JP2017018473A - Image processing apparatus and endoscope system comprising the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image processing apparatus adjusting an output start timing of an image according to a parameter of image processing which is used.SOLUTION: An image processing apparatus 100 for processing an image which is acquired on an endoscope, comprises at least one image processing circuit 130 performing image processing on a video signal which is input from the endoscope 200. The image processing apparatus 100 further comprises: a parameter setting part 110; a notification part 134; and a mute circuit 180. The parameter setting part 110 sets a parameter related to the image processing to the image processing circuit 130. The notification part 134 creates a processing completion signal which indicates that image processing based on the parameter set to the image processing circuit 130 is completed. The mute circuit 180 switches output and non-output of a video signal which is processed by the image processing circuit 130 to the outside, based on the processing completion signal.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus and an endoscope system including the same.

  There is known an endoscope system in which a plurality of types of endoscopes corresponding to applications are exchangeably connected to a common image processing apparatus. In such an endoscope system, parameters related to image processing used in the image processing apparatus may differ depending on the connected endoscope.

  Patent Document 1 discloses the following image processing apparatus. That is, this image processing apparatus reads parameters related to image processing according to the type of endoscope connected from the recording unit. The image processing apparatus performs image processing according to the type of endoscope connected based on the parameter.

JP 2008-149027 A

  In the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, the timing for starting image output is not considered. On the other hand, if the parameters are different, the time required for setting the image processing apparatus and image processing is different. An image in a state where image processing is not completed is preferably not output to a display device or the like.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus that adjusts the timing for starting image output in accordance with the image processing parameters used, and an endoscope system including the image processing apparatus.

  According to an aspect of the present invention, the image processing apparatus is an image processing apparatus that processes an image acquired by an endoscope, and performs at least image processing on a video signal input from the endoscope. Based on an image processing circuit group including one image processing circuit, a parameter setting unit for setting a parameter relating to the image processing for the image processing circuit group, and the parameter set for the image processing circuit group A notification unit for generating a processing completion signal indicating that the image processing has been completed, and a mute circuit for switching output or non-outputting of the video signal processed by the image processing circuit group to the outside based on the processing completion signal With.

  According to an aspect of the present invention, an endoscope system includes the image processing device, the endoscope, and a display device that displays a video based on a video signal processed by the image processing circuit group.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the image processing apparatus which adjusts the time which starts the output of an image according to the parameter of the image processing used, and an endoscope system provided with the same can be provided.

The block diagram which shows the outline of the structural example of the endoscope system which concerns on 1st Embodiment. 1 is a block diagram showing an outline of a first configuration example of an image processing circuit according to a first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an outline of a second configuration example of the image processing circuit according to the first embodiment. The figure which shows the positional relationship of FIG. 4B and FIG. 4C. The sequence diagram which concerns on the 1st example of a process of the endoscope system which concerns on 1st Embodiment. The sequence diagram which concerns on the 1st example of a process of the endoscope system which concerns on 1st Embodiment. The figure which shows the positional relationship of FIG. 5B and FIG. 5C. The sequence diagram which concerns on the 2nd example of a process of the endoscope system which concerns on 1st Embodiment. The sequence diagram which concerns on the 2nd example of a process of the endoscope system which concerns on 1st Embodiment. The block diagram which shows the outline of the structural example of the endoscope system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. The figure which shows the positional relationship of FIG. 7B, FIG. 7C, and FIG. 7D. The sequence diagram which concerns on an example of the process of the endoscope system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. The sequence diagram which concerns on an example of the process of the endoscope system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. The sequence diagram which concerns on an example of the process of the endoscope system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment.

[First Embodiment]
A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

<System configuration>
An outline of a configuration example of an endoscope system 10 according to the first embodiment is shown in FIG. The endoscope system 10 includes an image processing device 100, an endoscope 200, and a monitor 300. The endoscope 200 has an insertion unit and an operation unit (not shown). The insertion part is inserted into the observation target. An imaging unit is provided at the distal end of the insertion unit. The video signal acquired by the imaging unit is transmitted to the image processing apparatus 100. The image processing apparatus 100 performs image processing on the video signal acquired from the endoscope 200. The image processing apparatus 100 displays the image after image processing on a monitor 300 as a display device outside the image processing apparatus 100.

  The endoscope 200 includes an image sensor 210, a first memory 222, a transmission circuit 224, and an identification information recording unit 230.

  The imaging element 210 is included in an imaging unit provided at the distal end of the insertion unit of the endoscope 200. The image sensor 210 receives an image of an observation target through a lens (not shown) and generates a video signal. The image sensor 210 outputs the generated video signal to the image processing apparatus 100.

  In-scope parameters relating to settings of the image processing apparatus 100 are recorded in the first memory 222. Here, the in-scope parameter recorded in the first memory 222 is different for each endoscope 200 and is a parameter indicating a characteristic unique to the endoscope 200. The in-scope parameter includes information such as assembly variation of the endoscope 200, for example. The in-scope parameter includes information relating to a value to be corrected, such as an optical axis shift or a magnification shift, of the optical system constituting the imaging unit of the endoscope 200, for example. The transmission circuit 224 reads the in-scope parameter recorded in the first memory 222 and transmits it to the image processing apparatus 100.

  The identification information recording unit 230 includes information indicating the model of the endoscope 200 and the like. The identification information recording unit 230 may be a semiconductor memory or the like. Further, the identification information recording unit 230 is a simple resistance element or the like, and may be configured such that the type or the like of the endoscope 200 can be determined by the image processing apparatus 100 reading the resistance value of the element. Good.

  The image processing apparatus 100 includes an image processing circuit group 138 that performs image processing. The image processing circuit group 138 may include one image processing circuit or may include a plurality of image processing circuits. In the present embodiment, the case where the image processing circuit group 138 includes one image processing circuit 130 will be described as an example.

  The image processing apparatus 100 includes a parameter receiving circuit 112, a processor parameter management circuit 114, a second memory 116, an endoscope type determination circuit 118, an image processing circuit 130, and a mute circuit 180. The parameter receiving circuit 112 and the in-processor parameter management circuit 114 function as the parameter setting unit 110.

  Each circuit includes a central processing unit (CPU), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or a field programmable gate array (FPGA). Each circuit may be configured by one integrated circuit, or may be configured by combining a plurality of integrated circuits. The operation of each circuit is performed, for example, according to a program recorded in a storage device or a storage area in the circuit.

  The endoscope type determination circuit 118 performs an endoscope operation based on identification information recorded in the identification information recording unit 230 of the endoscope 200 connected to the image processing apparatus 100 when the image processing apparatus 100 is activated. The type of the mirror 200 is determined. The endoscope type determination circuit 118 transmits the determination result to the processor parameter management circuit 114.

  In the second memory 116, in-processor parameters relating to basic settings of the image processing circuit 130 are recorded. The in-processor parameter management circuit 114 reads out the basic in-processor parameter corresponding to the type of the endoscope 200 acquired from the endoscope type determination circuit 118 from the second memory 116. The intra-processor parameter management circuit 114 transmits the read intra-processor parameter to the image processing circuit 130. When the intra-processor parameter management circuit 114 finishes transmitting the intra-processor parameter to the image processing circuit 130, the intra-processor parameter management circuit 114 transmits an intra-processor update flag as an update signal to the image processing circuit 130.

  The parameter receiving circuit 112 receives the in-scope parameter from the transmission circuit 224 of the endoscope 200 and transmits the in-scope parameter to the image processing circuit 130. The in-processor parameter management circuit 114 transmits an in-scope update flag as an update signal to the image processing circuit 130 after transmitting the in-scope parameters to the image processing circuit 130.

  The image processing circuit 130 performs image processing on the video signal acquired from the imaging element 210 of the endoscope 200. The image processing circuit 130 according to the present embodiment performs image processing including the following processing. In other words, the image processing circuit 130 performs different image processing depending on the type of the endoscope 200, such as image processing for adjusting the characteristics of different images depending on the type of the endoscope 200. Further, the image processing circuit 130 performs different image processing according to individual differences of the endoscope 200 such as image processing for adjusting individual differences of the endoscope 200. The image processing circuit 130 performs various other image processing. The basic setting corresponding to the type of the endoscope 200 is included in the above-described parameters in the processor. Further, information related to individual differences of endoscopes is included in the aforementioned in-scope parameters. The time required for reading and setting the parameters in the scope and the parameters in the processor, completing the processing based on the parameters, and the like may vary depending on the parameters in the scope and the parameters in the processor. Can be different. The image processing circuit 130 performs image processing on the input video signal and outputs the video signal after the image processing. The image processing circuit 130 receives the in-scope update flag and the in-processor update flag, and when image processing using the in-scope parameter and the in-processor parameter can be performed, the process completion flag as a process completion signal. Is transmitted to the mute circuit 180. The image processing circuit 130 may transmit a message to that effect to the mute circuit 180 in a state where image processing using the in-scope parameter and the in-processor parameter cannot be performed.

  The mute circuit 180 acquires a video signal after image processing from the image processing circuit 130. The mute circuit 180 does not output the acquired video signal until it receives a processing completion flag from the image processing circuit 130. In this case, the mute circuit 180 causes the monitor 300 to display a black screen, a color bar, or a menu screen. When the mute circuit 180 receives the processing completion flag from the image processing circuit 130, the mute circuit 180 outputs a video signal to the monitor 300. As described above, the mute circuit 180 switches the output or non-output of the video signal subjected to the image processing to the outside.

  The monitor 300 is a liquid crystal display device, for example. The monitor 300 displays an image based on the video signal received from the mute circuit 180 of the image processing apparatus 100.

  Two configuration examples of the image processing circuit 130 are shown. For example, the image processing circuit 130 may have any of the following two configurations, or may have another configuration having an equivalent function.

(First example)
A first example of the configuration of the image processing circuit 130 will be described with reference to FIG. The image processing circuit 130 includes an image processing unit 132 and a notification unit 134.

  The image processing unit 132 receives a video signal, an in-scope parameter, an in-scope update flag, an in-processor parameter, and an in-processor update flag. The image processing unit 132 performs image processing on the input video signal using in-scope parameters and in-processor parameters. The image processing unit 132 transmits the video signal after the image processing to the mute circuit 180.

  In addition, the image processing unit 132 acquires the in-scope update flag and the in-processor update flag, and when image processing using the in-scope parameter and the in-processor parameter can be performed, the image processing completion notification is notified to the notification unit 134. Communicate to. When the notification unit 134 receives the image processing completion notification from the image processing unit 132, the notification unit 134 transmits a processing completion flag to the mute circuit 180.

(Second example)
A second example of the configuration of the image processing circuit 130 will be described with reference to FIG. The image processing circuit 130 includes an image processing unit 132 and a notification unit 134.

  The image processing unit 132 receives a video signal, an in-scope parameter, an in-scope update flag, an in-processor parameter, and an in-processor update flag. The image processing unit 132 performs image processing on the input video signal using in-scope parameters and in-processor parameters. The image processing unit 132 transmits the video signal after the image processing to the mute circuit 180.

  The in-scope update flag and the in-processor update flag are input to the notification unit 134. The notification unit 134 mutes the processing completion flag when the in-scope update flag and the in-processor update flag are input and the image processing unit 132 can perform image processing using the in-scope parameter and the in-processor parameter. To the circuit 180.

<System operation>
Processing performed in the endoscope system 10 will be described.

(First example)
First, an operation in the case of the above-described first example in which the configuration of the image processing circuit 130 is described with reference to FIG. 2 will be described with reference to sequence diagrams shown in FIGS. 4B and 4C. 4B and 4C show one sequence diagram divided for the sake of space, and FIG. 4A shows the arrangement of FIGS. 4B and 4C.

  The endoscope type determination circuit 118 transmits information related to the endoscope type acquired from the identification information recording unit 230 to the intra-processor parameter management circuit 114. The in-processor parameter management circuit 114 that has received the endoscope type information transmits the in-processor parameter corresponding to the endoscope type to the image processing unit 132 based on the information recorded in the second memory 116. The intra-processor parameter management circuit 114 transmits an intra-processor update flag to the image processing unit 132 when transmission of the intra-processor parameter is completed. Thus, the in-processor update flag is a flag indicating that transmission of the in-processor parameter is completed, and functions as an update signal.

  The following processing is performed in parallel with transmission from the in-processor parameter management circuit 114 to the image processing unit 132. That is, the transmission circuit 224 reads in-scope parameters from the first memory 222 and transmits the in-scope parameters to the parameter reception circuit 112. The parameter reception circuit 112 transmits the in-scope parameter acquired from the transmission circuit 224 to the image processing unit 132. When the transmission of the in-scope parameter is completed, the parameter receiving circuit 112 transmits an in-scope update flag to the image processing unit 132. As described above, the in-scope update flag is a flag indicating that transmission of the in-scope parameter is completed, and functions as an update signal. The in-scope parameter readout by the transmission circuit 224 is performed after the initialization of the endoscope 200 is completed, and thus is generally performed later than the transmission of the intra-processor parameter by the intra-processor parameter management circuit 114.

  In addition, the image sensor 210 transmits the generated video signal to the image processing unit 132.

  The image processing unit 132 performs image processing on the video signal acquired from the image sensor 210 and outputs the video signal after the image processing to the mute circuit 180. Here, the image processing unit 132 is based on the in-scope parameter and the in-processor parameter that acquired the setting of the image processing to be executed. The image processing unit 132 obtains the in-scope update flag and the in-processor update flag, and notifies the image processing completion notification when the image processing unit 132 can perform image processing based on the in-scope parameter and the in-processor parameter. To the unit 134. Here, the time until image processing can be performed, that is, the time until image processing is completed may differ depending on the in-scope parameter and the in-processor parameter.

  When the notification unit 134 receives the image processing completion notification, the notification unit 134 transmits a processing completion flag to the mute circuit 180.

  When the mute circuit 180 acquires the processing completion flag, the mute circuit 180 outputs the image signal after the image processing acquired from the image processing unit 132 to the monitor 300. As a result, an image based on the image signal after image processing is displayed on the monitor 300.

(Second example)
Next, the operation in the case of the above-described second example in which the configuration of the image processing circuit 130 has been described with reference to FIG. 3 will be described with reference to the sequence diagrams shown in FIGS. 5B and 5C. FIG. 5B and FIG. 5C show one sequence diagram divided for the sake of space, and FIG. 5A shows the arrangement of FIG. 5B and FIG. 5C.

  The endoscope type determination circuit 118 transmits information related to the endoscope type acquired from the identification information recording unit 230 to the intra-processor parameter management circuit 114. The intra-processor parameter management circuit 114 that has received the endoscope type information transmits the intra-processor parameter to the image processing unit 132 based on the information recorded in the second memory 116. When the transmission of the intra-processor parameter is completed, the intra-processor parameter management circuit 114 transmits an intra-processor update flag to the notification unit 134.

  In parallel with transmission from the in-processor parameter management circuit 114 to the image processing unit 132 and the notification unit 134, the following processing is performed. That is, the transmission circuit 224 reads in-scope parameters from the first memory 222 and transmits the in-scope parameters to the parameter reception circuit 112. The parameter reception circuit 112 transmits the in-scope parameter acquired from the transmission circuit 224 to the image processing unit 132. When the transmission of the in-scope parameter is completed, the parameter receiving circuit 112 transmits an in-scope update flag to the notification unit 134.

  In addition, the image sensor 210 transmits a video signal to the image processing unit 132.

  The image processing unit 132 performs image processing on the video signal acquired from the image sensor 210 and outputs the video signal after the image processing to the mute circuit 180. Here, the image processing unit 132 is based on the in-scope parameter and the in-processor parameter that acquired the setting of the image processing to be executed.

  When the notification unit 134 acquires the in-scope update flag and the in-processor update flag and the image processing unit 132 can perform image processing based on the in-scope parameter and the in-processor parameter, the notification completion unit 134 sets the processing completion flag to the mute circuit 180. Send to. The timing at which the notification unit 134 outputs the processing completion flag may be, for example, when a predetermined period has elapsed after the in-scope update flag and the in-processor update flag are input to the notification unit 134. The timing at which the notification unit 134 outputs the processing completion flag is, for example, information related to a period until image processing based on the in-scope update flag and the in-scope parameter and the in-processor parameter corresponding to the in-processor update flag can be performed. May be included, and this period may elapse after the in-scope update flag and the in-processor update flag are input to the notification unit 134.

  When the mute circuit 180 acquires the processing completion flag, the mute circuit 180 outputs the image signal after the image processing acquired from the image processing unit 132 to the monitor 300. As a result, an image based on the image signal after image processing is displayed on the monitor 300.

  According to the present embodiment, the video signal is output from the mute circuit 180 only after the processing completion flag is output from the notification unit 134. Here, the processing completion flag is output when the in-scope parameter and the in-processor parameter are set and the image processing unit 132 performs image processing based on the in-scope parameter and the in-processor parameter. . Therefore, a video that has not been properly processed is not displayed on the monitor 300.

  Depending on in-processor parameters that may vary depending on the type of endoscope 200 and in-scope parameters that may vary depending on individual differences in endoscope 200, the time required for setting image processing by image processing circuit 130, and processing based on that setting The time to complete may vary. According to the present embodiment, the notification unit 134 determines that the image processing by the image processing unit 132 has been completed and outputs a processing completion flag, so that a video signal is output according to the type of the endoscope 200 and individual differences. The timing to be performed can be set appropriately. In other words, it can occur when the timing at which the video signal is output is fixed, such as being output even though the processing has not yet been completed, or the output has not been completed even though the processing has already been completed. However, this does not occur according to this embodiment. In other words, an appropriate image is displayed on the display device in the shortest time.

  In the present embodiment, an example in which the mute circuit 180 outputs a video signal to the monitor 300 is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the mute circuit 180 may output the video signal to a recording device that records the video signal. In this case, a video signal that has not been properly image-processed is not recorded in the recording device.

  In the present embodiment, the image processing circuit 130 is an in-scope parameter including information on individual differences of the endoscope 200 recorded in the first memory 222 and a basic setting for each type of the endoscope 200. Image processing is performed using the parameters in the processor. However, it is not limited to this. For example, the image processing circuit 130 may be configured to use only the in-processor parameter without using the in-scope parameter. The basic setting for each type of endoscope 200 is also recorded in the first memory 222 as an in-scope parameter, and the image processing circuit 130 uses only the in-scope parameter without using the in-processor parameter. May be configured. Further, the basic setting is not different for each type of endoscope 200, and may be the same for all types of endoscopes 200.

[Second Embodiment]
A second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Here, differences from the first embodiment will be described, and the same portions will be denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted. FIG. 6 shows an outline of a configuration example of the endoscope system 10 according to the second embodiment.

  The endoscope system 10 according to the second embodiment is different from the endoscope system 10 according to the first embodiment in the following points. The image processing circuit group 140 of the image processing apparatus 100 includes three image processing circuits. That is, the image processing apparatus 100 includes a first image processing circuit 141, a second image processing circuit 144, and a third image processing circuit 147.

  The first image processing circuit 141 includes a first image processing unit 142 and a first notification unit 143. The second image processing circuit 144 includes a second image processing unit 145 and a second notification unit 146. The third image processing circuit 147 includes a third image processing unit 148 and a third notification unit 149. Similar to the image processing unit 132 according to the first embodiment, the first image processing unit 142, the second image processing unit 145, and the third image processing unit 148 each acquire a video signal, Image processing is performed and a video signal after image processing is output. Similar to the notification unit 134 according to the first embodiment, the first notification unit 143, the second notification unit 146, and the third notification unit 149 are respectively a first image processing unit 142 and a second image processing unit. When the unit 145 and the third image processing unit 148 are ready to perform image processing, a processing completion flag is output.

  The configurations of the first image processing unit 142 and the first notification unit 143 in the first image processing circuit 141 are the same as the first example described with reference to FIG. 2 of the first embodiment and FIG. The second example described with reference to either configuration may be used. Configurations of second image processing unit 145 and second notification unit 146 in second image processing circuit 144, and third image processing unit 148 and third notification unit in third image processing circuit 147 The same applies to the configuration of 149.

  As will be described later, the first image processing unit 142 performs image processing based on the first in-scope parameter transmitted from the parameter receiving circuit 112 and the first in-processor parameter transmitted from the in-processor parameter management circuit 114. Do. Similarly, the third image processing unit 148 performs image processing based on the second in-scope parameter transmitted from the parameter receiving circuit 112 and the third in-processor parameter transmitted from the in-processor parameter management circuit 114. . On the other hand, the second image processing unit 145 performs image processing based only on the second in-processor parameter transmitted from the in-processor parameter management circuit 114.

  The image sensor 210 transmits the video signal (Img) to the first image processing circuit 141. The transmission circuit 224 transmits the in-scope parameter (PS) read from the first memory 222 to the parameter reception circuit 112.

  The parameter reception circuit 112 transmits the first in-scope parameter (PS1) to the first image processing circuit 141 based on the in-scope parameter acquired from the transmission circuit 224. When the transmission of the first in-scope parameter is completed, the parameter receiving circuit 112 transmits the first in-scope update flag (FS1) to the first image processing circuit 141. In addition, the parameter receiving circuit 112 transmits the second in-scope parameter (PS2) to the third image processing circuit 147 based on the in-scope parameter acquired from the transmission circuit 224. When the transmission of the second in-scope parameter is completed, the parameter receiving circuit 112 transmits the second in-scope update flag (FS2) to the third image processing circuit 147.

  The intra-processor parameter management circuit 114 transmits the first intra-processor parameter (PP1) corresponding to the type of the endoscope 200 to the first image processing circuit 141. When the transmission of the first intra-processor parameter is completed, the intra-processor parameter management circuit 114 transmits the first intra-processor update flag (FP1) to the first image processing circuit 141. In addition, the intra-processor parameter management circuit 114 transmits the second intra-processor parameter (PP2) to the second image processing circuit 144. When the transmission of the second intra-processor parameter is completed, the intra-processor parameter management circuit 114 transmits the second intra-processor update flag (FP2) to the second image processing circuit 144. The intra-processor parameter management circuit 114 transmits the third intra-processor parameter (PP3) to the third image processing circuit 147. When the transmission of the third in-processor parameter is completed, the in-processor parameter management circuit 114 transmits a third in-processor update flag (FP3) to the third image processing circuit 147.

  After acquiring the first in-scope update flag and the first in-processor update flag, the first image processing circuit 141, based on the first in-scope parameter (PS1) and the first in-processor parameter (PP1). Then, image processing is performed on the video signal (Img) acquired from the image sensor 210. The first image processing circuit 141 transmits the video signal (Img) after the image processing to the second image processing circuit 144. Further, the first image processing circuit 141 transmits a processing completion flag (FC) to the second image processing circuit 144 when image processing related to the first in-scope parameter and the first in-processor parameter is completed. To do.

  When the second image processing circuit 144 obtains the second in-processor update flag and obtains the processing completion flag (FC) from the first image processing circuit 141, the second image processing circuit 144, based on the second in-processor parameter (PP2). Then, image processing is performed on the video signal (Img) acquired from the first image processing circuit 141. The second image processing circuit 144 transmits the image signal (Img) after the image processing to the third image processing circuit 147. Also, the second image processing circuit 144 transmits a processing completion flag (FC) to the third image processing circuit 147 when the image processing related to the second processor parameter is completed.

  When the third image processing circuit 147 obtains the second in-scope update flag and the third in-processor update flag and obtains the processing completion flag (FC) from the second image processing circuit 144, the second scope Based on the internal parameter (PS2) and the third internal processor parameter (PP3), image processing is performed on the video signal (Img) acquired from the second image processing circuit 144. The third image processing circuit 147 transmits the video signal (Img) after the image processing to the mute circuit 180. Further, the third image processing circuit 147 transmits a processing completion flag (FC) to the mute circuit 180 when the image processing related to the second in-scope parameter and the third in-processor parameter is completed. The mute circuit 180 that has received the processing completion flag (FC) transmits the video signal (Img) after the image processing to the monitor 300.

  Sequence diagrams relating to processing of the endoscope system 10 according to the present embodiment are shown in FIGS. 7B, 7C, and 7D. FIGS. 7B, 7C, and 7D show one sequence diagram divided for the sake of space, and FIG. 7A shows the arrangement of FIGS. 7B, 7C, and 7D. Here, the internal configurations of the first image processing circuit 141, the second image processing circuit 144, and the third image processing circuit 147 have the same configuration as that of the second example described with reference to FIG. Will be explained.

  The endoscope type determination circuit 118 transmits information related to the endoscope type acquired from the identification information recording unit 230 to the intra-processor parameter management circuit 114.

  The transmission circuit 224 reads in-scope parameters from the first memory 222 and transmits the in-scope parameters to the parameter reception circuit 112.

  The parameter reception circuit 112 transmits the first in-scope parameter to the first image processing unit 142 based on the in-scope parameter acquired from the transmission circuit 224. When the transmission of the first in-scope parameter is completed, the parameter receiving circuit 112 transmits a first in-scope update flag to the first notification unit 143.

  In parallel with this, the following processing is performed. That is, the parameter reception circuit 112 transmits the second in-scope parameter to the third image processing unit 148 based on the in-scope parameter acquired from the transmission circuit 224. When the transmission of the second in-scope parameter is completed, the parameter receiving circuit 112 transmits a second in-scope update flag to the third notification unit 149.

  In parallel with this, the following processing is performed. That is, the in-processor parameter management circuit 114 transmits the first in-processor parameter to the first image processing unit 142. When the transmission of the first in-processor parameter is completed, the in-processor parameter management circuit 114 transmits a first in-processor update flag to the first notification unit 143.

  In parallel with this, the following processing is performed. That is, the intra-processor parameter management circuit 114 transmits the second intra-processor parameter to the second image processing unit 145. The in-processor parameter management circuit 114 transmits a second in-processor update flag to the second notification unit 146 when transmission of the second in-processor parameter is completed.

  In parallel with this, the following processing is performed. That is, the intra-processor parameter management circuit 114 transmits the third intra-processor parameter to the third image processing unit 148. When the transmission of the third in-processor parameter is completed, the in-processor parameter management circuit 114 transmits a third in-processor update flag to the third notification unit 149.

  The image sensor 210 transmits the video signal to the first image processing unit 142.

  When the first image processing unit 142 acquires the first in-scope update flag and the first in-processor update flag, the video signal is generated based on the acquired first in-scope parameter and the first in-processor parameter. Image processing is performed on The first image processing unit 142 transmits the video signal after the image processing to the second image processing unit 145.

  The first notification unit 143 acquires the first in-scope update flag and the first in-processor update flag, and the first image processing unit 142 uses the first in-scope parameter, the first in-processor parameter, When the image processing based on can be performed, a processing completion flag is transmitted to the second image processing unit 145.

  When the second image processing unit 145 obtains the second in-processor update flag and obtains the processing completion flag from the first notification unit 143, the second image processing unit 145 obtains the first image based on the obtained second in-processor parameter. Image processing is performed on the video signal acquired from the processing unit 142. The second image processing unit 145 transmits the video signal after the image processing to the third image processing unit 148.

  When the second notification unit 146 acquires the second in-processor update flag and the second image processing unit 145 can perform image processing based on the second in-processor parameter, the second notification unit 146 sets the processing completion flag to the third flag. To the image processing unit 148.

  When the third image processing unit 148 acquires the second in-scope update flag and the third in-processor update flag and acquires the processing completion flag from the second notification unit 146, the acquired second in-scope parameter And the third in-processor parameter, image processing is performed on the video signal acquired from the second image processing unit 145. The third image processing unit 148 transmits the video signal after the image processing to the mute circuit 180.

  The third notification unit 149 acquires the second in-scope update flag and the third in-processor update flag, and the third image processing unit 148 causes the second in-scope parameter, the third in-processor parameter, When it becomes possible to perform image processing based on, a processing completion flag is transmitted to the mute circuit 180.

  When the mute circuit 180 acquires the processing completion flag, the mute circuit 180 outputs the image signal after image processing acquired from the third image processing unit 148 to the monitor 300. As a result, an image based on the image signal after image processing is displayed on the monitor 300.

  Also in this embodiment, the image processing parameters are appropriately set and appropriate image processing is performed in all of the first image processing unit 142, the second image processing unit 145, and the third image processing unit 148. Only after the video signal is output from the mute circuit 180. Here, even if the time required for setting the image processing of each of the first image processing unit 142, the second image processing unit 145, and the third image processing unit 148 and the time required for the image processing are different, Only after the image processing is completed, the video signal is output from the mute circuit 180. Therefore, video that has not been properly imaged is not displayed on the monitor 300. In addition, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained.

  The processing described with reference to FIG. 7 is the same as the internal configuration of the first image processing circuit 141, the second image processing circuit 144, and the third image processing circuit 147 described with reference to FIG. This is a case having the same configuration as that of the second example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and even if these circuits have the same configuration as that of the first example described with reference to FIG. 2 as in the case of the first embodiment, for example, It operates similarly as shown.

  In the present embodiment, the case where the image processing circuit group 140 includes three image processing circuits has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The image processing circuit group 140 may have two image processing circuits or four or more image processing circuits.

  In the present embodiment, the processing completion flag is transferred from the first image processing circuit 141 to the second image processing circuit 144, and from the second image processing circuit 144 to the third image processing circuit 147. An example in which the signal is sequentially transmitted from the circuit 147 to the mute circuit 180 is shown. However, it is not limited to this. For example, each of the first image processing circuit 141, the second image processing circuit 144, and the third image processing circuit 147 may be configured to transmit a processing completion flag to the mute circuit 180. In this case, when the mute circuit 180 receives the processing completion flag from all of the first image processing circuit 141, the second image processing circuit 144, and the third image processing circuit 147, the video signal after the image processing is processed. Is output to the monitor 300.

  In the present embodiment, the video signal is transferred from the first image processing circuit 141 to the second image processing circuit 144, from the second image processing circuit 144 to the third image processing circuit 147, and to the third image processing circuit. An example in which the signal is sequentially transmitted from 147 to the mute circuit 180 is shown. However, it is not limited to this. For example, when it is not necessary to use any of a plurality of image processing circuits according to the in-scope parameter or the processor parameter, the image signal is transmitted to another image processing circuit by skipping the image processing circuit. It may be configured.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Endoscope system, 100 ... Image processing apparatus, 110 ... Parameter setting part, 112 ... Parameter receiving circuit, 114 ... In-processor parameter management circuit, 116 ... Second memory, 118 ... Endoscope classification judgment circuit, 130 ... Image processing circuit, 132 ... Image processing section, 134 ... Notification section, 138 ... Image processing circuit group, 140 ... Image processing circuit group, 141 ... First image processing circuit, 142 ... First image processing section, 143 ... First notification unit, 144... Second image processing circuit, 145... Second image processing unit, 146... Second notification unit, 147... Third image processing circuit, 148. 149 ... third notification unit, 180 ... mute circuit, 200 ... endoscope, 210 ... imaging device, 222 ... first memory, 224 ... transmission circuit, 230 ... identification information recording unit, 300 ... monitor.

Claims (9)

An image processing apparatus that processes an image acquired by an endoscope,
An image processing circuit group including at least one image processing circuit that performs image processing on a video signal input from the endoscope;
A parameter setting unit for setting parameters relating to the image processing for the image processing circuit group;
A notification unit for generating a processing completion signal indicating that the image processing based on the parameters set for the image processing circuit group is completed;
An image processing apparatus comprising: a mute circuit that switches output or non-output of the video signal processed by the image processing circuit group to the outside based on the processing completion signal. A parameter receiving circuit for acquiring an in-scope parameter as the parameter from a first memory provided in the endoscope;
The parameter setting unit sets the in-scope parameter acquired from the parameter receiving circuit for the image processing circuit group.
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1. A second memory in which an in-processor parameter as the parameter is recorded;
The parameter setting unit sets the processor parameter acquired from the second memory for the image processing circuit group,
The image processing circuit group performs the image processing based on the in-scope parameter and the in-processor parameter,
The notification unit generates the processing completion signal indicating that the image processing based on the in-scope parameter and the in-processor parameter is completed.
The image processing apparatus according to claim 2. An endoscope type determination circuit for determining the type of the connected endoscope;
A second memory in which the parameter corresponding to the type of the endoscope is recorded;
The parameter setting unit reads the parameter corresponding to the endoscope of the type determined by the endoscope type determination circuit from the second memory, and sets the parameter in the image processing circuit group;
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1. The image processing circuit group includes:
A first image processing circuit for performing first image processing on a video signal input from the endoscope;
A second image processing circuit for performing a second image processing on the output signal of the first image processing circuit,
The parameter setting unit
Setting a first parameter relating to the first image processing circuit in the first image processing circuit;
A second parameter relating to the second image processing circuit is set in the second image processing circuit;
The second image processing circuit is based on the second parameter with respect to the output signal on which the first image processing has been performed by the first image processing circuit in which the first parameter is set. To perform the second image processing,
The notification unit generates the processing completion signal when the second image processing is completed.
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1. The image processing circuit group includes a plurality of image processing circuits,
The parameter setting unit sets a parameter related to each image processing in each of the plurality of image processing circuits,
Each of the plurality of image processing circuits performs the image processing based on the parameter,
The notification unit generates the processing completion signal indicating that the image processing based on the parameters set for the image processing circuit is completed for all the plurality of image processing circuits.
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1. The parameter setting unit transmits an update signal indicating that the transmission of the parameter is completed after transmitting the parameter related to the image processing to the image processing circuit group,
The notification unit generates the processing completion signal after receiving the update signal and completing the image processing based on the parameter.
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1. The image processing circuit group includes n image processing circuits from a first image processing circuit to an nth image processing circuit (n is a natural number of 3 or more),
The parameter setting unit
Parameters for each image processing are set for each of the first image processing circuit to the nth image processing circuit,
After transmitting the parameters related to the image processing to each of the first image processing circuit to the nth image processing circuit, an update signal indicating that the transmission of the parameters is completed is transmitted,
Each of the m-th image processing circuits (m is a natural number from 1 to n) has an m-th notification unit,
The first image processing circuit performs the image processing on the video signal input from the endoscope and transmits the video signal to a second image processing circuit;
The first notification unit transmits a first processing completion signal indicating that the image processing based on the parameter set for the first image processing circuit is completed to the second image processing circuit. And
Each of the kth image processing circuits (k is a natural number from 2 to (n-1)) performs the image processing on the video signal input from the (k-1) th image processing circuit, When the (k−1) th processing completion signal is received, the image signal after image processing is transmitted to the (k + 1) th image processing circuit,
The k-th notification unit outputs a k-th processing completion signal indicating that the image processing based on the parameter set for the k-th image processing circuit is completed. To
The nth image processing circuit performs the image processing on the video signal input from the (n-1) th image processing circuit, and transmits the image signal after the image processing to the mute circuit.
The n-th notification unit transmits the processing completion signal indicating that the image processing based on the parameter set for the n-th image processing circuit is completed to the mute circuit;
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1. An image processing apparatus according to claim 1;
The endoscope;
An endoscope system comprising: a display device that displays video based on a video signal processed by the image processing circuit group.