JP2624993B2 - Light source device for endoscope - Google Patents

Description

Description: BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an improvement in an endoscope light source device capable of making white light and plane-sequential light enter a light guide of an endoscope. is there.

[Problems to be Solved by the Related Art and the Invention] In recent years, a processing tool inserted into a processing tool channel by observing the organ in the body cavity or the like as necessary by inserting an elongated insertion portion into the body cavity. 2. Description of the Related Art An endoscope apparatus (also referred to as a scope or a fiber scope) for performing various treatments using the same is widely used.

Also, various electronic scopes using a solid-state imaging device such as a charge-coupled device (CCD) as an imaging unit have been proposed.
This electronic scope has advantages such as higher resolution than the above-mentioned fiber scope, easy recording and reproduction of images, and easy image processing such as enlargement of an image and comparison of two images.

In the method of capturing a color image in the electronic scope, the illumination light is switched to R (red), G (green), B (blue) or the like as disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 61-82731. A filter array in which filters transmitting color lights such as R, G, and B are arranged in a mosaic pattern on the entire surface of a solid-state imaging device as shown in, for example, JP-A-60-76888. And a simultaneous type.

The field sequential method has an advantage that the number of pixels can be reduced as compared with the above-described simultaneous method, while the simultaneous method has
There is an advantage that color shift does not occur.

Further, the electronic scopes are diversified according to the purpose of use.

For example, an insert having an outer diameter of about 10 mmφ is used for the upper or lower digestive organs, whereas an insert having an outer diameter of about 5 mmφ or less is usually required for bronchial use.

As described above, using the same type of imaging device and the same type of imaging method for various electronic scopes having a wide range of outer diameters of the insertion portion is physically and performance impractical. For example, in order to realize an electronic scope for bronchi (small diameter), an imaging element having a small number of pixels must be used.

When the number of pixels is small, in order to prevent a decrease in resolution, rather than a simultaneous imaging method using a color mosaic, light of each wavelength of R, G, B is illuminated in a plane sequential method, and the illumination is performed. A field-sequential color imaging method for performing color display by performing field-sequential imaging under the following and combining these is advantageous.

By the way, the above-mentioned fiber scope, plane-sequential type electronic scope, and simultaneous type electronic scope have different illumination methods, and these scopes are used by being connected to a light source device for supplying illumination light suitable for each.

That is, an electronic scope that is simultaneously operated with the fiber scope requires white light as illumination light, and a plane-sequential electronic scope requires light that sequentially switches to R, G, B, and the like as illumination light. However, the light source device can supply only illumination light corresponding to a plane-sequential type electronic scope and any one of a simultaneous type electronic scope and a fiber scope. Therefore, it is necessary to prepare different light source devices and perform different operations, and it is difficult to improve economic efficiency and efficiency.

Therefore, the present applicant has filed a Japanese Patent Application No. 61-21461 filed earlier.
In the specification, white light emitted from a light source is supplied to a fiber scope and a simultaneous type electronic scope for illumination light, and a rotating filter that converts the white light into R, G, and B wavelengths is used as the white light. A light source device for an endoscope capable of supplying illumination light to a plane-sequential type scope by inserting the light source into an optical path is proposed.

By the way, when white light is converted into each of R, G, and B wavelengths by the rotating filter, it is necessary to detect the emission timing of each of these wavelengths. Therefore, a photosensor having, for example, a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element provided opposite to the color conversion filter, and light emission by the light-emitting element provided at the R, G, and B conversion end positions of the color conversion filter. Timing generating means including a reflector or the like for reflecting the light to the light receiving element is provided.

However, when only the rotary filter is configured to move, when the rotary filter is temporarily retracted from the optical path and is inserted again in the optical path, the reflection filter of the rotary filter and the photo sensor are connected to each other. The relative position may change.

For this reason, the positioning of the rotary filter must be complicated, which may lead to an increase in the price of the apparatus.

[Object of the Invention] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and the relative position between the rotary filter and the rotary filter and the timing signal generating means changes even when the rotary filter is moved. It is an object of the present invention to provide a light source device for an endoscope that does not have any problem.

[Means and Actions for Solving the Problems] In the light source device for an endoscope according to the present invention, a rotating filter that switches white light emitted from the light source into at least three color plane-sequential lights is provided in an optical path of the white light. A timing signal generator for detecting the conversion timing by the rotating filter and transmitting a timing signal is provided to the filter moving unit so as to move together with the rotating filter. It is one that is provided continuously.

With such a configuration, the white light emitted from the light source is supplied to the light guide of the endoscope which needs the white light as the illumination light, and the rotating filter is moved into the optical path of the light source by the filter moving means. Converts the white light into plane-sequential light, supplies the illumination light to a light guide of an endoscope requiring the plane-sequential light, and, when moving the rotary filter, the timing of conversion by the rotary filter. Is detected and the timing signal transmitting means for transmitting the timing signal is moved together with the rotary filter, thereby preventing the relative position between the timing signal generating means and the rotary filter from changing.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of a light source device for an endoscope according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIGS. 1 to 14 relate to an embodiment of the present invention.
The figure is a perspective view showing the filter moving means, FIG. 2 is a rear view of the filter, FIG. 3 is a side view of the timing signal generating means,
FIG. 4 is a timing chart showing the operation of the present embodiment, FIG. 5 is an overall explanatory diagram of the endoscope system, FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of a fiberscope, and FIG. FIG. 8, FIG. 8 is an explanatory view of a simultaneous external television camera, FIG. 9 is an explanatory view of a frame sequential scope, FIG. 10 is an explanatory view of a simultaneous scope, and FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a video processor. FIG. 12, FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a camera control unit, FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a frame sequential process circuit, and FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing a simultaneous process circuit.

As shown in FIG. 5, the endoscope system of this embodiment
An endoscope light source device 1 according to the present invention is provided. As an endoscope (hereinafter, referred to as a scope) connected to the light source device 1, a fiber scope 2E capable of observing the naked eye, and a field sequential imaging method There is provided a plane sequential electronic scope 2A having means and a simultaneous electronic scope 2B having simultaneous imaging means.

In addition, the endoscope system is detachably connected to the eyepiece of the fiber scope 2E, and a frame sequential external TV camera 4A as an external TV camera for displaying an image on a monitor. An external TV camera 4B is provided.

Further, the above-mentioned simultaneous-type electronic scope 2A or the simultaneous-type external television camera 4B is connected to the video processor 5 connected to the above-mentioned surface-sequential type electronic scope 2A or the externally-sequential-type external television camera 4A for processing signals for these. And
A camera control unit 6 for performing signal processing for these, and a television monitor 7 connected to the video processor 5 and the camera control unit 6 are provided.

Each of the scopes 2E, 2A, and 2B includes an elongated and flexible insertion section 11, for example, and a large-diameter operation section 12 is connected to the rear end of the insertion section 11. From this operation unit 12,
A flexible universal cord 13 extends to the side, and a light source connector 14E, which is connected to a light source connector receiver 15 of the light source device 1 at the end of the universal cord 13, respectively.
14A and 14B are provided.

Surface-sequential electronic scope 2A and simultaneous electronic scope
2B, on the side of the light source connectors 14A, 14B, electric connector receivers 16A, 16B are provided, and one end of a signal code 17A, 17B is connected to these electric connector receivers 16A, 16B, respectively. ing. Electric connectors 18A and 18B are provided at the other ends of the signal codes 17A and 17B. The electric connectors 18A and 18B are connected to the electric connector receiver 19A of the video processor 5 and the electric connector of the camera control unit 6, respectively. The connector is connected to the connector receiver 19B.

The light source device 1 and the video processor 5 include:
Corresponding electric connector receivers 50 and 51 are provided, and these electric connector receivers 50 and 51 are connected by a signal code 52.

The configuration of each of the scopes 2E, 2A, 2B is shown in FIG.
Figures 9 and 10 show this.

An objective lens system 22 and a light distribution lens system 23 are disposed at the distal end 21 of the insertion section 11 of each of the scopes 2E, 2A, 2B.

On the rear end side of the light distribution lens system 23, a light guide 24 for transmitting illumination light is continuously provided. This light guide 24
Is inserted into the insertion portion 11 and the universal cord 13, and is connected to the light source connectors 14E, 14A, and 14B. Then, by connecting the light source connectors 14E, 14A, 14B to the light source connector receiver 15 of the light source device 1, illumination light suitable for each scope is supplied from the light source device 1 to the incident end of the light guide 24. It has become. The illumination light is guided to the distal end portion 21 by the ride guide 24, exits from the exit end of the ride guide 24, and is applied to the subject through the light distribution lens system 23.

As shown in FIG. 6, in the fiberscope 2E, a distal end surface of an image guide 26 inserted into the insertion section 11 is provided at an image forming position of the objective lens system 22.

Also, at the rear end of the operation unit 12, the image guide 26
An eyepiece 27 facing the rear end face is provided, and a subject image formed on the tip end face of the image guide 26 by the objective lens system 22 is transmitted to the eyepiece section 28 side by the image guide 26. , Through the eyepiece 27.

On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the solid-state image pickup device as an image pickup means, for example, at the image forming position of the objective lens system 22 of the field sequential type electronic scope 2A and the simultaneous type electronic scope 2B, for example,
CCDs 31A and 31B are provided. A color filter array 32 in which color filters transmitting red (R), green (G), and blue (B) light are arranged in a mosaic pattern is provided on the front surface of the CCD 31B of the simultaneous electronic scope 2B. Have been.

In addition, a signal line 34 for signal output and a signal line 35 for driving pulse application are connected to the CCDs 31A and 31B via a preamplifier 33. These signal lines 34 and 35 are inserted into the insertion section 11 and the universal cord 13, and are connected to the electrical connector receivers 16A and 16B.

The surface-sequential external television camera 4A and the simultaneous external television camera 4B are configured as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, respectively.

That is, the television cameras 4A, 4B are camera bodies 36A, detachably connected to the eyepiece 28 of the fiber scope 2E.
36B, signal codes 37A and 37B extending from the camera bodies 36A and 36B, and electrical connectors 38A and 38B provided at the ends of the signal codes 37A and 37B.

Electrical connector 38 of the above-mentioned surface-sequential external TV camera 4A
A is connected to the electrical connector receptacle 19A of the video processor 5, while the electrical connector 38B of the simultaneous external television camera 4B is connected to the electrical connector receptacle 19B of the camera control unit 6.

In the camera bodies 36A and 36B, an imaging lens 39 for imaging light from the eyepiece unit 28 is provided, and at an imaging position of the imaging lens 39,
CCDs 31A and 31B are provided. A color filter array 32 in which color filters transmitting R, G, B, and other color lights are arranged in a mosaic or the like is provided on the front surface of the CCD 31B of the simultaneous external television camera 4B.

Each of the CCDs 31A and 31B is connected to a signal line 34 having a preamplifier 33 interposed and a signal line 35 for applying a drive pulse. These signal lines 34 and 35 are inserted into the signal cords 37A and 37B and connected to the electrical connectors 38A and 38B.

By the way, the case where the naked eye observation is performed using the fiber scope 2E, the case where the simultaneous external TV camera 4B is connected to the eyepiece 28 of the fiber scope 2E, and the case where the simultaneous electronic scope 2B is used. Requires white light as illumination light, while using a field sequential external television camera 4B connected to the eyepiece 28 of the fiber scope 2E, and using a field sequential electronic scope 2A In this case, plane-sequential light that sequentially changes in three primary colors or complementary colors is required as illumination light.

The light source device 1 used in this embodiment can output both the white light and the surface-sequential light.

That is, as shown in FIG. 5, the light source device 1 includes a light source 41 such as a xenon lamp or a halogen lamp that emits white light.
The light from the light source 41 is collected and the light source connector receiver 15 is condensed.
Light guide 2 of light source connector 14E, 14A, 14B connected to
And lenses 42a and 42b for making the light incident on the fourth light-incident end.

As shown in FIG. 1, between the lenses 42a and 42b, there are three primary colors of R, G and B (or three complementary colors).
Rotary filter 43 having the color transmission filters 43R, 43G, and 43B, and being rotationally driven by a motor 44 fixed to the bracket 101.
However, it is disposed in the optical path of the light source 41 so as to be freely inserted and removed.
Note that each color transmission filter 43R, 43G, 43
Between B is a light shielding portion.

Also, the bracket 101 has the rotary filter 43 attached thereto.
, That is, the holding member 102 facing the light source 41 side surface
Has been fixed.

As shown in FIG. 3, a plurality of light emitting elements 103a and 103b and light receiving elements 104a and 104b are arranged on the holding member 102. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 2, the light from the light emitting element 103a is provided on the light blocking part of the rotary filter 43 at the rear end in the rotation direction of each color transmitting filter 43R, 43G, 43B.
There is provided a reflection plate 106a that reflects light to the right side. The light emitting element 103b is provided at the rear of the red color transmission filter 43R in the rotation direction.
The light from the light emitting elements 103a and 103b is reflected by the reflectors 106a and 106b, so that the light from the light receiving element 104b is reflected.
Read pulses and start pulses are generated from 04a and 104b. The timing signal generating means 46 is constituted by the light emitting elements 103a and 103b, the light receiving elements 104a and 104b, the reflectors 106a and 106b, and the like.

The light receiving elements 104a and 104b have amplifiers 107a and 107, respectively.
One ends of signal lines 108a and 108b on which 7b is interposed are connected. The other ends of the signal lines 108a and 108b are connected to the electric connector receiver 50, and the start pulse and the read pulse are sent to the video processor 5 via a signal code 52 connected to the connector receiver 50. Is entered.

A bracket 101 for fixing the motor 44 is provided with a slider movable in a direction perpendicular to the optical path of the light source 41.
Fixed at 109. The slider 109 is provided with a guide hole 112 in the moving direction of the slider 109, and when the slider 109 is slid, a pin 113 slidably inserted into the guide hole 112 is relatively provided. The slider 109 is guided by sliding in the direction shown in FIG.

A rack 114 is provided on one side of the slider 109, and a pinion 117 rotated by a motor 116 fixed to the housing side of the light source device 1 is engaged with the rack 114. By rotating the motor 116 in the forward and reverse directions, the rack 114 and the pinion 117 are rotated.
The rotary filter 43 is inserted into and removed from the optical path of the light source 41 via the. Note that the filter moving means 45 is constituted by the motor 116, the slider 109, and the like.

Microswitches 118a and 118b for position detection are provided on both sides of the slider 109 in the sliding direction. When the microswitches 118a and 118b are pressed on the side surfaces of the slider 109, the rotary filter 43 is detected to have reached the end of the movement range.

On the other hand, within the light source device 1, scope type selecting means 49 for switching output light according to the type of scope is provided. The scope type selecting means 49 is composed of, for example, a selection switch, and controls the motor 44 and the filter moving means 45.

That is, when white light is selected by the scope type selecting means 49, the rotating filter 43 is retracted from the optical path of the light source 41 by the filter moving means 45 and the motor
The rotation of 44 is stopped, and the rotation filter 43 is stopped.

Also, when the frame type selecting means 49 selects the frame sequential light, the rotating filter 43 is inserted into the optical path of the light source 41 by the filter moving means 45,
The motor 44 is rotated.

On the other hand, the video processor 5 has a configuration as shown in FIG. 11, for example.

That is, the video processor 5 is a frame sequential processing circuit 61A that performs image signal processing on the output signal of the CCD 31A of the frame sequential electronic scope 2A or the external TV camera 4A.
And a driver 62A for applying a drive pulse to the CCD 31A, which are connected to the electrical connector receiver 19A. Then, driven by the driver 62A,
The read output signal of the CCD 31A is amplified by the preamplifier 33 and then input to the above-described frame sequential process circuit 61A.
For example, signals picked up under R, G, B plane sequential light are output as color signals R, G, B, respectively.

Each of the above color signals R, G, B passes through a driver 62A, respectively.
The three primary color signals R, G, and B are output from the three primary color output terminals 65A. The color signals R, G, and B pass through a matrix circuit 66, where the luminance signal Y and the color difference signals R-Y, B-Y
Is generated, and then input to the NTSC encoder 67A and N
The video signal is converted into a TSC composite video signal and output from an NTSC output terminal 68A.

Note that the above-described frame sequential process circuit 61A, driver 62A and N
The TSC encoder 67A is controlled by a timing generator 63A. Also, this timing generator 63
A is supplied with a timing signal from the timing signal generating means of the light source device 1 via the electric connector receiver 51, and the timing generator 63A performs control synchronized with the rotation of the rotary filter 43. ing.

The frame sequential process circuit 61A has, for example, a configuration as shown in FIG.

That is, the output signal of the CCD 31A input through the preamplifier 33 is sampled and held by the sample and hold circuit 71, then γ corrected by the γ correction circuit 72, and converted into a digital signal by the A / D converter 73. And the multiplexer 74
Through R, G, B plane-sequential light,
The data is written to the frame memory 75R, the G frame memory 75G, and the B frame memory 75B. Each of these frame memories 75R, 75
G and 75B are read out at the same time, converted into analog color signals R, G and B by the D / A converter 76 and output. Note that the above-described sample hold circuit 71, A / D converter 73, multiplexer 74, each frame memory 75, and D / A converter 76 are
It is controlled by the timing generator 63A.

On the other hand, the camera control unit 6
The configuration is as shown in the figure.

That is, the camera control unit 6 is a CC of the simultaneous electronic scope 2B or the simultaneous external TV camera 4B.
Simultaneous processing circuit 61B for image processing of the output signal of D31B
And a driver 62B for applying a drive pulse to the CCD 31B, which are connected to the electrical connector receiver 19B.

CCD read and driven by the driver 62B
After the output signal of 31B is amplified by the preamplifier 33, it is input to the simultaneous processing circuit 61B, and for example, a luminance signal Y and color difference signals RY and BY are output.

The luminance signal Y and the color difference signals RY and BY are input to an NTSC encoder 67B and output from an NTSC output terminal 68B. Further, the luminance signal Y and the color difference signals RY, B-
Y is input to the inverse matrix circuit 69, and is output from the three primary color output terminals 65B via the driver 64B. The simultaneous color process circuit 61B, driver 62 and NT
The timing of the SC encoder 67B is controlled by a timing generator 63B.

The simultaneous color process circuit 61B has, for example, a configuration as shown in FIG.

That is, the output signal of the CCD 31B amplified by the preamplifier 33 is input to the luminance signal processing circuit 78, and the luminance signal processing circuit 78 generates the luminance signal Y. The output signal of the CCD 31B is input to the color signal reproduction circuit 79, and the color difference signal R
−Y and BY are generated in time series for each horizontal line.
The color difference signals RY and BY are output to a white balance circuit 80.
White balance compensation, one is an analog switch
The other one is delayed by one horizontal line with a 1H delay line 82 and input to an analog switch 83.

Then, color difference signals RY and BY are obtained from the analog switches 81 and 83 which are switched by the switching signal of the timing generator 63B.

 Next, the operation of the embodiment having the above configuration will be described.

First, the case of visual observation using the fiberscope 2E, the case of using the simultaneous external TV camera 4B connected to the eyepiece 28 of the fiberscope 2E, and the case of using the simultaneous electronic scope 2B explain.

Light source connector 14E or 14B for scope 2E or 2B above
Is connected to the light source connector receptacle 15 of the light source device 1, and white light is selected by the scope type selecting means 49 of the light source device 1.

Then, the motor 116 of the filter moving means 45 controlled by the scope type selecting means 49 is rotated, so that the pinion 117 provided on the motor 116 is rotated. As a result, the rack 114 and the slider 109 in which the pinion 117 is engaged
And the rotary filter 43 is retracted from the optical path of the light source 41.

A bracket 101 fixed to the slider 109 has a light emitting element 103 facing the rear surface of the rotary filter 104.
Since the holding member 102 having a and 103b is fixed, when the slider 109 slides, the holding member 102
It is moved together with 103a, 103b and light receiving elements 104a, 104b while maintaining the relative positional relationship with the rotary filter 43.

Then, when the slider 109 reaches the end of the movement range, one side of the slider 109 comes into contact with the micro switch 118b to turn on the micro switch 118b. Then, the rotation of the motor 116 is stopped, and the rotary filter 43 is stopped in a state of being retracted from the optical path of the light source 41.

Further, the light source 41 of the light source device 1 is turned on, and the light source 41 emits white illumination light having a constant light amount. The emitted light is condensed by the lenses 42a and 42b, and is incident on the light guide 24 of the scope 2E or 2B.

The light incident on the light guide 24 is guided by the light guide 24 to the distal end portion 21 of the scope 2E, 2A, and is applied to the subject via the light distribution lens system 23.

On the other hand, when the frame-sequential external television camera 4A is connected to the eyepiece 28 of the fiber scope 2E and used, and when the plane-sequential electronic scope 2A is used, the scope
The light source connector 14E or 14A of 2E or 2A is connected to the light source connector receiver 15 of the light source device 1, and the scope type selecting means 49 selects light in a frame sequential manner.

Then, the motor 116 of the filter moving means 45 is rotated in the direction opposite to the above, and the slider 109 and the rotary filter 43 are moved in the optical axis direction of the light source 41 via the pinion 117 and the rack 114.

One side of the slider 109 is the micro switch 1
This micro switch 118b
On the other hand, another micro switch 118a is turned on on one side opposite to the slider 109, and the movement of the slider 109 is stopped in a state where the rotary filter 43 is inserted in the optical axis of the light source 41. Stopped.

As described above, the holding member 102 is fixed to the bracket 101 fixed to the slider 109, and the holding member 1 is moved with the movement of the slider 109 and the rotary filter 43.
The relative position between 02 and the rotation filter 43 does not change.

Further, when the light is sequentially selected by the scope type selecting means 49, the motor 44 fixed to the bracket 101 is rotated, and the rotation of the rotary filter 43 is started. Then, the white light of the light source 41 is changed to the state shown in FIG.
As shown in (1), the light is converted into surface normal light having each wavelength of R, G, and B at predetermined intervals, and is incident on the incident end of the light guide 24.

On the other hand, with the rotation of the rotary filter 43, the reflectors 106a and 106b of the rotary filter 43 are also rotated.
At 06a and 106b, the light emitting element 1 provided on the holding member 102
The lights 03a and 103b are intermittently reflected to the light receiving elements 104a and 104b.

As a result, as shown in FIGS. 4 (a) and 4 (b), a start pulse is generated by the timing generating means 46 for each rotation of the rotary filter 43, and read at the end of the conversion to each color conversion. A pulse is generated.

The start pulse and the read pulse are input to the video processor 5, and the subject image picked up by each of the R, G, and B wavelength light is stored in the light shielding period, and
Output as a color image.

In this embodiment, an example has been described in which the timing signal generating means is constituted by a light emitting element and a reflector for reflecting light from the light emitting element to the light receiving element. However, the timing signal generating means is not limited to this example. The present invention is not limited to this. For example, the light from the light emitting element may be transmitted to the light receiving element through a slit.

Further, in the present embodiment, an example in which a flexible endoscope is used as a scope has been described, but the present invention can be applied to a rigid endoscope.

Further, in this embodiment, an example has been described in which the filter moving means is constituted by a rack, a pinion, or the like, but the filter moving means may be constituted by another means such as an actuator or a solenoid.

Next, a modified example of the filter moving means will be described with reference to FIG. 15 and FIGS. 16 (a) and (b). The same members as those of the above-described embodiment and members having the same functions are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

In this example, a disk 120 is fixed in a rotatable shaft 119, and a rotating filter 4 is mounted on the disk 120.
3. The bracket 101 holding the holding member 102 and the like is fixed. When the shaft 119 rotates, the rotary filter 43 can be inserted into and removed from the optical path of the light source 41.

A gear 120a is formed on the outer periphery of the disc 120,
A pinion 117 of a motor 116 fixed to the housing side of the light source device 1 is engaged with the gear 120a.

A bidirectional micro switch 118 for detecting the rotational position of the shaft is provided on the side of the shaft 119, and a plurality of dogs 121a for turning on the micro switch 118 on the shaft 119 are provided. , 121b.

With such a configuration, when plane-sequential light is required as illumination light, as shown in FIG. 16 (a), a rotary filter 43 is interposed in the optical axis of the light source 41, while white light is used as illumination light. If light is needed, drive motor 116 to drive pinion 1
17, by rotating the disc 120 via the gear 120a, FIG. 16 (b)
As shown in (2), the rotary filter 43 is retracted from the optical axis of the light source 41.

In this modification, the rotary filter is retracted from the optical path by the rack formed on the outer periphery of the disk and the pinion meshing with the rack, but a pulley is provided on the shaft to which the disk is fixed. The upper plate can be rotated by driving the pulley with a belt, and the shaft can be directly connected to, for example, an output shaft of a stepping motor.

[Effects of the Invention] As described above, the light source device for an endoscope according to the present invention not only can output both white light and surface-sequential light, but also can move the rotating filter to achieve this. The relative position between the rotation filter and the timing generator does not change.

[Brief description of the drawings]

1 to 14 relate to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a filter moving means, FIG. 2 is a rear view of the filter, and FIG. 3 is a side view of a timing signal generating means. FIG. 4 is a timing chart showing the operation of this embodiment, and FIG.
FIG. 6 is an overall explanatory diagram of the endoscope system, FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of a fiberscope, FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of a frame sequential external television camera, FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of a simultaneous external television camera, FIG. 9 is an explanatory view of a frame sequential scope, FIG. 10 is an explanatory view of a simultaneous scope, FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a video processor, FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a camera control unit, FIG. FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing a frame sequential process circuit, FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing a simultaneous process circuit, FIG. 15 and FIG. 16 relate to a modification of the filter moving means, and FIG. Perspective view, shown
FIG. 16 (a) is an operation state explanatory view showing a state where the rotary filter is inserted into the optical path of the light source, and FIG. 16 (b) is an operation state explanatory view showing a state where the rotary filter is retracted from the optical axis. . 24 Light guide 41 Light source 45 Filter moving means 46 Timing signal generating means

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Takeaki Nakamura 2-43-2 Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Inside O-Limpus Optical Industrial Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Yuji Ikuno 2-43-2 Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo No. O Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Toshiaki Nishikori 2-43-2 Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo O-limpus Optical Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Akihiko Miyazaki 2-43-2 Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo No. Olympus Optical Co., Ltd.

Claims (1)

(57) [Claims] An endoscope capable of supplying illumination light to both an endoscope light guide that requires white light as illumination light and an endoscope light guide that requires plane-sequential light. A mirror light source device, a rotating filter that emits the white light as surface-sequential light of at least three colors, a rotating filter moving unit capable of inserting and removing the rotating filter in an optical path of the white light, Timing signal generating means for detecting the emission timing of the surface-sequential light by rotation of the rotary filter and transmitting a timing signal, wherein the timing signal generating means moves to the rotary filter moving means so as to move together with the rotary filter. A light source device for an endoscope, which is provided continuously.