JP2019130049A - Electronic endoscope system, processor, and control method - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an electronic endoscope system, etc. capable of accurately controlling an operation of a light source.SOLUTION: When observation using an illumination light by a light source unit provided to an electronic endoscope is performed, a light receiving sensor of the electronic endoscope detects a light emitted from a light emission part of a light guide of a light source device inserted into a forceps channel of the electronic endoscope. An image processing device acquires a detection signal by the light receiving sensor, determines whether or not the light receiving sensor detects a light of predetermined intensity or more based on the acquired detection signal, and, when it detects a light of the predetermined intensity or more, turns off the illumination light by the light source part of the electronic endoscope.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to an electronic endoscope system, a processor, and a control method.

  An electronic endoscope system is used as a medical device for observing a human body. The electronic endoscope system controls the processing of the electronic endoscope that illuminates and images the subject inside the body, and the illumination and imaging by the electronic endoscope, and processes the captured image obtained by the electronic endoscope And a processing device. The electronic endoscope has an insertion tube inserted into the body, and an illumination unit and an imaging unit are provided at the distal end of the insertion tube. The insertion tube is provided with a forceps channel penetrating from a forceps hole provided at a predetermined position to a distal end of the insertion tube. In such an electronic endoscope system, a treatment instrument such as a high-frequency knife or high-frequency scissors forceps is inserted into the forceps channel as necessary when the electronic endoscope (insertion tube) is inserted into the body for observation. Thus, a treatment such as endoscopic mucosal resection can be performed. Patent Document 1 proposes an apparatus that acquires an ultrasonic image by inserting a small-diameter ultrasonic probe into a forceps hole (forceps channel) of an electronic endoscope.

JP-A-8-10262

  In recent years, light with a controlled wavelength (special light) such as narrow band imaging (NBI), fluorescence observation (AFI: Auto Fluorescence Imaging), infrared light observation (IRI: Infra Red Imaging) has been used. Special light observation is performed. When performing special light observation, insert a light guide that transmits special light emitted from the light source for special light into the forceps channel of the electronic endoscope, and illuminate the subject with the special light transmitted by the light guide. It is possible. When the special light guide is inserted into the forceps channel in this way, the light source of the illumination unit provided in the electronic endoscope and the special light source can be switched appropriately. However, in a situation where two light sources can be switched and used, when observing using one light source, it is necessary to control the other light source so that it does not turn on. It is necessary to control each light source with high accuracy.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an electronic endoscope system and the like that can accurately control the operation of a light source.

  An electronic endoscope system according to an aspect of the present invention is obtained by imaging with an electronic endoscope having an illumination unit that illuminates the inside of the body and an imaging unit that images the illuminated body, and the electronic endoscope. An electronic endoscope system including a processing device for processing a captured image, wherein the electronic endoscope is a light guide that is mounted on a channel provided in the electronic endoscope and transmits light from a light source device. A detection unit that detects light emitted from a light emission unit provided at a predetermined position, and the processing device is configured to turn off the illumination unit when the detection unit detects light having a predetermined intensity or more. A part.

  A processor according to one embodiment of the present invention is a processor that controls an electronic endoscope having an illumination unit that illuminates the body and an imaging unit that images the illuminated body, and is attached to a channel provided in the electronic endoscope The detection signal is acquired from the detection unit that detects the light emitted from the light emission unit provided in a predetermined position of the light guide that transmits the light from the light source device, and based on the acquired detection signal, When the detection unit detects light having a predetermined intensity or more, a process for turning off the illumination unit is executed.

  A control method according to an aspect of the present invention is an electronic endoscope control method including an illumination unit that illuminates the body and an imaging unit that images the illuminated body, and is attached to a channel provided in the electronic endoscope. The light emitted from the light emitting portion provided at a predetermined position of the light guide that transmits the light from the light source device is detected, and the light is turned off when light having a predetermined intensity or more is detected.

  According to one aspect of the present invention, in an electronic endoscope system having a plurality of light sources, the operation of each light source can be controlled with high accuracy.

It is a schematic diagram which shows the structural example of an electronic endoscope system. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the control system of an electronic endoscope system. It is a schematic diagram which shows the structural example of a light source device. It is a schematic diagram which shows the structural example of the light emission part of a light guide. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the process which an image processing apparatus performs. It is a schematic diagram which shows the example of a display of a monitor apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows a part of procedure of the process which an image processing apparatus performs.

  Hereinafter, an electronic endoscope system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example of an electronic endoscope system, FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a control system of the electronic endoscope system, and FIG. 3 is a configuration example of a light source device. It is a schematic diagram which shows. The electronic endoscope system according to the present embodiment includes an electronic endoscope 10 that illuminates and images the inside of the body, and an image processing device that generates image data by processing an image signal obtained by photographing with the electronic endoscope 10. (Processor) 20, a light source device 30 having a light source 32 different from the light source (light source unit 13) provided in the electronic endoscope 10 is provided. In the electronic endoscope system of the present embodiment, a monitor device 20 a that displays image data generated by the image processing device 20 is connected to the image processing device 20.

  The electronic endoscope 10 is a flexible endoscope for the upper digestive tract, for example. The electronic endoscope 10 includes a flexible insertion tube 10a that is inserted into a human body. A distal end portion 10b made of hard resin is coupled to the distal end (upper end in FIG. 1) of the insertion tube 10a, and an operation portion 12 is coupled to the proximal end (lower end in FIG. 1). The connecting portion between the insertion tube 10a and the distal end portion 10b is configured to be bendable by remote operation from the operation unit 12. This bending mechanism is a well-known mechanism incorporated in a general endoscope, and is configured to bend by pulling the operation wire in conjunction with the operation of the operation unit 12. As the direction of the distal end portion 10b changes according to the bending operation by the bending mechanism, the imaging range by the electronic endoscope 10 changes. The operation unit 12 includes not only an operation knob for bending the bending mechanism but also an operation button for instructing enlargement or reduction of the observation image displayed on the monitor device 20a.

  Inside the insertion tube 10a, a forceps channel 10e into which a treatment tool such as a high-frequency knife or high-frequency scissors forceps can be inserted is provided up to the distal end portion 10b. Further, a forceps port 10d for inserting a treatment tool into the forceps channel 10e is provided at a connection portion between the insertion tube 10a and the operation portion 12, and the distal end of the treatment tool is connected to the distal end portion 10b from the forceps channel 10e. A forceps outlet 10f for exiting is provided. In the endoscope system of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, a light guide 40 that transmits light emitted from the light source device 30 is inserted into the forceps channel 10e and used. In FIG. 1, the light guide 40 is indicated by a solid line in order to show a state in which the light guide 40 inserted from the forceps port 10 d is attached to the forceps channel 10 e. Although not shown, the light guide 40 and / or the forceps channel 10e are configured so that the insertion of the light guide 40 into the forceps channel 10e ends when the tip of the light guide 40 reaches the forceps outlet 10f. . That is, the light guide 40 inserted into the forceps channel 10e is configured so that the mounting is completed with the tip of the light guide 40 reaching the forceps outlet 10f, and the tip of the light guide 40 does not come out of the forceps outlet 10f. Yes.

  A connection unit 16 for connecting the electronic endoscope 10 to the image processing apparatus 20 is connected to the operation unit 12 via a universal cord 10c. By connecting the connection unit 16 to the endoscope connection unit 26 provided in the image processing apparatus 20, the electronic endoscope 10 and the image processing apparatus 20 are electrically connected. As a result, control signals and various types of information can be transmitted and received between the electronic endoscope 10 and the image processing device 20.

  Inside the distal end portion 10b of the electronic endoscope 10, a light source unit (illumination unit) 13 and an imaging unit 14 are provided. The light source unit 13 includes a light source such as an illumination lens and an LED (Light Emitting Diode) disposed in an illumination window (not shown) provided at the distal end portion 10b. The light source unit 13 collects the white illumination light emitted from the light source by the illumination lens, and irradiates the subject through the illumination window. Note that the light source of the light source unit 13 may be a light source built in the image processing apparatus 20 in addition to a light emitting element such as an LED provided at the distal end portion 10b. In this case, a light guide that guides illumination light emitted from the light source of the image processing device 20 to the distal end portion 10b of the electronic endoscope 10 is inserted into the universal cord 10c and the insertion tube 10a.

  The imaging unit 14 includes an imaging element such as a lens unit including an objective lens arranged in an observation window (not shown) provided at the distal end portion 10b, a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor), or a CCD (Charge Coupled Device). . The illumination light from the light source unit 13 is reflected by the subject, and the reflected light from the subject enters the imaging unit 14 through the observation window. The light incident on the imaging unit 14 is received by the imaging device via the lens unit, and the imaging device converts the received light into an imaging signal by photoelectric conversion. Thereby, the imaging unit 14 acquires a captured image.

  The captured image (imaging signal) acquired by the imaging unit 14 is transmitted to the image processing device 20. The image processing apparatus 20 performs various types of image processing on the captured image acquired from the electronic endoscope 10, sequentially outputs the monitor image to the monitor device 20a, and displays the image on the monitor device 20a. Thereby, in the electronic endoscope system, the range illuminated by the light source unit 13 can be optically observed by displaying the captured image acquired by the imaging unit 14 of the electronic endoscope 10 on the monitor device 20a. it can. The electronic endoscope 10 of the present embodiment is a so-called direct-view type capable of optical observation from the distal end surface of the distal end portion 10b. However, the electronic endoscope 10 is a side that performs optical observation from the side surface of the distal end portion 10b. It may be a visual type or the like.

  The electronic endoscope 10 includes an endoscope control unit 11 and a light receiving sensor 15 in addition to the operation unit 12, the light source unit 13, the imaging unit 14, and the connection unit 16. The endoscope control unit 11 includes one or more processors such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and an MPU (Micro-Processing Unit). The endoscope control unit 11 controls the operation of each component of the electronic endoscope 10 based on a control signal input from the image processing device 20 and executes a control process to be performed by the electronic endoscope 10. For example, when the endoscope control unit 11 acquires a control signal related to the operation of the light source unit 13 from the system control unit 21 of the image processing device 20, the endoscope control unit 11 controls lighting / extinguishing of illumination light by the light source unit 13 according to the acquired control signal. . When the endoscope control unit 11 acquires a control signal related to the operation of the imaging unit 14 from the system control unit 21 of the image processing device 20, the endoscope control unit 11 controls the imaging operation by the imaging unit 14 according to the acquired control signal. The endoscope control unit 11 sequentially sends captured images (imaging signals) acquired by the imaging unit 14 from the connection unit 16 to the image processing device 20. The endoscope control unit 11 performs an amplification process and an A / D (analog / digital) conversion process on the captured image (imaging signal) acquired by the imaging unit 14 and converts the captured image into a digital imaging signal. You may send to the processing apparatus 20.

  When the endoscope control unit 11 receives an operation by the user via the operation unit 12, the endoscope control unit 11 sends a signal corresponding to the operation from the connection unit 16 to the image processing apparatus 20. Further, as will be described later, the electronic endoscope 10 is provided with a light receiving sensor 15 at a predetermined position on the inner surface (inner wall) of the forceps channel 10e. Therefore, when receiving the detection result from the light receiving sensor 15, the endoscope control unit 11 sends the detection result from the connection unit 16 to the image processing device 20.

  The image processing apparatus 20 includes a system control unit 21, an operation unit 22, a monitor connection unit 23, an image processing unit 24, a special light image processing unit 25, an endoscope connection unit 26, and a light source connection unit 27. The endoscope connection unit 26 is a connection unit corresponding to the connection unit 16 of the electronic endoscope 10. By connecting the connection unit 16 and the endoscope connection unit 26, the electronic endoscope 10 and the image processing are performed. Control signals, imaging signals, and the like can be transmitted and received between the devices 20. The light source connection unit 27 is a connection unit for connecting the light source device 30 and the image processing device 20, and is controlled between the image processing device 20 and the light source device 30 by connecting the light source device 30 to the light source connection unit 27. Signals can be sent and received.

  The monitor connection unit 23 is a connection unit for connecting the monitor device 20a and the image processing device 20, and is controlled between the image processing device 20 and the monitor device 20a by connecting the monitor device 20a to the monitor connection unit 23. Signals and image signals (image data) can be transmitted and received. The monitor device 20a is connected to the image processing device 20 and is a device for displaying image data sent from the image processing device 20. The monitor device 20a is a general-purpose display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display. The monitor device 20a may be a display device configured integrally with the image processing device 20.

  The system control unit 21 includes a CPU, a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and the like. The system control unit 21 controls the operation of each component of the image processing apparatus 20 by the CPU developing and executing a control program stored in the ROM in the RAM, and the processing apparatus of the present disclosure should perform. The image processing apparatus 20 is caused to perform various information processing, control processing, and the like. Further, the system control unit 21 controls the operation of each component of the electronic endoscope 10 and the light source device 30 according to a control program stored in advance in the ROM. The system control unit 21 may be one or more processing circuits including a single core CPU, a multicore CPU, a microcomputer, a volatile or nonvolatile memory, and the like.

  The image processing unit 24 includes a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), a DIP (Digital Image Processor), and the like. The image processing unit 24 performs various types of signal processing such as color separation, color correction, gain correction, white balance adjustment, and gamma correction on the captured image (imaging signal) acquired from the electronic endoscope 10 to generate image data. Is generated. The image processing unit 24 performs image processing such as scaling processing, color enhancement processing, and edge enhancement processing on the generated image data. The system control unit 21 displays the image data processed by the image processing unit 24 on the monitor device 20a by outputting the image data from the monitor connection unit 23 to the monitor device 20a at a predetermined timing. When an analog imaging signal (captured image) is sent from the electronic endoscope 10 to the image processing apparatus 20, the image processing unit 24 performs amplification processing and A / D conversion processing on the analog imaging signal. Then, after converting into a digital imaging signal, the above-described signal processing and image processing are performed.

  The special light image processing unit 25 includes a DSP, a DIP, and the like, and performs predetermined signal processing on a captured image (imaging signal) acquired from the electronic endoscope 10. In the electronic endoscope system of the present embodiment, observation using illumination light from the light source unit 13 provided in the electronic endoscope 10 and illumination light from the light source device 30 in which the light guide 40 is attached to the forceps channel 10e are used. The observations used can be made. Since the light source device 30 alternately emits white light (normal light) and special light as will be described later, when observation is performed using illumination light from the light source device 30, the electronic endoscope 10 captures images with normal light. Images (hereinafter referred to as “normal light images”) and captured images using special light (hereinafter referred to as “special light images”) are alternately acquired. Therefore, when observation is performed using illumination light from the light source device 30, the special light image processing unit 25 performs a process of dividing the normal light image and the special light image with respect to the captured image acquired from the electronic endoscope 10. Do. Further, the special light image processing unit 25 performs a process corresponding to the special light image acquired by the electronic endoscope 10 such as a process of enhancing a signal having a predetermined wavelength on the divided special light image. The captured image (normal light image and special light image) processed by the special light image processing unit 25 is sent to the image processing unit 24, and the image processing unit 24 performs signal processing and image processing.

The operation unit 22 receives a user operation input to the electronic endoscope system and sends a control signal corresponding to the operation content to the system control unit 21. The operation unit 22 may be a touch panel configured integrally with a display unit (for example, the monitor device 20a).
In addition to the above-described configuration, the image processing apparatus 20 may include a storage unit such as an EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), a flash memory, a hard disk, and an SSD (Solid State Drive). The image processing apparatus 20 may include a reading unit that reads information stored in a portable storage medium such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory or an SD (Secure Digital) card.

  3A is a perspective view of the light source device 30, FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the light source 32 and the filter 33, and FIG. 3C is a plan view of the filter 33. The light source device 30 is configured by connecting the connector portion 40a of the light guide 40 to the connector portion 30b provided in the housing 30a. A light source control unit 31, a light source 32, and a filter 33 are housed inside the housing 30a. The light source device 30 also includes a connection unit 34 for connecting the light source device 30 to the image processing device 20. By connecting the connection unit 34 to the light source connection unit 27 of the image processing device 20, control signals can be transmitted and received between the light source device 30 and the image processing device 20.

  The light guide 40 is a probe-type light guide, and is composed of, for example, a bundle of optical fibers made of quartz. In the light guide 40, each of the plurality of optical fibers extends from the connector portion 40a to the tip of the light guide 40. Light emitted from the light source 32 enters the light guide 40 from the connector portion 40a, and the light incident on the light guide 40 is guided by each optical fiber and emitted from the tip of each optical fiber. The light guide 40 has a light emitting portion 41 at a predetermined position. The light emitting part 41 will be described later.

  The light source control unit 31 includes one or more processors such as a CPU and an MPU. The light source control unit 31 controls the operation of each component of the light source device 30 based on a control signal input from the image processing device 20 and executes a control process to be performed by the light source device 30. For example, the light source control unit 31 controls the turning on / off of the light source 32 and the rotation / stopping of the filter 33 according to the control signal acquired from the system control unit 21 of the image processing apparatus 20.

  The light source 32 is a high-intensity lamp such as a xenon lamp, a halogen lamp, or a metal halide lamp, and emits light having a wavelength including at least a visible light region. The light emitted from the light source 32 enters the filter 33. The filter 33 passes only light having a predetermined wavelength among the incident light. As shown in FIG. 3C, the filter 33 of the present embodiment is configured by alternately attaching a normal light filter 33a and a special light filter 33b to a disk-shaped turret. The normal light filter 33a passes white light emitted from the light source 32 as it is, and the special light filter 33b passes only light of a predetermined wavelength. The special light filter 33b transmits special light used for narrowband light observation such as light that is strongly absorbed by blood, light that is strongly reflected by mucous membranes, and the like. The special light filter 33b may be configured to pass light used for fluorescence observation and infrared light observation.

  As shown in FIG. 3B, the filter 33 is configured such that the light emitted from the light source 32 passes through the normal light filter 33a or the special light filter 33b when the light source control unit 31 rotates the turret. Yes. Therefore, the emitted light from the light source 32 alternately passes through the normal light filter 33a and the special light filter 33b, and as a result, the normal light and the special light are emitted from the filter 33 alternately. The light that has passed through the filter 33 enters the light guide 40, is guided to the tip of the light guide 40 by each optical fiber, and is emitted from the tip of the light guide 40. Accordingly, the light source device 30 alternately emits normal light and special light from the tip of the light guide 40. Hereinafter, the normal light and special light emitted from the light source device 30 may be collectively referred to as special light.

  FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example of the light emitting portion 41 of the light guide 40. 4A is a longitudinal sectional view of the insertion tube 10a in a state in which the tip of the light guide 40 inserted into the forceps channel 10e from the forceps port 10d to the tip portion 10b as shown in FIG. 1, for example, in FIG. The cross section of the area | region enclosed with the rectangle A is shown. FIG. 4B is a schematic diagram for explaining the configuration of the light guide 40. The light guide 40 is configured by bundling a plurality of optical fibers 42 and covering them with an outer tube 43. The light guide 40 is provided with a light emitting portion 41 that emits light from the peripheral surface of the light guide 40 at a predetermined distance from the tip. The predetermined distance here is the same distance as the distance from the forceps outlet 10f to the light receiving sensor 15 in the forceps channel 10e.

  The light emitting unit 41 includes an annular diffusion plate 41a that bundles a bundle of optical fibers 42 and a monitoring optical fiber 41c that is a part of the optical fiber 42, and the monitoring optical fiber 41c is connected to the diffusion plate 41a. ing. Specifically, a concave portion 41b is provided on the surface of the diffusion plate 41a on the connector portion 40a side (the lower surface in FIG. 4B), and the tip of the monitoring optical fiber 41c is in contact with the concave portion 41b. With such a configuration, the illumination light from the light source device 30 transmitted by the monitoring optical fiber 41c is incident on the diffusion plate 41a from the tip of the monitoring optical fiber 41c and diffused by the diffusion plate 41a, and then the diffusion plate 41a. The light is emitted from the peripheral surface. The diffuser plate 41a is provided with an outer peripheral surface exposed from the outer tube 43, and light emitted from the outer peripheral surface of the diffuser plate 41a is emitted from the peripheral surface of the light guide 40 to the outside of the light guide 40. Become. In the present embodiment, as described above, the annular diffusion plate 41 a is used for the light emitting portion 41, and the outer peripheral surface of the diffusion plate 41 a is arranged over the entire circumference in the circumferential direction of the outer tube 43. Accordingly, even when the light guide 40 is rotated when the light guide 40 is inserted into the forceps channel 10e, even when the optical fiber 42 is bent or deformed in the light guide 40, the light emission is performed. The part 41 can emit light from the entire circumferential surface of the light guide 40. A plurality of recesses 41b may be provided in the diffusion plate 41a, and the tip of the monitoring optical fiber 41c may be in contact with each recess 41b.

  On the inner surface (inner wall) of the forceps channel 10e, a light receiving sensor (detection unit) 15 for detecting the intensity of light in the forceps channel 10e is provided. As shown in FIG. 4A, the light receiving sensor 15 emits light from the light guide 40 when the light guide 40 having the configuration shown in FIG. 4B is inserted into the forceps channel 10e and the tip of the light guide 40 is inserted up to the tip 10b. It is provided at a position facing the portion 41. Since the light emitting unit 41 emits light from the entire circumferential surface of the light guide 40, the light emitting unit 41 can be provided at any position as long as the light receiving sensor 15 faces the light emitting unit 41. The light emitted from can be detected. A detection signal from the light receiving sensor 15 is transmitted to the endoscope control unit 11 by the electric wire 15a inserted into the insertion tube 10a, and is transmitted to the system control unit 21 of the image processing apparatus 20 by the endoscope control unit 11.

  Next, in the electronic endoscope system having the above-described configuration, processing performed by the image processing apparatus 20 when observation using illumination light (normal light observation) by the light source unit 13 of the electronic endoscope 10 is performed will be described. To do. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of processing performed by the image processing device 20, and FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a display example of the monitor device 20a. In the electronic endoscope system of the present embodiment, an operation button for instructing execution of observation (special light observation) using illumination light (special light) from the light source device 30 is provided on the operation unit 22 of the image processing apparatus 20. It is assumed that An operation button for instructing execution of special light observation may be provided in the light source device 30. In this case, when the light source control unit 31 of the light source device 30 receives an execution instruction of special light observation, an image is displayed. The processing device 20 is notified.

  When observation using illumination light from the light source unit 13 is performed, the system control unit 21 of the image processing apparatus 20 determines whether or not an instruction to execute special light observation is received via the operation unit 22 (S1). . When it is determined that the special light observation execution instruction is not received (S1: NO), the system control unit 21 performs the process related to the observation using the illumination light by the light source unit 13 until the special light observation execution instruction is received. Wait while doing. When it is determined that the execution instruction for special light observation has been received (S1: YES), the system control unit 21 activates the light source device 30 (S2) and starts irradiation of special light from the light source device 30.

  After confirming that special light from the light source device 30 is emitted from the tip of the light guide 40 and the light emitting unit 41, the user (operator) inserts the light guide 40 into the forceps channel 10 e of the electronic endoscope 10. To do. The system control unit 21 of the image processing apparatus 20 acquires a detection signal indicating the intensity of light detected by the light receiving sensor 15 of the electronic endoscope 10 via the endoscope control unit 11 (S3). Based on the acquired detection signal, the system control unit 21 determines whether or not the intensity of the light detected by the light receiving sensor 15 is greater than or equal to the first threshold (predetermined intensity) (S4). The first threshold is an intensity for determining whether or not sufficient intensity light (intensity within a normal range) necessary for performing special light observation is emitted from the tip of the light guide 40, This is the intensity of light emitted from the light emitting portion 41 when light having the lowest intensity in the normal range is emitted from the tip of the light guide 40.

  When it is determined that the intensity of light detected by the light receiving sensor 15 is not equal to or greater than the first threshold (S4: NO), the system control unit 21 controls the endoscope control unit 11 of the electronic endoscope 10 to control the light source unit 13. Is kept on (S5), and the process related to the normal light observation using the illumination light (white normal light) by the light source unit 13 is continued (S6). Specifically, the system control unit 21 acquires an imaging signal imaged by the electronic endoscope 10 using illumination light from the light source unit 13, and a predetermined signal by the image processing unit 24 with respect to the acquired imaging signal. Processing and image processing are performed. Then, the system control unit 21 sends the processed captured image to the monitor device 20a via the monitor connection unit 23 and displays it on the monitor device 20a. FIG. 6A shows a display example of a captured image displayed on the monitor device 20a when normal light observation is performed. When performing normal light observation, as shown in FIG. 6A, a captured image (normal light image) by illumination light from the light source unit 13 is displayed on the monitor device 20a, and the user can observe the subject by the normal light image.

  The endoscope control unit 11 periodically sends a detection signal from the light receiving sensor 15 to the image processing device 20, and the system control unit 21 acquires the detection signal from the light receiving sensor 15 again (S3). The system control unit 21 repeats the processes of steps S5 to S6 until it determines that the light intensity detected by the light receiving sensor 15 is equal to or greater than the first threshold value. When the light guide 40 is not inserted up to the distal end portion 10b of the forceps channel 10e, that is, when the user is inserting the light guide 40 into the forceps channel 10e, the light receiving sensor 15 emits light having an intensity equal to or higher than the first threshold value. Is not detected, the system control unit 21 repeats the processes of steps S5 to S6.

  When the system control unit (illumination control unit) 21 determines that the intensity of light detected by the light receiving sensor 15 is equal to or higher than the first threshold (S4: YES), the system control unit 11 (illumination control unit) 21 controls the endoscope control unit 11 of the electronic endoscope 10. The light source unit 13 is turned off by controlling (S7). When the light intensity detected by the light receiving sensor 15 is equal to or higher than the first threshold value, it can be determined that light having an intensity within the normal range is emitted from the tip of the light guide 40. Therefore, the system control unit 21 performs processing related to special light observation using light (special light) from the light source device 30 emitted from the tip of the light guide 40 (S8). Specifically, the system control unit 21 acquires an imaging signal imaged by the electronic endoscope 10 using special light emitted from the light source device 30, and performs special light image processing on the acquired imaging signal. Predetermined signal processing and image processing are performed by the unit 25 and the image processing unit 24. Then, the system control unit 21 sends the processed captured image to the monitor device 20a and displays it on the monitor device 20a. Thereby, the normal light observation is switched to the special light observation, and the display screen of the monitor device 20a is switched from the screen shown in FIG. 6A to the screen shown in FIG. 6B.

  FIG. 6B shows a display example of a captured image displayed on the monitor device 20a when special light observation is performed. When special light observation is performed, white light and special light are alternately emitted from the light source device 30. Then, based on the image signal captured by the electronic endoscope 10, the special light image processing unit 25 and the image processing unit 24 generate a normal light image and a special light image, and the monitor device 20a displays the normal light image (white light image). ) And special light images are displayed side by side. With the display screen as shown in FIG. 6B, the user can observe the subject through the normal light image and the special light image.

  The system control unit 21 acquires a detection signal from the light receiving sensor 15 periodically sent from the endoscope control unit 11 (S9), and the intensity of light detected by the light receiving sensor 15 is determined based on the acquired detection signal. It is determined whether or not the first threshold value is exceeded (S10). When it is determined that the intensity of the light detected by the light receiving sensor 15 is equal to or higher than the first threshold (S10: YES), the system control unit 21 continues the process related to the special light observation using the special light from the light source device 30. (S8).

  If it is determined that the light intensity detected by the light receiving sensor 15 is not equal to or higher than the first threshold value during execution of the special light observation (S10: NO), the system control unit 21 determines whether the light intensity is equal to or higher than the second threshold value. It is determined whether or not (S11). Although the second threshold is lower than the normal range, it is determined whether or not light having an intensity that is acceptable for performing special light observation (light having an intensity within the allowable range) is emitted from the tip of the light guide 40. This is the intensity of light emitted from the light emitting portion 41 when light having the lowest intensity in the allowable range is emitted from the tip of the light guide 40. Therefore, the second threshold is lower in intensity than the first threshold.

  When it is determined that the light intensity detected by the light receiving sensor 15 is equal to or greater than the second threshold (S11: YES), the system control unit 21 displays a predetermined message on the monitor device (notification unit) 20a (S12), The user is notified that the intensity of the light emitted from the light source device 30 has decreased. For example, the system control unit 21 displays a message such as “The light amount of the light source device is low. Please check” on the monitor device 20a. In the present embodiment, even if the intensity of the light detected by the light receiving sensor 15 is less than the first threshold, if the intensity is within the second threshold, the intensity of light within the allowable range is the tip of the light guide 40. The special light observation is continued because the light is emitted from the light source. Therefore, in this case, after displaying a predetermined message on the monitor device 20a, the system control unit 21 continues processing related to special light observation using special light from the light source device 30 (S8). The user who confirms the message confirms the operating state of the light source device 30 and the usage state of the light guide 40, and returns to an appropriate state if there is an inappropriate state.

  Further, the system control unit 21 acquires a detection signal from the light receiving sensor 15 (S9), and determines whether or not the intensity of the light detected by the light receiving sensor 15 is equal to or higher than the first threshold (S10). Here, when it is determined that the intensity of the light detected by the light receiving sensor 15 is equal to or higher than the first threshold (S10: YES), the intensity of the emitted light from the tip of the light guide 40 has returned to the normal range. The control unit 21 continues the process related to the special light observation using the special light from the light source device 30 (S8). At this time, the system control unit 21 may delete the message displayed on the monitor device 20a in step S12.

  If it is determined that the intensity of the light detected by the light receiving sensor 15 is not equal to or greater than the first threshold (S10: NO), the intensity of the emitted light from the tip of the light guide 40 has not returned to the normal range, so the system control unit 21 Determines whether the intensity of the light detected by the light receiving sensor 15 is equal to or greater than a second threshold (S11). Here, when it is determined that the intensity of the light detected by the light receiving sensor 15 is equal to or higher than the second threshold (S11: YES), the intensity of the emitted light from the tip of the light guide 40 remains within the allowable range. The system control unit 21 continues displaying the message on the monitor device 20a (S12), and continues the process related to the special light observation (S8).

  If it is determined in step S11 that the intensity of the light detected by the light receiving sensor 15 is not equal to or greater than the second threshold (S11: NO), the intensity of the emitted light from the tip of the light guide 40 is less than the allowable range, so that the system control The unit 21 controls the endoscope control unit 11 to turn on the light source unit 13 (S5). Then, the system control unit 21 performs processing related to normal light observation using illumination light from the light source unit 13 (S6), and the electronic endoscope 10 uses illumination light from the light source unit 13 as shown in FIG. 6A. The captured image is displayed on the monitor device 20a. As a result, when the light emitted from the light source device 30 (the tip of the light guide 40) is not strong enough to observe the special light, the light is switched to the normal light observation using the illumination light from the light source unit 13. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of blackout in which a black screen is displayed on the monitor device 20a when the light from the light source unit 13 and the light source device 30 is simultaneously turned off.

  Thereafter, the system control unit 21 returns to the process of step S3, acquires a detection signal from the light receiving sensor 15 (S3), and repeats the processes of steps S4 to S12. Note that the system control unit 21 repeats the above-described process until, for example, completion of execution of special light observation is received via an operation button for instructing execution of special light observation. Through the above-described processing, in this embodiment, the electronic endoscope 10 is inserted into the body of the subject once, so that the normal light observation using the illumination light from the light source unit 13 and the special light from the light source device 30 are performed. The special light observation used can be performed, and the burden on the subject can be reduced.

  Further, in the present embodiment, during the normal light observation, the user simply inserts the light guide 40 into the forceps channel 10e with the light source device 30 turned on, and the light receiving sensor 15 has an intensity greater than or equal to the first threshold value. When light is detected, the light source unit 13 is automatically turned off. That is, when the mounting of the light guide 40 to the forceps channel 10e is completed and the light receiving sensor 15 detects light having an intensity equal to or higher than the first threshold, the light source device 30 is used from the normal light observation using the light source unit 13. Automatically switch to special light observation. Therefore, the operation burden on the user does not increase. Further, for example, when the light guide 40 is attached to the forceps channel 10e in a state where the light source device 30 does not emit light having an intensity within the normal range, the light source unit 13 is kept on and normal light observation is continued. And cannot be switched to special light observation. Therefore, occurrence of blackout in such a state can be avoided.

  In the present embodiment, since the warning message is notified to the user when the intensity of the special light from the light source device 30 decreases during the execution of the special light observation, the user can grasp the operation state of the light source device 30. Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the intensity of the special light from the light source device 30 is reduced to the extent that the special light observation cannot be performed during the execution of the special light observation, the light source unit 13 is turned on to automatically perform the normal light observation. Can be switched to. Therefore, when the user removes the light guide 40 from the forceps channel 10e during execution of special light observation, the light source unit 13 is automatically turned on and normal light observation can be resumed. In addition, during the execution of special light observation, when an abnormality occurs in the light source device 30 and light having an appropriate intensity is not emitted, or when the light guide 40 is inadvertently pulled out from the forceps channel 10e, the light source device 30 is erroneously removed. Even if the power is turned off, blackout can be avoided.

  In the present embodiment, the position of the light emitting portion 41 provided in the light guide 40 and the position of the light receiving sensor 15 provided in the forceps channel 10e are not limited to the positions indicated by the rectangle A in FIG. In the insertion tube 10a, the light receiving sensor 15 is a place where light does not enter the forceps channel 10e from the outside, and may be provided in any place as long as there is a space where the light receiving sensor 15 can be disposed. . The light emitting portion 41 may be provided at a position spaced a predetermined distance from the tip of the light guide 40 so as to face the light receiving sensor 15 when the tip of the light guide 40 is inserted to the tip of the forceps channel 10e. .

  In the present embodiment, the system control unit 21 may sequentially display the intensity (illumination state) of illumination light from the light source device 30 on the monitor device 20a based on the light intensity detected by the light receiving sensor 15. For example, the intensity of the special light from the light source device 30 is in a normal range, the intensity of the special light from the light source device 30 is less than the allowable range, and the light source unit 13 is turned on. A message for notifying the user of the lighting state by may be displayed on the monitor device 20a. Thereby, the user can grasp the operation state of the light source device 30 in detail.

  In the present embodiment, the endoscope control unit 11 determines whether the light intensity detected by the light receiving sensor 15 is greater than or equal to the first threshold and whether or not it is greater than or equal to the second threshold. It may be done. Specifically, for example, when the intensity of light detected by the light receiving sensor 15 is equal to or higher than the first threshold based on the detection signal acquired by the endoscope control unit 11 from the light receiving sensor 15, the first value equal to or higher than the second threshold value is set. It is determined whether it is less than the threshold value or less than the second threshold value, and when the light intensity detected by the light receiving sensor 15 changes, the system control unit 21 is notified. Good. Further, the endoscope control unit 11 may be configured to turn off / turn on the light source unit 13 according to the light intensity detected by the light receiving sensor 15. In this case, the endoscope control unit 11 notifies the system control unit 21 of a signal indicating the state of the light source unit 13 (extinguishing / lighting) when the light source unit 13 is turned off / on. With such a configuration, the processing burden on the system control unit 21 can be reduced.

  In this embodiment, the light emission part 41 provided in the light guide 40 is not restricted to the structure which uses the cyclic | annular diffuser plate 41a. A configuration in which a part of the light guided by the light guide 40 (optical fiber 42) is emitted from the entire circumferential surface of the light guide 40 may be used. Further, the light emitting unit 41 does not have to be configured to emit light from the entire circumferential surface of the light guide 40, as long as the light emitted from the light emitting unit 41 can be detected by the light receiving sensor 15. Good.

  The configuration of the present embodiment is a so-called industrial endoscope that is used not only for the electronic endoscope 10 for the upper gastrointestinal tract but also for the inspection of the engine, piping, and the like for the electronic endoscope for the lower gastrointestinal tract. It can also be applied to.

(Embodiment 2)
A modification of the electronic endoscope system will be described. A description of portions common to the first embodiment will be omitted. In the first embodiment described above, the system control unit 21 of the image processing apparatus 20 performs normal light observation using the light source unit 13 and the light source device according to the light intensity detected by the light receiving sensor 15 of the electronic endoscope 10. 30 to switch between special light observation using 30. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the system control unit 21 has the light detected by the light receiving sensor 15 emitted from the light emitting unit 41 or emitted from the tip of the light guide 40. It has the structure which identifies these. When the system control unit 21 according to the present embodiment identifies that the light detected by the light receiving sensor 15 is the light emitted from the light emitting unit 41, the system control unit 21 normally performs according to the light intensity detected by the light receiving sensor 15. Processing for switching between light observation and special light observation is performed.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a part of a procedure of processing performed by the image processing apparatus 20. The process shown in FIG. 7 is obtained by adding the process of step S21 between the processes of steps S3 and S4 in the process of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 5. In FIG. 7, steps S5 to S5 in FIG. Illustration of S12 is omitted.

  In the electronic endoscope system of the present embodiment, when normal light observation using the light source unit 13 is performed, the system control unit 21 of the image processing apparatus 20 performs the processes of steps S1 to S3 in FIG. And the system control part 21 of this embodiment judges whether the light which the light reception sensor 15 detected is the light discharge | released from the light emission part 41 based on the detection signal acquired by step S3 (S21). ).

  When the light guide 40 is inserted into the forceps channel 10e, the tip of the light guide 40 first passes the installation position of the light receiving sensor 15 in the forceps channel 10e. Then, when the distal end of the light guide 40 is inserted to the distal end of the forceps channel 10e, the light emitting portion 41 is disposed at the installation position of the light receiving sensor 15, and the light emitting portion 41 and the light receiving sensor 15 face each other. . That is, the light receiving sensor 15 receives not only the light emitted from the light emitting unit 41 but also the light emitted from the tip of the light guide 40. Therefore, the system control unit (identification unit) 21 determines whether the light detected by the light receiving sensor 15 is the light emitted from the light emitting unit 41 based on the detection signal from the light receiving sensor 15 or the tip of the light guide 40. To identify whether the light is emitted from.

  The system control unit 21 identifies whether the light detected by the light receiving sensor 15 is light emitted from the light emitting unit 41 or emitted light from the tip of the light guide 40 by the following method, for example. For example, the light emitted from the tip of the light guide 40 has a sufficiently higher intensity than the light emitted from the light emitting unit 41. Therefore, the system control unit 21 can identify whether the intensity of light detected by the light receiving sensor 15 is equal to or higher than the third threshold value that is sufficiently higher than the first threshold value. Specifically, if the intensity of the light detected by the light receiving sensor 15 is equal to or greater than the third threshold value, the light detected by the light receiving sensor 15 is identified as light emitted from the tip of the light guide 40 and is less than the third threshold value. If so, it is identified as the light emitted from the light emitting portion 41.

  Further, for example, the diffusion plate 41a used for the light emitting unit 41 is colored in a predetermined color so that light emitted from the light emitting unit 41 becomes light of a predetermined wavelength. In this case, the system control unit 21 can identify the light detected by the light receiving sensor 15 according to whether the light has a predetermined wavelength. Specifically, if the light detected by the light receiving sensor 15 is light having a predetermined wavelength, the light detected by the light receiving sensor 15 is identified as light emitted from the light emitting unit 41, and light having a predetermined wavelength is detected. Otherwise, it is identified as light emitted from the tip of the light guide 40.

  Further, when the light guide 40 is inserted into the forceps channel 10e, the tip of the light guide 40 passes through the installation position of the light receiving sensor 15 in a short time. That is, the time for the light receiving sensor 15 to detect the light emitted from the tip of the light guide 40 is short. Therefore, the system control unit 21 measures the detection time for the light receiving sensor 15 to continuously detect light of the same intensity based on the detection signal from the light receiving sensor 15, and whether the detection time has passed the predetermined time. It can be identified according to whether or not. Specifically, when the detection time is a predetermined time or more, the light detected by the light receiving sensor 15 is identified as the light emitted from the light emitting unit 41. It is identified as light emitted from the tip.

  When the system control unit 21 determines that the light detected by the light receiving sensor 15 is not the light emitted from the light emitting unit 41 (S21: NO), that is, the light detected by the light receiving sensor 15 is from the tip of the light guide 40. If the output light is, the process returns to step S3. On the other hand, when it is determined that the light detected by the light receiving sensor 15 is light emitted from the light emitting unit 41 (S21: YES), the system control unit 21 performs step S4 based on the detection signal acquired in step S3. Processing of ~ S12 is performed.

  Also in the present embodiment, the same effect as in the first embodiment described above can be obtained. Further, in the present embodiment, when the light detected by the light receiving sensor 15 is surely emitted from the light emitting unit 41, a process of switching between normal light observation and special light observation according to the detected light intensity is performed. Do. Therefore, it is possible to avoid erroneously performing the switching process according to the light emitted from the tip of the light guide 40.

  The embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and should not be considered as restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined not by the above-described meaning but by the scope of the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the scope of the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Electronic endoscope 13 Light source part 14 Imaging part 15 Light receiving sensor (detection part)
20 Image processing device (processing device, processor)
21 System control unit (lighting control unit, identification unit)
30 light source device 32 light source 40 light guide 41 light emitting part 10e forceps channel (channel)
20a Monitor device (notification unit)
41a Diffuser

Claims (9)

An electronic endoscope comprising an illuminating unit that illuminates the body and an imaging unit that images the illuminated body, and a processing device that processes an image obtained by imaging with the electronic endoscope In the system,
The electronic endoscope detects light emitted from a light emitting unit provided at a predetermined position of a light guide that is mounted on a channel provided in the electronic endoscope and transmits light from a light source device. With a detector
The said processing apparatus is an electronic endoscope system provided with the illumination control part which turns off the said illumination part, when the said detection part detects the light more than predetermined intensity | strength. The light emitting portion includes a diffusion plate that is provided over a peripheral surface of the light guide and diffuses light from the light source device,
The electronic endoscope system according to claim 1, wherein the detection unit detects light diffused by the diffusion plate. The electronic endoscope system according to claim 1, further comprising a notification unit that notifies an illumination state of light from the light source device transmitted by the light guide based on a detection result of the detection unit. The electronic endoscope system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the illumination control unit turns on the illumination unit when the detection unit detects light of less than a predetermined intensity. The lighting control unit turns on the lighting unit and maintains the lighting state of the lighting unit when the detection unit detects light with less than the predetermined intensity after detecting light with a predetermined intensity or higher. The electronic endoscope system according to any one of 4 to 4. An identification unit for identifying whether the light detected by the detection unit is light emitted from the light emission unit or light emitted from the tip of the light guide;
The electronic endoscope system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the detection unit detects light emitted from the light emission unit based on an identification result of the identification unit. The light guide unit further includes a light guide that has the light emission unit at a position corresponding to the detection unit and transmits light from the light source device when attached to a channel provided in the electronic endoscope. The electronic endoscope system according to any one of 6 to 6. In a processor that controls an electronic endoscope having an illumination unit that illuminates the body and an imaging unit that images the illuminated body,
A detection signal is acquired from a detection unit that detects light emitted from a light emission unit provided in a predetermined position of a light guide that transmits light from the light source device, which is attached to a channel provided in the electronic endoscope. And
A processor that executes processing to turn off the illumination unit when the detection unit detects light having a predetermined intensity or more based on the acquired detection signal. In a control method of an electronic endoscope having an illumination unit that illuminates the body and an imaging unit that images the illuminated body,
Detecting light emitted from a light emitting portion provided at a predetermined position of a light guide that transmits light from a light source device, which is attached to a channel provided in the electronic endoscope,
A control method for turning off the illumination unit when light having a predetermined intensity or more is detected.

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