects any intermediate parameter layer in the editing operation.

When the editing operation by the operator is started, the intermediate parameter layers M2A and M2B are read from the memory 41 (S201). Then, it is determined which parameter is selected from the intermediate parameter layers M2A and M2B by the input operation of the operator (S202). The selected intermediate parameter layer is stored in the memory 41 or the RAM 49 (S203, S204).
)

  When the execution parameter layer M3 is read from the memory 41, a parameter group including the selected intermediate parameter layer and the execution parameter layer M3 is set as the execution parameter layer M3 and stored in a memory such as the RAM 49 (S205 to S207). ). As a result, a new execution parameter layer M3 is set and reflected in the endoscopic work.

  As described above, according to the second embodiment, the operator can select an intermediate parameter layer suitable for the work environment, that is, the operator can edit the parameters of the plurality of intermediate parameter layers M2 as needed, and later Can be used. Further, by storing the parameters of the different types of intermediate parameter layers M2 as needed, a plurality of types of intermediate parameter layers can be appropriately added or deleted, and can be read out as necessary.

  Next, a third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. In the third embodiment, the intermediate parameter layer is hierarchized. About another structure, it is substantially the same as 2nd Embodiment.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a hierarchy of parameters in the third embodiment. FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the parameter setting process in the third embodiment.

  The intermediate parameter layer M2 is composed of two kinds of intermediate parameter layers M2A and M2B and is hierarchized. Here, the intermediate parameter layer M2B is defined on the upper layer side (operator side) than the intermediate parameter layer M2A. This parameter layer hierarchy indicates priority as a parameter, and when two types of intermediate parameter layers M2A and M2B conflict with each other, the parameter value on the upper layer side (custom parameter value) is reflected during actual processing. .

  For example, when the custom parameter determined for each patient as described above belongs to the intermediate parameter layer M2A and the custom parameter determined for each videoscope model belongs to the intermediate parameter layer M2B, the brightness level and the enhancement parameter are used. The value of the configured parameter block is different. This is because the amount of light reaching the affected area varies depending on the optical characteristics of the videoscope.

  In such a case, the execution parameter layer M3 is set with priority on the intermediate parameter layer having a higher priority. Here, the parameter of the intermediate parameter layer M2B, that is, the parameter value related to the brightness level and enhancement according to the type of the video scope is set with priority. For parameters that do not conflict with each other, both parameters are incorporated into the execution parameter layer M3.

  Similar to the second embodiment, the intermediate parameter layer selection process is executed in accordance with the operator's input operation, and when the parameter value setting and saving process accompanying the operator's editing work is executed (S301 to S303), the parameter value is executed. It is determined whether or not to reflect in the parameter layer M3 (304).

  When it is determined to reflect in accordance with the input operation by the operator, the parameters of the execution parameter layer M3 are read from the memory 41 (S305). The parameters of the intermediate parameter layer M2A having a low priority are first added to the execution parameter layer M3, and then the intermediate parameter layer M2B having a high priority is added (S306 and S307). At this time, the competing parameter values in the intermediate parameter layers M2A and M2B follow the parameter values in the intermediate parameter layer M2B by logical operation. The execution parameter layer M3 set by the editing work is stored in the memory 41 (S308).

  As described above, according to the third embodiment, a plurality of intermediate parameter layers are hierarchized, that is, given priorities, so that parameters more suitable for the work environment can be set. Note that the number of layers may be further increased.

  Next, an electronic endoscope apparatus according to a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the fourth embodiment, the order of the layers of the intermediate parameter layer can be changed. Other configurations are substantially the same as those in the third embodiment.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the parameter setting process in the fourth embodiment.

  When the parameters of the intermediate parameter layers M2A and M2B are read from the memory 41, a priority setting process associated with a priority selection operation by the operator is executed. When an input operation for changing the priority is performed, the priority of the intermediate parameter layer is changed (S401 to S403). Here, it is assumed that the priority of the intermediate parameter layer is changed from the order of M2B and M2A (2B> 2A) to the order of M2A and M2B (2A> 2B).

  Accordingly, when the execution parameter layer M3 is read from the memory 41, unlike the third embodiment, the execution parameter layer M2B and the intermediate parameter layer M2A are incorporated in the execution parameter layer in this order and stored in a memory such as the RAM 49. (S404 to S407).

  As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, by changing the hierarchical order of the intermediate parameter layer, that is, the priority order, the operator can easily change the parameters appropriately according to the work environment.

10 Video scope 30 Processor 40 System control circuit (parameter setting unit)
41 Memory M1 fixed parameter (Layer 1)
M2 Intermediate parameter (Layer 2)
M3 execution parameter (Layer 3)

Claims (9)

A memory capable of storing parameters related to the operation processing of the endoscope apparatus;
A parameter setting unit for setting parameters according to an input operation by an operator and storing the parameters in the memory;
The memory stores a series of fixed parameters that cannot be edited, a series of execution parameters that are reflected in the operation process, and a series of editable intermediate parameters that are part of the series of fixed parameters. And
An endoscope apparatus, wherein the parameter setting unit sets a predetermined intermediate parameter according to an input operation by an operator, and includes the set intermediate parameter in a series of execution parameters.   The endoscope apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the parameter setting unit determines whether or not to include the set intermediate parameter in a series of execution parameters in accordance with an input operation by an operator.   The endoscope apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the parameter setting unit stores the set intermediate parameter in the memory. A series of intermediate parameters consists of multiple types of intermediate parameters,
The endoscope apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the parameter setting unit selectively sets a specific type of intermediate parameter in accordance with an input operation by an operator. Multiple types of intermediate parameters are layered,
The endoscope apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the parameter setting unit determines a setting priority order of competing parameters according to a hierarchical order according to an input operation by an operator.   The endoscope apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the parameter setting unit can change a hierarchical order in accordance with an input operation of an operator.   The endoscope apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the series of execution parameters includes a combination of a series of fixed parameters and a series of intermediate parameters.   8. The endoscope apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a series of fixed parameters, a series of intermediate parameters, and a series of execution parameters are hierarchized in this order. The parameter setting unit is an operation method of the endoscope apparatus that sets parameters related to the operation processing of the endoscope apparatus according to an input operation by an operator and stores the parameters in a storable memory,
The memory stores a series of fixed parameters that cannot be edited, a series of execution parameters that are reflected in the operation process, and a series of editable intermediate parameters that are part of the series of fixed parameters. And
An operation method of an endoscope apparatus, wherein the parameter setting unit sets a predetermined intermediate parameter in accordance with an input operation by an operator, and includes the set intermediate parameter in a series of execution parameters.

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