JP2019136555A - Endoscope light source device, endoscope system, and method of operating endoscope light source device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an endoscope light source device, an endoscope system, and a method of operating the endoscope light source device which make an observation object observable almost as in the case where continuous spectrum light such as white light emitted by a xenon lamp is used as illumination light.SOLUTION: An endoscope light source device 14 includes: a light source unit 20 that has LEDs 20a-20d each independently emitting light of a different color from each other to emit first multicolor spectrum light 27 having a first multicolor spectrum which has light beams emitted by the LEDs superimposed on one another; and a light source control unit 22 that makes an integrated light amount value S1in a first wavelength band of the first multicolor spectrum light 27 match an integrated light amount value S1in a first wavelength band of continuous spectrum light 26 having at least a portion of a wavelength band of white light emitted by a white light source, and that further makes an integrated light amount value S2in a second wavelength band different from the first wavelength band of the first multicolor spectrum light 27 match an integrated light amount value S2in a second wavelength band of the continuous spectrum light 26.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

  The present invention relates to an endoscope light source device, an endoscope system, and an operation method of an endoscope light source device that form illumination light to be irradiated on an observation object using a plurality of light sources.

  In the medical field, diagnosis using an endoscope system including an endoscope light source device, an endoscope, and a processor device is widely performed. An endoscope light source device is a device that generates light (hereinafter referred to as illumination light) that irradiates an observation target such as a mucous membrane of a body cavity. Conventionally, a light source that emits light having a broadband continuous spectrum (hereinafter referred to as continuous spectrum light) such as a xenon lamp has been used as an endoscope light source device. In addition, semiconductor light sources such as LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) are being used. When a semiconductor light source is used as the light source, for example, a combination of a plurality of semiconductor light sources that emit light of different colors such as a blue LED, a green LED, and a red LED is used to superimpose these lights. Light having a spectrum (hereinafter referred to as multicolor spectrum light) becomes illumination light.

  For example, the endoscope system of Patent Document 1 includes four semiconductor light sources that can be independently controlled in an endoscope light source device, and controls the light emission amount of each, thereby controlling the spectrum of illumination light (the amount of light for each wavelength). By adjusting the (distribution), it is possible to irradiate the observation target with illumination light having an optimum characteristic corresponding to the image characteristic to be acquired. Specifically, in order to obtain an image with a large dynamic range with respect to brightness, an image with a low color temperature, an image with a high color temperature, and an image when a special narrow band wavelength is irradiated to a narrow area, the spectrum of illumination light is used. The spectrum is adjusted.

  In addition, the endoscope system of Patent Document 2 includes a plurality of independently controllable semiconductor light sources, identifies the endoscope model, and sets the driving conditions of each semiconductor light source according to the endoscope model. It is set. Specifically, since the light transmission characteristics of the light guide that propagates illumination light differ depending on the model, the endoscope model is identified and the light intensity ratio of each semiconductor light source is set according to the light transmission characteristics of the light guide. ing.

JP 2013-255655 A JP 2013-202166 A

  As described above, the illumination light used in the endoscope system is becoming multicolor spectrum light by a plurality of semiconductor light sources from continuous spectrum light by a conventional xenon lamp or the like. Then, since the spectral spectra are different from each other, the observation target image captured by irradiating with continuous spectrum light and the observation target image captured by irradiating with multi-color spectrum light are the same observation target. It may look different. The difference in the appearance of the observation object between the case where continuous spectrum light is used as illumination light and the case where multicolor spectrum light is used as illumination light is generally not superior, but multiple semiconductor light sources are independent. Since it is controllable and the spectral spectrum can be adjusted according to the object to be observed, there is an advantage that the multi-color spectrum light can be observed more flexibly when used as illumination light.

  On the other hand, in an endoscope system, since a continuous spectrum light from a xenon lamp or the like has been used as illumination light, many doctors are accustomed to the appearance of an observation target when irradiated with a continuous spectrum light from a xenon lamp or the like. ing. For this reason, it is desirable that even when multi-color spectrum light from a plurality of semiconductor light sources is used as illumination light, observation can be made in the same manner as when broadband continuous spectrum light from a conventional xenon lamp or the like is used as illumination light. ing. In addition, since many of the endoscopic images accumulated as past cases are taken with continuous spectrum light from a xenon lamp or the like, even when multicolor spectrum light from a plurality of semiconductor light sources is used as illumination light, In order to make it easy to compare with the above case, it is desired to obtain an endoscopic image similar to that obtained when broadband continuous spectrum light is used as illumination light.

  In order to meet the above requirements, it is only necessary to reproduce a broad spectrum spectrum of a continuous spectrum light with a plurality of semiconductor light sources, but in reality, a spectrum spectrum of a wide spectrum spectrum with a plurality of semiconductor light sources is completely reproduced. It is not possible. For example, when using a blue LED or green LED whose light quantity decreases as the wavelength is farther from the center wavelength, the light quantity of these intermediate colors (wavelengths near the middle of blue and green) adjusts the light quantity of the blue LED and green LED. If the central wavelengths of the blue LED and the green LED are brought close to the light amount of the broadband continuous spectrum light, the light amount of the intermediate color of blue and green is significantly lower than the light amount of the wide band continuous spectrum light. Conversely, when the light intensity of the blue LED and the green LED is increased in order to bring the light quantity of the blue and green intermediate colors closer to the broadband continuous spectrum light, the color near the center wavelength of the blue LED and the color of the center wavelength of the green LED are wideband. The amount of continuous spectrum light is greatly exceeded.

  The present invention uses a plurality of light sources that independently emit light of different colors and uses a multi-color spectrum light obtained by superimposing these lights as illumination light. It is an object of the present invention to provide an endoscope light source device, an endoscope system, and an operation method of the endoscope light source device that enable observation of an observation object in substantially the same manner as when used.

  The endoscope light source device of the present invention includes a plurality of light sources that independently emit light of different colors, and a first multicolor having a first multicolor spectrum in which light emitted from the plurality of light sources is superimposed. A light source unit that emits spectral light and a light amount of each of the plurality of light sources are controlled, and a light amount integrated value of the first wavelength band of the first multicolor spectral light is set to a wavelength band of at least a part of white light emitted by the white light source. The integrated light amount of the second wavelength band different from the first wavelength band of the first multicolor spectrum light is set to be equal to the integrated light amount of the first wavelength band of the continuous spectrum light having the second wavelength of the continuous spectrum light. A light source control unit that matches the integrated light quantity value in the wavelength band.

  The continuous spectrum light is preferably white light.

  The white light is preferably light emitted from a xenon lamp.

  The first wavelength band is preferably a wavelength band that combines the purple wavelength band and the blue wavelength band, and the second wavelength band is preferably a green wavelength band.

  The plurality of light sources include a violet light source that emits violet light and a blue light source that emits blue light, and the first wavelength band of the first multicolor spectrum light is preferably a wavelength band including violet light and blue light. .

  In addition to the first wavelength band and the second wavelength band, the light source control unit further includes a light amount integrated value in a third wavelength band different from the first wavelength band and the second wavelength band of the first multicolor spectrum light, and a continuous It is preferable to match the light intensity integral value of the third wavelength band of the spectrum light.

  The third wavelength band is preferably a red wavelength band.

  The light source unit emits a second multicolor spectrum light having a second multicolor spectrum that is different from the first multicolor spectrum light and the continuous spectrum light by a plurality of light sources, and the light source control unit The light amount integral value of the first wavelength band of the spectrum light is set larger than the light amount integral value of the first wavelength band of the continuous spectrum light, and the light amount integral value of the second wavelength band of the second multicolor spectrum light is continuously set. It is preferable to match the integrated light amount of the second wavelength band of the spectrum light.

  The light source control unit includes a light amount detection unit that detects the light amounts of the light emitted from the plurality of light sources, and the light source control unit uses the detection result of the light amount detection unit to determine the amount of light that forms the first multicolor spectrum light among the plurality of light sources. It is preferable to set the light amounts of the remaining light sources in accordance with the light amount of the most deteriorated light source having the largest light amount shortage with respect to the specified value.

  It is preferable that the light amount detection unit repeatedly detects the amount of light emitted from the plurality of light sources while the plurality of light sources emit light.

  The integrated amount of light in the first wavelength band of the first multicolor spectrum light matches the integrated amount of light in the first wavelength band of continuous spectrum light, and the integrated amount of light in the second wavelength band of the first multicolor spectrum light is It is preferable to provide a verification unit that verifies whether or not the integrated light amount of the second wavelength band of the continuous spectrum light is the same.

  It is preferable that the light source control unit controls a plurality of light sources using the verification result by the verification unit.

  The endoscope system of the present invention includes a plurality of light sources that independently emit light of different colors, and a first multicolor spectrum having a first multicolor spectrum in which light emitted from the plurality of light sources is superimposed. The light source unit that emits light and the light amounts of each of the plurality of light sources are controlled, the light amount integrated value of the first wavelength band of the first multicolor spectrum light is set, and the wavelength band of at least part of the white light emitted by the white light source is set. The second light wavelength of the continuous spectrum light is set to the second light wavelength integral value of the second wavelength band different from the first wavelength band of the first multicolor spectrum light, which is matched with the light intensity integral value of the first wavelength band of the continuous spectrum light. A light source controller that matches the integrated light amount of the band.

  The light source unit emits a second multicolor spectrum light having a second multicolor spectrum that is different from the first multicolor spectrum light and the continuous spectrum light by a plurality of light sources, and the light source control unit The light amount integral value of the first wavelength band of the spectrum light is set larger than the light amount integral value of the first wavelength band of the continuous spectrum light, and the light amount integral value of the second wavelength band of the second multicolor spectrum light is continuously set. It is preferable to match the integrated light amount of the second wavelength band of the spectrum light.

  It has an endoscope model detection unit that detects the connected endoscope model and inputs the detection result to the light source control unit. The light source control unit is the endoscope model detected by the endoscope model detection unit. Therefore, it is preferable to switch the light emitted from the light source unit between the first multicolor spectrum light and the second multicolor spectrum light.

  The light source control unit converts the light emitted from the light source unit to the first multicolor spectrum light when the endoscope model is a model used for continuous spectrum light, and the endoscope model is a continuous spectrum light. It is preferable that the light emitted from the light source unit is the second multicolor spectrum light.

  The operation method of the endoscope light source device according to the present invention includes a plurality of light sources that independently emit light of different colors, and a first multicolor spectrum in which light emitted from the plurality of light sources is superimposed. An operation method of an endoscope light source device having a plurality of light sources that emit one multicolor spectrum light, wherein a light source control unit controls a light amount of each of the plurality of light sources, and a first wavelength band of the first multicolor spectrum light And the first light wavelength of the first multicolor spectrum light, and the light intensity integral value of the first multicolor spectrum light is matched with the light amount integral value of the first wavelength band of the continuous spectrum light having at least a part of the wavelength band of the white light emitted from the white light source. A step of causing the first multicolor spectrum light to be emitted by matching the light intensity integral value of the second wavelength band different from the band with the light intensity integral value of the second wavelength band of the continuous spectrum light.

  The endoscope light source device, the endoscope system, and the operation method of the endoscope light source device according to the present invention include a light amount integral value of multicolor spectrum light and a light amount integral of broadband continuous spectrum light in at least two wavelength bands. By matching the values, even when multicolor spectrum light is used as illumination light, the observation object can be observed in substantially the same manner as when continuous spectrum light is used as illumination light.

It is an external view of an endoscope system. It is a block diagram which shows the function of an endoscope system. It is a graph which shows the spectrum of multicolor spectrum light. It is a graph which shows the spectrum of the continuous spectrum light of a xenon lamp. It is a graph which shows the spectrum of the 1st multicolor spectrum light. It is explanatory drawing which shows the relationship between 1st multicolor spectrum light and the continuous spectrum light of a xenon lamp. It is a block diagram of an endoscope system provided with a band limiting unit. It is explanatory drawing which shows the relationship between the 2nd multicolor spectrum light and the continuous spectrum light of a xenon lamp. It is a block diagram of the endoscope system which switches 1st multicolor spectrum light and 2nd multicolor spectrum light with the model of an endoscope. It is a block diagram of the endoscope system which switches 1st multicolor spectrum light and 2nd multicolor spectrum light with the model of an endoscope. It is a graph which shows deterioration with time of a semiconductor light source. It is a block diagram of the endoscope system which emits the 1st multicolor spectrum light corresponding to deterioration over time of a semiconductor light source. It is a graph which shows the spectrum of the 1st multicolor spectrum light when a semiconductor light source deteriorates with time. It is a graph which shows the spectrum of the 1st multicolor spectrum light which adjusted the light quantity according to the light source which deteriorated most with time. It is a block diagram of the endoscope system which has a verification part. It is the schematic of a capsule endoscope.

[First Embodiment]
As shown in FIG. 1, the endoscope system 10 includes an endoscope 12, an endoscope light source device 14, a processor device 16, a monitor 18, and a console 19. The endoscope 12 is optically connected to the endoscope light source device 14 and electrically connected to the processor device 16. The endoscope 12 includes an insertion portion 12a to be inserted into a subject, an operation portion 12b provided at a proximal end portion of the insertion portion 12a, a bending portion 12c and a distal end portion provided at the distal end side of the insertion portion 12a. 12d. By operating the angle knob 12e of the operation unit 12b, the bending unit 12c performs a bending operation. By this bending operation, the distal end portion 12d is directed in a desired direction. In addition to the angle knob 12e, the operation unit 12b is provided with a zoom operation unit 13 and the like.

  The processor device 16 is electrically connected to the monitor 18 and the console 19. The monitor 18 outputs and displays images in each observation mode and image information attached to the images. The console 19 functions as a user interface that receives input operations such as function settings. The processor device 16 may be connected to an external recording unit (not shown) for recording images, image information, and the like.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the endoscope light source device 14 is a device that generates illumination light that irradiates an observation target, and includes a light source unit 20 having a plurality of light sources and a light source control that controls each light source of the light source unit 20. Unit 22 and an optical path coupling unit 23 for coupling optical paths of light emitted from the light source unit 20.

  The light source unit 20 includes a purple LED (hereinafter referred to as V-LED (Violet Light Emitting Diode)) 20a, a blue LED (hereinafter referred to as B-LED (Blue Light Emitting Diode)) 20b, a green LED (hereinafter referred to as G-LED (hereinafter referred to as G-LED)). The LED has four colors, that is, a green light emitting diode (20c) 20c and a red LED (hereinafter referred to as red light emitting diode (R-LED)) 20d.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the V-LED 20a is a violet light source that emits violet light (hereinafter referred to as V light) having a center wavelength of 405 nm and a wavelength band of 380 to 420 nm. The B-LED 20b is a blue light source that emits blue light (hereinafter referred to as B light) having a center wavelength of 460 nm and a wavelength band of 420 to 500 nm. The G-LED 20c is a green light source that emits green light (hereinafter referred to as G light) having a wavelength band ranging from 480 to 600 nm. The R-LED 20d is a red light source that emits red light (hereinafter referred to as R light) with a center wavelength of 620 to 630 nm and a wavelength band of 600 to 650 nm. The center wavelength of the V-LED 20a and the B-LED 20b has a width of about ± 5 nm to ± 10 nm.

  The light source unit 20 generates multicolor spectrum light 25 having a multicolor spectrum obtained by superimposing V light, B light, G light, and R light by a plurality of light sources that independently emit light of different colors. To emit. Since the light emission amounts (hereinafter simply referred to as light amounts) of the LEDs 20a to 20d can be controlled independently, the spectral spectrum of the multicolor spectrum light 25 can be changed by changing the light amounts of the LEDs 20a to 20d. In the present embodiment, the light source unit 20 imitates the case of observing using the white-band broadband continuous spectrum light 26 emitted from the xenon lamp used in the conventional endoscope system shown in FIG. 4 as illumination light. Thus, V light, B light, G light, and R light are emitted, and the multicolor spectrum light 25 is emitted. The multicolor spectrum light 25 emitted from the light source unit 20 in the xenon emulation mode is hereinafter referred to as a first multicolor spectrum light.

  The light source control unit 22 individually controls the pulse width, the pulse length, and the like when the LEDs 20a to 20d included in the light source unit 20 are pulse-inputted to the LEDs 20a to 20d. Thereby, the light source control part 22 controls the light emission timing and light quantity of each light which each LED20a-20d emits. Specifically, the light source control unit 22 controls the LEDs 20a to 20d of the light source unit 20, and a first multi-layer that superimposes the V light, B light, G light, and R light emitted by each of the LEDs 20a to 20d. Generate color spectrum light. When generating the first multicolor spectrum light, the light source control unit 22 controls the light emission timing and the light quantity of each of the LEDs 20a to 20d to obtain the integrated light quantity of the first wavelength band of the first multicolor spectrum light as the continuous spectrum. The light intensity integral value of the first wavelength band of light is matched with the light intensity integral value of the second wavelength band of the first multicolor spectrum light, and the light intensity integral value of the second wavelength band of the continuous spectrum light is matched.

  The light quantity integral value is a value obtained by integrating the relative light quantity at each wavelength within a predetermined specific wavelength band such as the first wavelength band or the second wavelength band within the specific wavelength band. In the present embodiment, the light amount integral value is a value obtained by integrating the relative light amount of the light emitted from the light source unit 20 within a specific wavelength band, and is applied to the observation target in consideration of a loss during light propagation. A value obtained by integrating the relative light quantity of the light within a specific wavelength band may be used as the light quantity integral value. In addition, a value obtained by integrating the relative light amount of each wavelength of light incident on the image sensor 48 (observation target or return light from a phantom simulating the observation target) within a specific wavelength band may be used as the light amount integral value. Further, when a color filter is provided in the pixel of the image sensor 48, the light after the return light from the observation object or the phantom imitating the observation object passes through the color filter, that is, in each pixel of the image sensor 48. A value obtained by integrating the relative light quantity of each wavelength of light used for photoelectric conversion within a specific wavelength band may be used as the light quantity integral value. These light intensity integral values have substantially the same role in an actual endoscope system in which the characteristics of the LEDs 20a to 20d, the loss during light propagation, the sensitivity of the image sensor 48 (including the characteristics of the color filter), and the like are determined. It is a numerical value that fulfills.

  The continuous spectrum is a spectral spectrum of light having at least a part of the wavelength band of light emitted from the white light source, and the continuous spectral light is light having a continuous spectrum. A white light source is a light source that emits light with a gentle distribution over a visible light range (for example, 400 nm to 700 nm) from one light source. More specifically, the white light source is a xenon lamp, a halogen lamp, a white LED, or the like. The light having at least a part of the wavelength band of light emitted from the white light source refers to light extracted from the light emitted from the white light source by a color filter or the like.

  A multicolor spectrum is one spectral spectrum obtained by superimposing spectral spectra of light emitted from a plurality of light sources, and light obtained by superimposing light emitted from a plurality of light sources is multicolor spectrum light. Furthermore, the broadband indicates that the wavelength band is wider than the wavelength band of light emitted from at least one light source among the plurality of light sources (LEDs 20a to 20d) used in the light source unit 20. The white light emitted from the xenon lamp includes the wavelength band of V light (purple wavelength band) emitted from the LED 20a, the wavelength band of B light (blue wavelength band) emitted from the LED 20b, and the wavelength band (green wavelength) of G light emitted from the LED 20c. Band), and the wavelength band wider than each wavelength band of the wavelength band (red wavelength band) of the R light emitted by the LED 20d, including components of each wavelength in all these wavelength bands (wavelength 350 nm or more and less than 700 nm), In addition, the light has a gentle distribution over the visible light region. Therefore, the white light emitted from the xenon lamp is a broadband continuous spectrum light 26. The broadband continuous spectrum light is not limited to the white light emitted from the xenon lamp, but includes white light used in a conventional endoscope system.

  The first wavelength band is a predetermined specific wavelength range, and the second wavelength band is also a predetermined specific wavelength range, but the second wavelength band is a wavelength band different from the first wavelength band. . The first wavelength band and the second wavelength band can be arbitrarily determined as long as they do not completely match. For example, the first wavelength band and the second wavelength band may partially overlap. For example, one wavelength band of the first wavelength band or the second wavelength band may be entirely included in the other wavelength band. For example, when at least one of the boundaries between the first wavelength band and the second wavelength band is different, the first wavelength band (second wavelength band) forms part of the second wavelength band (first wavelength band). It corresponds to. In the present embodiment, the first wavelength band is a wavelength band (wavelength band of wavelength 350 nm or more and less than 480 nm) that combines the purple wavelength band and the blue wavelength band, and the second wavelength band is a green wavelength band (wavelength of 480 nm or more and less than 600 nm). Wavelength band). The red wavelength band (wavelength band of 600 nm or more and less than 700 nm) is referred to as a third wavelength band.

  The light source control unit 22 controls the balance of the light amounts of the LEDs 20a to 20d of the light source unit 20 to generate the first multicolor spectrum light as described above, and to convert the first multicolor spectrum light into illumination light. As in the case of observing the observation object with white light emitted from the xenon lamp, the observation object can be observed with the endoscope system 10.

  The multicolor spectrum light (first multicolor spectrum light) emitted from the light source unit 20 is incident on the light guide 41 inserted into the insertion unit 12 a through the optical path coupling unit 23. The light guide 41 is built in the endoscope 12 and the universal cord (the cord connecting the endoscope 12, the endoscope light source device 14, and the processor device 16), and is guided from the optical path coupling unit 23. The illumination light propagates to the distal end portion 12d of the endoscope 12. A multimode fiber can be used as the light guide 41. As an example, a thin fiber cable having a core diameter of 105 μm, a clad diameter of 125 μm, and a diameter of φ0.3 to 0.5 mm including a protective layer serving as an outer skin can be used.

  The distal end portion 12d of the endoscope 12 is provided with an illumination optical system 30a and an imaging optical system 30b. The illumination optical system 30 a has an illumination lens 45, and the illumination light propagated by the light guide 41 is irradiated to the observation object via the illumination lens 45. The imaging optical system 30 b includes an objective lens 46, a zoom lens 47, and an imaging sensor 48. Return light from the observation target (light that includes fluorescent light generated from the observation target in addition to reflected light) enters the image sensor 48 via the objective lens 46 and the zoom lens 47. Thereby, the observation object is imaged on the image sensor 48. The zoom lens 47 is freely moved between the tele end and the wide end by operating the zoom operation unit 13, and enlarges or reduces the observation target imaged on the image sensor 48.

  The imaging sensor 48 is a color imaging sensor having pixels of a plurality of colors having sensitivity to different colors, and images return light from the observation target and outputs an image signal. As the image sensor 48, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensor or a CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor) image sensor can be used. The imaging sensor 48 is provided in each pixel of any of the three color filters of the R (red) color filter, the G (green) color filter, and the B (blue) color filter, and returns from the observation target. The light is imaged and an image signal for each color is output. That is, the imaging sensor 48 includes an R pixel (red pixel) provided with an R color filter, a G pixel (green pixel) provided with a G color filter, and a B pixel (blue pixel) provided with a B color filter. The RGB image signal is output by outputting the image signal from each pixel.

  More specifically, since the observation target is irradiated with the first multicolor spectrum light, the imaging sensor 48 receives each return light of the V light and the B light in the first multicolor spectrum light by the B pixel. A blue image signal (hereinafter referred to as a B image signal) is output. Similarly, of the first multicolor spectrum light, the G light return light is received by the G pixel, a green image signal (hereinafter referred to as G image signal) is output, the R light return light is received by the R pixel, A red image signal (hereinafter referred to as an R image signal) is output.

  In place of the image sensor 48 which is a primary color image sensor, a complementary color image sensor having complementary color filters of C (cyan), M (magenta), Y (yellow) and G (green) may be used. When the complementary color imaging sensor is used, CMYG four-color image signals are output. By converting the CMYG four-color image signals into RGB three-color image signals by complementary color-primary color conversion, An RGB image signal similar to that of the image sensor 48 can be obtained. Further, instead of the imaging sensor 48, a monochrome sensor without a color filter may be used. In this case, the light source control unit 22 lights the V light, B light, G light, and R light in a time-sharing manner as necessary. However, since both the V light and the B light are received by the B pixel, the V light and the B light may be turned on simultaneously.

  An image signal output from the image sensor 48 is transmitted to the CDS / AGC circuit 50. The CDS / AGC circuit 50 performs correlated double sampling (CDS) and automatic gain control (AGC) on an image signal that is an analog signal. The image signal that has passed through the CDS / AGC circuit 50 is converted into a digital image signal by the A / D converter 51. The digital image signal after A / D conversion is input to the processor device 16.

  The processor device 16 includes a receiving unit 53, a DSP (Digital Signal Processor) 56, a noise removing unit 58, an image generating unit 62, and a video signal generating unit 66.

  The receiving unit 53 receives a digital RGB image signal from the endoscope 12. The DSP 56 performs various signal processing such as defect correction processing, offset processing, gain correction processing, linear matrix processing, gamma conversion processing, and demosaicing processing on the received image signal. In the defect correction process, the signal of the defective pixel of the image sensor 48 is corrected. In the offset process, the dark current component is removed from the RGB image signal subjected to the defect correction process, and an accurate zero level is set. In the gain correction process, the signal level is adjusted by multiplying the RGB image signal after the offset process by a specific gain. The RGB image signal after the gain correction processing is subjected to linear matrix processing for improving color reproducibility. After that, brightness and saturation are adjusted by gamma conversion processing. The RGB image signal after the linear matrix processing is subjected to demosaic processing (also referred to as isotropic processing or synchronization processing), and a signal of a color lacking in each pixel is generated by interpolation. By this demosaic processing, all the pixels have RGB signals.

  The noise removal unit 58 removes noise from the RGB image signal by performing noise removal processing (for example, using a moving average method or a median filter method) on the RGB image signal that has been demosaiced by the DSP 56. The RGB image signal from which noise has been removed is transmitted to the image generation unit 62.

  The image generation unit 62 performs color conversion processing, color enhancement processing, and structure enhancement processing on the RGB image signal to generate an image (hereinafter referred to as an endoscopic image). In color conversion processing, color conversion processing is performed on RGB image signals by 3 × 3 matrix processing, gradation conversion processing, three-dimensional LUT (look-up table) processing, and the like. The color enhancement process is performed on the RGB image signal that has been subjected to the color conversion process. The structure enhancement process is a process for enhancing the structure of the observation target such as a surface blood vessel or a pit pattern, and is performed on the RGB image signal after the color enhancement process. As described above, a color image using an RGB image signal subjected to various types of image processing up to the structure enhancement processing is an endoscopic image. The video signal generation unit 66 converts the endoscopic image generated by the image generation unit 62 into a video signal for display as an image that can be displayed on the monitor 18. Using this video signal, the monitor 18 displays an endoscopic image.

  Next, the characteristics of the first multicolor spectrum light used as the illumination light in the xenon emulation mode by the endoscope system 10 of the present embodiment will be described. The first multicolor spectrum light 27 emits V light, B light, G light, and R light with a balance of light amounts shown in FIG. 5 and is obtained by superimposing them. In FIG. 5, the first multicolor spectrum light 27 is greatly different in the shape of the spectrum spectrum from the continuous spectrum light 26 of the xenon lamp as compared with the continuous spectrum light 26 of the xenon lamp indicated by a two-dot chain line. The first multicolor spectrum light 27 does not match the spectral spectrum shape with the continuous spectrum light 26 of the xenon lamp. This is a small number of four LEDs mounted on the light source unit 20, and the continuous spectrum light 26 of the xenon lamp is completely reproduced simply by adjusting the amounts of V light, B light, G light, and R light. However, even if the spectral spectrum shape of the continuous spectrum light 26 of the xenon lamp is not completely reproduced, the observation object can be observed in the same manner as when the continuous spectrum light 26 of the xenon lamp is used. Because.

Thus, in order to imitate the case where the continuous spectrum light 26 of the xenon lamp is used as the illumination light by the first multicolor spectrum light 27 without completely reproducing the shape of the spectrum, the light source control unit 22 The light quantity of each LED 20a-20d of the light source part 20 is controlled. Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the light source control unit 22 controls the light amount of each of the LEDs 20a to 20d, and the first wavelength band that is the blue wavelength band, the second wavelength band that is the green wavelength band, and In the third wavelength band, which is the red wavelength band, the integrated light quantity value of the first multicolor spectrum light 27 and the integrated light quantity value of the continuous spectrum light 26 of the xenon lamp are matched. That is, the light amount integral value S1 _E of the first wavelength band of the first multicolor spectrum light 27 irradiated to the observation target (or emitted from the light source unit 20) and the light quantity of the first spectrum band 26 of the continuous spectrum light 26 of the xenon lamp. The integrated values S1 _X are made to coincide (S1 _E ≈S1 _X ), and the light amount integrated value S2 _E of the second wavelength band of the first multicolor spectral light 27 and the second spectral band of the continuous spectral light 26 of the xenon lamp are The light intensity integrated value S2 _{X is made} to coincide (S2 _E ≈S2 _X ). Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the light source control unit 22 integrates the light amount integral value S3 _E of the first wavelength band 27 of the first multicolor spectrum light 27 and the light amount integral value S3 of the third wavelength band of the continuous spectrum light 26 of the xenon lamp. _X is matched (S3 _E ≈S3 _X ).

  As described above, in the first wavelength band, the second wavelength band, and the third wavelength band, according to the first multicolor spectrum light 27 whose light intensity integrated value matches the continuous spectrum light 26 of the xenon lamp, Even if the shape does not reproduce the continuous spectrum light 26 of the xenon lamp, the observation object can be observed in substantially the same manner as when the continuous spectrum light 26 of the xenon lamp is used.

  In the first embodiment, the light intensity integral values of the first multicolor spectrum light 27 and the continuous spectrum light 26 of the xenon lamp are matched up to the third wavelength band which is the red wavelength band, but at least the first wavelength. If the integrated values of the light intensity of the first multicolor spectrum light 27 and the continuous spectrum light 26 of the xenon lamp are matched in the band and the second wavelength band, the first multicolor spectrum light 27 is substantially the same as the continuous spectrum light 26 of the xenon lamp. It is possible to observe the observation object. This is because information on tissues and structures such as blood vessels and pit patterns, which are important diagnostic guidelines in endoscopic images, is almost always in the light of the first wavelength band and the light of the second wavelength band. Therefore, if the blood vessel or the like can be observed in the same manner as in the case of using the continuous spectrum light 26 of the xenon lamp, the first multicolor spectrum light 27 is the continuous spectrum light 26 of the xenon lamp. It is because it can be said that it almost imitates.

In the first embodiment, the light intensity integral value S1 _E of the first wavelength band of the first multicolor spectrum light 27 and the light intensity integral value S1 _X of the first wavelength band of the continuous spectrum light 26 of the xenon lamp are matched. However, since the first wavelength band of the first multicolor spectrum light 27 is substantially formed of light of two colors, V light and B light, the integrated light amount of the first wavelength band of the first multicolor spectrum light 27 While maintaining S1 _E , the balance of the light amounts of the V light and the B light can be changed. For this reason, at least in the first wavelength band, it is preferable to adjust the balance of the light amounts of the V light and the B light so as to match the spectral spectrum shape of the continuous spectrum light 26 of the xenon lamp as much as possible. Specifically, it is preferable to make the light amount of the V light smaller than the light amount of the B light in accordance with the light amount of the continuous spectrum light 26 of the xenon lamp becoming shorter as the wavelength becomes shorter in the first wavelength band. Further, after setting the light amount of the V light so that the shape of the short wavelength side of the spectral spectrum of the V light matches the spectral spectrum shape of the continuous spectrum light 26 of the xenon lamp as much as possible, the light amount of the set V light and It is preferable to set the light amount of the B light by using the integrated light amount S1 _X of the first wavelength band of the continuous spectrum light 26 of the xenon lamp. In this way, the appearance of the observation target by the first multicolor spectral light 27 can be made closer to the appearance of the observation target when the continuous spectral light 26 of the xenon lamp is used.

In addition, since the first wavelength band of the first multicolor spectrum light 27 is substantially formed of two colors of light of V light and B light, the first wavelength band is the first short wavelength including the wavelength band of V light. Two wavelength bands, a side band (a wavelength band on the short wavelength side of the first wavelength band) and a first long wavelength side band (a wavelength band on the long wavelength side of the first wavelength band) including the wavelength band of B light It may be divided into In this case, the light amount integral value of the first short wavelength side band of the first multicolor spectrum light 27 is made to coincide with the light amount integral value of the first short wavelength side band of the continuous spectrum light 26 of the xenon lamp, and The integrated light amount of the first long wavelength side band of the color spectrum light 27 is matched with the integrated light amount of the first long wavelength side band of the continuous spectral light 26 of the xenon lamp. In this way, the light amount integral value S1 _E of the first wavelength band of the first multicolor spectrum light 27 can be matched with the light amount integral value S1 _X of the first wavelength band of the continuous spectrum light 26 of the xenon lamp.

  In the first embodiment, the B light emitted from the B-LED 20b is used as it is as the first multicolor spectrum light 27. However, light having a wavelength of about 450 nm to about 500 nm has a structure such as a surface blood vessel or a pit pattern. Will reduce the contrast. For this reason, like the endoscope system 100 shown in FIG. 7, by arranging the band limiting unit 121 that reduces light having a wavelength of about 450 nm to about 500 nm in the optical path of the B-LED 20b, the B-LED 20b It is preferable to generate Bs light having a reduced wavelength component from about 450 nm to about 500 nm from the emitted B light, and use the Bs light as the first multicolor spectrum light 27. In this case, the integrated light amount of the first wavelength band may be calculated using the B light emitted from the B-LED 20b, and the integrated light amount of the first wavelength band using the Bs light after passing through the band limiting unit 121. May be calculated.

The light amount integral value S1 _E of the first wavelength band of the first multicolor spectrum light 27 is at least about 5% to 10% with respect to the light amount integral value S1 _X of the first wavelength band of the continuous spectrum light 26 of the xenon lamp. Can be tolerated. Further, the integrated light amount S2 _E in the second wavelength band of the first multicolor spectral light 27 is at least about 5% to 10% with respect to the integrated light amount S2 _X in the second wavelength band of the continuous spectral light 26 of the xenon lamp. Can be tolerated. Similarly, the light amount integral value S3 _E in the third wavelength band of the first multicolor spectrum light 27 is at least 5% to 10% with respect to the light amount integral value S3 _X in the third wavelength band of the continuous spectrum light 26 of the xenon lamp. A degree of error can be tolerated. That is, the visual sense may be relatively insensitive to the difference in color difference, and if the error is about the above, the appearance of the observation object is almost the same as when using the continuous spectrum light 26 of the xenon lamp. It can be considered that each light intensity integrated value is coincident. Therefore, the “match” of the light intensity integral value referred to in this specification and the like includes “substantially match” including the error.

[Second Embodiment]
In the first embodiment, the light source control unit 22 generates the first multicolor spectrum light 27 that mimics the case of using the continuous spectrum light 26 of the xenon lamp by the LEDs 20a to 20d of the light source unit 20. The light source control unit 22 is switched to the first multicolor spectrum light 27 by the LEDs 20a to 20d of the light source unit 20, and is different from the first multicolor spectrum light 27 and the continuous spectrum light 26 of the xenon lamp. The second multicolor spectrum light having the following may be generated.

The second multicolor spectrum light is light that illuminates the observation target with a unique spectral spectrum that does not exist in an endoscope system using a conventional xenon lamp. For example, the light source control unit 22 has a configuration as shown in FIG. The light amount integrated value S1 _U in the first wavelength band of the second multicolor spectral light 201 is made larger than the light amount integrated value S1 _X in the first wavelength band of the continuous spectral light 26 of the xenon lamp (S1 _U > S1 _X ). In addition, the integrated light quantity S2 _U of the second wavelength band of the second multicolor spectrum light 201 is made to coincide with the integrated light quantity S2 _X of the second wavelength band of the continuous spectrum light 26 of the xenon lamp (S2 _U ≈S2 _X). ). Further, in the present embodiment, the light source control unit 22 uses the integrated light amount S3 _U in the third wavelength band of the second multicolor spectral light 201 as the integrated light amount S3 in the third wavelength band of the continuous spectral light 26 of the xenon lamp. Match with _X (S3 _U ≒ S3 _X ).

  When the observation target is observed using the second multicolor spectrum light 201, the integrated light quantity of the first wavelength band having a lot of information on blood vessels and pit patterns on the mucous membrane surface layer is the continuous spectrum light 26 of the xenon lamp. Therefore, these structures and the like can be observed more clearly than when the continuous spectrum light 26 of a xenon lamp is used. For this reason, if the first multicolor spectrum light 27 and the second multicolor spectrum light 201 can be switched, it is possible to enjoy the special advantages of using the above multicolor spectrum light.

  Switching between the first multicolor spectrum light 27 and the second multicolor spectrum light 201 of the present embodiment is arbitrarily performed using an observation mode switch (not shown) provided in the operation unit 12b of the endoscope 12. In particular, the first multicolor spectrum light 27 and the second multicolor spectrum light 201 are automatically switched according to the model of the endoscope 12 used in the endoscope system 10. Is preferred.

  As described above, when the first multicolor spectrum light 27 and the second multicolor spectrum light 201 are automatically switched depending on the type of the endoscope 12, the endoscope 12 is set like the endoscope system 210 shown in FIG. Includes an ID storage unit 211 that stores an ID (Identification Data) indicating a model, and the endoscope light source device 14 includes an endoscope model detection unit 212. The endoscope model detecting unit 212 reads the ID of the endoscope 12 from the ID storage unit 211 when the endoscope 12 is connected to the endoscope light source device 14, thereby connecting the connected endoscope 12. And the detection result is input to the light source control unit 22. Then, the light source control unit 22 uses the first multicolor spectrum light 27 and the second multicolor spectrum light as the illumination light generated by the light source unit 20 according to the model of the endoscope 12 detected by the endoscope model detection unit 212. Switch with 201. More specifically, the light source control unit 22 illuminates the light source unit 20 when the model of the endoscope 12 is a model used in a conventional endoscope system that uses continuous spectrum light of a xenon lamp. When the light is automatically set to the first multicolor spectrum light 27 and the endoscope 12 is a model other than the above (for example, a model used only in an endoscope system using multicolor spectrum light). For this, it is preferable to automatically set the illumination light generated by the light source unit 20 to the second multicolor spectrum light 201.

  When connecting an endoscope to be used in a conventional endoscope system using a xenon lamp, doctors often desire to be able to observe an observation object in the same manner as a conventional endoscope system that is familiar to users. When an endoscope used only in an endoscope system used as illumination light is connected, a doctor often desires observation using the advantages of multicolor spectrum light. For this reason, as described above, when the illumination light is automatically switched between the first multicolor spectrum light 27 and the second multicolor spectrum light 201 depending on the model of the endoscope 12, without operation or setting or the like, Endoscopic images that meet your needs can be provided automatically. Of course, it is more preferable that the initial setting is automatically set according to the model of the endoscope 12 as described above, and thereafter, manual switching can be performed based on the judgment of the doctor.

  In the endoscope system 210 of FIG. 9, the endoscope light source device 14 detects the connection of the endoscope 12 by the endoscope model detection unit 212 and reads the ID from the endoscope 12 to read the endoscope 12. However, as in the endoscope system 210 shown in FIG. 10, the processor device 16 is provided with an ID reading unit 213, and the ID reading unit 213 detects the connection of the endoscope 12, and The ID may be read from the endoscope 12. In this case, the endoscope model detection unit 212 may acquire the ID of the endoscope 12 from the ID reading unit 213 of the processor device 16 and detect the model.

[Third Embodiment]
A semiconductor light source such as an LED has a longer life than a conventional light source such as a xenon lamp. However, even a semiconductor light source such as an LED deteriorates with time as shown in FIG. Even if it is driven with a predetermined driving voltage, the amount of light decreases. The degree of deterioration with time varies depending on the type of semiconductor light source (wavelength of emitted light, etc.). When aging deterioration is ignored, even if the light source control unit 22 performs predetermined control for emitting the first multicolor spectrum light 27, for example, the multicolor spectrum light that does not satisfy the condition of the first multicolor spectrum light 27 is emitted. It may be. For this reason, it is preferable that the light source controller 22 emits the first multicolor spectrum light 27 and the second multicolor spectrum light 201 in consideration of the deterioration over time of the LEDs 20a to 20d of the light source section 20.

  As described above, the first multicolor spectrum light 27 and the second multicolor spectrum light 201 that satisfy the conditions of the first embodiment and the second embodiment are emitted even if the LEDs 20a to 20d of the light source unit 20 are deteriorated with time. For this purpose, for example, as in the endoscope system 300 shown in FIG. 12, the endoscope light source device 14 is provided with a light amount detector 301, and the light source controller 22 is provided with a temporal deterioration detector 304.

  The light amount detection unit 301 includes a V light amount detection unit 302a that detects the light amount of the V-LED 20a, a B light amount detection unit 302b that detects the light amount of the B-LED 20b, and a G light amount detection unit 302c that detects the light amount of the G-LED 20c. And an R light quantity detection unit 302d for detecting the light quantity of the R-LED 20d. The V light amount detection unit 302a detects the light amount of the V light emitted from the V-LED 20a by acquiring a part of the V light through the mirror 303a. The mirror 303 a is disposed in the optical path of the V-LED 20 a, reflects a part of the V light emitted from the V-LED 20 a to enter the V light amount detection unit 302 a, and causes the remaining V light to enter the optical path coupling unit 23. Transparent to. Similarly, in the optical paths of the B-LED 20b, the G-LED 20c, and the R-LED 20d, a part of each color light emitted from the B-LED 20b, the G-LED 20c, and the R-LED 20d is reflected to detect the B light amount detection unit 302b, the G light amount detection unit 302c, and the R light amount detection. A mirror 303b, a mirror 303c, and a mirror 303d that are incident on the unit 302d and transmit the remaining light of each color toward the optical path coupling unit 23 are disposed. The B light amount detection unit 302b acquires a part of the B light through the mirror 303b and detects the light amount of the B light emitted from the B-LED 20b. The G light quantity detection unit 302c acquires a part of the G light through the mirror 303c and detects the light quantity of the G light emitted from the G-LED 20c. The R light amount detection unit 302d acquires a part of the R light through the mirror 303d and detects the light amount of the R light emitted from the R-LED 20d.

  The light amount detection unit 301 inputs the light amounts of the V light, B light, G light, and R light detected by the light amount detection units 302 a to 302 d for each color to the light source control unit 22. In the light source control unit 22, the temporal deterioration detection unit 304 includes a driving condition such as a driving current of each of the LEDs 20 a to 20 d that emit the first multicolor spectrum light 27, and a light amount of each color light actually detected by the light amount detection unit 301. Are used to detect deterioration with time of each of the LEDs 20a to 20d. Specifically, the temporal deterioration detection unit 304 detects the most deteriorated light source having the light amount that has decreased most with respect to a predetermined light amount among the LEDs 20a to 20d. The light source control unit 22 sets the light amount of the remaining light source in accordance with the light amount of the most deteriorated light source detected by the temporal deterioration detection unit 304. For example, as shown in FIG. 13, the light source control unit 22 drives the LEDs 20a to 20d under the driving conditions for emitting the first multicolor spectrum light 27, but specifies the light amounts of the LEDs 20a to 20d. Due to the deterioration of the R-LED 20d over time, the amount of R light is less than the specified amount of light that forms the first multicolor spectrum light 27, and the V light, B light, and G light are the first multicolor spectrum light 27. It is assumed that the designated amount of light forming the light is the multicolor spectrum light 326 emitted. In this case, in the light source control unit 22, the temporal deterioration detection unit 304 detects the R-LED 20d as the most deteriorated light source. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 14, the light source control unit 22 is deteriorated with time by reducing the light amounts of the V light, the B light, and the G light according to the light amount of the R light emitted from the R-LED 20d. A new first multicolor spectrum light 327 in which the balance between the light amount of R light emitted from the R-LED 20d and the light amounts of V light, B light, and G light is maintained is emitted. That is, when a shortage of light amount is detected in at least one of the LEDs 20a to 20d, the light source control unit 22 corresponds to a specified value of the light amount of each LED 20a to 20d that forms the first multicolor spectrum light 27. The light quantity of the remaining light sources is set in accordance with the light quantity of the most deteriorated light source having the largest light quantity deficiency. Thereby, the first multicolor spectrum light 327 in which the balance of each color light is maintained is emitted.

  As described above, the light amount of each color light emitted by each LED 20a to 20d is detected, and the light amount of the remaining light source is set in accordance with the light amount of the light source that has deteriorated with time most of these LEDs 20a to 20d. The controller 22 can stably emit the first multicolor spectrum light 27 and the second multicolor spectrum light 201 in which the balance of each color light is always maintained by the light source unit 20. Further, with the above configuration, the first multicolor spectrum light 27 and 327 and the second multicolor spectrum light 201 in which the balance of each color light is always maintained are stably emitted. There is no need to recalculate or prepare a plurality of signal processing parameters and image processing parameters used for generating an endoscopic image. Further, when there is color mixture in the color filter of the image sensor 48, the signal processing parameters and image processing parameters used for generating the endoscopic image are recalculated or corrected even if a plurality of them are prepared. Although it is not possible to do so, it is possible to always observe the observation target stably as described above.

  The light amount detection of each color light performed by the light amount detection unit 301 in the third embodiment is preferably performed at least during calibration. In particular, the light amount detection unit 301 repeatedly detects the light amount of each color light while the LEDs 20a to 20d emit light in order to observe the observation target, and feeds back the light to the light source control unit 22 in real time. It is preferable to adjust the balance of the color spectrum light 27 and the like.

[Fourth Embodiment]
In the endoscope system 300 of the third embodiment, the deterioration over time of the LEDs 20a to 20d is detected, but the accurate first multicolor spectrum light 27 cannot be emitted due to factors other than the deterioration over time of the LEDs 20a to 20d. There is also. In this case, like the endoscope system 400 shown in FIG. 15, the light amount detection unit 301 and the like similar to those of the endoscope system 300 of the third embodiment are provided, and the light source control unit 22 is replaced with the temporal deterioration detection unit 304. The verification unit 404 is provided.

The verification unit 404 integrates the light amount integrated value S1 _X of the first wavelength band, the light amount integrated value S2 _X of the second wavelength band, and the light amount integrated value S3 _X of the third wavelength band of the continuous spectrum light 26 of the xenon lamp to be imitated. Are stored in advance in the light intensity integrated value table 406.

The verification unit 404 verifies whether the multicolor spectrum light actually emitted is the first multicolor spectrum light 27 using the light amount integral value table 406 and the detection result of the light amount detection unit 301. Specifically, the verification unit 404 calculates the light amount integral value S1 _E of the first wavelength band using the actual light amount of each of the LEDs 20a to 20d, which is the detection result of the light amount detection unit 301, and stores it in the light amount integral value table 406. The stored continuous spectrum light 26 is compared with the integrated light amount S1 _X of the first wavelength band. Similarly, the light amount integral value S2 _E in the second wavelength band is calculated and compared with the light amount integral value S2 _X in the second wavelength band of the continuous spectrum light 26 stored in the light amount integral value table 406, and the third wavelength band. The light amount integrated value S3 _E is calculated and compared with the light amount integrated value S3 _X of the third wavelength band of the continuous spectrum light 26 stored in the light amount integrated value table 406.

As a result of these comparisons, the error of the integrated light quantity S1 _{E with} respect to the integrated light quantity S1 _X of the continuous spectrum light 26, the error of the integrated light quantity S2 _{E with} respect to the integrated light quantity S2 _X , and the integrated light quantity S3 with respect to the integrated light quantity S3 _{X When} the errors of _E are all within the allowable range (for example, the error is about 10% or less), the verification unit 404 determines that the first multicolor spectrum light 27 is appropriately emitted. In this case, the light source control unit 22 continues to emit the first multicolor spectrum light 27.

On the other hand, the error of the integrated light quantity S1 _{E with} respect to the integrated light quantity S1 _X of the continuous spectrum light 26, the error of the integrated light quantity S2 _{E with} respect to the integrated light quantity S2 _X , and the error of the integrated light quantity S3 _{E with} respect to the integrated light quantity S3 _X If any of them is out of the allowable range, the verification unit 404 determines that the appropriate first multicolor spectrum light 27 is not emitted. In this case, the light source control unit 22 performs feedback control of the LEDs 20a to 20d using the verification result of the verification unit 404. That is, the light source control unit 22 calculates the error of the integrated light amount S1 _{E with} respect to the integrated light amount S1 _X of the continuous spectrum light 26 calculated by the verification unit 404, the error of the integrated light amount S2 _{E with} respect to the integrated light amount S2 _X , and the integrated light amount. based on an error of the light amount integrated value S3 _E for the value S3 _X, the control to adjust the light amount of each LED20a～20d. As a result, the illumination light is always corrected to the appropriate first multicolor spectrum light 27.

In the endoscope system 400 of the fourth embodiment, the verification unit 404 has the error of the integrated light quantity S1 _{E with} respect to the integrated light quantity S1 _X of the continuous spectrum light 26 and the integrated light quantity S2 _{E with} respect to the integrated light quantity S2 _X. In addition to the above error, the error of the integrated light quantity S3 _{E with} respect to the integrated light quantity S3 _X is obtained and used to verify whether the appropriate first multicolor spectrum light 27 is emitted. Without using the error of the light intensity integral value S3 _{E with} respect to the integral value S3 _X, the error of the light intensity integral value S1 _{E with} respect to the light intensity integral value S1 _X of the continuous spectrum light 26 and the light intensity integral value S2 _{E with} respect to the light intensity integral value S2 _X An error may be used to verify whether the appropriate first multicolor spectrum light 27 is emitted.

  In the endoscope system 400 of the fourth embodiment, the light amount detection unit 301 detects the light amounts of the LEDs 20a to 20d, but the LEDs 20a to 20d emit light instead of the light amounts of the LEDs 20a to 20d. The spectral spectrum of each light may be detected. Also in this case, it is possible to verify whether or not the appropriate first multicolor spectrum light 27 is emitted as in the fourth embodiment.

  In each of the above embodiments and modifications, the present invention is implemented by an endoscope system that performs observation by inserting the endoscope 12 provided with the imaging sensor 48 into the subject. However, the present invention is suitable. For example, as shown in FIG. 16, the capsule endoscope system includes at least a capsule endoscope 500 and a processor device (not shown).

  The capsule endoscope 500 includes a light source 502, a light source control unit 503, an image sensor 504, an image generation unit 506, and a transmission / reception antenna 508. The light source 502 includes a V-LED that emits violet light V, a B-LED that emits blue light B, a G-LED that emits green light G, and a red color, as in the light source units 20 of the above-described embodiments and modifications. And an R-LED that emits light R.

  The light source control unit 503 controls the driving of the light source 502 in the same manner as the light source control unit 22 of the above embodiments and modifications. Further, the light source control unit 503 can communicate with the processor device of the capsule endoscope system wirelessly by the transmission / reception antenna 508. The processor device of the capsule endoscope system is substantially the same as the processor device 16 of each of the above-described embodiments and modifications, but the image generation unit 506 is provided in the capsule endoscope 500, and the generated endoscope image is And transmitted to the processor device via the transmitting / receiving antenna 508. The imaging sensor 504 is configured in the same manner as the imaging sensor 48 of each of the above embodiments and modifications.

  In each of the above-described embodiments and modifications, the light source control unit 22 generates the first multicolor spectrum light 27 that mimics the white light of the xenon lamp, but instead of the white light of the xenon lamp, A first multicolor spectrum light 27 that mimics continuous spectrum light may be generated. For example, in a conventional endoscope system, a halogen lamp other than a xenon lamp may be used. The first multicolor spectrum light imitating a halogen lamp other than the xenon lamp may be generated, and a doctor or the like may be able to select the type of lamp to be imitated. Similarly, it is also possible to imitate a continuous spectrum light emitted from a broadband light source combining a pump light source that emits excitation light and a phosphor that emits fluorescence when irradiated with the excitation light, or a broadband light source composed of a semiconductor light source. A broadband light source by irradiating phosphors with excitation light is, for example, an excitation light source that emits ultraviolet light, violet light, blue light, or the like, and green to yellow by irradiation with ultraviolet light, violet light, blue light, or the like ( Alternatively, it is configured by combining phosphors emitting red fluorescence. A broadband light source composed of a semiconductor light source is, for example, a semiconductor light source that generates white light. As described above, when imitating continuous spectrum light other than the xenon lamp (including pseudo-white light that appears to be substantially white and other light other than white), it also mimics the white light of the xenon lamp of the above embodiment. The first multicolor spectrum light can be generated in the same manner as described above.

  In each of the above-described embodiments and modifications, four color LEDs, V-LED 20a, B-LED 20b, G-LED 20c, and R-LED 20d, are used, but light emitted from a plurality of light sources used in the endoscope light source device 14 is emitted. Other colors and combinations may be used as the color (wavelength). Further, instead of the LED, another semiconductor light source such as an LD (Laser Diode) may be used.

  In each of the above-described embodiments and modifications, the observation target is irradiated with the first multicolor spectrum light 27 adjusted so that the observation target can be observed in the same manner as the continuous spectrum light 26 of the xenon lamp. That is, the xenon lamp is imitated at the stage of the illumination light irradiating the observation target, but the continuous spectrum light 26 of the xenon lamp may be imitated at the stage where the imaging sensor 48 receives the return light from the observation target. In this way, when the xenon lamp continuous spectrum light 26 is imitated when the imaging sensor 48 receives the return light from the observation target, it is the same as when the xenon lamp is imitated at the stage of illumination light irradiating the observation target. These signals can be obtained from the image sensor 48.

  For example, the light source control unit 22 returns light incident on the imaging sensor 48 when the first multicolor spectrum light 27 is irradiated on the observation target, and return light when the observation target is irradiated with the continuous spectrum light 26 of the xenon lamp. Then, the light quantity of each LED 20a-20d is controlled so that each light quantity integral value of a 1st wavelength band and a 2nd wavelength band may correspond. In this way, the xenon continuous spectrum light 26 can be imitated at the stage of the return light incident on the imaging sensor 48 from the observation target, and as a result, the observation target is irradiated with the continuous spectrum light 26 of the xenon lamp. Similarly, the observation object can be observed.

  The light source control unit 22 may control the light amounts of the LEDs 20a to 20d in consideration of the characteristics of the color filters of the respective colors provided in the pixels of the image sensor 48. Specifically, when the light source control unit 22 irradiates the observation target with the first multicolor spectrum light 27, the first color pixel (for example, B pixel) provided with the first color filter (for example, B color filter). And the signal obtained by the first pixel when the observation target is irradiated with the continuous spectrum light 26 of the xenon lamp, and the first multicolor spectrum light 27 is irradiated to the observation target. When the observation object is irradiated with a signal obtained by a second color pixel (for example, G pixel) provided with a second color filter (for example, G color filter) and a continuous spectrum light 26 of a xenon lamp, the second color pixel is used. The obtained signal is matched. That is, the first wavelength band, the second wavelength band, and the third wavelength band of each of the above embodiments are set as the wavelength band of the RGB color sensor of the imaging sensor 48.

  In this way, the signal obtained from the first color pixel is the integrated light quantity value of the first wavelength band, and the signal obtained from the second color pixel is the integrated light quantity value of the second wavelength band, and is obtained from the third color pixel. The signal to be obtained is a light amount integral value in the third wavelength band. For this reason, a signal obtained from the first color pixel is referred to as a light amount integral value obtained from the first color pixel. Similarly, a signal obtained from the second color pixel is referred to as a light intensity integral value obtained from the second color pixel, and a signal obtained from the third color pixel is referred to as a light quantity integral value obtained from the third color pixel. The light intensity integral value of each color pixel is a value including the exposure time at each pixel (value integrated by time), but plays substantially the same role as the light intensity integral value of the above-described embodiment and the modification. Even when the exposure time is different for each of the first color pixel, the second color pixel, and the third color pixel, the light amount integral value obtained in each pixel is adjusted in consideration of the exposure time of each pixel up to the exposure time.

[Additional notes]
A plurality of light sources that independently emit light of different colors, and a light source unit that emits first multicolor spectrum light having a first multicolor spectrum obtained by superimposing light emitted from the plurality of light sources;
A first color pixel provided with a first color filter, and a second color pixel provided with a second color filter different from the first color filter, wherein the first multicolor spectrum light is An imaging sensor for imaging the irradiated observation object;
When the plurality of light sources are controlled to irradiate the observation object with the first multicolor spectrum light, the light quantity integral value obtained at the first color pixel of the imaging sensor and the continuous spectrum light are irradiated to the observation object. The second color pixel of the image sensor when the light quantity integral value obtained by the first color pixel of the image sensor is matched and the observation object is irradiated with the first multicolor spectrum light. A light source control unit that matches the light amount integrated value obtained in step 2 with the light amount integrated value obtained in the second color pixel of the image sensor when continuous observation light is irradiated to the observation target;
An endoscope system comprising:

10, 100, 210, 300, 400 Endoscope system 20 Light source unit 22 Light source control unit 25, 326 Multicolor spectrum light 26 Continuous spectrum light 27,327 First multicolor spectrum light 201 Second multicolor spectrum light 212 Endoscope Mirror model detection unit 301 Light amount detection unit 304 Aging deterioration detection unit 404 Verification unit 406 Light amount integral value table 500 Capsule endoscope

Claims (17)

A plurality of light sources that independently emit light of different colors, and a light source unit that emits first multicolor spectrum light having a first multicolor spectrum obtained by superimposing light emitted from the plurality of light sources;
The amount of light of each of the plurality of light sources is controlled, and the integrated amount of light in the first wavelength band of the first multicolor spectrum light is determined as the continuous spectrum light having the wavelength band of at least part of the white light emitted from the white light source. The light intensity integral value of the second wavelength band different from the first wavelength band of the first multicolor spectrum light and the light intensity integral value of the first wavelength band is set to the second wavelength of the continuous spectrum light. A light source controller that matches the integrated light amount of the band;
An endoscope light source device comprising:   The endoscope light source device according to claim 1, wherein the continuous spectrum light is white light.   The endoscope light source device according to claim 2, wherein the white light is light emitted from a xenon lamp.   The endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first wavelength band is a wavelength band obtained by combining a purple wavelength band and a blue wavelength band, and the second wavelength band is a green wavelength band. Light source device. The plurality of light sources include a purple light source that emits purple light and a blue light source that emits blue light,
The endoscope light source device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first wavelength band of the first multicolor spectrum light is a wavelength band including the violet light and the blue light.   In addition to the first wavelength band and the second wavelength band, the light source controller further has a third wavelength band different from the first wavelength band and the second wavelength band of the first multicolor spectrum light. The endoscope light source device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a light amount integrated value is matched with a light amount integrated value of the third wavelength band of the continuous spectrum light.   The endoscope light source device according to claim 6, wherein the third wavelength band is a red wavelength band. The light source unit emits a second multicolor spectrum light having a second multicolor spectrum different from the first multicolor spectrum light and the continuous spectrum light by the plurality of light sources,
The light source control unit is configured to make a light amount integral value of the first wavelength band of the second multicolor spectrum light larger than a light amount integral value of the first wavelength band of the continuous spectrum light, and the second multicolor spectrum light. The endoscope light source device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein a light amount integral value of the second wavelength band of the color spectrum light is matched with a light amount integral value of the second wavelength band of the continuous spectrum light. . A light amount detector for detecting the amount of light emitted by the plurality of light sources,
The light source control unit uses the detection result of the light amount detection unit, and among the plurality of light sources, the light source has the greatest shortage of light amount with respect to a specified value of the light amount forming the first multicolor spectrum light. The endoscope light source device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein a light amount of the remaining light source is set in accordance with a light amount of the light source.   The endoscope light source device according to claim 9, wherein the light amount detection unit repeatedly detects the light amount of light emitted from the plurality of light sources while the plurality of light sources emit light.   The light intensity integral value of the first wavelength band of the first multicolor spectrum light matches the light intensity integral value of the first wavelength band of the continuous spectrum light, and the second wavelength band of the first multicolor spectrum light. The endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising: a verification unit that verifies whether or not a light amount integrated value of the second spectral band matches a light amount integrated value of the second wavelength band of the continuous spectrum light. Light source device.   The endoscope light source device according to claim 11, wherein the light source control unit controls the plurality of light sources using a verification result by the verification unit. A plurality of light sources that independently emit light of different colors, and a light source unit that emits first multicolor spectrum light having a first multicolor spectrum obtained by superimposing light emitted from the plurality of light sources;
The amount of light of each of the plurality of light sources is controlled, and the integrated amount of light in the first wavelength band of the first multicolor spectrum light is determined as the continuous spectrum light having the wavelength band of at least part of the white light emitted from the white light source. The light intensity integral value of the second wavelength band different from the first wavelength band of the first multicolor spectrum light and the light intensity integral value of the first wavelength band is set to the second wavelength of the continuous spectrum light. A light source controller that matches the integrated light amount of the band;
An endoscope system comprising: The light source unit emits a second multicolor spectrum light having a second multicolor spectrum different from the first multicolor spectrum light and the continuous spectrum light by the plurality of light sources,
The light source control unit is configured to make a light amount integral value of the first wavelength band of the second multicolor spectrum light larger than a light amount integral value of the first wavelength band of the continuous spectrum light, and the second multicolor spectrum light. The endoscope system according to claim 13, wherein an integrated light amount value of the second wavelength band of the color spectrum light is matched with an integrated light amount value of the second wavelength band of the continuous spectrum light. An endoscope model detection unit that detects a connected endoscope model and inputs a detection result to the light source control unit,
The light source control unit is configured to change the light emitted from the light source unit according to the endoscope model detected by the endoscope model detection unit between the first multicolor spectrum light and the second multicolor spectrum light. The endoscope system according to claim 14 to be switched.   When the endoscope model is a model used for the continuous spectrum light, the light source control unit converts the light emitted by the light source unit into the first multicolor spectrum light, and the endoscope The endoscope system according to claim 15, wherein when a model is not a model used for the continuous spectrum light, the light emitted from the light source unit is the second multicolor spectrum light. A plurality of light sources that independently emit light of different colors, and a light source unit that emits first multicolor spectrum light having a first multicolor spectrum in which light emitted from the plurality of light sources is superimposed In the operating method of the endoscope light source device,
A light source control unit that controls a light amount of each of the plurality of light sources, the light amount integrated value of the first wavelength band of the first multicolor spectrum light, and a wavelength band of at least a part of the white light emitted by the white light source; The continuous spectrum light has a light intensity integral value in a second wavelength band that is matched with the light intensity integral value of the first wavelength band of the continuous spectrum light and that is different from the first wavelength band of the first multicolor spectrum light. A method of operating an endoscope light source device, comprising the step of causing the first multicolor spectrum light to be emitted so as to coincide with a light amount integrated value of the second wavelength band.

Images