JP2020000931A - Endoscope system and method of operating endoscope system - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an endoscope system and a method of operating the endoscope system that make it possible to observe an observation target substantially as with the case where a plurality of light sources each independently emitting a light beam having a color different from one another is used as illumination light of continuous spectrum light.SOLUTION: Values calculated based on color-wise integrated light quantity values obtained by receiving V light, B light, G light, and R light respectively by Cy pixel, Mg pixel, Ye pixel, and G pixel, and a light quantity ratio Cv:Cb:Cg:Cr are made to match a ratio of color-wise integrated light quantity values obtained by receiving continuous spectrum light 26 of a xenon lamp by Cy pixel, Mg pixel, Ye pixel, and G pixel.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 14

Description

  The present invention relates to an endoscope system that forms illumination light for irradiating an observation target using a plurality of light sources, and an operation method of the endoscope system.

  In the medical field, diagnosis using an endoscope system including an endoscope light source device, an endoscope, and a processor device is widely performed. The endoscope light source device is a device that generates light (hereinafter, referred to as illumination light) for irradiating an observation target such as a mucous membrane of a body cavity. In the endoscope light source device, a light source that emits light having a broadband continuous spectrum (hereinafter referred to as a continuous spectrum light) such as a xenon lamp has been used. However, in recent years, a light source instead of a broadband light source such as a xenon lamp has been used. Semiconductor light sources such as LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) are being used. When a semiconductor light source is used as a light source, for example, by using a plurality of semiconductor light sources that emit light of different colors such as a blue LED, a green LED, and a red LED in combination, these light components are superimposed on each other. Light having a spectrum (hereinafter, referred to as multicolor spectrum light) becomes illumination light.

  For example, the endoscope system disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes four independently controllable semiconductor light sources mounted on an endoscope light source device, and controls the amount of light emitted from each of the semiconductor light sources to control the spectral 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 optimal characteristics according to the image characteristics to be acquired. Specifically, in order to obtain an image having a large dynamic range with respect to brightness, an image having a low color temperature, an image having a high color temperature, and an image in which a special narrow-band wavelength is radiated to a narrow area, the illumination light is used for each. Adjust the spectral spectrum etc.

  Further, the endoscope system of Patent Document 2 is equipped with a plurality of independently controllable semiconductor light sources, identifies the endoscope model, and determines the driving conditions of each semiconductor light source according to the endoscope model. You have set. Specifically, since the light transmission characteristics of the light guide for transmitting the illumination light differ depending on the model, the endoscope model is identified, and the light amount ratio of each semiconductor light source according to the light transmission characteristics of the light guide is determined. You have set.

JP 2013-255655 A JP 2013-202166 A

  As described above, the illumination light used in the endoscope system is changing from continuous spectrum light by a conventional xenon lamp or the like to multicolor spectrum light by a plurality of semiconductor light sources. Since the spectral spectra are different from each other, the image of the observation target captured by irradiating continuous spectrum light and the image of the observation target captured by irradiating multicolor spectrum light are the same observation target. The appearance may be different. The difference in the appearance of the observation object between the case of using continuous spectrum light as the illumination light and the case of using multicolor spectrum light as the illumination light is not always superior, but multiple semiconductor light sources are independent. Since controllability is possible and the spectral spectrum can be adjusted according to the observation target or the like, there is an advantage that observation can be performed more flexibly when using multicolor spectrum light as illumination light.

  On the other hand, in an endoscope system, a long period of using continuous spectrum light from a xenon lamp or the like as illumination light is long, so many doctors are accustomed to the appearance of an observation target when irradiated with continuous spectrum light from a xenon lamp or the like. ing. For this reason, it is desired to be able to observe even when using multicolor spectrum light from a plurality of semiconductor light sources as illumination light, similarly to the case where continuous spectrum light from a conventional xenon lamp or the like is used for illumination light. . In addition, many of the endoscope images accumulated as past cases are also photographed with continuous spectrum light from a xenon lamp or the like. In order to make it easy to simply compare with the above case, it is desired to obtain an endoscopic image similar to the case where continuous spectrum light is used as illumination light.

  In order to meet the above demand, it is only necessary that a plurality of semiconductor light sources can reproduce the spectrum of continuous spectrum light. However, in practice, the plurality of semiconductor light sources cannot completely reproduce the spectrum of continuous spectrum light. For example, when a blue LED and a green LED whose light amount becomes smaller as the wavelength is farther from the center wavelength are used as a light source, the light amount of the intermediate color (the wavelength near the middle between blue and green) is adjusted by adjusting the light amount of the blue LED and the green LED. If the center wavelengths of the blue LED and the green LED are made to approach the light amount of the continuous spectrum light, the light amount of the intermediate color between blue and green is significantly lower than the light amount of the continuous spectrum light. Conversely, when the light amounts of the blue LED and the green LED are increased in order to make the light amount of the intermediate color between blue and green closer to the continuous spectrum light, the color near the center wavelength of the blue LED and the color of the center wavelength of the green LED become continuous spectrum light. Greatly exceeds the amount of light.

  The present invention uses a plurality of light sources that independently emit light of different colors from each other, and uses a continuous spectrum light as the illumination light even when using a multicolor spectrum light obtained by superimposing these lights as the illumination light. It is an object of the present invention to provide an endoscope system and an operation method of the endoscope system that enable an observation target to be observed almost in the same manner as in the case.

  An endoscope system according to the present invention includes a violet light source that emits V light that is violet light in a first wavelength band, a blue light source that emits B light that is blue light in a second wavelength band, and a green light that emits G light that is green light. A light source having a plurality of light sources having a red light source that emits R light that is red light, and a light source that emits a first multicolor spectrum light having a first multicolor spectrum obtained by superimposing light emitted by the plurality of light sources And an image sensor having pixels of a plurality of colors having sensitivity to different colors, wherein a Cy pixel having sensitivity to cyan, a Mg pixel having sensitivity to magenta, a Ye pixel having sensitivity to yellow, and a green pixel having sensitivity to yellow. An image sensor having a G pixel having sensitivity and a plurality of light sources are controlled, and a ratio of a light amount integrated value of each color obtained by receiving the first multicolor spectrum light by the plurality of color pixels is defined by a xenon lamp and a halogen lamp. lamp Or a light source control unit that matches the ratio of the light intensity integrated value for each color obtained by receiving the continuous spectrum light, which is white light emitted by the white LED, with pixels of a plurality of colors, and the light source control unit The integrated light amounts obtained by receiving light at the Cy, Mg, Ye, and G pixels are Vcy, Vmg, Vye, and Vg, respectively, and the B light is received at the Cy, Mg, Ye, and G pixels. The light intensity integrated values obtained by Bcy, Bmg, Bye, and Bg are respectively obtained, and the light intensity integrated values obtained by receiving the G light at the Cy, Mg, Ye, and G pixels are Gcy, Gmg, Gye, and Gg, respectively. , And Rcy, Rmg, Rye, and Rg, respectively, the integrated light amounts obtained by receiving the R light at the Cy pixel, the Mg pixel, the Ye pixel, and the G pixel. , Ye, and G pixels, the integral values of the light amount obtained are Xcy, Xmg, Xye, and Xg, respectively, so that V light, B light, G light, and R light satisfy Equation 4 below. Endoscope system for calculating the light amount ratio Cv: Cb: Cg: Cr of the light source.

第１波長帯域の紫色光であるＶ光を発する紫色光源、第２波長帯域の青色光であるＢ光を発する青色光源、第３波長帯域の緑色光であるＧ光を発する緑色光源、及び、第４波長帯域の赤色光であるＲ光を発する赤色光源を有する複数の光源を有し、複数の光源が発光する光を重ね合わせた第１多色スペクトルを有する第１多色スペクトル光を発する光源部と、異なる色に感度を有する複数色の画素を有する撮像センサであって、シアンに感度を有するＣｙ画素と、マゼンタに感度を有するＭｇ画素と、イエローに感度を有するＹｅ画素と、グリーンに感度を有するＧ画素とを有する撮像センサと、複数の光源を制御し、第１多色スペクトル光を複数色の画素でそれぞれ受光して得る色毎の光量積分値の比率を、キセノンランプ、ハロゲンランプ、または白色ＬＥＤが発光する白色光である連続スペクトル光を複数色の画素でそれぞれ受光して得る色毎の光量積分値の比率に一致させる光源制御部とを備え、光源制御部は、撮像センサについて、Ｃｙ画素、Ｍｇ画素、Ｙｅ画素、及びＧ画素の感度を波長毎に合算した総合感度Ｓｕｍのカラーフィルタを有するＳ画素とみなした場合おいて、Ｖ光の分光スペクトルをＳ画素の総合感度Ｓｕｍの波長毎の積を第１波長帯域、第２波長帯域、第３波長帯域、及び第４波長帯域の範囲でそれぞれ積分することにより得られる光量積分値をＶＳ１、ＶＳ２、ＶＳ３、ＶＳ４とし、Ｂ光の分光スペクトルをＳ画素の総合感度Ｓｕｍの波長毎の積を第１波長帯域、第２波長帯域、第３波長帯域、及び第４波長帯域の範囲でそれぞれ積分することにより得られる光量積分値をＢＳ１、ＢＳ２、ＢＳ３、ＢＳ４とし、Ｇ光の分光スペクトルをＳ画素の総合感度Ｓｕｍの波長毎の積を第１波長帯域、第２波長帯域、前記第３波長帯域、及び前記第４波長帯域の範囲でそれぞれ積分することにより得られる光量積分値をＧＳ１、ＧＳ２、ＧＳ３、ＧＳ４とし、Ｒ光の分光スペクトルをＳ画素の総合感度Ｓｕｍの波長毎の積を第１波長帯域、第２波長帯域、第３波長帯域、及び第４波長帯域の範囲でそれぞれ積分することにより得られる光量積分値をＲＳ１、ＲＳ２、ＲＳ３、ＲＳ４とし、連続スペクトル光の分光スペクトルをＳ画素の総合感度Ｓｕｍの波長毎の積を第１波長帯域、第２波長帯域、第３波長帯域、及び第４波長帯域の範囲でそれぞれ積分することにより得られる光量積分値をＸＳ１、ＸＳ２、ＸＳ３、ＸＳ４とした場合において、下記式５を満たすように、Ｖ光、Ｂ光、Ｇ光、及びＲ光の光量比Ｃｖ：Ｃｂ：Ｃｇ：Ｃｒを算出する内視鏡システム。

A violet light source that emits V light that is violet light in the first wavelength band, a blue light source that emits B light that is blue light in the second wavelength band, a green light source that emits G light that is green light in the third wavelength band, and It has a plurality of light sources having a red light source that emits R light that is red light in the fourth wavelength band, and emits a first multicolor spectrum light having a first multicolor spectrum obtained by superimposing light emitted from the plurality of light sources. An image sensor having a light source section and pixels of a plurality of colors having sensitivity to different colors, wherein a Cy pixel having sensitivity to cyan, a Mg pixel having sensitivity to magenta, a Ye pixel having sensitivity to yellow, and a green. An image sensor having a G pixel having sensitivity to a plurality of light sources, and controlling a plurality of light sources to obtain a ratio of a light amount integrated value for each color obtained by receiving the first multicolor spectrum light by the plurality of color pixels, respectively, using a xenon lamp. Halogen run Or a light source control unit that matches the ratio of the light intensity integrated value of each color obtained by receiving continuous spectrum light, which is white light emitted by a white LED, with pixels of a plurality of colors. , When the sensitivity of the Cy pixel, the Mg pixel, the Ye pixel, and the G pixel is regarded as an S pixel having a color filter of the total sensitivity Sum obtained for each wavelength, the spectral spectrum of the V light is used as the overall sensitivity of the S pixel. The light intensity integrated values obtained by integrating the products of the Sum for each wavelength in the first wavelength band, the second wavelength band, the third wavelength band, and the fourth wavelength band are denoted as VS1, VS2, VS3, and VS4, By integrating the product of the spectral sensitivity of B light for each wavelength of the total sensitivity Sum of the S pixel in the first wavelength band, the second wavelength band, the third wavelength band, and the fourth wavelength band, respectively. The obtained light intensity integral values are BS1, BS2, BS3, and BS4, and the spectral spectrum of G light is the product of the total sensitivity Sum of the S pixels for each wavelength in the first wavelength band, the second wavelength band, the third wavelength band, and GS1, GS2, GS3, and GS4 are the light amount integrated values obtained by integrating the respective components in the range of the fourth wavelength band, and the product of the spectral sensitivity of the R light for each wavelength of the total sensitivity Sum of the S pixels is defined as the first wavelength band. , RS2, RS3, and RS4, the integrated light amounts obtained by integrating in the ranges of the second wavelength band, the third wavelength band, and the fourth wavelength band, respectively. XS1, XS1, the light quantity integral value obtained by integrating the product of the sensitivities Sum for each wavelength in the first wavelength band, the second wavelength band, the third wavelength band, and the fourth wavelength band. An endoscope system that calculates a light amount ratio Cv: Cb: Cg: Cr of V light, B light, G light, and R light such that XS2, XS3, and XS4 satisfy Expression 5 below.

観察対象の種類毎に光量比Ｃｖ：Ｃｂ：Ｃｇ：Ｃｒを記憶する光量比記憶部を備え、光源制御部は、観察対象の種類毎の光量比Ｃｖ：Ｃｂ：Ｃｇ：Ｃｒのなかから光量比Ｃｖ：Ｃｂ：Ｃｇ：Ｃｒを選択することが好ましい。複数の光源が発する光量をそれぞれ検出する光量検出部を備え、光源制御部は、光量検出部による検出結果を用いて、複数の光源のうち、第１多色スペクトル光を形成する光量の指定値に対して、光量の不足が最も大きい最劣化光源の光量に合わせて、残りの光源の光量を設定することが好ましい。光量検出部は、複数の光源が発光している間、複数の光源が発光する光の検出を繰り返し行うことが好ましい。

A light amount ratio storage unit that stores a light amount ratio Cv: Cb: Cg: Cr for each type of observation target is provided, and the light source control unit determines a light amount ratio from among Cv: Cb: Cg: Cr for each type of observation target. It is preferable to select Cv: Cb: Cg: Cr. A light amount detection unit configured to detect the amount of light emitted from each of the plurality of light sources; and a light source control unit configured to use the detection result of the light amount detection unit to specify a light amount for forming the first multicolor spectrum light among the plurality of light sources. On the other hand, 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 where the shortage of the light amount is greatest. It is preferable that the light amount detection unit repeatedly detects the light emitted by the plurality of light sources while the plurality of light sources emits light.

  The ratio of the light intensity integrated value for each color obtained by receiving the first multicolor spectrum light by the plurality of color pixels is the ratio of the light intensity integrated value for each color obtained by receiving the continuous spectrum light by the plurality of color pixels. It is preferable to include a verification unit that verifies whether or not they match. A light amount detection unit configured to detect light amounts emitted by the plurality of light sources, and a verification unit uses the detection result of the light amount detection unit to detect the first multicolor spectrum light by each of the pixels of the plurality of colors to obtain the first multicolor spectrum light. It is preferable to verify whether or not the ratio of the light intensity integrated value matches the ratio of the light intensity integrated value for each color obtained by receiving the continuous spectrum light with the pixels of a plurality of colors. The verification unit uses the output of the image sensor to determine the ratio of the integrated light amount for each color obtained by receiving the first multi-color spectrum light by each of the plurality of color pixels. It is preferable to verify whether or not it matches the ratio of the light intensity integrated value for each color obtained as described above. It is preferable that the light source control unit controls the plurality of light sources using the verification result by the verification unit.

  The present invention provides a violet light source that emits V light that is violet light in a first wavelength band, a blue light source that emits B light that is blue light in a second wavelength band, a green light source that emits G light that is green light, and red. A light source unit having a plurality of light sources having a red light source that emits R light as light, and a light source unit that emits a first multicolor spectrum light having a first multicolor spectrum in which light emitted by the plurality of light sources is superimposed; An image sensor having a plurality of color pixels having sensitivity to cyan, a Cy pixel having sensitivity to cyan, a Mg pixel having sensitivity to magenta, a Ye pixel having sensitivity to yellow, and a G pixel having sensitivity to green. And an imaging sensor having an endoscope system, wherein the light source control unit controls a plurality of light sources, and receives the first multicolor spectrum light by the plurality of color pixels, respectively, for each color. Light intensity integral The ratio is a step of matching the ratio of the integrated light amount of each color obtained by receiving the continuous spectrum light, which is a white light emitted by a xenon lamp, a halogen lamp, or a white LED, with the plurality of color pixels, The light source control unit sets Vcy, Vmg, Vye, and Vg as light intensity integrated values obtained by receiving V light at Cy, Mg, Ye, and G pixels, and sets B light at Cy, Mg, and Ye pixels. Pixels and light intensity integrated values obtained by receiving light at G pixels are Bcy, Bmg, Bye, and Bg, respectively, and light intensity integrated values obtained by receiving G light at Cy, Mg, Ye, and G pixels are respectively Gcy, Gmg, Gye, and Gg, and Rcy, Rmg, Rye, and R, respectively, are light intensity integrated values obtained by receiving R light at Cy, Mg, Ye, and G pixels. When the integrated light amounts obtained by receiving the continuous spectrum light at the Cy, Mg, Ye, and G pixels are Xcy, Xmg, Xye, and Xg, respectively, V Calculating a light amount ratio Cv: Cb: Cg: Cr of the light, the B light, the G light, and the R light.

本発明は、第１波長帯域の紫色光であるＶ光を発する紫色光源、第２波長帯域の青色光であるＢ光を発する青色光源、第３波長帯域の緑色光であるＧ光を発する緑色光源、及び、第４波長帯域の赤色光であるＲ光を発する赤色光源を有する複数の光源を有し、複数の光源が発光する光を重ね合わせた第１多色スペクトルを有する第１多色スペクトル光を発する光源部と、異なる色に感度を有する複数色の画素を有する撮像センサであって、シアンに感度を有するＣｙ画素と、マゼンタに感度を有するＭｇ画素と、イエローに感度を有するＹｅ画素と、グリーンに感度を有するＧ画素とを有する撮像センサと、を備える内視鏡システムの作動方法において、光源制御部が、複数の光源を制御し、第１多色スペクトル光を複数色の画素でそれぞれ受光して得る色毎の光量積分値の比率を、キセノンランプ、ハロゲンランプ、または白色ＬＥＤが発光する白色光である連続スペクトル光を複数色の画素でそれぞれ受光して得る色毎の光量積分値の比率に一致させるステップであって、光源制御部は、撮像センサについて、Ｃｙ画素、Ｍｇ画素、Ｙｅ画素、及びＧ画素の感度を波長毎に合算した総合感度Ｓｕｍのカラーフィルタを有するＳ画素とみなした場合おいて、Ｖ光の分光スペクトルをＳ画素の総合感度Ｓｕｍの波長毎の積を第１波長帯域、第２波長帯域、第３波長帯域、及び第４波長帯域の範囲でそれぞれ積分することにより得られる光量積分値をＶＳ１、ＶＳ２、ＶＳ３、ＶＳ４とし、Ｂ光の分光スペクトルをＳ画素の総合感度Ｓｕｍの波長毎の積を第１波長帯域、第２波長帯域、第３波長帯域、及び第４波長帯域の範囲でそれぞれ積分することにより得られる光量積分値をＢＳ１、ＢＳ２、ＢＳ３、ＢＳ４とし、Ｇ光の分光スペクトルをＳ画素の総合感度Ｓｕｍの波長毎の積を第１波長帯域、第２波長帯域、第３波長帯域、及び第４波長帯域の範囲でそれぞれ積分することにより得られる光量積分値をＧＳ１、ＧＳ２、ＧＳ３、ＧＳ４とし、Ｒ光の分光スペクトルをＳ画素の総合感度Ｓｕｍの波長毎の積を第１波長帯域、第２波長帯域、第３波長帯域、及び第４波長帯域の範囲でそれぞれ積分することにより得られる光量積分値をＲＳ１、ＲＳ２、ＲＳ３、ＲＳ４とし、連続スペクトル光の分光スペクトルをＳ画素の総合感度Ｓｕｍの波長毎の積を第１波長帯域、第２波長帯域、第３波長帯域、及び第４波長帯域の範囲でそれぞれ積分することにより得られる光量積分値をＸＳ１、ＸＳ２、ＸＳ３、ＸＳ４とした場合において、下記式５を満たすように、Ｖ光、Ｂ光、Ｇ光、及びＲ光の光量比Ｃｖ：Ｃｂ：Ｃｇ：Ｃｒを算出するステップを有する。

The present invention provides a violet light source that emits V light that is violet light in a first wavelength band, a blue light source that emits B light that is blue light in a second wavelength band, and a green light that emits G light that is green light in a third wavelength band. A first multicolor having a first multicolor spectrum in which light sources and a plurality of light sources having a red light source that emits R light that is red light in a fourth wavelength band are superimposed on light emitted by the plurality of light sources; An image sensor having a light source unit that emits spectral light and a plurality of color pixels having sensitivity to different colors, wherein a Cy pixel has sensitivity to cyan, a Mg pixel has sensitivity to magenta, and Ye has sensitivity to yellow. In an operation method of an endoscope system including a pixel and an image sensor having a G pixel sensitive to green, a light source control unit controls a plurality of light sources to convert a first multicolor spectrum light into a plurality of colors. Each pixel The ratio of the light intensity integrated value for each color obtained by light emission is defined as the light intensity integrated value for each color obtained by receiving continuous spectrum light, which is white light emitted from a xenon lamp, a halogen lamp, or a white LED, with pixels of a plurality of colors. And the light source control unit determines, for the image sensor, an S pixel having a color filter of total sensitivity Sum obtained by summing the sensitivities of Cy, Mg, Ye, and G pixels for each wavelength. In this case, the spectral spectrum of the V light is integrated with the product for each wavelength of the total sensitivity Sum of the S pixel in the first wavelength band, the second wavelength band, the third wavelength band, and the fourth wavelength band. VS1, VS2, VS3, and VS4, and the product of each wavelength of the total sensitivity Sum of the S pixel is the first wavelength band and the second wavelength band. Integral amounts of light obtained by integrating in the ranges of the third wavelength band and the fourth wavelength band are respectively denoted by BS1, BS2, BS3, and BS4, and the spectral spectrum of G light is the product of the total sensitivity Sum of the S pixels for each wavelength. Are respectively integrated in the first wavelength band, the second wavelength band, the third wavelength band, and the fourth wavelength band to obtain GS1, GS2, GS3, and GS4, and the spectral spectrum of the R light. The integrated light amounts obtained by integrating the product of the total sensitivity Sum of the S pixel for each wavelength in the first wavelength band, the second wavelength band, the third wavelength band, and the fourth wavelength band are RS1, RS2, RS3 and RS4, and the spectral spectrum of the continuous spectrum light is the product of the total sensitivity Sum of the S pixel for each wavelength in the range of the first wavelength band, the second wavelength band, the third wavelength band, and the fourth wavelength band. In the case where XS1, XS2, XS3, and XS4 are the light amount integrated values obtained by integrating the respective light amounts, the light amount ratios Cv: Cb of the V light, the B light, the G light, and the R light so as to satisfy Expression 5 below. : Cg: Cr.

  An endoscope system and an operation method of the endoscope system according to the present invention include a light amount integrated value of each color obtained by receiving multicolor spectrum light obtained by superimposing light emitted from a plurality of light sources with pixels of a plurality of colors. By making the ratio match the ratio of the light intensity integrated value for each color obtained by receiving the continuous spectrum light having at least a part of the wavelength band of the light emitted by the white light source by the pixels of a plurality of colors, the multicolor spectrum light is obtained. Is used as illumination light, the observation target can be made observable almost in the same manner as when continuous spectrum light is used as illumination light.

FIG. 2 is an external view of the endoscope system. It is a block diagram showing 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 which a xenon lamp emits. 4 is a graph showing a spectrum of a color filter. It is a graph which shows the spectral spectrum of V light, B light, G light, R light, and the continuous spectrum light which a xenon lamp emits. 5 is a graph showing a balance between V light and B light of the first multicolor spectrum light. It is a graph which shows the reflectance of an esophagus. It is a graph which shows return light of V light, B light, G light, and R light. It is a graph which shows the return light of the continuous spectrum light of a xenon lamp. It is a graph which shows the 1st polychromatic spectrum light in consideration of the reflectance of the esophagus. It is a graph which shows the reflectance of the esophagus, stomach, and large intestine. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an endoscope system that changes a light amount ratio of each color light forming the first multicolor spectrum light according to a type of an observation target. 5 is a graph showing a spectrum of a complementary color filter. 5 is a graph showing the overall sensitivity of a complementary color filter. 5 is a graph showing first multicolor spectrum light for a complementary color image sensor. It is a graph which shows the spectrum of the 2nd multicolor spectrum light. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an endoscope system that switches between first multicolor spectrum light and second multicolor spectrum light depending on the type of endoscope. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an endoscope system that switches between first multicolor spectrum light and second multicolor spectrum light depending on the type of endoscope. 4 is a graph showing the deterioration over time of a semiconductor light source. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an endoscope system that emits first multicolor spectrum light corresponding to the deterioration over time of a semiconductor light source. 5 is a graph showing a spectrum of the first multicolor spectrum light when the semiconductor light source deteriorates with time. It is a graph which shows the spectrum of the 1st polychromatic spectrum light which adjusted the light quantity according to the light source which has deteriorated with time. It is a block diagram of an endoscope system which has a verification part. It is a block diagram of an endoscope system which has a verification part. It is a block diagram of an endoscope system provided with a band limiting unit. It is a schematic diagram 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 is also electrically connected to the processor device 16. The endoscope 12 includes an insertion portion 12a inserted into the subject, an operation portion 12b provided at a base end portion of the insertion portion 12a, a bending portion 12c provided at a distal end side of the insertion portion 12a, and a distal end portion. 12d. By operating the angle knob 12e of the operation section 12b, the bending section 12c performs a bending operation. By this bending operation, the tip 12d is directed in a desired direction. The operation unit 12b is provided with a zoom operation unit 13 and the like in addition to the angle knob 12e.

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

  As shown in FIG. 2, the endoscope light source device 14 is a device that generates illumination light to irradiate an observation target, and includes a light source unit 20 having a plurality of light sources, and a light source The light source unit 20 includes an optical path coupling unit 23 that couples an optical path 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, and a green LED (hereinafter, G-LED (hereinafter, G-LED)). The LED has four colors of 20c and a red LED (hereinafter, referred to as an R-LED (Red Light Emitting Diode)) 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 450 nm and a wavelength band of 420 to 490 nm. The G-LED 20c is a green light source that emits green light (hereinafter referred to as G light) having a center wavelength of 524 nm to 525 nm and a wavelength band of 480 nm to 590 nm. The R-LED 20d is a red light source that emits red light (hereinafter referred to as R light) having a center wavelength of 628 to 629 nm and a wavelength band of 580 to 700 nm. The center wavelength of each of the LEDs 20a to 20d has a width of about ± 5 nm to ± 10 nm.

  The light source unit 20 emits multicolor spectrum light having a multicolor spectrum in which V light, B light, G light, and R light are superimposed by a plurality of light sources that independently emit light of these different colors. . The wavelength band of the V-LED 20a and the wavelength band of the B-LED 20b overlap, the wavelength band of the B-LED 20b and the wavelength band of the G-LED 20c also overlap, and the wavelength band of the G-LED 20c and the R-LED 20d Wavelength bands also have overlap. Further, since the light emission amount (hereinafter, simply referred to as light amount) of each of the LEDs 20a to 20d can be independently controlled, the spectral spectrum of the polychromatic spectrum light can be changed by changing the light amount of each of the LEDs 20a to 20d. . In the present embodiment, the light source unit 20 is a specific light source that mimics the case of observing using broadband continuous spectrum light 26 of white light emitted from a xenon lamp used as a conventional endoscope system shown in FIG. 4 as illumination light. V light, B light, G light, and R light are emitted with the balance of. The polychromatic spectrum light emitted by the light source unit 20 in the xenon emulation mode is hereinafter referred to as a first polychromatic spectrum light. The multicolor spectrum light having the spectrum shown in FIG. 3 is the first multicolor spectrum light 25 of the present embodiment, and the spectrum of the first multicolor spectrum light 25 is the first multicolor spectrum.

  The light source control unit 22 individually controls a drive current and a drive voltage of each of the LEDs 20a to 20d included in the light source unit 20, and a pulse width and a pulse length when the drive current or the drive voltage is pulse-input to each of the LEDs 20a to 20d. Thus, the light emission timing and light amount of each light emitted from each of the LEDs 20a to 20d are controlled. In the present embodiment, when the light source unit 20 emits the first multicolor spectrum light 25, the light source control unit 22 simultaneously turns on the LEDs 20a to 20d and sets the ratio of the light emission amount of each of the LEDs 20a to 20d (hereinafter, referred to as “light emission amount”). Light intensity ratio). Then, the light source control unit 22 controls the light amount ratio of each of the LEDs 20 a to 20 d to thereby obtain the integrated light amount value for each color obtained by receiving the first multicolor spectrum light 25 by the pixels of the plurality of colors of the image sensor 48. The ratio is made to match the ratio of the integrated light amount for each color obtained by receiving the continuous spectrum light 26 with the pixels of a plurality of colors.

  The light intensity integration value is the amount of signal charge obtained by the image sensor 48 performing photoelectric conversion on each pixel of a plurality of colors. For this reason, depending on the model and setting of the imaging sensor 48, each pixel of a plurality of colors applies a different gain to read out the signal charge and output an image signal. It does not depend on the value of the gain applied at the time of reading. Further, the light quantity integration value does not depend on the content of signal processing performed on the image signal by the processor device 16. In the present embodiment, the integrated light amount is a product of the spectral spectrum of the first polychromatic spectral light (or the continuous spectral light 26 of the xenon lamp) emitted from the light source unit 20 and the spectral spectrum of the color filter of the image sensor 48 for each wavelength. Is calculated by integrating for each wavelength band of the color filter.

  The continuous spectrum is a spectrum of light having at least a part of the wavelength band of the light emitted by the white light source, and the continuous spectrum light is light having a continuous spectrum. A white light source is a light source that emits light having 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 the light emitted by the white light source is light extracted by a color filter or the like from the light emitted by the white light source.

  The multicolor spectrum is one spectral spectrum obtained by superimposing the spectral spectra of the light emitted by the plurality of light sources, and the light obtained by superimposing the light emitted by the plurality of light sources is the multicolor spectral light. The broadband indicates that the wavelength band is wider than the wavelength band of light emitted by at least one of the plurality of light sources (LEDs 20a to 20d) used in the light source unit 20. The white light of the xenon lamp includes a wavelength band of V light (violet wavelength band) emitted by the LED 20a, a wavelength band of B light emitted by the LED 20b (blue wavelength band), and a wavelength band of G light emitted by the LED 20c (green wavelength band). ), And a wavelength band wider than each wavelength band (red wavelength band) of the R light emitted by the LED 20d, and includes components of each wavelength in all of these wavelength bands (350 nm or more and less than 700 nm), and , Which has a gentle distribution over the visible light range. Therefore, the white light emitted by the xenon lamp is a broadband continuous spectrum light 26.

  The multi-color spectrum light (first multi-color spectrum light 25) emitted from the light source unit 20 is incident on the light guide 41 inserted into the insertion unit 12a via the optical path coupling unit 23. The light guide 41 is built in the endoscope 12 and a universal cord (cord connecting the endoscope 12 with 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. Note that a multi-mode fiber can be used as the light guide 41. As an example, a small-diameter fiber cable having a core diameter of 105 μm, a cladding diameter of 125 μm, and a diameter of 0.3 to 0.5 mm including a protective layer serving as an outer cover can be used.

  An illumination optical system 30a and an imaging optical system 30b are provided at a distal end portion 12d of the endoscope 12. The illumination optical system 30a has an illumination lens 45, and the illumination light propagated by the light guide 41 via the illumination lens 45 is applied to the observation target. The imaging optical system 30b has an objective lens 46, a zoom lens 47, and an imaging sensor 48. The return light from the observation target (light including fluorescence generated from the observation target in addition to the reflected light) enters the image sensor 48 via the objective lens 46 and the zoom lens 47. As a result, an image of the observation target is formed on the image sensor 48. The zoom lens 47 is freely moved between the telephoto end and the wide end by operating the zoom operation unit 13, and enlarges or reduces the observation target formed on the image sensor 48.

  The image sensor 48 has a plurality of color pixels having sensitivity to different colors. That is, the image sensor 48 includes pixels having different colors (spectral spectra of color filters). More specifically, the image sensor 48 is a primary color image sensor having primary color filters including blue, green, and red. Is output. As the image sensor 48, a charge coupled device (CCD) image sensor or a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor can be used. In the present embodiment, the image sensor 48 includes a blue color filter (hereinafter, referred to as a B filter), a green color filter (hereinafter, referred to as a G filter), and a red color filter (hereinafter, referred to as an R filter) having the spectrum shown in FIG. ) Is provided for each pixel.

  The B pixel (blue pixel) provided with the B filter receives the blue light component transmitted through the B filter among the return light from the observation target, and the G pixel (green pixel) provided with the G filter is used as the observation target. Green light component of the return light transmitted through the G filter. Similarly, the R pixel (red pixel) provided with the R filter receives a red light component transmitted through the R color filter among the return light from the observation target. Therefore, when the light source unit 20 emits the first multicolor spectrum light 25, the B pixel receives each return light of the V light and the B light in the first multicolor spectrum light 25, and outputs the B image signal (blue image signal). Signal). Similarly, when the light source unit 20 emits the first multicolor spectrum light 25, the G pixel receives the return light of the G light and outputs a G image signal (green image signal), and the R pixel outputs the R light. And outputs an R image signal (red image signal).

  The image signal of each color 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 by the A / D converter 51 into a digital image signal. The digital image signal after the 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 kinds of signal processing such as defect correction processing, offset processing, gain correction processing, linear matrix processing, gamma conversion processing, and demosaic processing on the received image signal. In the defect correction processing, the signal of the defective pixel of the image sensor 48 is corrected. In the offset processing, a dark current component is removed from the RGB image signal subjected to the defect correction processing, and an accurate zero level is set. In the gain correction processing, the signal level is adjusted by multiplying the RGB image signal after the offset processing by a specific gain. The RGB image signal after the gain correction processing is subjected to a linear matrix processing for improving color reproducibility. Thereafter, brightness and saturation are adjusted by gamma conversion processing. Demosaic processing (also referred to as isotropic processing or synchronizing processing) is performed on the RGB image signal after the linear matrix processing, and a signal of a color insufficient for each pixel is generated by interpolation. By this demosaic processing, all the pixels have signals of RGB colors.

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

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

  Hereinafter, the characteristics of the first multicolor spectrum light 25 used as the xenon emulation mode illumination light by the endoscope system 10 of the present embodiment, and the V light, the B light, and the G light that form the first multicolor spectrum light 25 A method of obtaining the light amount ratio between the light and the R light will be described.

  First, the light source control unit 22 can arbitrarily change the light amount ratio of the V light, the B light, the G light, and the R light. However, simply adjusting the light amount ratio of each of these color lights is shown in FIG. Thus, the spectrum of the continuous spectrum light 26 of the xenon lamp cannot be reproduced. For example, even if the light amounts of the V light and the B light are made to match the continuous spectrum light 26, the light amount in the intermediate wavelength band (wavelength band of about 420 nm to 430 nm) does not reach the light amount of the continuous spectrum light 26. Conversely, when the light amount in the intermediate wavelength band between the V light and the B light is made to match the light amount of the continuous spectrum light 26, the light amount of the central wavelength of the V light and the B light greatly exceeds the light amount of the continuous spectrum light 26.

  Therefore, instead of reproducing the continuous spectrum light 26 of the xenon lamp by the LEDs 20a to 20d of the respective colors, the light source control unit 22 obtains the light quantity integration value obtained by receiving the first multicolor spectrum light 25 by the B pixel, and receives the light by the G pixel. The ratio between the light intensity integrated value obtained by the above and the light amount integrated value obtained by receiving the R pixel is the light amount integrated value obtained by receiving the continuous spectrum light 26 of the xenon lamp by the B pixel, and the light amount integral obtained by receiving the G pixel. The light amount ratio of the V light, the B light, the G light, and the R light is adjusted so as to substantially match the value and the ratio of the light amount integrated value obtained by receiving light at the R pixel. In this case, even if the spectral spectra of the first multicolor spectral light 25 and the continuous spectral light 26 of the xenon lamp are different, as a result, the image signals obtained by imaging the observation target with the image sensor 48 become equal. The endoscope image displayed at 18 is substantially the same. That is, even if the spectral spectra do not match, an endoscope image in which the appearance of the observation target is the same as that obtained by using a xenon lamp can be obtained.

  Vb, Vg, and Vr respectively represent light quantity integrated values obtained by receiving the V light forming the first multicolor spectrum light 25 by the B pixel, the G pixel, and the R pixel. Similarly, the integrated light amounts obtained by receiving the B light forming the first multicolor spectrum light 25 at the B pixel, the G pixel, and the R pixel are denoted by Bb, Bg, and Br, respectively. , G, and Gr, respectively, and the R light that forms the first multicolor spectrum light 25 is the B pixel, G The light intensity integrated values obtained by receiving light at the pixel and the R pixel are Rb, Rg, and Rr, respectively.

  The light quantity integral value Vb obtained by receiving the V light by the B pixel is, for example, the spectral spectrum of the V light (see FIG. 6) in which the maximum value (the light quantity at the center wavelength) is normalized to “1” and the spectral spectrum of the B color filter. (See FIG. 5) is obtained by integrating the product of each wavelength. Since the spectral spectrum of the V light and the spectral spectrum of the B color filter are known, the light quantity integral value Vb obtained by receiving the V light at the B pixel is a known quantity. The same applies to the other light intensity integrated values Vg, Vr, Bb, Bg, Br, Rb, Rg, and Rr.

  In addition, Xb is an integrated light amount obtained by receiving the continuous spectrum light 26 of the xenon lamp at the B pixel, Xg is an integrated light amount obtained by receiving the continuous spectrum light 26 of the xenon lamp at the G pixel, and Let Xr be the light intensity integral value obtained by receiving the continuous spectrum light 26 at R pixels. The integrated light amount Xb obtained by receiving the continuous spectrum light 26 at the B pixel is, for example, the xenon lamp continuous spectrum light 26 (see FIG. 4 or FIG. 6) whose maximum value is normalized to “1” and the spectrum of the B color filter. It is determined by integrating the product of the spectrum (see FIG. 5) for each wavelength. Since the spectrum of the continuous spectrum light 26 and the spectrum of the B color filter are known, the light quantity integral Xb obtained by receiving the continuous spectrum light 26 with the B pixel is a known quantity. The same applies to the other light intensity integrated values Xg and Xr.

  Then, the light amount ratio of V light, B light, G light, and R light forming the first multicolor spectrum light 25 is set as V light: B light: G light: R light = Cv: Cb: Cg: Cr. The values of Cv, Cb, Cg, and Cr are variables, and the integrated light amount obtained by receiving the first multicolor spectrum light 25 by the B pixel, the integrated light amount obtained by receiving the G pixel, and the received light by the R pixel. The ratio of the integrated light amount obtained by the above operation is the integrated light amount obtained by receiving the continuous spectrum light 26 of the xenon lamp by the B pixel, the integrated light amount obtained by receiving the G pixel, and the integrated light amount obtained by receiving the R pixel. Determine to match the value ratio.

  That is, the light amount ratios Cv: Cb: Cg: Cr of the V light, B light, G light, and R light that form the first multicolor spectrum light 25 may be determined so as to satisfy Expression 1, but Since the number of variables is larger than the number, the light amount ratio Cv: Cb: Cg: Cr of V light, B light, G light, and R light cannot be uniquely determined as it is.

そこで、本実施形態ではまずＢ画素で受光するＶ光とＢ光の光量比（Ｖ光：Ｂ光＝Ｋｖ：Ｋｂ）を決定する。具体的には、Ｂ画素で受光する波長帯域を、Ｖ光の第１波長帯域（波長３８０ｎｍ以上４３０ｎｍ未満）とＢ光の第２波長帯域（波長４３０ｎｍ以上４８０ｎｍ未満）の２つの波長帯域に区切る。そして、第１多色スペクトル光２５の第１波長帯域の光量積分値と、キセノンランプの連続スペクトル光２６の第１波長帯域の光量積分値が一致し、かつ、第１多色スペクトル光２５の第２波長帯域の光量積分値と、キセノンランプの連続スペクトル光２６の第２波長帯域の光量積分値を一致するように、Ｖ光とＢ光の光量比Ｋｖ：Ｋｂを決定する。

Therefore, in the present embodiment, first, the light amount ratio between the V light and the B light received by the B pixel (V light: B light = Kv: Kb) is determined. Specifically, the wavelength band received by the B pixel is divided into two wavelength bands of a first wavelength band of V light (wavelength of 380 nm or more and less than 430 nm) and a second wavelength band of B light (wavelength of 430 nm or more and less than 480 nm). . Then, the light quantity integral of the first multicolor spectrum light 25 in the first wavelength band and the light quantity integral of the first wavelength band of the continuous spectrum light 26 of the xenon lamp coincide with each other. The light quantity ratio Kv: Kb of the V light and the B light is determined so that the light quantity integral value of the second wavelength band and the light quantity integral value of the second wavelength band of the continuous spectrum light 26 of the xenon lamp match.

  Assume that the light intensity integrated values of the first and second wavelength bands of V light are Vb1 and Vb2, and that the light intensity integrated values of the first and second wavelength bands of B light are Bb1 and Bb2. Further, let Xb1 and Xb2 be the light amount integrals of the continuous spectrum light 26 in the first and second wavelength bands. The light quantity integration value Vb1 of the first wavelength band of the V light is calculated by integrating the product of the spectrum of the V light and the spectrum of the B color filter in the first wavelength band. Since the spectral spectrum of the V light and the spectral spectrum of the B color filter are known, the light quantity integrated value Vb1 of the first wavelength band of the V light is a known quantity. The same applies to the other light intensity integrated values Vb2, Bb1, Bb2, Xb1, Xb2.

  Therefore, the light amount ratio Kv: Kb of the V light and the B light can be calculated by Expression 2. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, Kv: Kb ≒ 0.53: 1 (≒ 0.35: 0.65).

第１多色スペクトル光２５を形成するＶ光とＢ光の光量比Ｋｖ：Ｋｂが定まれば、この光量比で合成したＶ光とＢ光の合成光を擬似的に青色光（以下、Ｂ２光という）として扱うことができる（図７参照）。

When the light amount ratio Kv: Kb of the V light and the B light forming the first multicolor spectrum light 25 is determined, the combined light of the V light and the B light combined at this light amount ratio is simulated as a blue light (hereinafter, referred to as B2). (Referred to as light) (see FIG. 7).

  Therefore, the integrated light amount obtained by receiving the B2 light at the B pixel is B2b, the integrated light amount obtained by receiving the B2 light at the G pixel is B2g, and the integrated light amount obtained by receiving the B2 light at the R pixel is B2r. Assuming that the light amount ratio of the B2 light, the G light, and the R light forming the first multicolor spectrum light 25 is Pb2: Pg: Pr, the light amount ratio of the B2 light, the G light, and the R light Pb2: Pg: Pr can be calculated. In the present embodiment, Pb2: Pg: Pr = 1: 1.64: 1.65 (≒ 0.24: 0.36: 0.40).

こうして第１多色スペクトル光２５を形成するＶ光とＢ光の光量比Ｋｖ：Ｋｂと、Ｂ２光、Ｇ光、及びＲ光の光量比Ｐｂ２：Ｐｇ：Ｐｒが定まれば、これらを用いて第１多色スペクトル光２５を形成するＶ光、Ｂ光、Ｇ光、及びＲ光の光量比Ｃｖ：Ｃｂ：Ｃｇ：Ｃｒを算出することができる。本実施形態では、Ｃｖ：Ｃｂ：Ｃｇ：Ｃｒ＝Ｋｖ／Ｋｂ：１：Ｐｇ／Ｐｂ２：Ｐｒ／Ｐｂ２＝０．５３：１：１．６４：１．６５（≒０．１１：０．２２：０．３２：０．３６）である。

When the light amount ratio Kv: Kb of the V light and the B light forming the first multicolor spectrum light 25 and the light amount ratio Pb2: Pg: Pr of the B2 light, the G light, and the R light are determined, these are used. The light amount ratio Cv: Cb: Cg: Cr of the V light, B light, G light, and R light forming the first multicolor spectrum light 25 can be calculated. In this embodiment, Cv: Cb: Cg: Cr = Kv / Kb: 1: Pg / Pb2: Pr / Pb2 = 0.53: 1: 1.64: 1.65 (≒ 0.11: 0.22: 0.32: 0.36).

  The multicolor spectrum light obtained by combining the V light, the B light, the G light, and the R light with the light amount ratio Cv: Cb: Cg: Cr is the first multicolor spectrum light 25 (see FIG. 3). The endoscope system 10 uses the first multicolor spectrum light 25 in which the light amount ratio of the V light, the B light, the G light, and the R light is the light amount ratio Cv: Cb: Cg: Cr. The ratio of the light intensity integral value for each color obtained by receiving the color spectrum light 25 at each of the plurality of color pixels of the imaging sensor 48 is different from that of the xenon lamp continuous spectrum light 26 at each of the plurality of color pixels of the imaging sensor 48. It matches the ratio of the light intensity integral value for each color obtained.

  Specifically, as can be seen from Equation 1, for example, the ratio of the light intensity integrated value (CvVb + CbBb + CgGb + CrRb) at the B pixel to the light intensity integrated value (CvVg + CbBg + CgGg + CrRg) at the G pixel when the first multicolor spectrum light 25 is used. (CvVb + CbBb + CgGb + CrRb) / (CvVg + CbBg + CgGg + CrRg) is equal to the ratio Xb / Xg of the light intensity integrated value Xb at the B pixel to the light intensity integrated value Xg at the G pixel when using the continuous spectrum light 26 of the xenon lamp. In addition, the ratio of the integrated light amount value (CvVr + CbBr + CgGr + CrRr) at the R pixel to the integrated light amount (CvVg + CbBg + CgGg + CrRg) at the G pixel when the first multicolor spectral light 25 is used (CvVr + CgR + CgV + CgGr + CgV + CgGr + CgV + CgV + CgGr + CgVg This is equal to the ratio Xr / Xg of the integrated light amount Xr at the R pixel to the integrated light amount Xg at the G pixel when the spectral light 26 is used.

  That is, when the first multicolor spectrum light 25 is used, the balance of each color of the image signal obtained from the image sensor 48 becomes almost the same as when the continuous spectrum light 26 of the xenon lamp is used. For this reason, the endoscope system 10 makes the appearance of the observation target almost the same as when the continuous spectrum light 26 of the xenon lamp is used. Further, there is no need to recalculate the gains and matrices used in the various signal processing performed by the DSP 56, the noise elimination processing performed by the noise elimination unit 58, and the various image processings performed by the image generation unit 62. Since it can be used, the noise is almost the same as when the continuous spectrum light 26 of the xenon lamp is used.

  Therefore, as in the present embodiment, the image sensor 48 includes a B pixel (first color pixel) having sensitivity to blue (first color) and a G pixel (second color pixel) having sensitivity to green (second color). ) And an R pixel (third color pixel) having sensitivity to red (third color), the light source control unit 22 converts the V light, the B light, the G light, and the R light into the light amount ratio Cv. : Cb: Cg: Cr, the ratio of the integrated amount of blue light obtained by the B pixel to the integrated amount of light of the second color obtained by the G pixel is continuously changed from the case where the first multicolor spectrum light 25 is used. When the first polychromatic spectrum light 25 is used, the ratio between the red light quantity integrated value and the green light quantity integrated value obtained by the R pixel is set to be the same as when the first polychromatic spectrum light 25 is used. Match with case.

  The first polychromatic spectrum light 25 has less wavelength components in some wavelength bands (such as a wavelength band between V light and B light) as compared with the continuous spectrum light 26 of the xenon lamp. Information on the structure near the surface layer of the mucous membrane such as a pattern and information on the structure of the middle and deep layers below the mucous membrane such as the middle and deep blood vessels are sufficiently carried by each color light forming the first multicolor spectrum light 25. Therefore, in the endoscope system 10, the use of the first multicolor spectrum light 25 makes the appearance of the observation target including the appearance of the surface blood vessels and the like substantially the same as the case of using the continuous spectrum light 26 of the xenon lamp. Matches. Conversely, of the continuous spectrum light 26 of the xenon lamp, light in a wavelength band intermediate between the V light and the B light brightens the endoscope image, but emits light of each color forming the first multicolor spectrum light 25. Compared to light, contribution to the appearance of the structure to be observed, such as a surface blood vessel or a middle deep blood vessel, is small. For this reason, there is no shortage of the first multicolor spectrum light 25 for the endoscope observation.

  It should be noted that the ratio of the light intensity integrated value for each color obtained by receiving the first multicolor spectrum light 25 by the pixels of the plurality of colors of the image sensor 48 corresponds to the color obtained by receiving the continuous spectrum light 26 by the pixels of the plurality of colors. An error of at least about 5% to 10% can be tolerated with respect to the ratio of the light intensity integrated value for each. Since the visual sense may be relatively insensitive to the difference in the color difference, and if the error is about the above, the appearance of the observation target is almost the same as when the continuous spectrum light 26 of the xenon lamp is used. It can be considered that they almost match. Therefore, the ratio of the light intensity integrated value for each color obtained by receiving the first multicolor spectrum light 25 by the pixels of the plurality of colors of the image sensor 48 and the continuous spectrum light 26 are referred to as the pixels of the plurality of colors. The "match" of the ratio of the light intensity integrated value for each color obtained by receiving the light includes the "substantially match" including the above error.

[Second embodiment]
The observation target of the endoscope system 10 is, for example, the esophagus, and the reflectance of the esophagus differs for each wavelength as shown in FIG. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 9, even when the multicolor spectrum light 201 in which the maximum value of each of the V light, the B light, the G light, and the R light is normalized to “1”, the return light 202 from the esophagus is used. Changes to reflect the reflectance of the esophagus. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 10, even when the continuous spectrum light 26 of the xenon lamp is used, the return light 203 from the esophagus changes from the original continuous spectrum light 26 reflecting the reflectance of the esophagus. In addition, the reflectance of the esophagus includes, in addition to the amount of reflected light from the esophagus, the amount of fluorescent light generated from a tissue forming a mucous membrane or the like of the esophagus. Therefore, the return light 202 includes not only the reflected light of the multicolor spectrum light 201 but also the fluorescence generated from the esophagus when the multicolor spectrum light 201 is irradiated. The same applies to the return light 203.

  As described above, since the return light 202 and the return light 203 from the esophagus change reflecting the reflectance of the esophagus, in the second embodiment, the light source control unit 22 controls the multicolor spectrum light 201 irradiating the esophagus. The ratio of the integrated light amount of each color obtained by receiving the return light 202 of the image sensor 48 with the pixels of the plurality of colors is obtained by receiving the continuous spectrum light 26 of the xenon lamp irradiating the esophagus with the plurality of pixels of the image sensor 48. The light amount ratio of the V light, the B light, the G light, and the R light is controlled so as to match the ratio of the light amount integrated value for each of the obtained colors.

  As described above, the integrated light amount value for each color obtained by receiving the return light from the esophagus by the pixels of the image sensor 48 is obtained by receiving the continuous spectrum light 26 of the xenon lamp by the pixels of the image sensor 48. The multicolor spectrum light that is made to match the ratio of the obtained light quantity integrated values for each color is the first multicolor spectrum light 225 shown in FIG. Graph 226 is the return light of the first polychromatic spectrum light 225 from the esophagus.

  When calculating the light intensity integral values used in Expressions 1 to 3, if the data of the return light 202 and the return light 203 is used instead of the V light, the B light, the G light, the R light, and the continuous spectrum light 26, In the same manner as in the first embodiment, the light amount ratio Cv: Cb: Cg: Cr of the V light, B light, G light, and R light forming the first multicolor spectrum light 225 can be calculated. Specifically, in the case of the first multicolor spectrum light 225, Cv: Cb: Cg: Cr = 0.53: 1: 1.36: 1.33 (≒ 0.13: 0.24: 0.32: 0.32). In the case of the first multicolor spectrum light 225, Kv: Kb = 1.05: 1.98 (≒ 0.35: 0.65), and Pb2: Pg: Pr = 2.02: 2.75: 2.69 (= 0.27: 0.37: 0.36).

  As in the second embodiment, when the first multicolor spectrum light 225 in which the light amount ratio of the V light, the B light, the G light, and the R light is set in consideration of the properties of a specific observation target, a specific observation is performed. The appearance of the object is particularly exactly the same as when the xenon continuous spectrum light 26 is used.

  The reflectance of the observation target differs depending on the type (site) of the observation target. For example, in addition to the esophagus, the stomach, the large intestine, and the like are also observation targets of the endoscope system 10, but as shown in FIG. 12, the reflectance of each wavelength differs between the esophagus, the stomach, and the large intestine. Therefore, the light amount ratio of V light, B light, G light, and R light forming the first polychromatic spectrum light 225 considering the reflectance of the esophagus, and the first polychromatic spectrum light considering the reflectance of the stomach are calculated. The light amount ratio of the V light, B light, G light, and R light to be formed is different. Similarly, the light amount ratios of V light, B light, G light, and R light that form the first polychromatic spectrum light in consideration of the reflectance of the large intestine are different from those of the esophagus and stomach. Therefore, it is preferable to appropriately control the light amount ratio of the V light, the B light, the G light, and the R light that form the first multicolor spectrum light according to the type of the observation target such as the esophagus, the stomach, and the large intestine.

  In this case, as in the endoscope system 240 shown in FIG. 13, a light amount ratio storage unit 241 that stores a plurality of light amount ratios of V light, B light, G light, and R light is provided for each type of observation target. . The light amount ratio storage unit 241 stores, for example, an esophageal light amount ratio 251, a gastric light amount ratio 252, and a large intestine light amount ratio 253 in advance. When using the first multicolor spectrum light that imitates a xenon lamp, the light source control unit 22 selects the light amount ratio according to the type of the observation target from the plurality of light amount ratios stored in the light amount ratio storage unit 241. Then, the light amount ratio of the V light, B light, G light, and R light is controlled to the selected light amount ratio. When the observation target is the stomach, the light source control unit 22 selects the stomach light amount ratio 252 from the light amount ratio storage unit 241 and selects the light amount ratio of the V light, the B light, the G light, and the R light. To control. This makes it possible to emit the first multicolor spectrum light according to the type of the observation target.

  In the endoscope system 240, the light amount ratio storage unit 241 is provided in the endoscope light source device 14. However, the light amount ratio storage unit 241 may be provided in the processor device 16, or provided in the endoscope 12. Is also good. That is, as long as the light source control unit 22 can select an appropriate light amount ratio according to the type of the observation target, the place where the light amount ratio storage unit 241 is provided is arbitrary.

[Third embodiment]
In the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the image sensor 48 having the primary color system color filter is used. However, the endoscope systems 10 and 240 use the complementary color system color filter instead of the primary color system image sensor 48. May be used. The complementary color filters include a cyan color filter (Cy), a magenta color filter (Mg), and a yellow color filter (Ye). In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14, the complementary color filter includes, for example, a green color filter (G) in addition to Cy, Mg, and Ye. That is, in the present embodiment, the imaging sensor 48 includes a cyan pixel (hereinafter, referred to as a Cy pixel), a magenta pixel (hereinafter, referred to as an Mg pixel), a yellow pixel (hereinafter, referred to as a Ye pixel), and a green pixel (hereinafter, referred to as a G pixel). ).

  When a complementary color image sensor is used as the image sensor 48, the first multicolor spectrum light that makes the appearance of the observation target substantially equal to the case where the continuous spectrum light 26 of the xenon lamp is used is the first multicolor spectrum light of the first and second embodiments. The light ratios of the V light, the B light, the G light, and the R light are different from those of the single multicolor spectrum lights 25 and 225. Therefore, instead of these, it is necessary to use the light amount ratio of V light, B light, G light, and R light for a complementary color image sensor.

  The integrated light amounts obtained by receiving the V light that forms the first multicolor spectrum light for the complementary color imaging sensor at the Cy, Mg, Ye, and G pixels are Vcy, Vmg, Vye, and Vg, respectively. I do. Similarly, the integrated light amounts obtained by receiving the B light forming the first multicolor spectrum light for the complementary color imaging sensor at the Cy pixel, the Mg pixel, the Ye pixel, and the G pixel are Bcy, Bmg, Bye, , And Bg, and Gcy, Gmg, and Gye, respectively, obtained by receiving G light forming the first multicolor spectrum light for the complementary color imaging sensor at the Cy, Mg, Ye, and G pixels. , And Gg, and Rcy, Rmg, and Rcy, Rmg, which are the light intensity integral values obtained by receiving the R light forming the first multicolor spectrum light for the complementary color imaging sensor at the Cy, Mg, Ye, and G pixels, respectively. Rye and Rg. That these are known amounts is the same as in the first and second embodiments.

  The integrated light amount obtained by receiving the continuous spectral light 26 of the xenon lamp at the Cy pixel is Xcy, the integrated light amount obtained by receiving the continuous spectral light 26 of the xenon lamp at the Mg pixel is Xmg, and the continuous light amount of the xenon lamp is Xmg. The integrated light amount obtained by receiving the spectral light 26 at the Ye pixel is Xye, and the integrated light amount obtained by receiving the continuous spectral light 26 of the xenon lamp by the G pixel is Xg. That these are known amounts is the same as in the first and second embodiments.

  The light amount ratio of V light, B light, G light, and R light forming the first multicolor spectrum light for the complementary color image sensor is V light: B light as in the first and second embodiments. Light: G light: R light = Cv: Cb: Cg: Cr. The values of Cv, Cb, Cg, and Cr are variables, and the ratio of the integrated light amount obtained by receiving the first multicolor spectrum light for the complementary color imaging sensor at each pixel of the complementary color system is determined by the continuous xenon lamp. The spectrum light 26 is determined so as to coincide with the ratio of the integrated light amount value obtained by receiving each pixel of the complementary color system. That is, the light amount ratios Cv: Cb: Cg: Cr of the V light, B light, G light, and R light that form the first multicolor spectrum light for the complementary color image sensor are determined so as to satisfy Expression 4. Just fine. In Equation 4, since the number of equations is equal to the number of variables, this can be solved to obtain the light amount ratio Cv: Cb: Cg: Cr of V light, B light, G light, and R light.

あるいは、以下に説明する算出方法によっても、補色系カラー撮像センサ用の第１多色スペクトル光を形成するＶ光、Ｂ光、Ｇ光、及びＲ光の光量比Ｃｖ：Ｃｂ：Ｃｇ：Ｃｒを算出することができる。

Alternatively, the light amount ratio Cv: Cb: Cg: Cr of the V light, B light, G light, and R light forming the first multicolor spectrum light for the complementary color-based color image sensor can be calculated by the calculation method described below. Can be calculated.

  In this case, as shown in FIG. 15, the sensitivities of the respective color filters of Cy, Mg, Ye, and G are summed for each wavelength to obtain a total sensitivity Sum of the complementary color image sensor. It is regarded as one pixel having a color filter with a sensitivity Sum (hereinafter, referred to as an S pixel).

  Next, the wavelength band is divided into the first wavelength band of V light (wavelength 380 nm or more and less than 430 nm), the second wavelength band of B light (wavelength 430 nm or more and less than 480 nm), and the third wavelength band of G light (wavelength 480 nm or more and 580 nm). ) And the fourth wavelength band of R light (wavelength 580 nm or more and less than 700 nm), and the amount of light obtained by receiving the S light with V light that forms the first multicolor spectrum light for the complementary color imaging sensor. Among the integrated values, let VS1, VS2, VS3, and VS4 be the light amount integrated values of the first to fourth wavelength bands, respectively.

  Similarly, among the light intensity integrated values obtained by receiving the B light forming the first multicolor spectrum light for the complementary color system color imaging sensor at the S pixel, the light intensity integrated values of the first to fourth wavelength bands are respectively denoted by BS1 and BS1, The light intensity integrals of the first to fourth wavelength bands among the light intensity integral values obtained by receiving the G light forming the first multicolor spectrum light for the complementary color-based color image sensor at the S pixel as BS2, BS3, and BS4. The values are GS1, GS2, GS3, and GS4, respectively, and among the light amount integration values obtained by receiving the R light that forms the first multicolor spectrum light for the complementary color imaging sensor at the S pixel, the first to the first are Assume that the light intensity integral values of the fourth wavelength band are RS1, RS2, RS3, and RS4, respectively. Further, among the light intensity integrated values obtained by receiving the continuous spectrum light 26 of the xenon lamp by the S pixel, the light intensity integrated values of the first to fourth wavelength bands are XS1, XS2, XS3, and XS4, respectively.

  The light intensity integral value VS1 is calculated by integrating the product of the spectral spectrum of the V light and the total sensitivity Sum for each wavelength in the range of the first wavelength band. The same applies to the other light intensity integrated values VS2, VS3, VS4, BS1, BS2, BS3, BS4, GS1, GS2, GS3, GS4, RS1, RS2, RS3, RS4, XS1, XS2, XS3, and XS4.

  Then, instead of Equation 4, according to Equation 5, the light amount ratios Cv: Cb: Cg: Cr of the V light, B light, G light, and R light that form the first multicolor spectrum light for the complementary color image sensor. Is calculated. In the case of the complementary color image sensor having the complementary color filter of FIG. 14 used in the present embodiment, the light amount ratio obtained by Expression 5 is Cv: Cb: Cg: Cr ≒ 0.12: 0.23: 0.27: 0.39. The multicolor spectrum light shown in FIG. 16 is the first multicolor spectrum light 325 for the complementary color image sensor formed by the V light, the B light, the G light, and the R light having the light amount ratio obtained by Expression 5.

補色系カラー撮像センサ用の第１多色スペクトル光３２５を形成するＶ光、Ｂ光、Ｇ光、及びＲ光の光量比Ｃｖ：Ｃｂ：Ｃｇ：Ｃｒの数５による算出方法は、複数の波長帯域（第１〜第４波長帯）で、第１多色スペクトル光を補色系カラー撮像センサの複数色の画素でそれぞれ受光して得る色毎の光量積分値の合計値を、キセノンランプの連続スペクトル光２６を補色系カラー撮像センサの複数色の画素でそれぞれ受光して得る色毎の光量積分値の合計値と一致させる算出方法である。数５の算出方法は、数４の算出方法に比べて、色毎の光量積分値の比率に誤差が発生するが、その代わりに、確実にＣｖ＞０、Ｃｂ＞０、Ｃｇ＞０、かつＣｒ＞０を満たす範囲内でＣｖ、Ｃｂ、Ｃｇ、及びＣｒを決定できる利点がある。第１多色スペクトル光３２５を補色系カラー撮像センサの複数の画素で受光して得る色毎の光量積分値の比率は、キセノンランプの連続スペクトル光２６を補色系カラー撮像センサの複数の画素で受光して得る色毎の光量積分値の比率と実質的に一致し、これらの誤差は例えば数％程度である。

The light amount ratio Cv: Cb: Cg: Cr of the V light, B light, G light, and R light forming the first multicolor spectral light 325 for the complementary color image sensor is calculated by using a plurality of wavelengths. In the band (first to fourth wavelength bands), the total value of the integrated light amount of each color obtained by receiving the first multicolor spectrum light by the pixels of the plurality of colors of the complementary color image sensor is the continuous value of the xenon lamp. This is a calculation method in which the spectral light 26 is received by the pixels of a plurality of colors of the complementary color image sensor to match the total value of the integrated light amount for each color obtained. In the calculation method of Expression 5, an error occurs in the ratio of the light intensity integrated value for each color as compared with the calculation method of Expression 4, but instead, Cv> 0, Cb> 0, Cg> 0, and There is an advantage that Cv, Cb, Cg, and Cr can be determined within a range satisfying Cr> 0. The ratio of the light intensity integral value for each color obtained by receiving the first multicolor spectrum light 325 with a plurality of pixels of the complementary color image sensor is such that the continuous spectrum light 26 of the xenon lamp is transmitted by the plurality of pixels of the complementary color image sensor. The ratio substantially coincides with the ratio of the light intensity integral value for each color obtained by receiving light, and these errors are, for example, about several percent.

  Therefore, as in the present embodiment, the image sensor 48 includes a Cy pixel (first color pixel) having sensitivity to cyan (first color) and an Mg pixel (third color pixel) having sensitivity to magenta (third color). Pixel), a Ye pixel (fourth color pixel) having sensitivity to yellow (fourth color), and a G pixel (second color pixel) having sensitivity to green (second color). Is the integral of the amount of cyan light obtained by the Cy pixel and the integral of the amount of green light obtained by the G pixel by emitting V light, B light, G light, and R light at the light amount ratio Cv: Cb: Cg: Cr. In the case where the first polychromatic spectrum light 25 is used and the case where the continuous spectrum light 26 is used, and the ratio of the integrated light amount of magenta and the integrated value of green light obtained in the Mg pixel to the first When using multi-color spectrum light 25 and continuous spectrum The case where the first multicolor spectrum light 25 is used and the case where the continuous spectrum light 26 is used are the same as those in the case where the first polychromatic spectrum light 25 is used. Match with case.

  The method of calculating the light amount ratio according to Equation 5 of the third embodiment can be applied to a case where a primary color color image sensor is used as the image sensor 48. Among the primary color image sensors, there are a sensor having an E pixel having an emerald color filter and a sensor having a white pixel (W pixel) having no color filter in addition to the B, G, and R pixels. is there. When using these primary color system color image sensors, the method of calculating the light amount ratio of Equation 5 may be more suitable than the method of calculating the light amount ratio of Equation 4.

  When a complementary color image sensor is used as the image sensor 48 as in the third embodiment, the V light and the B light that form the first multicolor spectrum light in consideration of the observation target similarly to the second embodiment. It is preferable to control the light amount ratio Cv: Cb: Cg: Cr of the light, the G light, and the R light.

  As shown in Equation 2 of the first embodiment and Equation 5 of the third embodiment, when one pixel receives light of a wavelength band in which light sources of a plurality of colors out of the first multicolor spectrum light are received, one pixel When the integral of the light amount is made equal to the integral value of the light obtained by receiving the continuous spectrum light 26 of the xenon lamp for each wavelength band of the light received by the pixel (that is, for each wavelength band of the light emitted by each light source), The light amount ratio Cv: Cb: Cg: Cr of V light, B light, G light, and R light forming one multicolor spectrum light can be appropriately determined. This method is particularly effective when the number of colors of the light source is larger than the number of colors of the pixels (see Equation 2 in the first embodiment).

[Fourth embodiment]
In the first to third embodiments, the light source control unit 22 uses the LEDs 20a to 20d of the light source unit 20 to control the first multicolor spectrum light 25, 225, which simulates the use of the continuous spectrum light 26 of the xenon lamp. 325, the light source control unit 22 switches between the first multicolor spectrum light 25, 225, and 325 by the LEDs 20a to 20d of the light source unit 20 to switch the first multicolor spectrum light 25 and the xenon lamp. A second multicolor spectrum light having a second multicolor spectrum different from the continuous spectrum light 26 of the above may be generated.

  The second polychromatic spectrum light is illumination light having a unique spectral spectrum that is not included in an endoscope system using a conventional xenon lamp. For example, as shown in FIG. 17, the light source control unit 22 makes the light amount of at least one of the V light and the B light (V light in the present embodiment) larger than that of the first multicolor spectrum light 25. That is, the light quantity integrated value obtained by receiving the second multicolor spectrum light 401 at the B pixel is made larger than the light quantity integrated value obtained by receiving the first multicolor spectrum light 25 at the B pixel. In the present embodiment, only the amount of V light forming the second multicolor spectrum light 401 is changed with respect to the first multicolor spectrum light 25. , It is preferable that the integral value of the light amount obtained by receiving the G pixel is smaller than the integral value of the light amount obtained by receiving the first multicolor spectrum light 25 by the G pixel.

  When the observation target is observed using the second multicolor spectrum light 401, blood vessels and pit patterns on the mucosal surface can be observed more clearly than when the continuous spectrum light 26 of the xenon lamp is used. For this reason, if the first multicolor spectrum light 25 and the second multicolor spectrum light 401 are switchable, it is possible to enjoy the above-described specific advantage of using the multicolor spectrum light.

  Switching between the first multicolor spectrum light 25 and the second multicolor spectrum light 401 can be arbitrarily performed using an observation mode changeover switch (not shown) provided on the operation unit 12b of the endoscope 12, or the like. In particular, it is preferable to automatically switch between the first multicolor spectrum light 25 and the second multicolor spectrum light 401 according to the model of the endoscope 12 used in the endoscope system 10.

  As described above, when the first multicolor spectrum light 25 and the second multicolor spectrum light 401 are automatically switched depending on the model of the endoscope 12, like the endoscope system 410 shown in FIG. Is provided with an ID storage unit 411 for storing an ID (Identification Data) indicating a model, and the endoscope light source device 14 is provided with an endoscope model detection unit 412. When the endoscope 12 is connected to the endoscope light source device 14, the endoscope model detection unit 412 reads the ID of the endoscope 12 from the ID storage unit 411, and thereby the connected endoscope 12. Is detected, and the detection result is input to the light source control unit 22. Then, the light source control unit 22 converts the illumination light generated by the light source unit 20 into the first multicolor spectrum light 25 and the second multicolor spectrum light according to the model of the endoscope 12 detected by the endoscope model detection unit 412. Switch with 401. More specifically, when the model of the endoscope 12 is a model used in a conventional endoscope system using a continuous spectrum light of a xenon lamp, the light source control unit 22 generates the illumination generated by the light source unit 20. When the light is automatically set to the first multicolor spectrum light 25 and the model of the endoscope 12 is a model other than the above (such as a model used only in an endoscope system using multicolor spectrum light). Preferably, the illumination light generated by the light source unit 20 is automatically set to the second multicolor spectrum light 401.

  When connecting an endoscope used in a conventional endoscope system using a xenon lamp, a physician often desires to be able to observe the observation target in the same manner as a familiar conventional endoscope system, so that a multicolor spectrum light is used. When connecting an endoscope that is used only in an endoscope system that is used as illumination light, a doctor often desires observation using the advantages of multicolor spectrum light. For this reason, as described above, if the illumination light is automatically switched between the first multicolor spectrum light 25 and the second multicolor spectrum light 401 depending on the model of the endoscope 12, without performing any operation or setting, An endoscope image that meets the needs can be automatically provided. 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 the manual setting can be manually switched at the discretion of the doctor.

  In the endoscope system 410 of FIG. 18, the endoscope light source device 14 detects the connection of the endoscope 12 by the endoscope model detection unit 412, and reads the ID from the endoscope 12 to read the endoscope 12 However, as in an endoscope system 420 shown in FIG. 19, an ID reading unit 413 is provided in the processor device 16, and the connection of the endoscope 12 is detected by the ID reading unit 413, and The ID may be read from the endoscope 12. In this case, the endoscope model detection unit 412 may acquire the ID of the endoscope 12 from the ID reading unit 413 of the processor device 16 and detect the model.

[Fifth Embodiment]
A semiconductor light source such as an LED has a longer life than a conventional light source such as a xenon lamp, but even a semiconductor light source such as an LED deteriorates over time as shown in FIG. Also, even when driven at a predetermined drive voltage, the light amount decreases. Further, the degree of deterioration with time also differs depending on the type of semiconductor light source (wavelength of light to be emitted). If the deterioration with time is ignored, even if the light source control unit 22 performs, for example, predetermined control for emitting the first multicolor spectrum light 25, the multicolor spectrum light that does not satisfy the condition of the first multicolor spectrum light 25 is emitted. It may be done. For this reason, it is preferable that the light source control unit 22 emits the first multicolor spectrum light 25 and the second multicolor spectrum light 401 in consideration of the aging of the LEDs 20a to 20d of the light source unit 20.

  In order to emit the first multicolor spectrum light 25 or the second multicolor spectrum light 401 that satisfies the conditions of the first embodiment and the like even when the LEDs 20a to 20d of the light source unit 20 deteriorate with time as described above, For example, as in an endoscope system 500 shown in FIG. 21, a light amount detection unit 501 is provided in the endoscope light source device 14, and a temporal deterioration detection unit 504 is provided in the light source control unit 22.

  The light amount detection unit 501 includes a V light amount detection unit 502a for detecting the light amount of V light, a B light amount detection unit 502b for detecting the light amount of B light, and a G light amount detection for detecting the light amount of G light. And an R light amount detector 502d for detecting the amount of R light. The V light amount detection unit 302a detects the amount of V light emitted by the V-LED 20a by acquiring a part of the V light via the mirror 503a. The mirror 503a is disposed in the optical path of the V-LED 20a, reflects a part of the V light emitted by the V-LED 20a to make it enter the V light amount detection unit 502a, and transmits the remaining V light to the optical path coupling unit 23. It is transmitted toward. Similarly, in the optical path 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-light A mirror 503b, a mirror 503c, and a mirror 503d that are respectively made to enter the unit 502d and transmit the remaining color lights toward the optical path coupling unit 23 are arranged. The B light amount detection unit 502b acquires a part of the B light via the mirror 503b and detects the light amount of the B light emitted by the B-LED 20b. The G light amount detection unit 502c acquires a part of the G light via the mirror 503c and detects the light amount of the G light emitted by the G-LED 20c. The R light amount detection unit 502d acquires a part of the R light via the mirror 503d and detects the light amount of the R light emitted by the R-LED 20d.

  The light amount detection unit 501 inputs the light amounts of the V light, the B light, the G light, and the R light detected by the light amount detection units 502a to 502d for the respective colors to the light source control unit 22. In the light source control unit 22, the temporal deterioration detection unit 504 determines the driving conditions such as the driving current of each of the LEDs 20 a to 20 d that emit the first multicolor spectrum light 25 and the light amount of each color light actually detected by the light amount detection unit 501. Is used to detect the deterioration with time of each of the LEDs 20a to 20d. Specifically, the temporal deterioration detection unit 504 detects the most deteriorated light source whose light quantity has decreased the most with respect to the predetermined light quantity among the LEDs 20a to 20d. The light source control unit 22 sets the light amounts of the remaining light sources in accordance with the light amounts of the most deteriorated light sources detected by the temporal deterioration detection unit 504. For example, as shown in FIG. 22, although the light source control unit 22 drives each of the LEDs 20a to 20d under the driving condition of emitting the first multicolor spectrum light 25, the light amount of each of the LEDs 20a to 20d is designated, Due to aging of the R-LED 20d, the amount of R light is less than the specified amount of light that forms the first multicolor spectrum light 25, and the V light, B light, and G light are the first multicolor spectrum light 25. Is assumed to be the emitted multicolor spectrum light 524. In this case, in the light source control unit 22, the temporal deterioration detection unit 504 detects the R-LED 20d as the most deteriorated light source. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 23, the light source control unit 22 deteriorates with time by reducing the light amounts of the V light, the B light, and the G light in accordance with the light amounts of the R light emitted by the R-LED 20d. A new first multicolor spectrum light 525 is generated in which the light amount of the R light emitted from the R-LED 20d and the light amounts of the V light, the B light, and the G light are balanced. That is, when the shortage of the light amount is detected in at least one of the LEDs 20a to 20d, the light source control unit 22 determines the light amount of the LEDs 20a to 20d forming the first multicolor spectrum light 25 with respect to the specified value of the light amount. The light amounts of the remaining light sources are set in accordance with the light amount of the most deteriorated light source having the largest shortage of the light amount. Thereby, the first multicolor spectrum light 525 in which the balance of each color light is maintained is emitted.

  As described above, the light amount of each color light emitted from each of the LEDs 20a to 20d is detected, and the light amounts of the remaining light sources are set in accordance with the light amounts of the light sources that have deteriorated with time among the LEDs 20a to 20d. The control unit 22 can stably emit the first multicolor spectrum light 25 and the second multicolor spectrum light 401 in which the balance of each color light is always maintained by the light source unit 20. In addition, according to the above, the first multicolor spectrum lights 25 and 325 and the second multicolor spectrum light 401 in which the balance of each color light is always maintained are stably emitted. In addition, there is no need to recalculate or prepare a plurality of signal processing parameters or image processing parameters used for generating an endoscope image. In addition, when there is a color mixture in the color filter of the image sensor 48, the signal processing parameters and the image processing parameters used for generating the endoscope image are recalculated or corrected even if a plurality of them are prepared. Although it is not possible, the object can always be observed stably in the above manner.

  It is preferable that the light amount detection of each color light performed by the light amount detection unit 501 in the fifth embodiment is performed at least at the time of calibration. In particular, while the LEDs 20a to 20d emit light to observe the observation target, the light amount detection unit 501 repeatedly detects the light amount of each color light, feeds back the light amount to the light source control unit 22, and outputs the first light amount in real time. It is preferable to balance the color spectrum light 25 and the like.

[Sixth embodiment]
In the endoscope system 500 according to the fifth embodiment, the deterioration with time of the LEDs 20a to 20d is detected. However, the light source control unit 22 controls the accurate first multicolor spectrum light by factors other than the deterioration with time of the LEDs 20a to 20d. 25 may not be able to emit light. In this case, like the endoscope system 600 shown in FIG. 24, the same light amount detection unit 501 as the endoscope system 500 of the fifth embodiment is provided, and the light source control unit 22 is replaced with the temporal deterioration detection unit 504. , A verification unit 604 is provided.

  The verification unit 604 stores in advance in the imitation ratio table 606 the ratio of the light intensity integrated value for each color obtained by receiving the continuous spectrum light 26 of the xenon lamp to be imitated by the pixels of each color of the image sensor 48. The verification unit 604 uses the imitation ratio table 606 and the detection result of the light amount detection unit 501 to integrate the light amount of each color obtained by receiving the first multicolor spectrum light 25 actually emitted by the plurality of color pixels. It is verified whether or not the ratio is equal to the ratio of the light intensity integrated value for each color obtained by receiving the continuous spectrum light 26 of the xenon lamp by the pixels of a plurality of colors.

  The verification unit 604 calculates the integrated light amount value of each color pixel from the actual light amount of each of the LEDs 20a to 20d, which is the detection result of the light amount detection unit 501, and the spectral characteristics of the color filter of the image sensor 48, and calculates the ratio between these. For example, when the image sensor 48 is a primary color system color image sensor having B pixels, G pixels, and R pixels, the ratio of the light intensity integrated value obtained by the B pixel to the light intensity integrated value obtained by the G pixel (hereinafter, in this embodiment, Bp / Gp) and the ratio of the integrated light amount obtained by the R pixel to the integrated light amount obtained by the G pixel (hereinafter referred to as Rp / Gp in the present embodiment).

  Further, the light intensity integral value of each color pixel is calculated in advance from the continuous spectrum light 26 of the xenon lamp to be imitated and the spectral characteristics of the color filter of the image sensor 48. The imitation ratio table 606 indicates that the continuous spectrum light 26 to be imitated is used. (Hereinafter, referred to as Bx / Gx in the present embodiment) and the light intensity integrated value obtained from the G pixel when the continuous spectrum light 26 to be imitated is used. (Hereinafter, referred to as Rx / Gx in the present embodiment).

  Therefore, the verification unit 604 compares the calculated ratio Bp / Gp with the ratio Bx / Gx stored in the imitation ratio table 606, and stores the calculated ratio Rp / Gp and the imitation ratio table 606. Compare the ratio Rx / Gx. As a result of these two comparisons, the error of the ratio Bp / Gp is within an allowable range with respect to the ratio Bx / Gx (for example, about 10% or less of the ratio Bp / Gp), and the ratio Rp is the ratio Rp / Gx. If the error of / Gp is within an allowable range (for example, about 10% or less of the ratio Bx / Gx), it is determined that the first multicolor spectrum light 25 is appropriately emitted. In this case, the light source control unit 22 continues to emit the first multicolor spectrum light 25.

  On the other hand, when the error of the ratio Bp / Gp is out of the allowable range with respect to the ratio Bx / Gx, or when the error of the ratio Rp / Gp is out of the allowable range with respect to the ratio Rx / Gx, the verification unit 604 determines It is determined that the appropriate first multicolor spectrum light 25 has not been 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 604. That is, the light source control unit 22 determines each of the LEDs 20a to 20 based on the error of the ratio Bp / Gp with respect to the ratio Bx / Gx calculated by the verification unit 604 or the error of the ratio Rp / Gp with respect to the ratio Rx / Gx. The light amount of 20d is adjusted and controlled. Thus, the illumination light is always corrected to the appropriate first multicolor spectrum light 25.

  In the endoscope system 600 according to the sixth embodiment, the verification unit 604 does not consider the type of the observation target when calculating the light intensity integration value of each color, but the type of the observation target is similar to the second embodiment. In consideration of the above, it is possible to calculate the light amount integrated value of each color calculated by the verification unit 604 and the ratio of the light amount integrated value. Further, the verification unit 604 of the endoscope system 600 according to the sixth embodiment can function as the temporal deterioration detection unit 504 according to the fifth embodiment. In the sixth embodiment, the verification unit 604 is provided in the endoscope light source device 14. However, the verification unit 604 may be provided in the processor device 16.

  The endoscope system 600 according to the sixth embodiment verifies whether the illumination light is the first multicolor spectrum light 25 using the detection result of the light amount detection unit 501. Instead of using the result, the output of the image sensor 48 can be used to verify whether the illumination light is the first multicolor spectrum light 25. In this case, a verification unit 704 is provided in the processor device 16 as in the endoscope system 700 shown in FIG.

  The verification unit 704 is the same as the verification unit 604 of the sixth embodiment except that the output of the image sensor 48 acquired from the reception unit 53 is used instead of the detection result of the light amount detection unit 501. That is, the verification unit 704 stores, in the imitation ratio table 706, the ratio of the light intensity integrated value for each color obtained by receiving the continuous spectrum light 26 of the xenon lamp to be imitated by the pixels of each color of the imaging sensor 48, Using the imitation ratio table 706 and the output of the image sensor 48, the ratio of the light intensity integrated value for each color obtained by receiving the first multicolor spectrum light 25 actually emitted by the pixels of a plurality of colors is the value of the xenon lamp. It is verified whether or not the ratio of the integrated light amount for each color obtained by receiving the continuous spectrum light 26 with the pixels of a plurality of colors is received.

  The verification unit 704 obtains an image signal output from the image sensor 48 from the reception unit 53, and obtains a ratio between the image signals. When the imaging sensor 48 is a primary color imaging sensor having B pixels, G pixels, and R pixels, for example, the verification unit 704 determines the average value (average value) of each of the B image signal, the G image signal, and the R image signal. And a statistical value such as a median value) to calculate a light amount integral value of each color pixel, and calculate a ratio Bp / Gp and a ratio Rp / Gp thereof. Note that the average value or the like of the image signals of each color calculated by the verification unit 704 is affected by the gain applied when reading out the signal charge from the image sensor 48 and the specific contents of various processes performed by the reception unit 53. However, the same processing is always performed in the xenon emulation mode in which the first multicolor spectrum light 25 is emitted, but the average value or the like of the image signal of each color substantially represents the light intensity integrated value.

  The imitation ratio table 706 stores the ratio Bx / Gx and the ratio Rx / Gx calculated using the average value of each of the B image signal, the G image signal, and the R image signal when using the continuous spectrum light 26 to be imitated. I do. The verification unit 704 compares the calculated ratio Bp / Gp with the ratio Bx / Gx stored in the imitation ratio table 706, and calculates the calculated ratio Rp / Gp and the ratio Rx / Gx stored in the imitation ratio table 606. Gx is compared, and the light source control unit 22 controls the LEDs 20a to 20d based on these comparison results (verification results of the verification unit 704), similarly to the endoscope system 600 of the sixth embodiment.

  The verification by the verification unit 704 can be performed while photographing the actual observation target. However, in order to eliminate the influence of individual differences and the like of the observation target, for example, a simulated body (phantom) imitating the reflectance of a living mucous membrane It is preferable to perform verification by photographing a white plate in which illumination light is incident on the image sensor 48 almost directly.

  In the endoscope system 700 of the modified example, the verification unit 704 does not consider the type of the observation target when calculating the light intensity integral value of each color, but considers the type of the observation target similarly to the second embodiment. Then, the light amount integrated value of each color calculated by the verification unit 704 and the ratio of the light amount integrated value can be calculated. As described above, when the type of the observation target is considered in the verification performed by the verification unit 704, a simulated body that simulates the reflectance of the esophagus, the stomach, the large intestine, and the like is used.

  In the endoscope system 700 of the above modification, the verification unit 704 obtains an image signal from the reception unit 53 as an output of the imaging sensor 48, but instead of obtaining the image signal from the reception unit 53, the DPS 56 An image signal can be obtained from the removing unit 58 or the image generating unit 62. The verification unit 704 may obtain an image signal from the A / D converter 51, the CDS / AGC circuit 50, or the imaging sensor 48 of the endoscope 12, instead of obtaining an image signal from each unit of the processor device 16. .

  In the first to fifth embodiments, the B light emitted from the B-LED 20b is used as it is for the first multicolor spectrum lights 25, 225, 325, and 525, but light having a wavelength of about 450 nm to about 500 nm is not used. This lowers the contrast of structures such as surface blood vessels and pit patterns. For this reason, as in the endoscope system 800 shown in FIG. 26, the B-LED 20b is arranged in the optical path of the B-LED 20b by disposing the band-limiting unit 801 that reduces light having a wavelength of about 450 nm to about 500 nm. It is preferable to generate Bs light in which wavelength components of about 450 nm to about 500 nm are reduced from the emitted B light, and use the Bs light as the first multicolor spectrum lights 25, 225, 325, and 525. In this case, the light amount ratio is calculated using the spectrum of the Bs light after passing through the band limiting unit 801.

  In the first to sixth embodiments, the present invention is embodied by the endoscope system in which the endoscope 12 provided with the imaging sensor 48 is inserted into a subject to perform observation, but the capsule endoscope is used. The present invention is also suitable for a system. For example, as shown in FIG. 27, the capsule endoscope system has at least a capsule endoscope 900 and a processor device (not shown).

  The capsule endoscope 900 includes a light source 902, a light source controller 903, an image sensor 904, an image generator 906, and a transmission / reception antenna 908. The light source unit 902 includes a V-LED that emits V light, a B-LED that emits B light, a G-LED that emits G light, and an R light similarly to the light source unit 20 of the first to sixth embodiments. And an R-LED that emits light.

  The light source control unit 903 controls the driving of the light source unit 902 in the same manner as the light source control unit 22 in each of the above embodiments and the modifications. Further, the light source control unit 903 can wirelessly communicate with the processor device of the capsule endoscope system by the transmission / reception antenna 908. The processor device of the capsule endoscope system is almost the same as the processor device 16 of the first to sixth embodiments, except that the image generating unit 906 is provided in the capsule endoscope 900 and the generated endoscope image is generated. Is transmitted to the processor device via the transmission / reception antenna 908. The image sensor 904 has the same configuration as the image sensor 48 of the first to sixth embodiments.

  In the first to sixth embodiments, the light source control unit 22 generates the first multicolor spectrum lights 25, 225, 325, and 525 for imitating the white light of the xenon lamp. Instead of the white light of the lamp, a first polychromatic spectrum light for imitating another broadband 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 for 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 the lamp to be imitated. Similarly, it is possible to imitate a broadband light source that combines an excitation light source that emits excitation light and a phosphor that emits fluorescence by irradiation of the excitation light, or a continuous spectrum light emitted by a broadband light source made of a semiconductor light source. The broadband light source that irradiates the phosphor with excitation light emits, for example, an excitation light source that emits ultraviolet light, violet light, or blue light, and a green to yellow light (e.g., ultraviolet, violet, or blue light). Or red) fluorescent material. The broadband light source composed of a semiconductor light source is, for example, a semiconductor light source that generates white light. As described above, even when imitating a broadband continuous spectrum light other than the xenon lamp (including pseudo white light that looks substantially white and other non-white light), the white light of the xenon lamp of the above embodiment is also imitated. Then, the first multicolor spectrum light can be generated in the same manner as in the case of FIG.

  In the first to sixth embodiments, four-color LEDs of the V-LED 20a, the B-LED 20b, the G-LED 20c, and the R-LED 20d are used, but a plurality of light sources used for the endoscope light source device 14 emit light. The color (wavelength) and combination of light, the number of LEDs, and the like may be other colors and combinations. Further, instead of the LED, another semiconductor light source such as an LD (Laser Diode) may be used. You may use the light source which combined LED and LD and fluorescent substance.

  In the first to sixth embodiments, all the LEDs 20a to 20d of the light source unit 20 are simultaneously turned on. However, while the image sensor 48 is capturing an image of the observation target (time during photoelectric conversion). These LEDs 20a to 20d may be sequentially turned on. Further, while the image sensor 48 is imaging the observation target, the lighting time may be adjusted for each color to control the light amount. In these cases, the same result as that of turning on the LEDs 20a to 20d of the light source unit 20 simultaneously as in the first to fifth embodiments can be obtained.

10, 240, 410, 420, 500, 600, 700, 800 Endoscope system 20 Light source unit 22 Light source control unit 25, 225, 325, 525 First polychromatic spectrum light 26 Continuous spectrum light 412 Endoscope model detection unit 501 Light amount detection unit 504 Temporal deterioration detection unit 604, 704 Verification unit 900 Capsule endoscope

Claims (11)

A violet light source that emits V light that is violet light in the first wavelength band, a blue light source that emits B light that is blue light in the second wavelength band, a green light source that emits G light that is green light, and R that is red light A light source unit having a plurality of light sources having a red light source that emits light, and emitting a first multicolor spectrum light having a first multicolor spectrum obtained by superimposing light emitted by the plurality of light sources,
An image sensor having a plurality of color pixels having sensitivity to different colors, including a Cy pixel having sensitivity to cyan, a Mg pixel having sensitivity to magenta, a Ye pixel having sensitivity to yellow, and having sensitivity to green. An image sensor having a G pixel;
The plurality of light sources are controlled, and the ratio of the light amount integrated value for each color obtained by receiving the first multicolor spectrum light by the plurality of color pixels is defined by a xenon lamp, a halogen lamp, or a white light emitted by a white LED. A light source control unit that matches the ratio of the light intensity integrated value of each color obtained by receiving the continuous spectrum light that is light by the pixels of the plurality of colors,
The light source controller,
The V light is received by the Cy pixel, the Mg pixel, the Ye pixel, and the G pixel, and the integrated light amount values obtained are Vcy, Vmg, Vye, and Vg, respectively, and the B light is the Cy pixel, the Mg pixel, and the Mg light. Pixels, the Ye pixel, and the light intensity integrated values obtained by receiving light at the G pixel are Bcy, Bmg, Bye, and Bg, respectively, and the G light is the Cy pixel, the Mg pixel, the Ye pixel, and the G pixel. Gcy, Gmg, Gye, and Gg, respectively, are the light intensity integrated values obtained by receiving the R light, and the light intensity integrated values obtained by receiving the R light by the Cy pixel, the Mg pixel, the Ye pixel, and the G pixel are respectively Rcy, Rmg, Rye, and Rg, and the integrated light quantity values obtained by receiving the continuous spectrum light at the Cy pixel, the Mg pixel, the Ye pixel, and the G pixel are X, respectively. When y, Xmg, Xye, and Xg are set, the light amount ratio Cv: Cb: Cg: Cr of the V light, the B light, the G light, and the R light is calculated so as to satisfy Equation 4 below. Endoscope system.

A violet light source that emits V light that is violet light in the first wavelength band, a blue light source that emits B light that is blue light in the second wavelength band, a green light source that emits G light that is green light in the third wavelength band, and A plurality of light sources having a red light source that emits R light that is red light in a fourth wavelength band, and a first multicolor spectrum light having a first multicolor spectrum obtained by superimposing light emitted by the plurality of light sources. A light source for emitting light,
An image sensor having a plurality of color pixels having sensitivity to different colors, including a Cy pixel having sensitivity to cyan, a Mg pixel having sensitivity to magenta, a Ye pixel having sensitivity to yellow, and having sensitivity to green. An image sensor having a G pixel;
The plurality of light sources are controlled, and the ratio of the light amount integrated value of each color obtained by receiving the first multicolor spectrum light by the plurality of color pixels is set to a xenon lamp, a halogen lamp, or a white light emitted by a white LED. A light source control unit that matches the ratio of the light intensity integrated value of each color obtained by receiving the continuous spectrum light that is light by the pixels of the plurality of colors,
The light source controller,
Regarding the imaging sensor, when the Cy pixel, the Mg pixel, the Ye pixel, and the G pixel are regarded as S pixels having a color filter of a total sensitivity Sum obtained by summing the sensitivities of the G pixels for each wavelength, The spectral spectrum is obtained by integrating the product for each wavelength of the total sensitivity Sum of the S pixel in the range of the first wavelength band, the second wavelength band, the third wavelength band, and the fourth wavelength band. The light intensity integration values are VS1, VS2, VS3, and VS4, and the spectral spectrum of the B light is the product of the total sensitivity Sum of the S pixel for each wavelength in the first wavelength band, the second wavelength band, and the third wavelength band. , And BS1, BS2, BS3, and BS4, respectively, and the light intensity integrated values obtained by integrating in the range of the fourth wavelength band, and the spectral spectrum of the G light as the S pixel GS1, GS2 are the light intensity integrated values obtained by integrating the product of the total sensitivity Sum for each wavelength in the first wavelength band, the second wavelength band, the third wavelength band, and the fourth wavelength band. , GS3, GS4, and the product of the spectral sensitivity of the R light for each wavelength of the total sensitivity Sum of the S pixel is represented by the first wavelength band, the second wavelength band, the third wavelength band, and the fourth wavelength band. The integrals of the light amounts obtained by integrating the respective ranges in the range are defined as RS1, RS2, RS3, and RS4, and the product of the spectral sensitivity of the continuous spectral light for each wavelength of the total sensitivity Sum of the S pixels is defined as the first wavelength band. XS1, XS2, XS3, and XS4 are light intensity integrated values obtained by integrating in the second wavelength band, the third wavelength band, and the fourth wavelength band, respectively. In case, so as to satisfy the following equation 5, the V light, the B light, the G light, and the light quantity ratio of the R light Cv: Cb: Cg: an endoscope system to calculate the Cr.

A light amount ratio storage unit that stores the light amount ratio Cv: Cb: Cg: Cr for each type of observation target;
The endoscope system according to claim 1, wherein the light source control unit selects a light amount ratio Cv: Cb: Cg: Cr from a light amount ratio Cv: Cb: Cg: Cr for each type of the observation target. . A light amount detection unit that detects the light amount emitted by each of the plurality of light sources,
The light source control unit uses the detection result of the light amount detection unit to determine, among the plurality of light sources, a maximum deterioration in which the shortage of the light amount is the largest for a specified value of the light amount forming the first multicolor spectrum light. The endoscope system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the light amounts of the remaining light sources are set in accordance with the light amounts of the light sources.   The endoscope system according to claim 4, wherein the light amount detection unit repeatedly detects light emitted from the plurality of light sources while the plurality of light sources emit light.   The ratio of the light intensity integral value for each color obtained by receiving the first multicolor spectrum light by the pixels of the plurality of colors is the light intensity integration value for each color obtained by receiving the continuous spectrum light by the pixels of the plurality of colors. The endoscope system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a verification unit configured to verify whether the value matches the value ratio. A light amount detection unit that detects the light amount emitted by each of the plurality of light sources,
The verification unit uses the detection result of the light amount detection unit to determine the ratio of the light amount integration value of each color obtained by receiving the first multicolor spectrum light by the pixels of the plurality of colors. The endoscope system according to claim 6, wherein it is verified whether or not the ratio of the integrated light amount of each color obtained by receiving the light of the plurality of colors is equal to each other.   The verification unit uses the output of the imaging sensor to determine the ratio of the light intensity integrated value for each color obtained by receiving the first multicolor spectrum light by the pixels of the plurality of colors, respectively. The endoscope system according to claim 6, wherein it is verified whether or not the ratio of the integrated light amount of each color obtained by receiving the light of each color pixel is the same.   The endoscope system according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the light source control unit controls the plurality of light sources using a verification result by the verification unit. A violet light source that emits V light that is violet light in the first wavelength band, a blue light source that emits B light that is blue light in the second wavelength band, a green light source that emits G light that is green light, and R that is red light A plurality of light sources having a red light source that emits light; a light source unit that emits first multicolor spectrum light having a first multicolor spectrum obtained by superimposing light emitted by the plurality of light sources; An image sensor having a plurality of color pixels, including a Cy pixel having sensitivity to cyan, a Mg pixel having sensitivity to magenta, a Ye pixel having sensitivity to yellow, and a G pixel having sensitivity to green. An imaging sensor, and an operation method of an endoscope system having the same,
A light source control unit controls the plurality of light sources, and determines a ratio of a light amount integrated value for each color obtained by receiving the first multicolor spectrum light by the plurality of color pixels, respectively, using a xenon lamp, a halogen lamp, or a white light. A step of matching the ratio of the integrated light amount of each color obtained by receiving the continuous spectrum light, which is white light emitted by the LED, with the pixels of the plurality of colors,
The light source controller,
The V light is received by the Cy pixel, the Mg pixel, the Ye pixel, and the G pixel, and the integrated light amount values obtained are Vcy, Vmg, Vye, and Vg, respectively, and the B light is the Cy pixel, the Mg pixel, and the Mg light. Pixels, the Ye pixel, and the light intensity integrated values obtained by receiving light at the G pixel are Bcy, Bmg, Bye, and Bg, respectively, and the G light is the Cy pixel, the Mg pixel, the Ye pixel, and the G pixel. Gcy, Gmg, Gye, and Gg, respectively, are the light intensity integrated values obtained by receiving the R light, and the light intensity integrated values obtained by receiving the R light by the Cy pixel, the Mg pixel, the Ye pixel, and the G pixel are respectively Rcy, Rmg, Rye, and Rg, and the integrated light quantity values obtained by receiving the continuous spectrum light at the Cy pixel, the Mg pixel, the Ye pixel, and the G pixel are X, respectively. When y, Xmg, Xye, and Xg are set, the light amount ratio Cv: Cb: Cg: Cr of the V light, the B light, the G light, and the R light is calculated so as to satisfy Equation 4 below. An operation method of an endoscope system having steps.

A violet light source that emits V light that is violet light in the first wavelength band, a blue light source that emits B light that is blue light in the second wavelength band, a green light source that emits G light that is green light in the third wavelength band, and A plurality of light sources having a red light source that emits R light that is red light in a fourth wavelength band, and a first multicolor spectrum light having a first multicolor spectrum obtained by superimposing light emitted by the plurality of light sources. A light source unit that emits light, an image sensor having pixels of a plurality of colors having sensitivity to different colors, and a Cy pixel having sensitivity to cyan, a Mg pixel having sensitivity to magenta, and a Ye pixel having sensitivity to yellow. An image sensor having a G pixel sensitive to green, and an endoscope system comprising:
A light source control unit controls the plurality of light sources, and determines a ratio of a light amount integrated value for each color obtained by receiving the first multicolor spectrum light by the plurality of color pixels, respectively, using a xenon lamp, a halogen lamp, or a white light. A step of matching the ratio of the integrated light amount of each color obtained by receiving the continuous spectrum light, which is white light emitted by the LED, with the pixels of the plurality of colors,
The light source controller,
Regarding the imaging sensor, when the Cy pixel, the Mg pixel, the Ye pixel, and the G pixel are regarded as S pixels having a color filter of a total sensitivity Sum obtained by summing the sensitivities of the G pixels for each wavelength, The spectral spectrum is obtained by integrating the product for each wavelength of the total sensitivity Sum of the S pixel in the range of the first wavelength band, the second wavelength band, the third wavelength band, and the fourth wavelength band. The light intensity integration values are VS1, VS2, VS3, and VS4, and the spectral spectrum of the B light is the product of the total sensitivity Sum of the S pixel for each wavelength in the first wavelength band, the second wavelength band, and the third wavelength band. , And BS1, BS2, BS3, and BS4, respectively, and the light intensity integrated values obtained by integrating in the range of the fourth wavelength band, and the spectral spectrum of the G light as the S pixel GS1, GS2 are the light intensity integrated values obtained by integrating the product of the total sensitivity Sum for each wavelength in the first wavelength band, the second wavelength band, the third wavelength band, and the fourth wavelength band. , GS3, GS4, and the product of the spectral sensitivity of the R light for each wavelength of the total sensitivity Sum of the S pixel is represented by the first wavelength band, the second wavelength band, the third wavelength band, and the fourth wavelength band. The integrals of the light amounts obtained by integrating the respective ranges in the range are defined as RS1, RS2, RS3, and RS4, and the product of the spectral sensitivity of the continuous spectral light for each wavelength of the total sensitivity Sum of the S pixels is defined as the first wavelength band. XS1, XS2, XS3, and XS4 are light intensity integrated values obtained by integrating in the second wavelength band, the third wavelength band, and the fourth wavelength band, respectively. In this case, the operation method of the endoscope system includes a step of calculating a light amount ratio Cv: Cb: Cg: Cr of the V light, the B light, the G light, and the R light so as to satisfy Expression 5 below. .

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