JP2713840C - - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION   [Industrial applications]   The present invention relates to an electronic endoscope connected to a signal processing device (hereinafter referred to as a video processor).
The present invention relates to an electronic endoscope apparatus for adjusting a white balance of a mirror.   [Prior art]   Conventionally, an affected part in a body cavity is inserted by inserting an elongated insertion part into the body cavity.
Observe or, if necessary, insert a treatment tool into the forceps channel for therapeutic treatment
Endoscopes are widely used. And as the endoscope, for example,
An imaging means is formed by storing a solid-state imaging device such as a CCD at an end portion, and the solid-state imaging device is formed.
The signal that has been photoelectrically converted by the
An electronic endoscope that performs color display on a display is used.   The electronic endoscope adjusts the white balance to obtain a good color image.
Red (hereinafter abbreviated as R) output from the CCD when capturing a white subject
The ratio between the output signals of green (hereinafter abbreviated as G) and blue (hereinafter abbreviated as B) is set to 1
Electrically or mechanically change the sequential irradiation time of the color separation rotary filter in the light source device.
Or adjust by changing the RGB gain of the output signal from the CCD.
Was.   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 rotationally driven by a motor 2, and this rotation causes the rotary filter 1 to rotate.
The filter 3R, which is a substantially fan-shaped R, G, B color transmission filter formed in
The filter 3G and the filter 3B traverse the light beam 4 of the light source lamp (not shown) and
The object is illuminated with R, G, B.   The imaging output at this time is considered with the spectral sensitivity characteristics of the light guide and CCD fixed. Since it depends on the amount of irradiation, that is, the irradiation time (exposure time),
It is possible to change the aperture ratio of the filters 3R, 3G, and 3B of the filter 1.
Thus, white balance adjustment can be performed. That is, with CCD output
When the ratio of R, G, B of the device becomes 1, R, G, B and NTSC output as device output
Assuming that white balance is achieved by force, as shown in FIG.
When the ratio of R, G, B of the CCD output when the subject is imaged is in the state shown in FIG.
While the length of the fan of the filter 3R is made longer than that of the filter 3G to increase the aperture ratio,
By making the fan length of the filter 3B shorter than that of the filter 3G to reduce the aperture ratio.
Therefore, the ratio of R, G, and B in the CCD output becomes 1 as shown in FIG.
To adjust the white balance.   Also, there is no point in using white balance adjustment by electrically changing the exposure time.
Light source lamps that emit light continuously and those that emit light intermittently by pulses
There is a method of making it.   Here, the latter intermittent light emission will be described.   As shown in FIG. 13 (a), a white subject passes through each of the R, G, and B filters.
The emitted light having the same number of pulses (for example, 5 pulses) is illuminated. And (
If the ratio of R, G, B of the CCD output deviates from 1 as shown in b), white
Since the balance adjustment is shifted, in this case, as shown in FIG.
For example, while increasing the number of light emission pulses in the R filter based on the G filter,
, Change the exposure amount by illuminating by reducing the number of light emission pulses in the B filter
As a result, the ratio of R, G, B of the CCD output becomes 1 as shown in FIG.
To adjust the white balance.   In the above example, the aperture ratio of each color filter is constant.   14 to 16, the gain of the CCD output signal is adjusted and the white balance is adjusted.
1 shows an electronic endoscope apparatus for performing lance adjustment.   As shown in FIG. 14, the electronic endoscope apparatus 11 having the white balance adjustment function
And an electronic endoscope 12 incorporating an imaging means, and supplying illumination light to the electronic endoscope 12.
A light source unit 13 and a signal captured by the electronic endoscope 12 are converted into a video signal corresponding to a display device.
And a signal processing unit 14 for converting the signal into a signal.   The electronic endoscope 12 forms an elongated insertion portion 15, and a distal end side of the insertion portion 15.
Is provided with an imaging means in which an objective lens 16 and a CCD 17 are arranged. In addition,
A light for transmitting the illumination light of the light source unit 13 to the distal end side of the insertion unit 15 is provided in the insertion unit.
The guide 18 is inserted, and is transmitted to the distal end face of the light guide 18 and emitted.
The illuminating light spreads through the light distribution lens 19 and illuminates the subject 21.   The light source unit 13 that supplies illumination light to the proximal end face of the light guide 18 is
, The light source lamp 22 and the illumination light of the light source lamp 22 on the end face of the light guide 18.
Between the lens 23 for condensing and irradiating and the end face of the lens 23 and the light guide 18
An RGB rotary filter 24 interposed in the optical path, and a rotary drive
It comprises a moving motor 25 and the like.   The rotary filter 24 transmits color lights of R, G, and B wavelength ranges, respectively.
The transmission filters 24R, 24G, and 24B of each color are arranged in a substantially fan-shaped portion.
By rotating the rotary filter 24, three of these R, G, B
The primary color light illuminates the subject 21 in a plane-sequential manner. The rotation filter 24
Rotation by the motor 25 controlled by the
The frame frequency is synchronized with the rotation of the motor, that is, the rotation servo circuit 27.
For this reason, the subject 21 illuminated in a plane-sequential manner with the R, G, and B color lights is
At 16, an image is formed on the imaging surface of the solid-state imaging device including the CCD 17, and the CCD driver 2
8 to read out the photoelectrically converted signal. This
Clock signal and the signal of the rotary servo circuit 27 are output from the synchronization signal generation circuit 29.
Synchronous with the input synchronization signal.   An output signal from the CCD 17 is supplied to a preamplifier 31 forming a signal processing unit 14.
Through the isolation circuit 32 that protects the patient from electric shock
The reset noise is input to the reset noise removing circuit 33, and the reset noise is removed. So
After passing through the low-pass filter 34, 1 / f noise and unnecessary high
The frequency is removed, and the white balance is adjusted by the white balance adjustment circuit 35.
In addition, when the display is displayed on the display tube by the gamma correction circuit 36, the non-
Γ correction, which is linearity correction, is performed and input to the A / D converter 37.   Then, the signal is converted into a digital signal by the A / D converter 37, 1 frame each in the frame memories 38R, 38G, 38B corresponding to the illumination of
Minutes are written. For example, the color of red transmitted through the red transmission filter 24R
An image of the subject 21 illuminated with light is taken, and a signal read from the CCD 17 is framed.
Write to memory 38R. One frame is stored in each of the frame memories 38R, 38G, 38B.
When the image data for the frame is written, they are read out simultaneously,
The signal is converted into an analog signal by the A / A converter 39, and further converted by the low-pass filter 41.
Unnecessary high frequencies are removed and input to the output amplifiers 42, respectively.   The conversion speed of the A / D converter 37 and the color frame memories 38R, 38R, 3
Writing and reading of data to and from 8G and 38B are performed by the memory control circuit 43.
The output signal of the memory control circuit 43 is controlled by the synchronization signal generation circuit.
It is generated in synchronization with the 29 synchronization signals.   The R, G, and B color signals passed through the output amplifiers 42 are output impedance signals.
The dance is output from the primary color signal output terminal of 75Ω,
The synchronization signal is also output from the synchronization signal output terminal via the output amplifier 44.   Further, the electric signal-light conversion characteristic of the television picture tube is not linear, and usually γ = 2.2.
Therefore, this nonlinearity is corrected to a linear characteristic by the entire system via the electronic endoscope.
Therefore, the input / output characteristic of the γ correction circuit 36 is usually expressed by γ = 2.2 which is the reciprocal of 2.2.
It is set to 0.45.   As described above, the white balance adjustment circuit 35 includes the white balance adjustment unit 4.
5, the output gain of the signal passed through the white balance adjustment circuit 35 is modulated.
It can be adjusted. White balance adjustment circuit 3 having this adjustment unit 45
5 is a differential amplifier 4 forming a gain control amplifier as shown in FIG.
7 is connected to the input terminal of the white balance adjustment circuit 35,
The input terminal is connected to the output terminal via a resistor RL, and the variable resistor R1 and the switch are connected.
Switch S1, resistor R2 and switch S2, variable resistor R3 and switch S3
It is configured to be grounded.   The signal Vi input from the input terminal is R, G, B as shown in FIG.
Signals VR, VG, and VB captured under the field sequential illumination are applied, and the differential amplifier 47
And the output signal V₀Is output as   The switches S1, S2, and S3 are on / off controlled by a control signal.
For example, the switches S1, S2, and S3 are connected as shown in FIGS.
, During the period when the input signals VR, VG, VB are input. Ie
, R, G, B control signals, and off at other "L" levels
Will be retained. Therefore, for the signals VR, VG, and VB, the inverting input terminals are connected to the respective resistors.
Since they are grounded via R1, R2, R3, the input signals VR, VG, VB respectively
The gain is (1 + RL / R1), (1 + RL / R2), (1 + RL / R3)
), And the level of the other two input signals VR and VB with respect to the level of the input signal VG
The gain is variably adjusted by the variable resistors R1 and R3, and this is used when capturing a white subject.
The output of the white balance adjustment circuit 35 is equal to the input signals VR, VG, VB.
And adjust the white balance so that   On the other hand, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. Sho 61-2120 discloses that an identification parameter of an endoscope is issued to an endoscope.
Raw circuit, timing pulse control circuit for solid-state image sensor, and gain of solid-state image sensor
-Various adjustment functions such as a setup circuit for adjusting flare and black level characteristics are provided.
There is shown an electronic endoscope apparatus adapted to various types of endoscopes.   [Problems to be solved by the invention]   However, the white balance adjustment means of the electronic endoscope device is fixed or
Since there is only a manual adjustment function by the user as an additional function,
Corresponds if the white balance setting of the endoscope that has been adjusted once is shifted due to changes
Could not be treated.   On the other hand, as in the electronic endoscope device disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No.
A control signal adjustment mechanism corresponding to the solid-state imaging device should be provided on the child endoscope side.
, The structure is complicated, and the manufacturing process with a large number of parts is complicated and large.
The electronic endoscope was heavy and operable.   The present invention has been made in view of these circumstances, and an electronic device connected to a signal processing unit.
While the white balance of the endoscope is set to the optimum state,
When the electronic endoscope set to an optimal state is connected to the signal processing unit again, promptly
To provide an easy-to-operate electronic endoscope apparatus that sets the optimal white balance for
And for the purpose.   [Means for Solving the Problems]   The electronic endoscope according to claim 1 of the present invention incorporates a solid-state imaging device as imaging means.
By connecting the electronic endoscope to the signal processing device, the input from the imaging means is performed.
In an electronic endoscope apparatus for performing signal processing of a signal, the signal processing apparatus includes:
To identify all electronic endoscopes connected to the medical device as individual electronic endoscopes
Identification means for recognizing an identification unit to be provided; and white roses relating to the recognized electronic endoscope.
In addition to storing the set values for each electronic endoscope,
White balance used for electronic endoscopes where the lance settings have not yet been stored.
White balance setting storage means for storing a lance preset value, and a signal processing device
The electronic endoscope connected to the electronic endoscope is recognized by the identification means, and the recognized electronic endoscope is recognized.
The corresponding white balance setting value or white balance preset value
Automatic white balance setting automatically selected from white balance setting storage means
And a setting means.   On the other hand, an electronic endoscope according to a second aspect of the present invention uses a solid-state imaging device as an imaging unit.
By connecting an electronic endoscope built in to the signal processing device,
In an electronic endoscope apparatus for processing an input signal, the signal processing apparatus
To identify all electronic endoscopes connected to the processing unit as individual electronic endoscopes
Identification means for recognizing an identification unit provided in the electronic endoscope;
The lance setting value is stored in correspondence with each electronic endoscope, and the white
White used for electronic endoscopes for which balance settings have not yet been stored
Memorize the balance preset value and set the white balance
White balance setting storage means having timekeeping means for measuring time.
You.   [Action]   With this configuration, when the electronic endoscope is connected to the signal processing device, first, the electronic endoscope is connected to the signal processing device.
The provided identification unit is recognized by the identification unit of the signal processing device. And this recognition
The white balance setting value of the electronic endoscope
A search is performed to determine whether or not the white balance setting is stored in the setting storage means.
When the white balance setting value is not stored in the meansWhite balance Set the reset value automatically. The electronic device recognized by the white balance setting storage means
When the white balance setting value of the endoscope is stored, the white balance setting
The corresponding white balance setting value is selected from the setting means and automatically set. on the other hand,
When the electronic endoscope is connected to the signal processing device, an identification unit provided in the electronic endoscope
Is recognized by the identification means of the signal processing device, and the recognized white rose of the electronic endoscope is
And stores the set value in the white balance setting storage means in correspondence with the electronic endoscope.
You. At this time, the date and time when the white balance was set
The elapsed time from the white balance setting is counted because it is stored in the timing means of the column.
You.   【Example】   Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.   1 to 6 relate to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration of an electronic endoscope apparatus.
FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram showing an electronic endoscope apparatus, 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 adjustment circuit, and FIG.
FIG. 5 is a timing chart for explaining the operation of the sense adjustment circuit.   As shown in FIG. 2, the electronic endoscope device 51 includes an electronic endoscope 5 in which imaging means is incorporated.
2, a light source unit for supplying illumination light to the electronic endoscope 52 and a video signal processing circuit unit.
And a video processor 53 containing the
It is composed of a monitor 54 for taking in a video signal and displaying it in color.   The electronic endoscope 52 has a flexible and elongated insertion portion 55 formed therein.
5, a rigid distal end portion 63 and a bendable bending portion 64 are sequentially provided from the distal end side.
By rotating a bending operation knob 65 provided on the operating section 56, the bending section 64 is rotated.
Can be freely bent vertically and horizontally.   An operation section 56 is provided on the rear end side of the insertion section 55.
A flexible universal cord 57 extends from the side. This universer
A connector 58 is provided at an end of the cord 57, and a light source 59 and a signal
The video processor 53 containing the signal processing circuit 61 is connected to the connector 58.
A continuous connector receiving portion 62 is provided.   Further, the operation section 56 communicates with a treatment instrument channel provided in the insertion section 55.
An insertion port 66 is provided.   As shown in FIG. 1, an objective lens for imaging is provided inside the distal end portion 63 of the insertion portion 55.
67 and a CCD 68 as a solid-state imaging device disposed on the focal plane of the objective lens 67.
And an illumination unit for transmitting the illumination light supplied from the light source unit 59.
The light guide 69 to be fed is inserted, and the light exits from the front end face of the light guide 69.
The illuminating light is expanded by the light distribution lens 70 to illuminate the subject 71.   On the other hand, the light source unit 5 that supplies illumination light to the near-side incident end face of the light guide 69
Reference numeral 9 denotes a light source lamp 72 and the illumination light of the light source lamp 72 entering the light guide 69.
A lens 73 for condensing and irradiating the light-emitting end face;
A rotary filter 74 interposed in the optical path between the launch end surfaces,
A motor 75 for rotationally driving, and a rotary servo circuit for controlling the number of rotations of the motor 75
76 and the like.   The light source lamp 72 emits white light such as a xenon lamp,
It has an emission spectrum distribution close to blackbody radiation. The rotation filter 74
Is a transmission having a characteristic of transmitting three substantially fan-shaped R, G, and B wavelength regions, respectively.
A filter 74R, a filter 74G, and a filter 74B are provided. And before
The illumination light from the light source lamp 72 is condensed by a lens 73 and the incident end face of the light guide 69
When irradiating toward the motor 7, the rotary filter 74 interposed in the optical path
5, the lens 73 and the incident end face of the light guide 69
Through a color transmission filter (a blue transmission filter 74B in FIG. 1) interposed therebetween.
The subject 71 is sequentially illuminated with light in a wavelength range, for example, in the order of R, G, B, R.
It is configured to explain. Further, the R, G, and B color lights are illuminated in a plane-sequential manner.
The subject 71 is imaged on the imaging surface of the CCD 68 by the objective lens 67,
The signal photoelectrically converted by the application of the read clock signal by the D driver 78 is
It is read out.   The rotation speed of the motor 75 for rotating the rotation filter 74 is controlled by a rotation servo.
The circuit 76 controls the frame frequency (for example, 29.97) of the synchronization signal generation circuit 77.
CCD which controls so as to be phase-synchronized with Hz) and outputs the clock signal. Synchronizes the driver 78 and the rotation servo circuit 76 with the synchronization signal of the synchronization signal generation circuit 77
Let me.   The output signal of the CCD 68 is supplied to a preamplifier 81 forming a signal processing circuit 61.
Through an isolation circuit 82 that protects the patient from electric shock.
The noise is input to the set noise removal circuit 83 to reduce 1 / f noise and reset to improve S / N.
Noise and the like. Thereafter, the CCD camera passes through a low-pass filter 84.
Unnecessary high frequencies such as rear signals are removed and input to the white balance adjustment circuit 85.
The white balance is adjusted by the white balance adjustment circuit 85, and γ correction is performed.
Γ correction by the circuit 86, that is, an electric / optical conversion system for displaying on a display tube or the like
(Eg, γ = 1 / 2.2 = 0.45) for the non-linearity (usually γ = 2.2)
) Is performed and input to the A / D converter 87.   The signal is converted into a digital signal by the A / D converter 87, and is subjected to frame-sequential illumination.
The captured signals are stored in the frame memories 88R, 88G, and 88B for one frame, respectively.
Written. One frame is stored in each frame memory 88R, 88G, 88B.
When the image data for each minute is written, they are read out simultaneously and
The signal is converted into an analog signal by the corresponding D / A converter 89 and the low-pass filter 9
1 removes unnecessary high frequencies and smoothes signal discontinuities that occur during D / A conversion.
Are input to the respective output amplifiers 92 as R, G and B signals.   The conversion speed of the A / D converter 87 and the frame memories 84R, 84G,
The writing and reading of data to and from 84B are performed by the output signal of the memory control circuit 93.
And outputs the output signal of the memory control circuit 93 to the synchronization signal generation circuit.
It is generated in synchronization with the synchronization signal 77.   Note that the color signals R, G, and B amplified by the output amplifier 92 are output impedances.
Are output from the 75Ω output terminals, respectively.
The synchronization signal is also amplified through the output amplifier 94 and amplified from the synchronization signal output terminal.
Is output.   Next, the connector portion 58 and the connector receiving portion 62 will be described with reference to FIG.
You.   As shown in the figure, a connector attached to the universal sord 57 of the electronic endoscope 52 The unit 58 includes a light source connector 101, a signal connector 102, and the electronic endoscope.
This connector comprises an identification bar code 103 serving as an identification unit for identification.
The connector for the light source is provided in the connector receiving portion 62 of the video processor 53 for connecting the
Connector 101, a light source connector receiver 104 connected to the signal connector 102,
As the identification means for reading the signal connector receiver 105 and the identification barcode 103.
The bar code reading unit 106 is provided, and the connection of the video processor 53 is provided.
The connector 58 of the electronic endoscope 52 is connected to the
1 is constituted.   The light source connector 101 has a light guide connector (not shown).
A crab air / water supply connector is provided.
It has a structure that can connect them.   Here, when the electronic endoscope 52 is connected to the video processor 53,
The balance setting will be described.   A connector 58 of the electronic endoscope 52 is connected to a connector of the video processor 53.
When connected to the unit 62, a white balance adjustment circuit via the RGB synchronization circuit 112
In step 85, a control signal for changing the gain with respect to the RGB input signal is generated.
The white balance is set.   That is, as shown in FIG. 4, the RGB synchronizing circuit 112
A microcomputer 117 to which the scope identification signal output from the path 111 is input;
RGB gain setting circuit 1 for setting gain of RGB signal by microcomputer 117
14 and R, G, B gain signals are switched by RGB switching signal
An RGB switching circuit 116 for outputting a gain control signal;
The RGB output of the impedance adjustment circuit 85 is input and the R signal and the G signal and the B signal and the G signal are
An RGB output circuit 11 for comparing the respective results and outputting the comparison result to the microcomputer 117
5, the scope identification signal input to the microcomputer 117 and the white balance setting value
And a memory 118 that stores the RGB gain setting information as a set.
Have been. The RGB synchronizing circuit 112 receives an input from the rotary servo circuit 76.
Synchronized with the timing at which the R, G, B signals are input by the RGB switching signal
Then, a gain control signal is output to the white balance adjustment circuit 85.   Further, as shown in FIG. 5, white balance adjustment is performed by the gain control signal.
The white balance adjusting circuit 85 is a pair of NPN type forming a differential amplifier.
R, G, and B signals are applied to one base of the transistors T1 and T2.
The voltage is applied through the capacitor C.   The bases of the transistors T1 and T2 are connected via a bias resistor Rb.
And each emitter is connected to the negative power supply terminal -Vcc via the resistors Re1 and Re2, respectively.
And each collector is connected to the positive power supply terminal Vcc directly and via the load resistance R.
Has been continued. The collector of the other transistor T2 forms an emitter follower
The collector of the transistor T3 is connected to the base of the
It is connected to the positive power supply terminal Vcc, and its emitter is connected via the resistor Re3 to the negative power supply terminal -Vcc.
And to the output terminal of the white balance adjustment circuit 85.
You.   Further, the emitter of the one transistor T1 and the emitter of the other transistor T2
A switch S1 and a resistor R1, a switch S2 and a resistor R2,.
, S5 and R5 connected in series.
Is turned on by a 5-bit gain control signal output from the RGB synchronization circuit 112.
, R5 are connected between the emitters.
The white balance adjustment circuit changes the combined resistance on the emitter side when
The white balance adjustment is performed by changing the gain of 85.   The resistors R1 to R5 shown in FIG. 5 are turned on and off by the LSB of the gain control signal.
The controlled resistance is R1, R2 = R1 / 22, R3 = R1 / 22 R4 = R1
/ 23, R5 = R1 / 24 (R5 is the MSB of the gain control signal).
You. In this case, the gain G of the white balance adjustment circuit 85 is approximately R /
(Combined value of resistors turned on in R1 to R5). For example, LS of the gain control signal
When only B is "Hi" (only switch S1 is on), GL = R / R1.
You. When only the MSB is “Hi” (the switch S5 is on), GL = R / R5
The maximum gain GL is obtained when the MSB is “Hi”. The change in gain GL
The resolution is 5 bits from R / R1 of LSB to R / R5 of MSB (2 bits).
5 = 32 steps).   The operation of the electronic endoscope device 51 configured as described above will be described.   The connector 58 of the electronic endoscope 52 is connected to the connector receiver 6 of the video processor 53.
2. When connected to 2, the scope detection signal is not
Bar code provided on the connector 58 of the electronic endoscope 52 upon being input to the
103 is a bar code read provided on the connector receiver 62 of the video processor 53
The microcomputer 106 reads and sends the scope identification signal of the electronic endoscope 52 to the microcomputer 117.
Output. When the scope identification signal is input to the microcomputer 117, the scope
The scope identification signal is checked against the memory 118 and the white color corresponding to the scope identification signal is compared.
The balance setting information is read and the set value of the RGB gain setting circuit 114 is
Change according to white balance setting information and output to RGB switching circuit 116
You.   At this time, the RGB signal is input to the RGB switching circuit 116 as shown in FIG.
The RGB switching signal (the R switching signal thereof) shown in FIG.
The R gain output signal of the B gain selection circuit 114 is output. That is,
The switches forming the RGB switching circuit 116 are switched, and the R gain control signal
This is applied to the gain setting switches S1 to S5 of the white balance adjustment circuit 85,
Switches S1 to S5 are turned on or off, and the white balance adjustment circuit 85
The gain (R gain at the time of inputting the R signal) is set to 、, and the R signal shown in FIG.
When passing through the white balance adjustment circuit 85, the R signal shown in FIG.
You. Next, when the G signal is input, the RGB switching circuit 116 switches the switch.
Then, the G gain control signal of the RGB gain setting circuit 114 is output so that
The G signal shown in FIG. 9A is output with a gain of “1”.   The R signal has an output level equal to the output level of the G signal.
Adjusted.   Similarly, when the B signal is input, the white balance adjustment at the time of the B signal input is performed.
In the adjusting circuit 85, for example, the B gain is set to “2”, and the white balance adjustment is performed.
The B signal output from the circuit 85 becomes equal to the output levels of the R signal and the G signal.   In this way, as shown in FIG.
The gain is set to an appropriate level by the switching signal shown in FIG. The R, G, and B signals with the balance set are output.   On the other hand, the electronic endoscope connected to the connector receiving portion 62 of the video processor 53
The mirror 52 stores the RGB gain setting information corresponding to the scope identification signal in the memory 118.
If not, read the preset value stored in the memory 118 in advance.
Thus, the RGB gain is set to a preset value. Also not shown
The microcomputer 1 outputs the white balance reset signal by the white balance instruction means.
17, the RG output from the white balance adjustment circuit 85
In the B output comparison circuit 115, the signal levels of the R signal and the B signal with respect to the G signal
Are compared and the comparison result is output to the microcomputer 117. Based on the result, the RGB
The setting of the in setting circuit 114 is changed. Note that the comparison value of the RGB output is a predetermined value.
This operation is continuously performed until the value reaches a predetermined value.
The B gain setting information is stored in the memory 118 in association with the scope identification signal.   As described above, the white balance setting corresponding to each of the plurality of electronic endoscopes 52 is performed.
By storing the values (RGB gain setting information) in the memory 118,
Connect the connector section 58 of the endoscope 52 to the connector receiving section 62 of the video processor 53
The whiteboard of the electronic endoscope 52 connected to the video processor 53.
The lance can be set to an appropriate value instantly.   The white rose of the electronic endoscope 52 connected to the video processor 53
If the balance setting value is not stored in the memory,
And store it in the memory 118 corresponding to the scope identification signal.
You.   Further, in the present embodiment, the identification unit is configured only by attaching the barcode 103.
Therefore, the weight of the electronic endoscope 52 can be increased without increasing the size.
I will not let you.   In addition, you can easily attach electronic barcodes to already sold electronic endoscopes simply by attaching a barcode.
It can correspond to the system that recognizes the white balance setting status of the endoscope.
You.   In this embodiment, the connection of the electronic endoscope is determined by the scope detecting means.
Scope connection detection means is used as the scope identification means. You may let it.   Further, as shown in FIG. 7, a bar code attached to the connector 58 of the electronic endoscope 52 is provided.
The dot pattern 701 is attached instead of the scanner 103 and the reading unit 106
Is used as a line sensor, so that the electronic endoscope 52 having the dot pattern
Can be recognized. The recognition methods of the electronic endoscope are barcode recognition,
It is not limited to pattern recognition.
Which two-dimensional sensor to read or recognize using magnetic signals
You may.   Further, the identification number of the electronic endoscope is limited to the individual serial number of the electronic endoscope.
It is not necessary to reduce the code length of the signal required for identification and the circuit size required for identification.
Good.   8 and 9 relate to a second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 8 is a schematic configuration of an electronic endoscope apparatus.
FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an RGB synchronization circuit. ◎   As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, in the present invention, the microcomputer 11 in the first embodiment is used.
7 in addition to the scope identification signal and RGB gain setting information stored in
In addition to storing the setting date and time in the microcomputer 117 and setting the white balance,
Calculate the elapsed time from and notify that a predetermined period (for example, two months) has passed
A white balance notification circuit is provided. Other configurations are the same as in the first embodiment.
It is like.   By configuring the electronic endoscope device 51 as described above, the white balance setting can be performed.
You can check the elapsed time after setting the white balance.
After a specified period of time has passed since the setting, the white balance setting value is considered to be inappropriate.
When the user is notified of the endoscope with a warning sound, text signal, light signal, etc.
Then, the microcomputer 117 adjusts the white balance in the same manner as in the first embodiment, and
Scope identification signal, RGB gain setting information and white balance setting date and time
To pay.   In this way, by calculating the elapsed time after setting the white balance,
Prevent the adverse effects of white balance on the image due to changes before observing.
Therefore, endoscope observation can always be performed with an appropriate white balance. So Other operations 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 section 61 and a light source section 59.
Shows an electronic endoscope device 51 in which a light source device 59a having
You.   As shown in the figure, an electronic device in which the signal processing device 61a and the light source device 59a are configured separately.
When this embodiment is applied to the endoscope device 51, the scope discriminating circuit 111 is connected to the light source device.
On the other hand, the identification signal obtained by this scope identification circuit is
An RGB synchronization circuit (not shown) provided in the signal processing device via the transmission cable 57a.
It is configured to transmit to a road. Other configurations, functions and effects are the same as those of the above embodiment
Is the same as   Note that the scope discrimination circuit uses a signal representing the identification of the light source itself in the identification signal of the electronic endoscope.
The signal is added and transmitted to the RGB synchronizing circuit, and both signals are stored as a set in a memory.
This enables more strict white balance setting. Also,
A coping determination circuit is provided in the signal processing device 61a, and a video connector of the electronic endoscope 52 is provided.
The electronic endoscope 52 may be recognized at 58a.   By the way, as shown in FIG.
A connector 58 provided at the end of the universal cord 57 and a processor.
Various problems have arisen when connecting the device 53 to the device 53.   For example, with the main power supply of the processor 53 turned on, the curl cable
When connecting the electronic endoscope 52 to the electronic endoscope 52, the driving signal to the CCD
May be supplied to the CCD before it is grounded, and this CCD may be destroyed.   Therefore, in order to prevent the CCD from being broken, the electronic endoscope 52 is connected.
When the connection is continued, the main power of the processor 53 is turned off once and then turned on again after the connection.
The connection between the electronic endoscope 52 and the processor 53 is frequently performed.
The usability was very poor to remove.   Therefore, as shown in FIG. 18, the CCD 703 and the CCD driving circuit 704 are surely connected.
The drive signal is supplied after the connection detection means 705 detects that the connection has been made.
doing.   That is, the curl cable 702 is connected to the video processor 53 as shown in FIG. Also, when connected to the electronic endoscope 52, the contact a is connected and an L level signal is detected.
You. Then, after an arbitrary time delay in the next-stage timer circuit 705, the switch unit
706 to transmit a drive signal from the CCD drive circuit 704 to the CCD 703.
Send.   As described above, the switch section is turned on with a delay by the timer circuit 705.
Therefore, the CCD 703 is not destroyed.   In addition, as shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, the operator is allowed to make contact in order to secure the operator's safety.
The supply of the voltage to the active contact portion is performed by connecting the contact 62b provided in the connector receiving portion 62.
After that, the connector installation is confirmed completely. Shown in FIG.
When the connector portion 58 is completely connected as described above, + VD is output from the contact 62b to the processor.
The dimming signal is output by supplying the light to the inside.   As described above, the contact 62b is connected to 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 established.
Output through the connector for CCD drive signals and dimming signals.
Signal can be safely output to the operator.   On the other hand, as shown in FIG.
When setting the balance, the distance from the end surface of the white tube 710 to the tip of the electronic endoscope 52 is set.
The optimal output level can be obtained because the separation is different depending on the operator.
But the white balance was in an unstable state.   That is, as shown in FIG. 23A, the electronic endoscope 52 is moved from the end face of the white tube 710.
When the distance l to the tip of the iris is optimal, the iris is adjusted to a suitable distance within the control range.
I was able to get a white balance. However, as shown in FIG.
The distance l from the end surface of the tube 710 to the tip of the electronic endoscope 52 is too large, for example.
When inappropriate, the iris opens and the amount of light incident on the CCD decreases.
The spectral sensitivity to RGB varies, and white balance is set in this state.
The result was an inappropriate white balance.   Therefore, as shown in FIG. 24, the RGB signals obtained from the pre-processing unit 720
The signal level is detected by the signal level detection circuit 721, and the white level is detected when the white balance is on.
Judgment is made as to whether the brightness is appropriate or not. A control signal is transmitted to the lamp light amount control unit 722 to increase the light amount of the light source lamp.
By controlling, the value of the white balance can be set appropriately. Also figure
As shown in FIG. 25, when the white balance is on, the chroma level
When the chroma level is above a certain level, the lamp light intensity is detected.
By transmitting a control signal to the control unit 722 to control the amount of lamp light,
The balance can be set accurately.   By controlling the amount of light in the white tube so that it always has the optimal brightness,
To set an appropriate white balance.   Further, in the electronic endoscope device 51, the electronic endoscope 52 and the processor 53 are connected.
Since there is only one kind of connection means connected, this connection means
There was no compatibility for use with the endoscope system. Also, as technology advances,
When the miniaturization of connectors has progressed due to the
In order to avoid restrictions between the system and the new system,
It is conceivable to maintain compatibility by performing a face.   As shown in FIG. 26, the light source device 59a and the signal processing device 61a are conventionally separated from each other.
The electronic endoscope device 51 configured as described above is an electronic endoscope device connected to the light source device 59a.
A connecting hand that connects the endoscope 52 and the signal processing device 61a with large connectors 731 at both ends.
They are connected via a stage 702. Therefore, for example, the signal processing device 61a
When a new signal processing device described later with few signal cables to drive the image means is used.
The number of pins and sockets provided in the new signal processing unit are
Pins and pins could be new small connectors with new locations.   For this reason, as shown in FIGS. 27 and 28, it is connected to the new signal processing device 61a '.
By forming the connection means 702 in which the connector 732 is smaller than the conventional one,
The new signal processing device 61a 'and the electronic endoscope 52 can be connected. At this time
As shown in FIG. 29, the unnecessary signal inside the connector 732 of the new signal processing device becomes unnecessary.
Required by providing correction means for electrically shorting the signal line 2 and the signal line 3.
The signal lines 1 and 4 can be connected.   As described above, the connector 731 of the electronic endoscope 52 is connected to the new signal processing device 61a '.
Existing specifications without replacing with new connector corresponding to connector 732 It can be used with. Also, the connector 732 of the new signal processing device 61a '
30 and FIG. 30 between the connector 731 and the connector 731 provided in the conventional connection means 702.
It is also possible to cope with this by connecting via a relay plug 733 as shown in FIG.
Can be. Further, as shown in FIG. 32, the electronic endoscope 52 is a new type of small
In the case of an electronic endoscope 52 'provided with a connector, the new signal processing device 61a'
The connector 734 having the correcting means formed in the connecting means 702 as in the case of
To connect the new electronic endoscope 52 'and the signal processing device 61a by the connection means 702.
can do.   Also, the image distorted on the monitor until the rotation filter is synchronized with the video signal
Switch so that there is no image on the monitor screen until synchronization is achieved.
Beep, and an alarm sounds when synchronization is lost from the synchronized state.
Like that.   【The invention's effect】   As described above, according to the present invention, the electronic endoscope is connected to the signal processing unit.
While setting the white balance to the optimum state, the white balance at one end
When the electronic endoscope set to the state is again connected to the signal processing unit, the optimal endoscope is promptly used.
It is possible to provide an electronic endoscope apparatus with good operability to set the white balance.
.

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 shows an electronic endoscope apparatus. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram 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. 7 is a timing chart for explaining the operation of the white balance adjustment circuit. FIG. 7 is an explanatory view showing a dot pattern as an identification unit of the electronic endoscope according to a modification of the first embodiment. FIGS. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an electronic endoscope apparatus according to a second embodiment. FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an RGB synchronization circuit. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a first embodiment and a second embodiment. Electronic endoscope in which the signal processing device and the light source device according to the application example of the example are separated. FIGS. 11 to 16 relate to a conventional example, and FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a field sequential rotary filter. FIG. 12 is a waveform diagram for explaining white balance adjustment of the sequential rotary filter. FIG. 13 is a waveform diagram for explaining the operation of the pulse light emission system. 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. FIG. 15 is a waveform chart for explaining the operation of the white balance adjustment circuit of No. 15; FIG. 17 is a configuration diagram showing an electronic endoscope device. FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing connection between a CCD and a CCD drive circuit. FIG. 19 shows a state in which the electronic endoscope and a video processor are connected by a curl cord. FIG. 20 is an explanatory view 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 a state in which the connector of the electronic endoscope is connected to the power supply device. FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of a state of setting a white balance of an electronic endoscope. FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram showing a state of setting a white balance. FIG. FIG. 25 is a block diagram when controlling the lamp light amount via a chroma level detection circuit. FIG. 26 is a block diagram when the electronic endoscope and the signal processing device are connected by a connecting member. FIG. 27 is an explanatory view showing a state in which 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 the connecting member. FIG. 29 is a new signal processing. FIG. 30 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration inside a connector connected to the device. FIG. 30 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which a new signal processing device and an electronic endoscope are connected via a relay plug. 32 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which a new electronic endoscope and a signal processing device are connected. [Description of Reference Numerals] 51 ... electronic endoscope device 52 ... electronic scope 53 ... signal processing device 59 ... light source unit Reference numeral 61: Signal processing circuit unit 68: CCD 85: White balance adjustment circuit 111: Scope identification circuit (identification unit / identification means) 112: RGB synchronization circuit 117: White balance automatic setting means (microcomputer) 1 8 ... white balance setting storage means (memory)

Claims (1)

Claims: 1. An electronic endoscope apparatus for processing a signal input from an image pickup means by connecting an electronic endoscope having a solid-state image pickup device as an image pickup means to a signal processing apparatus. In the above, the signal processing device relates to an identification unit that recognizes an identification unit provided to identify all electronic endoscopes connected to the signal processing device as individual electronic endoscopes, and a recognized electronic endoscope. The white balance setting value is stored in association with each electronic endoscope, and the white balance setting value is not yet stored.
A white balance setting storage unit for storing a white balance preset value used for an electronic endoscope, and an electronic endoscope connected to a signal processing device, the electronic endoscope being recognized by the identification unit. White balance setting value or white balance preset
And an automatic white balance setting unit for automatically setting a default value by selecting the default value from the white balance setting storage unit. 2. An electronic endoscope apparatus for processing a signal input from the imaging unit by connecting an electronic endoscope having a solid-state imaging device as an imaging unit to the signal processing unit, wherein the signal processing unit is An identification means for identifying an identification unit provided to identify all electronic endoscopes connected to the signal processing device as individual electronic endoscopes; and a white balance setting value relating to the recognized electronic endoscopes. In addition to storing the white balance setting value in correspondence with the electronic endoscope, the white balance setting value is not yet stored.
The white balance preset value used for a new electronic endoscope,
Electronic endoscope apparatus, characterized by comprising: a white balance setting storage unit, a having a counting means for counting an elapsed time after setting the white balance. 3. The white balance setting storage means includes a time keeping means for storing a white balance setting value of an electronic endoscope connected to a signal processing device and for measuring an elapsed time after setting the white balance. The electronic endoscope apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: