JP2713840B2 - Electronic endoscope device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electronic endoscope apparatus for adjusting the white balance of an electronic endoscope connected to a signal processing device (hereinafter referred to as a video processor).

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an endoscope capable of observing an affected part or the like in a body cavity by inserting a slender insertion portion into the body cavity, or inserting a treatment tool into a forceps channel as necessary to perform a medical treatment. Is widely used. As the endoscope, for example, a solid-state imaging device such as a CCD is housed at the distal end of the insertion section to form an imaging unit, and a signal photoelectrically converted by the solid-state imaging device is transmitted by a cable, and a video processor is provided. An electronic endoscope that performs color display on a monitor device through the electronic endoscope is used.

The above-mentioned electronic endoscope is provided with a red (hereinafter abbreviated as R) and a green (hereinafter abbreviated as G) output from a CCD when a white subject is imaged by adjusting a white balance to obtain a good color image. The irradiation time of the color separation / rotation filter in the light source device is changed electrically or mechanically so that the ratio of the output signals of blue and blue (hereinafter abbreviated as B) is one, or The adjustment was performed by changing the RGB gain of the output signal.

The conventional white balance adjustment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 11 shows mechanical white balance adjustment. As shown in the figure, the rotary filter 1 is driven to rotate by a motor 2, and by this rotation, a substantially fan-shaped R, G, B formed on the rotary filter 1 is formed.
Filters 3R, 3
G, the filter 3B illuminates the subject in the body cavity with R, G, B across the light beam 4 of the light source lamp (not shown).

[0005] The imaging output at this time depends on the amount of irradiation, that is, the irradiation time (exposure time) when the spectral sensitivity characteristics of the light guide and the CCD are considered fixed.
The white balance can be adjusted by changing the aperture ratios of the filters 3R, 3G, and 3B of the rotary filter 1. That is, assuming that when the ratio of R, G, B at the CCD output is 1, white balance at the R, G, B, and NTSC outputs as the device output is obtained, as shown in FIG. When the ratio of R, G, and B of the CCD output when a white subject is imaged is in the state shown in FIG.
G while increasing the aperture ratio, the filter 3B
By making the fan length shorter than that of the filter 3G to reduce the aperture ratio, the ratio of R, G, B in the CCD output becomes 1 as shown in FIG. Do.

[0006] Further, there are a system in which the white balance is adjusted by electrically changing the exposure time, a system in which a light source lamp to be turned on continuously emits light, and a system in which light is emitted intermittently by a pulse.

Here, the latter intermittent light emission will be described.
As shown in FIG. 13A, the same number of pulses (for example, 5 pulses) transmitted through the R, G, and B filters to a white subject.
(Pulse) emission. If the ratio of R, G, B of the CCD output deviates from 1 as shown in FIG. 3B, the white balance adjustment is deviated, and in this case, FIG. As shown in (2), for example, the number of light emission pulses in the R filter is increased with reference to the G filter, while the number of light emission pulses in the B filter is decreased to illuminate to change the exposure amount. d)
As a result, the ratio of R, G, B of the CCD output is 1 as a result.
And adjust the white balance. In the above example, the aperture ratio of each color filter is constant.

FIGS. 14 to 16 show an electronic endoscope apparatus which adjusts the gain of the CCD output signal to adjust the white balance. As shown in FIG. 14, an electronic endoscope device 11 having a white balance adjustment function includes an electronic endoscope 12 incorporating an image pickup unit, a light source unit 13 for supplying illumination light to the electronic endoscope 12, and And a signal processing unit 14 that converts a signal captured by the electronic endoscope 12 into a video signal corresponding to a display device.

The electronic endoscope 12 has an elongated insertion portion 15.
And an image pickup means in which an objective lens 16 and a CCD 17 are arranged on the distal end side of the insertion portion 15. Also,
A light guide 18 for transmitting the illumination light of the light source unit 13 to the distal end side of the insertion unit 15 is inserted into the insertion portion, and the illumination light transmitted and emitted to the distal end surface of the light guide 18 is used as a light distribution lens. The object 21 is illuminated by widening at 19.

The light source section 13 for supplying illumination light to the proximal end face of the light guide 18 includes a light source lamp 22.
And a lens 23 for condensing and irradiating the illumination light of the light source lamp 22 to the end face of the light guide 18, and an RG interposed in an optical path between the lens 23 and the end face of the light guide 18.
It comprises a B rotation filter 24, a motor 25 for driving the rotation filter 24 to rotate, and the like.

The rotary filter 24 is provided with transmission filters 24R, filters 24G, and filters 24B of respective colors that transmit color lights of R, G, and B wavelength ranges, respectively, in a substantially fan-shaped portion. Are rotated, the three primary color lights of R, G, and B illuminate the subject 21 in a frame-sequential manner. The rotation filter 24 is rotated by a motor 25 controlled by a rotation servo circuit 27, while synchronizing the frame frequency of the video signal with the rotation of the motor, that is, the rotation servo circuit 27. For this reason, the subject 2 illuminated in a plane-sequential manner with each of the R, G, and B color lights
Reference numeral 1 denotes an objective lens 16 which forms an image on an imaging surface of a solid-state imaging device including a CCD 17, applies a read clock signal from a CCD driver 28, and reads a photoelectrically converted signal. The clock signal and the signal of the rotary servo circuit 27 are synchronized with the synchronization signal output from the synchronization signal generation circuit 29.

The output signal from the CCD 17 is amplified by a preamplifier 31 forming a signal processing unit 14, and is input to a reset noise removing circuit 33 through an isolation circuit 32 for protecting the patient from electric shock. Is performed. Then, low-pass filter 3
4 to remove 1 / f noise and unnecessary high-frequency waves such as CCD carriers, adjust the white balance by a white balance adjustment circuit 35, and use a gamma correction circuit 36 to perform non-conversion of the electric / optical conversion system when displaying on a display tube. Γ correction, which is linearity correction, is performed and input to the A / D converter 37.

The digital signal is converted into a digital signal by the A / D converter 37 and written into the frame memories 38R, 38G, and 38B corresponding to the frame-sequential illumination for one frame. For example, an image of the subject 21 illuminated with the red color light transmitted through the red transmission filter 24R is taken, and the signal read from the CCD 17 is written in the frame memory 38R. Each of the frame memories 38R, 3
When one frame of image data is written into 8G and 38B, they are read out at the same time, converted into analog signals by a D / A converter 39, and unnecessary high frequencies are further removed by a low-pass filter 41. 42.

The conversion speed of the A / D converter 37 and the writing and reading of data to and from the color frame memories 38R, 38G and 38B are controlled by an output signal from a memory control circuit 43. The signal is generated in synchronization with the synchronization signal of the synchronization signal generation circuit 29.

Further, R, R through each output amplifier 42
The G and B color signals are output from a primary color signal output terminal having an output impedance of 75Ω, and the composite synchronization signal of the synchronization signal generation circuit 29 is also output from the synchronization signal output terminal via an output amplifier 44.

Further, since the electric signal-to-light conversion characteristic of the television picture tube is not linear but is usually γ = 2.2, this non-linearity is corrected to a linear characteristic in the entire system via the electronic endoscope. Therefore, the input / output characteristic of the γ correction circuit 36 is normally set to γ = 0.45 which is the reciprocal of γ = 2.2.

As described above, the white balance adjusting circuit 35 can variably adjust the output gain of the signal passing through the white balance adjusting circuit 35 by the white balance adjusting section 45. The white balance adjustment circuit 35 including the adjustment unit 45 is, for example, a differential amplifier 47 forming a gain control amplifier as shown in FIG.
Is connected to the input terminal of the white balance adjustment circuit 35, the inverting input terminal is connected to the output terminal thereof via a resistor RL, and the variable resistor R1 and the switch S
1, grounded via a resistor R2 and a switch S2, a variable resistor R3 and a switch S3.

As shown in FIG. 16A, signals VR, VG, and VB picked up under sequential illumination of R, G, and B planes are applied to a signal Vi input from the input terminal, and a differential amplifier is applied. The signal is amplified through the signal 47 and output from the output terminal as an output signal Vo.

The switches S1, S2 and S3 are on / off controlled by a control signal.
1, S2 and S3 become "H" level during the period when the input signals VR, VG and VB are input as shown in FIGS. That is, it is turned on by the R, G, B control signals, and is kept off at other "L" levels. Therefore, for the signals VR, VG, and VB, the inverting input terminals are grounded via the resistors R1, R2, and R3, respectively, so that the gains for the input signals VR, VG, and VB are (1 + RL / R1) and ( 1 + RL / R2),
(1 + RL / R3), the gain of the other two input signals VR and VB is variably adjusted by the variable resistors R1 and R3 with respect to the level of the input signal VG, and this white balance adjustment is performed when capturing a white object. The white balance is adjusted so that the output of the circuit 35 becomes equal to the input signals VR, VG, VB.

On the other hand, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (Kokai) No. 61-2120 discloses an endoscope having a discrimination parameter generation circuit for an endoscope, a timing pulse control circuit for a solid-state imaging device, and gain / flare / black level characteristics of the solid-state imaging device. There is shown an electronic endoscope apparatus provided with an adjustment function such as an adjustment setup circuit so as to be compatible with various types of endoscopes.

[0021]

[SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION However, the white balance adjusting means of the electronic endoscope apparatus, fixed or because there are only manual adjustment function by the user as an additional function, among which were once adjusted by aging If the white balance setting of the endoscope deviates, no corrective action can be taken.

On the other hand, since the electronic endoscope is provided with a control signal adjusting mechanism corresponding to the solid-state image pickup device as in the electronic endoscope apparatus disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Sho 61-2120. The electronic endoscope has a complicated structure, a large number of parts, a complicated manufacturing process, a large size, a heavy weight, and reduced operability.

The present invention has been made in view of these circumstances, and has set the white balance of an electronic endoscope connected to a signal processing unit to an optimal state, while setting the white balance at one end to an optimal state. It is an object of the present invention to provide an electronic endoscope apparatus with good operability to quickly set an optimal white balance when an electronic endoscope is connected to the signal processing unit again.

[0024]

Means for Solving the Problems According to the first aspect of the present invention.
An electronic endoscope apparatus is an electronic endoscope apparatus that performs signal processing of the signal input from the imaging unit by connecting the built-in electronic endoscope state imaging device as an imaging device to the signal processor , The signal processing device includes a signal processing device.
And all of the electronic endoscope connected to the location individual electronic endoscopes
Means for recognizing an identification unit provided for identification
When the white balance setting storage means for storing the white balance settings for the recognized electronic endoscope so as to correspond to each of the electronic endoscope, which is connected to the signal processing device electronics
An endoscope is recognized by the identification means, and the recognized electronic endoscope is used.
Set the white balance setting value corresponding to the mirror to the white
White which is automatically set by selecting from the balance setting storage means
Automatic balance setting means.

On the other hand, the electronic endoscope according to claim 2 of the present invention.
The mirror device is an electronic device that incorporates a solid-state imaging device as imaging means.
The endoscope is connected to a signal processing device to perform the imaging.
Electronic endoscope apparatus for performing signal processing of signals input from means
Wherein the signal processing device is connected to the signal processing device.
Identify all electronic endoscopes as individual endoscopes
Identification means for recognizing an identification unit provided for
Set the white balance settings for the electronic endoscope
Memorize and set white balance corresponding to the child endoscope
White with timekeeping means for measuring the time elapsed since
And a balance setting storage means.

[0026]

With this configuration, the electronic endoscope is connected to the signal processing device .
First, the identification unit provided in the electronic endoscope is
It is recognized by the identification means of the signal processing device . Then, the recognized white balance setting value of the electronic endoscope is subjected to signal processing.
A search is performed to determine whether the white balance setting is stored in the white balance setting storage unit of the apparatus.
When the white balance setting value is not stored,
White balance the child endoscope with the white balance setting value.
It is stored in the balance setting storage means. In addition, the whiteness of the electronic endoscope recognized by the white balance setting storage means.
White balance settings corresponding with the white balance automatic setting means when the site balance setting value is stored
Select a value and set automatically. On the other hand, the electronic endoscope
When connected to the processing device, it is provided on the electronic endoscope
The identification unit is recognized by the identification means of the signal processing device, and the
The white balance setting value of the electronic endoscope
Store in the white balance setting storage means corresponding to the mirror
You. At this time, the date and time when the white balance was set
Since it is stored in the timing means of the unit balance setting storage means,
The elapsed time from the white balance setting is measured.

[0027]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIGS. 1 to 6 relate to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of an electronic endoscope device, FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram showing an electronic endoscope device, and FIG. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of an RGB synchronizing circuit, FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a white balance adjusting circuit, and FIG. 6 is an operation diagram of the white balance adjusting circuit. It is a timing chart for use.

As shown in FIG. 2, the electronic endoscope device 51 includes:
An electronic endoscope 52 in which imaging means is incorporated, a video processor 53 containing a light source unit for supplying illumination light to the electronic endoscope 52 and a video signal processing circuit unit, and output from the video processor 53 It is composed of a monitor 54 for taking in a video signal and displaying it in color.

In the electronic endoscope 52, a flexible and elongated insertion portion 55 is formed, and a hard distal portion 63 and a bendable bending portion 64 are sequentially provided from the distal end side of the insertion portion 55. By rotating a bending operation knob 65 provided on the operation section 56, the bending section 64 can be bent freely in up / down / left / right directions.

An operation section 56 is provided at the rear end of the insertion section 55, and a flexible universal cord 57 extends from the side of the operation section 56. A connector part 58 is provided at an end of the universal cord 57, and a video processor 53 containing a light source part 59 and a signal processing circuit part 61 described later is provided with a connector receiving part 62 connected to the connector part 58. I have.

Further, the operation section 56 is provided with an insertion port 66 communicating with a treatment instrument channel provided in the insertion section 55.

As shown in FIG. 1, an objective lens 67 for image formation and a CCD as a solid-state image pickup device disposed on the focal plane of the objective lens 67 are provided inside the distal end portion 63 of the insertion portion 55.
68 and the light source unit 5
A light guide 69 for transmitting the illumination light supplied from the light guide 9 is inserted therethrough, and the illumination light emitted from the distal end face of the light guide 69 is expanded by the light distribution lens 70 to illuminate the subject 71.

On the other hand, the light source section 59 for supplying illumination light to the near-side incident end face of the light guide 69 is provided with a light source lamp 7.
2 and the illumination light of the light source lamp 72
Lens 73 for condensing and irradiating the incident end face of the
3 and a rotary filter 74 interposed in the optical path between the incident end faces of the light guide 69, a motor 75 for driving the rotary filter 74 to rotate, and a rotary servo circuit 76 for controlling the number of rotations of the motor 75. It is configured.

The light source lamp 72 emits white light, such as a xenon lamp, and has an emission spectrum distribution close to blackbody radiation. The rotating filter 74 includes three substantially fan-shaped transmission filters 74R, 74G, and 74B having characteristics of transmitting the R, G, and B wavelength regions, respectively. When the illumination light of the light source lamp 72 is condensed by the lens 73 and irradiated toward the incident end surface of the light guide 69, the rotation filter 74 interposed in the optical path is rotated by the motor 75, Lens 73 and light guide 6
9, a color transmission filter (FIG. 1)
Is configured to sequentially illuminate the subject 71 with, for example, R, G, B, R,... In the order of light transmitted through the blue transmission filter 74B). Further, a subject 71 illuminated with the R, G, and B color lights in a plane-sequential manner.
Is formed on the imaging surface of the CCD 68 by the objective lens 67, and a signal that is photoelectrically converted by application of a read clock signal by the CCD driver 78 is read.

The number of rotations of the motor 75 for rotating the rotary filter 74 is controlled by a rotary servo circuit 76.
The frame frequency of the synchronization signal generation circuit 77 (for example, 29.
97C), and the CCD driver 78 for outputting the clock signal and the rotary servo circuit 76 are synchronized with the synchronization signal of the synchronization signal generation circuit 77.

The output signal of the CCD 68 is amplified by a preamplifier 81 forming a signal processing circuit section 61, and is input to a reset noise removing circuit 83 through an isolation circuit 82 for protecting an electric shock to a patient. For this purpose, 1 / f noise and reset noise are removed. After that, an unnecessary high-frequency wave such as a CCD carrier is removed through a low-pass filter 84, and is input to a white balance adjustment circuit 85. This white balance adjustment circuit 8
5, the white balance is adjusted.
Correction, that is, correction (for example, γ = 1 / 2.2 = 0.45) for the non-linearity (normally γ = 2.2) of the electric-optical conversion system when displaying on a display tube or the like. A
/ D converter 87.

The signals converted into digital signals by the A / D converter 87 and picked up under frame-sequential illumination are written into the frame memories 88R, 88G and 88B for one frame. Then, each frame memory 88R,
When one frame of image data is written into 88G and 88B, they are read out at the same time, converted into analog signals by D / A converters 89 corresponding to the respective color lights, and unnecessary low frequencies are removed by a low-pass filter 91 and D / A converters are removed. The signals are input to the respective output amplifiers 92 as R, G, and B signals in which the discontinuity of the signal generated during the / A conversion is smoothed.

The conversion speed of the A / D converter 87 and the writing and reading of data to and from each of the frame memories 84R, 84G and 84B are controlled by an output signal from a memory control circuit 93. The signal is generated in synchronization with the synchronization signal of the synchronization signal generation circuit 77.

The color signals R, G, and B amplified by the output amplifier 92 are output from output terminals having an output impedance of 75Ω, respectively, and are output from the synchronization signal generating circuit 7.
The synchronization signal 7 is also amplified via the output amplifier 94 and output from the synchronization signal output terminal in an amplified state.

Next, the connector section 58 and the connector receiving section 62 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in the figure, a connector portion 58 attached to the universal sord 57 of the electronic endoscope 52 includes a light source connector 101, a signal connector 102, and an identification bar serving as an identification portion for recognizing the electronic endoscope. A connector receiving portion 62 of the video processor 53 for connecting the connector portion 58 has a light source connector receiver 104 for connecting to the light source connector 101, a signal connector 102, a signal connector receiver 105, and an identification connector. A bar code reading unit 106 as identification means for reading the bar code 103 is provided, and a connector receiving unit 62 of the video processor 53 is provided.
Is connected to the connector section 58 of the electronic endoscope 52 to form the scope determination circuit 111 shown in FIG.

The light source connector 101 is provided with an air supply / water supply connector and the like, in addition to a light guide connector (not shown), and has a structure that can be connected to the video processor 53 as well. I have.

Here, the white balance setting of the electronic endoscope 52 when connected to the video processor 53 will be described. Connector section 58 of the electronic endoscope 52
Is connected to the connector receiving section 62 of the video processor 53, a white balance setting is performed by generating a control signal for changing the gain for the RGB input signal in the white balance adjustment circuit 85 via the RGB synchronization circuit 112. .

That is, as shown in FIG. 4, the RGB synchronizing circuit 112 includes a microcomputer 117 to which the scope identification signal output from the scope identification circuit 111 is input,
An RGB gain setting circuit 114 for setting the gain of the RGB signal by the microcomputer 117, and an RGB switching circuit 1 for switching the respective gain signals of R, G, and B according to the RGB switching signal and outputting as a gain control signal.
16 and an RGB output of the white balance adjusting circuit 85, which compares the R signal with the G signal and the B signal with the G signal, and outputs the comparison result to the microcomputer 117.
It comprises a B output circuit 115 and a memory 118 that stores a scope identification signal input to the microcomputer 117 and RGB gain setting information as a white balance setting value as a set. The RGB synchronizing circuit 112
Outputs a gain control signal to the white balance adjustment circuit 85 in synchronism with the timing at which the R, G, and B signals are input by the RGB switching signal input from the rotation servo circuit 76.

As shown in FIG. 5, a white balance adjustment circuit 85 for adjusting the white balance by the gain control signal includes a pair of NPs forming a differential amplifier.
One of the bases of the N-type transistors T1 and T2 has R,
The G and B signals are applied via a DC blocking capacitor C.

The bases of the transistors T1 and T2 are grounded via a bias resistor Rb, the emitters are connected to a negative power supply terminal -Vcc via resistors Re1 and Re2, respectively, and the collectors are directly connected to each other. And load resistance R
Is connected to the positive power supply terminal Vcc. The collector of the other transistor T2 is connected to the base of a transistor T3 forming an emitter follower. The collector of the transistor T3 is connected to a positive power supply terminal Vcc, and its emitter is connected via a resistor Re3 to a negative power supply terminal -Vcc. And to the output terminal of the white balance adjustment circuit 85.

Further, a switch S1 and a resistor R1, a switch S2 and a resistor R2,... Are connected between the emitter of the one transistor T1 and the emitter of the other transistor T2.
The switches S1,..., S5 are connected by a series circuit of a switch S5 and a resistor R5.
ON and OFF are controlled by a 5-bit gain control signal output from the EDLC, and the combined resistance on the emitter side when some of these resistors R1,. The white balance adjustment is performed by changing the gain of the adjustment circuit 85.

The resistors R1 to R5 shown in FIG. 5 are controlled to be on and off by the LSB of the gain control signal.
R2 = R1 / 2 ² , R3 = R1 / 2 ² R4 = R
1/2 ³ , R5 = R1 / 2 ⁴ (R5 is the MSB of the gain control signal). In this case, the gain G of the white balance adjustment circuit 85 is approximately R / (R
1 to R5). For example, when only the LSB of the gain control signal is “Hi” (only the switch S1 is on), GL = R / R1. MSB
GL when only "Hi" (switch S5 is on)
= R / R5, and the maximum gain GL is obtained when the MSB is "Hi". Note that the change width of the gain GL is RSB of LSB.
A 5-bit resolution (2 ⁵ = 32 steps) from / R1 to MSB R / R5.

The operation of the electronic endoscope device 51 configured as described above will be described. When the connector section 58 of the electronic endoscope 52 is connected to the connector receiving section 62 of the video processor 53, a scope detection signal is input to the microcomputer 117 by a scope detection means (not shown) and instantly provided on the connector 58 of the electronic endoscope 52. The barcode reader 106 provided in the connector receiver 62 of the video processor 53 reads the barcode 103 and outputs the scope identification signal of the electronic endoscope 52 to the microcomputer 117. When the scope identification signal is input to the microcomputer 117, the scope identification signal is collated with the memory 118 to read white balance setting information corresponding to the scope identification signal, and the set value of the RGB gain setting circuit 114 is changed to the white balance. The data is changed according to the setting information and output to the RGB switching circuit 116.

At this time, the RGB switching circuit 116
At the timing when the R signal shown in FIG. 6A is input, the R gain output signal of the RGB gain selection circuit 114 is output by (the R switching signal of) the RGB switching signal shown in FIG. 6B. That is, the RGB switching circuit 116
And switches the R gain control signal to the gain setting switch S1 of the white balance adjustment circuit 85.
To S5, the switches S1 to S5 are turned on or off, and the gain of the white balance adjustment circuit 85 (R gain when an R signal is input) is set to 1/2. When the signal passes through the white balance adjustment circuit 85, it becomes the R signal shown in FIG. Next, G
When the signal is input, the RGB switching circuit 116 switches the switch so that the G gain control signal of the RGB gain setting circuit 114 is output, and the G signal in FIG. Is output. Note that the R signal is
The output level is adjusted to be equal to the output level of the G signal.

Similarly, when the B signal is input, the white balance adjustment circuit 85 at the time of the B signal input sets the B gain to “2”, for example, and the B signal output from the white balance adjustment circuit 85 It becomes equal to the output level of the R signal and the G signal.

In this way, the gain is set to an appropriate level with respect to the general R, G, and B signals by the switching signal shown in FIG. R, G, and B signals in a state where white balance is set are output.

On the other hand, the electronic endoscope 52 connected to the connector receiving section 62 of the video processor 53 stores the RGB gain setting information corresponding to the scope identification signal in the memory 118.
If not, the preset value stored in the memory 118 is read in advance, and the RGB gain is set to the preset value. When a white balance reset signal is input to the microcomputer 117 by white balance instructing means (not shown), the RGB output comparison circuit 115 output from the white balance adjustment circuit 85 changes the signal levels of the R signal and the B signal with respect to the G signal. The result of the comparison is compared with the microcomputer 1
17 and outputs the RGB gain setting circuit 1 based on the result.
Change 14 settings. This operation is continued until the comparison value of the RGB output reaches a predetermined value. When the comparison result is set to the predetermined value, the RGB gain setting information is stored in the memory 118 in association with the scope identification signal. I do.

As described above, by storing the white balance setting values (RGB gain setting information) respectively corresponding to the plurality of electronic endoscopes 52 in the memory 118, the connector 58 of the electronic endoscope 52 can be connected to the video. Processor 53
The white balance of the electronic endoscope 52 connected to the video processor 53 can be instantaneously set to an appropriate value simply by connecting to the connector receiving section 62 of the video processor 53.

If the set value of the white balance of the electronic endoscope 52 connected to the video processor 53 is not stored in the memory, the white balance is newly set and the white balance is set in accordance with the scope identification signal. It can be stored in memory 118.

Further, in this embodiment, the bar code 103
Since the identification unit can be configured simply by attaching the electronic endoscope 52, the weight of the electronic endoscope 52 does not increase and the electronic endoscope 52 does not increase in size.

Further, it is possible to easily cope with a system for recognizing a white balance setting state of an electronic endoscope simply by attaching a bar code to a commercially available electronic endoscope.

In this embodiment, the connection of the electronic endoscope is detected by the scope detecting means. However, the scope identifying means may also serve as the scope connection detecting means.

Further, as shown in FIG. 7, a dot pattern 701 is attached instead of the bar code 103 attached to the connector section 58 of the electronic endoscope 52, and the reading section 1 is attached.
By using 06 as a line sensor, the electronic endoscope 52 to which the dot pattern is attached can be recognized. Note that the recognition method of the electronic endoscope is not limited to barcode recognition and dot pattern recognition.A geometric pattern or a color pattern can be read by a two-dimensional sensor such as a CCD, or a magnetic signal is used. May be recognized.

Further, the identification number of the electronic endoscope does not need to be limited to the individual serial number of the electronic endoscope, but can be reduced by reducing the code length of the signal required for identification and the circuit size required for identification. good.

FIGS. 8 and 9 relate to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of an electronic endoscope apparatus, and FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an RGB synchronizing circuit. is there. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, in the present invention, the white balance setting date and time are stored in the microcomputer 117 in addition to the scope identification signal and the RGB gain setting information stored in the microcomputer 117 in the first embodiment, and the white balance is adjusted. A white balance notification circuit is provided to calculate the elapsed time from the setting and to notify that a predetermined period (for example, two months) has elapsed. Other configurations are the same as in the first embodiment.

By configuring the electronic endoscope device 51 as described above, it is possible to check the elapsed time after setting the white balance. Is notified to the user by a warning sound, a character signal, a light signal, or the like, and the white balance is adjusted in the same manner as in the first embodiment. The scope identification signal, RGB gain setting information, and white balance setting date and time are stored.

As described above, by calculating the elapsed time after setting the white balance, it is possible to prevent the adverse effect of the white balance on the image due to the change with time before observing the image. Can perform endoscope observation. Other functions and effects are the same as those of the first embodiment.

FIG. 10 shows a signal processing device 61 a having a signal processing circuit portion 61 and a light source device 5 having a light source portion 59.
9 shows an electronic endoscope device 51 in which the electronic endoscope device 9a and the electronic endoscope device 9a are separately formed.

As shown in the figure, when this embodiment is applied to the electronic endoscope device 51 in which the signal processing device 61a and the light source device 59a are separately provided, the scope discriminating circuit 111 is provided on the light source device side. The configuration is such that the identification signal obtained by this scope identification circuit is transmitted via a scope identification signal transmission cable 57a to an RGB synchronization circuit (not shown) provided in the signal processing device. Other configurations, operations, and effects are the same as those of the above-described embodiment.

The scope discriminating circuit adds a signal representing the identification of the light source itself to the identification signal of the electronic endoscope, and adds RGB signals.
More precise white balance setting can be performed by transmitting both signals to the synchronizing circuit and storing them as a set in the memory. Further, a scope discriminating circuit is provided in the signal processing device 61a, and the video connector 5 of the electronic endoscope 52 is provided.
The electronic endoscope 52 may be recognized at 8a.

By the way, as shown in FIG.
Various problems have arisen when connecting the processor 53 to the connector 58 provided at the distal end of the universal cord 57 extending from the side surface of the operation unit 56.

For example, when the curl cable and the electronic endoscope 52 are connected while the main power supply of the processor 53 is turned on, depending on the connection method, the drive signal to the CCD is connected to the CCD before the CCD is grounded. Supplied to this C
There was a risk of destroying the CD.

Therefore, in order to prevent the CCD from being destroyed, the main power supply of the processor 53 is turned off once when the electronic endoscope 52 is connected, and then turned on again after the connection. , Frequently electronic endoscope 52
The connection and disconnection between the processor and the processor 53 were very inconvenient.

Therefore, as shown in FIG.
The drive signal is supplied after the connection detection means 705 detects that the CCD and the CCD drive circuit 704 are securely connected. That is, as shown in FIG. 19, the curl cable 702 is connected to the video processor 53 and the electronic endoscope 5.
2, the contact a is connected, and an L level signal is detected. Then, after an arbitrary time is delayed by the timer circuit 705 at the next stage, a signal is sent to the switch unit 706 and C
A drive signal from the CD drive circuit 704 is transmitted to the CCD 703.

As described above, since the switch section is turned on with a delay by the timer circuit 705, the CCD 703
Will not be destroyed.

As shown in FIG. 20 and FIG. 21, the supply of voltage to the contact portion that can be contacted by the surgeon to ensure the safety of the surgeon is performed by connecting the contact 62b provided on the connector receiving portion 62. It is performed after the connector installation is completely confirmed. As shown in FIG. 21, when the connector portion 58 is completely connected, a dimming signal is output by supplying + VD into the processor from the contact 62b.

As described above, the contact 62b is provided in the connector receiving portion 62 to which the connector 58 is connected, and an output signal is generated from the contact 62b when the connection is completely made, so that the driving signal of the CCD or the like can be obtained. A signal output via a connector, such as a dimming signal, can be safely output to the operator.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG.
When the white balance is set by arranging the distal end in the white tube, the optimum output level is obtained because the distance l from the end surface of the white tube 710 to the distal end of the electronic endoscope 52 varies depending on the operator. And the white balance was unstable.

That is, as shown in FIG. 23A, when the distance l from the end face of the white tube 710 to the tip of the electronic endoscope 52 is optimal, the iris adjusts an appropriate white balance within the control range. I was able to get. But,
When the distance l from the end face of the white tube 710 to the tip of the electronic endoscope 52 is too large as shown in FIG. And the spectral sensitivity to RGB varies, and setting a white balance in this state results in an inappropriate white balance.

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 24, the signal levels of RGB obtained from the preprocessing section 720 are detected by the signal level detection circuit 721 to determine whether or not the brightness is optimal when the white balance is on, and if the brightness is dark. When the object is a subject, a lamp light amount control unit 7 provided in the light source device
By transmitting a control signal to the control unit 22 and controlling the light amount of the light source lamp to be bright, the value of the white balance can be appropriately set. Further, as shown in FIG. 25, when the white balance is on, the chroma level is detected by the chroma level circuit 723, and when the chroma amplitude exceeds a certain level, a control signal is transmitted to the lamp light quantity control unit 722 to reduce the lamp light quantity. By controlling the brightness brightly, the white balance can be set accurately.

As described above, by controlling the amount of light in the white cylinder so that the brightness always becomes optimal, an appropriate white balance can be set.

Furthermore, in the electronic endoscope device 51, there is only one type of connection means for connecting the electronic endoscope 52 and the processor 53, and this connection means is shared with endoscope systems of different types. There was no compatibility to use. In addition, when connectors are downsized due to reductions in the number of cables, etc., due to technological advances, the connection means is set as follows so that there is no restriction between the existing system and the new system. By doing so, it is possible to maintain compatibility.

As shown in FIG. 26, the conventional light source device 59
a and the signal processing device 61a are separated from each other. The electronic endoscope device 51 is configured such that the electronic endoscope 52 connected to the light source device 59a and the signal processing device 61a have large connectors 731 at both ends. The connection is made via connection means 702. For this reason, for example, when the signal processing device 61a becomes a new signal processing device described later in which the number of signal cables for driving the imaging means is small, the number of pins and pins of the socket provided in the new signal processing device are also reduced by reducing the number of cables. It is conceivable that the connector will be a small new connector with a new position.

For this reason, as shown in FIGS. 27 and 28, the connector 732 connected to the new signal processing device 61a 'is formed as a connecting means 702 which is smaller than the conventional one, so that the new signal processing device 61a' can be connected to the new signal processing device 61a '. An electronic endoscope 52 can be connected. At this time, as shown in FIG. 29, a necessary signal line 1 and signal line 1 and signal line are provided by providing a correction means for electrically shorting the unnecessary signal lines 2 and 3 inside the connector 732 of the new signal processing device. 4 allows connection.

As described above, the connector 731 of the electronic endoscope 52 can be used with the conventional specifications without replacing it with a new connector corresponding to the connector 732 of the new signal processing device 61a '. Become. 30 and 3 between the connector 732 of the new signal processing device 61a 'and the connector 731 provided in the conventional connection means 702.
As shown in FIG. 1, it can also be handled by connecting via a relay plug 733. Further, when the electronic endoscope 52 is an electronic endoscope 52 'provided with a new type of small-sized connector as shown in FIG. 32, the correction means is used similarly to the case of the new signal processing device 61a'. By providing the formed connector 734 in the connection means 702, the new electronic endoscope 52 'and the signal processing device 61a can be connected to the connection means 70.
2 can be connected.

In addition, since a distorted image appears on the monitor until the rotation filter and the video signal are synchronized, a switch is provided so that no video is displayed on the monitor screen until the synchronization is obtained, and a state where the image is synchronized is obtained. A warning sound etc. is generated when synchronization is lost.

[0082]

As described above, according to the present invention, while the white balance of the electronic endoscope connected to the signal processing section is set to the optimum state, the electronic endoscope whose one end white balance is set to the optimum state. When the endoscope is connected to the signal processing unit again, an electronic endoscope apparatus with good operability that quickly sets an optimal white balance can be provided.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIGS. 1 to 6 relate to a first embodiment, and FIG. 1 is an explanatory view showing a schematic configuration of an electronic endoscope apparatus.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram showing an electronic endoscope apparatus.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory view showing a connector portion and a connector receiving portion.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an RGB synchronization circuit.

FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram showing a specific example of a white balance adjustment circuit.

FIG. 6 is a timing chart for explaining the operation of the white balance adjustment circuit.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a dot pattern as an identification unit of the electronic endoscope according to a modification of the first embodiment.

8 and 9 relate to a second embodiment, and FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of an electronic endoscope device.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an RGB synchronization circuit.

FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram showing an electronic endoscope device in which a signal processing device and a light source device according to application examples of the first embodiment and the second embodiment are separated.

11 to FIG. 16 relate to a conventional example, and FIG.
Is an explanatory diagram showing a frame sequential rotation filter

FIG. 12 is a waveform diagram for explaining white balance adjustment of a sequential rotary filter.

FIG. 13 is a waveform chart for explaining the operation of the pulse emission method.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of an electronic endoscope apparatus.

FIG. 15 is a circuit diagram showing a white balance adjustment circuit used in FIG. 14;

16 is a waveform chart for explaining the operation of the white balance adjustment circuit of FIG.

FIG. 17 is a configuration diagram showing an electronic endoscope apparatus.

FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing connection between a CCD and a CCD drive circuit.

FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which an electronic endoscope and a video processor are connected by a curl cord;

FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the electronic endoscope and the light source device and the endoscope and the video processor are connected by a curl cord;

FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram showing a state where a connector of the electronic endoscope is connected to a power supply device.

FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of a state in which a white balance of the electronic endoscope is set.

FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram showing a state when white balance is set.

FIG. 24 is a block diagram when lamp light amount control is performed via a signal level detection circuit;

FIG. 25 is a block diagram when the amount of lamp light is controlled via a chroma level detection circuit;

FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the electronic endoscope and the signal processing device are connected by a connecting member;

FIG. 27 is an explanatory view showing a state where the electronic endoscope and the new signal processing device are connected by a connecting member;

FIG. 28 is a side view showing a schematic configuration of a connection member.

FIG. 29 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration inside a connector connected to a new signal processing device.

FIG. 30 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the new signal processing device and the electronic endoscope are connected via a relay plug;

FIG. 31 is an explanatory view showing a schematic configuration of a relay plug.

FIG. 32 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the new electronic endoscope and the signal processing device are connected.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 51 electronic endoscope device 52 electronic scope 53 signal processing device 59 light source unit 61 signal processing circuit unit 68 CCD 85 white balance adjustment circuit 111 scope identification circuit (identification unit / identification unit) 112 RGB Synchronization circuit 117 White balance automatic setting means (microcomputer) 118 White balance setting storage means (memory)

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Shinji Yamashita 2-43-2 Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Within O-limpus Optical Industry Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Yudai Nakagawa 2-43-2 Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Inside Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Akihiro Miyashita 2-43-2 Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Inside Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. (56) References JP-A-64-43227 (JP, A) Showa 60-217783 (JP, A)

Claims (3)

(57) [Claims] 1. An electronic endoscope apparatus for performing signal processing of a signal input from an imaging unit by connecting an electronic endoscope having a solid-state imaging device as an imaging unit to the signal processing unit. is recognizing the identification means the identification portion provided in order to identify all of the electronic endoscope connected to the signal processing device as an electronic endoscope individual, the white balance settings for the recognized electronic endoscope in the identification means and the white balance setting storage means for storing in association with each of the electronic endoscope, the connected electronic endoscope to the signal processor
Recognizes the white balance corresponding to the recognized electronic endoscope.
The lance setting value is stored in the white balance setting storage means.
White balance automatic setting means to select from and automatically set
When the electronic endoscope apparatus characterized by comprising a. 2. A built-in solid-state image pickup device as an image pickup means.
By connecting the electronic endoscope to the signal processing device,
Electronic endoscope that performs signal processing on signals input from imaging means
In the apparatus, the signal processing device controls all electronic endoscopes connected to the signal processing device to individual electronic devices.
Recognize the identification unit provided to identify the child endoscope
The identification means and the white balance setting value for the recognized electronic endoscope
An electronic endoscope apparatus comprising: a white balance setting storage unit having a timer unit for storing the electronic balance corresponding to each electronic endoscope and measuring an elapsed time after setting the white balance. . 3. The white balance setting storage means,
2. The electronic endoscope according to claim 1, further comprising a timer for storing a white balance setting value of the electronic endoscope connected to the signal processing device and for measuring an elapsed time after setting the white balance. apparatus.