JP3050574B2 - Endoscope imaging device - Google Patents

Description

Description: TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to an endoscope imaging apparatus that converts an optical image into an electric signal using a solid-state imaging device.

[Prior Art] In a conventional electronic endoscope apparatus, in order to obtain a still image with less blur, an exposure period of a solid-state imaging device is shorter than a normal length. For example, read out the charge of the solid-state image sensor.
Assuming that the operation is performed in a 1/60 second cycle, when the freeze operation is performed, the exposure is performed in 1/250 second, and a still image is obtained from the electric charge stored in the solid-state imaging device at that time.

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] A proper exposure time, for example, a time shorter than 1/60 second, for example,
A still image obtained by exposing in 1/250 second is darker than usual, and stronger light is required for proper exposure. However, the conventional electronic endoscope apparatus has no means for greatly increasing the light amount of the light source. Further, the device having the above means becomes large and expensive.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-described points, and it is possible to arbitrarily select whether or not to use a large amount of light emission according to a user's purpose of use. An object of the present invention is to provide an endoscope imaging device that can be obtained.

[Means for Solving Problems and Action] An endoscope imaging apparatus according to the present invention includes an imaging unit that converts an optical image into an electric signal using a solid-state imaging device, and a light source capable of emitting a large amount of flash light. An endoscope imaging apparatus, comprising: a light source device including a light source that generates illumination light; a first energy supply unit that is provided in the light source device and supplies energy for causing the light source to emit light at a first light amount; A second energy supply unit detachably attached to the light source device and capable of supplying a large amount of light-emitting energy to the light source; and a connection detection unit provided in the light source device and detecting connection of the second energy supply unit. And an energy supply amount supplied by the first energy supply unit and an energy supply amount supplied by the second energy supply unit based on a detection result of the connection detection unit. Select the emission sequence based on the amount, characterized in that a control means for controlling the energy supplied to the light source.

EXAMPLES Hereinafter, the present invention will be described specifically with reference to the drawings.

1 to 6 relate to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of the first embodiment, FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of a video processor, etc., and FIG. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the first embodiment, and FIGS. 5 and 6 are explanatory diagrams of the operation when the flash unit is not mounted and when the flash unit is mounted, respectively.

As shown in FIG. 1, an electronic endoscope apparatus 1 as an imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment is an electronic endoscope (abbreviated as an electronic scope).
2, a light source device 3 for supplying illumination light to the electronic scope 2, a video processor 4 for performing signal processing on the electronic scope 2, a monitor 5 for displaying a video signal output from the video processor 4, and the light source A flash unit 6 which is detachable from the device 3.

The electronic scope 2 has an elongated insertion portion 8 that can be inserted into the cavity 7 or the like, and a light guide 9 that transmits illumination light is inserted into the insertion portion 8 and one of the light guides 9 connected to the light source device 3. The illumination light applied to the end face is transmitted and emitted from the end face on the distal end side of the insertion section 8. The irradiated part (subject) 11 is imaged by an imaging means provided on the distal end side of the insertion section 8. That is, an optical image of the subject 11 is formed on the light receiving surface of the CCD 13 provided on the focal plane of the objective lens 12 by the objective lens 12.

The electric signal photoelectrically converted by the CCD 13 is input to the video processor 4, subjected to signal processing, and an image of the subject is displayed on the monitor 5.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic configuration of the light source device 3, the video processor 4, and the like.

In the video processor 4, a CCD driver 15 for driving the CCD 13, a memory 113 for temporarily storing an electric signal read from the CCD 13 by an A / D converter (not shown) by the CCD driver 15, A CPU 17 that performs drive control and communication with the light source device 3 is provided.

In the light source device 3, a light source 21 for emitting illumination light is provided.
A switching regulator 23 for supplying light-emitting energy to the light source 21 via a diode 22 and a CPU 24 for communicating with the CPU 17 in the video processor 4 are provided.

A flash unit 6 detachable from the light source device 3
Has a built-in flash control means 26 for controlling the supply of power required for emitting a large amount of flash light through the diode 25 to the light source 21. The flash control means 26 is connected to a CPU 24 in the light source device 3 and is controlled by the CPU 24.

When the flash unit 6 is connected to the light source device 3,
The CPU 24 in the light source device 3 detects this connection and communicates with the CPU 17 of the video processor 4 to notify the connection of the flash unit 6. After this communication, the sequence at the time of the freeze operation is switched from the normal sequence of FIG. 5 to the sequence of the flash unit connection of FIG.

 FIG. 3 shows a specific configuration of the video processor 4.

In the video processor 4, a CCD driver 15 for driving the CCD 13 and a signal processing circuit 106 for performing signal processing on an electric signal read from the CCD 13 by the CCD driver 15
And a CPU 17 for controlling the signal processing circuit 106 to store a still image signal and communicating with the light source device 3.
The CPU 17 communicates with the CPU 24 in the light source device 24.

As shown in FIG. 3, by applying a CCD drive signal from the CCD driver 15, an image signal read from the CCD 13 is input to the process circuit 111, and color difference signals RY, BY and a luminance signal Y are generated. You.

The signals RY, BY, and Y are converted into digital signals by A / D converters 112a, 112b, and 112c, respectively, and then input to memories 113a, 113b, and 113c, respectively, and temporarily stored.

These memories 113a, 113b, and 113c are memory means for displaying a still image, and store (write) and read image data under the control of the memory controller 114. The read image data is again converted into analog signals by the D / A converters 115a, 115b, and 115c, and is input to, for example, the NTSC encoder 116. The encoder 116 converts the video signal into a composite video signal, outputs the composite video signal to the color monitor 5, and displays the subject image in color on the display screen.

In this embodiment, when the freeze switch 100a as a designating means for displaying a still image is turned on, a still image is captured in an imaging cycle shorter than a normal imaging cycle.

Therefore, when the CPU 17 detects a freeze command signal due to the ON of the freeze switch 100a, the CPU 17
On the other hand, a control signal is output so as to output a CCD drive signal to the CCD 13 at short time intervals. The image data captured at the short intervals is stored in the memories 113a, 113b, and 113c.

When the flash unit 6 is connected, the CPU 17 further controls the still image data stored in the memories 113a, 113b, and 113c to have an appropriate level.

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3, the image data input to the memory 113c and the memory
The image data stored in the memory 113c is added by an adder 117, input to a comparator 118 in the CPU 17, and compared with a reference value corresponding to an appropriate level preset in a register 119.

The output of the comparator 118 is input to the control section 120, and becomes active when the output level of the adder 117 reaches the reference value of the register 119. When the CPU 17 detects this, the memory controller 114 controls the memory controller 114 to inhibit writing. Send a signal. During this time, the memory 113a, 113b, 113c accumulates (accumulates) image data captured at short time intervals and stores the accumulated data until the write inhibit control signal is generated.

The operation of the first embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS.

As shown in FIG. 4, when the device 1 is operated, it is determined whether or not the flash unit 6 is connected as shown in step S1. This judgment is made by the CPU 24 judging the output level of the connection detecting means (not shown), and the judgment result is transmitted to the CPU 17 of the video processor 4. Then, the light source device 3 and the video processor 4
Operate in different sequences depending on the result of this determination. In this case, the light source device 3 is
Although the lamp light amount is increased, the light source 21 emits semi-flash when the flash unit 6 is not connected, and emits a large amount of flash light when the flash unit 6 is connected.

If the determination in step S1 is "NO", step S
Based on 2a, it is determined whether or not the freeze switch 100a has been turned ON. If this determination is "NO", it means that normal observation is being performed. In this case, FIG. 5 (b),
As shown in (c), the CCD has a constant period (for example, 1/60 sec).
A drive signal (CCD read pulse ▲ ▼) is output, and the CCD output signal read by this drive signal is stored in the memory 113 (representing 113a, 113b, 113c) by the write signal ▲ ▼ of the memory controller 114. Is done.

As shown in FIG. 5A, when a freeze (command) signal 信号 is sent to the CPU 17 by operating the release switch 100a, the CPU 17 sends this signal to the CPU 24. This CP
U24 sends a signal to the switching regulator 23 to increase the output current, as shown in step S3a. The light source 21 emits semi-flash light as shown in FIG. 5 (d). Thereafter, the CPU 17 instructs the CCD driver 15 to output a CCD drive signal at short time intervals as shown in step S4a. Further, the CPU 17 controls the memory controller 114 to clear the memory 113, store image data captured at short time intervals for one frame or one field, and then prohibit writing as shown in step S5a. Output a signal. At the same time, the CPU 24 outputs a control signal to the switching regulator 23 so that a normal lamp current is obtained.

Due to the write prohibition, the still image data is repeatedly read from the memory 113, and the still image is displayed on the monitor 5.

On the other hand, when the flash unit 6 is connected, the determination in step S1 is "YES", and a determination is made in step S2b as to whether or not the freeze switch 100a has been turned ON.
When the freeze switch 100a is turned on, FIG. 6 (a)
A freeze signal ▲ ▼ is output as shown in FIG. When the CPU 17 detects the freeze signal ▼, this information is transmitted to the CPU 24. The CPU 24 sends a signal for increasing the output current to the switching regulator 23 as shown in step S3b, and sends the signal from the flash unit 6 to the light source 21.
Supply large current to Accordingly, a large current as shown in FIG. 6D flows through the light source 21, and the light source 21 emits flash light.

At approximately the same timing as the flash emission, the CPU 17 sends a signal to the CCD driver 15 as shown in step S4b.
A command signal is sent to shorten the time interval for outputting the drive signal (that is, shorten the imaging time) and repeatedly output the drive signal. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 6 (b), the CCD drive signal is repeatedly output at short time intervals as the lamp light amount increases. Thereafter, as shown in step S5b, the CPU 17
To clear the memory 113. Thereafter, as shown in step S6b, the CPU 17 instructs the memory controller 114 to accumulate and store the image data input to the memory 113. That is, the image data captured in a short cycle is stored in the memory 113 so as to be accumulated.
The image data stored in the memory 113c and the subsequently input image data are added by an adder 117 and are sequentially input to a comparator 118 in the CPU 17. And step S
As shown in 7b, it is determined whether or not the accumulated image data level reaches the reference level, and the image data is accumulated and stored in the memory 113 until the accumulated image data level reaches the reference level. When the reference level is reached, C as shown in step S8b
The PU 17 sends a command signal to the memory controller 114 to perform write prohibition. The memory 113 holds the image data that has reached the reference level due to the write prohibition.
Will display a still image.

Thereafter, the CPU 24 controls so as to reduce the output current of the switching regulator 23 and turns off the flash unit 6, and the lamp current decreases to a value corresponding to the normal observation state as shown in FIG. I do.

Since the exposure time of the still image obtained in this manner can be shortened, a clear image with less blur can be obtained, and a still image with an appropriate exposure amount can be obtained. For example, an image with little blur can be obtained even at a near point, and a bright still image can be obtained up to a distant point. A small number of still images can be obtained. Also, a bright still image can be obtained even when the image is taken from a distant point, as in the case of taking the whole stomach.

In addition, since the flash unit 6 is detachably attached to the light source device 3 separately, there is an advantage that an endoscope device with a low cost can be used when used in an environment where the flash unit 6 does not need to be used. .

Further, in a plurality of endoscope apparatuses, the flash unit 6 can be selectively mounted and used in a use environment (use state) where it is desirable to mount the flash unit 6. This has the advantage that the number of flash units 6 can be smaller than the number of endoscope devices.

In addition, even when the flash unit 6 is connected to the light source device 3, if a large amount of flash light is not required, a changeover switch 130 indicated by a dotted line in FIG. By the operation, even when the flash unit 6 is connected, it may be configured not to emit the large amount of flash light.

By doing so, it becomes possible to select flash emission according to the needs of the user.

Note that the release switch 100b is
After enabling the video signal of the still image to be output as in
A signal for recording a still image is output to the recording device.
Therefore, when the recording device is not connected, it is the same as when the freeze switch 100a is turned on.

FIG. 7 shows a frame sequential endoscope apparatus 41 as an image pickup apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

This device 41 includes a frame sequential electronic endoscope 42 and a light source device.
43, a video processor 44, a monitor 45, and a flash unit 46 detachable from the light source device 43.

The electronic endoscope 42 includes an elongated insertion section 47, a wide operation section 48 formed at the rear end of the insertion section 47, and a universal cable 49 extending from the operation section 48 to the outside. A light guide connector 51 and a signal connector 52 are attached to the ends of the universal cable 49 so that they can be connected to the light source device 43 and the video processor 44, respectively.

A light guide 53 is inserted into the insertion section 47 and the universal cable 49 to transmit the illumination light from the light source device 43 and direct the illumination light from the emission end face attached to the tip end face of the insertion section 47 toward the subject 54 in front. (Illumination light).

The illuminated subject 54 is imaged on a CCD 56 disposed on the focal plane by an objective lens 55 attached to the distal end of the insertion section 47, and is subjected to photoelectric conversion.

The CCD 56 is read by supplying a drive signal from a CCD driver in the video processor 44 via a signal line 57, and is input to a signal processing system of the video processor 44.

Note that, for example, the operation unit 48 of the electronic endoscope 42 is provided with a switch 58 that outputs an instruction signal for displaying a still image, that is, a freeze signal ▼.

The lamp 61 in the light source device 43 is a lamp current control circuit 62.
It emits light by the lamp drive current from. The light of the lamp 51 is transmitted through a diaphragm 63, a shutter 64 with R, G, and B filters attached.
Light guide 53 facing the illumination optical axis via R, 64G, 64B
Is supplied to the end face.

The aperture amount of the aperture 63 is controlled by an aperture driving device 65. The shutters 64R, 64G, and 64B are shutter driving devices 6.
6 drives the insertion and removal from the illumination optical path. The shutters 64R, 64G, and 64B are driven so as to be sequentially interposed on the optical path. The aperture driving device 65 and the shutter driving device 66 have a CP
The diaphragm 63 and the shutters 64R, 64G, 64B are driven under the control of U67.

The flash unit 46 is detachable from the light source device 43, and when mounted, performs flash emission of the light source device 43 and freeze processing in the video processor 44 in a different sequence to a freeze operation when not mounted. Has become. This sequence is basically the same as in the first embodiment. That is, in the third embodiment, three flash emissions and three read pulses correspond to one flash emission and one CCD read pulse ▼ in the first embodiment. That is, the subject 54 has R, G, B
Are sequentially illuminated with the illumination light, and one color image is obtained by three illuminations and three readings. For this reason, when the flash is fired, the flash is fired three times, and R, G,
The signals exposed by the R, G, and B lights passed through the B shutters 64R, 64G, and 64B are stored in three memories (not shown) in the video processor 44, respectively. Thus, for example, the CCD output signal when exposed with the next R light is added to the signal previously stored in the R memory and stored, and when the added level reaches a reference value, the CCD output signal is output to each memory. Prohibits new writing and repeatedly monitors signal data stored in each memory
By outputting to 45, a stationary surface is displayed.

The second embodiment has the same effect as the first embodiment.

FIG. 8 shows an endoscope apparatus 201 according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

In the third embodiment, an image file device 202 and an optical disk device 203 are further provided in the first embodiment.

The image file device 202 is connected to the video processor 4 and controls recording of a still image, and receives a video signal and a release signal from the video processor 4. The image file device 202 is also connected to an optical disk device 203 for recording a still image.
Send a release signal to 03 to record a still image. The image recorded on the optical disk device 203 can be transferred to the memory 204 in the image file device 202 and displayed on the monitor 5 via the video processor 4.

The image file device 202 is a
The screen data is always received and stored in the internal memory 204. Accordingly, by operating a release switch (not shown) of the image file device 202, image data for one screen can be recorded on the optical disk device 203.

On the other hand, when the release switch of the electronic scope 2 is operated, the still image data is stored in the memory 113 in the video processor 4 by the operation described in the first embodiment, and the still image data is stored in the memory in the image file device 202. After being transferred, it is recorded on the optical disk device 203.

The image data in the memory 113 may be recorded on the optical disk device 203 without passing through the memory 204 in the image file device 202.

When the image data recorded on the optical disk device 203 is read and displayed on the monitor 5, the image file device 202
May be displayed on the monitor 5 without passing through the memory 204 therein.

According to this embodiment, a still image with little blur can be filed on the optical disk device 203, and the still image can be stored in a state where it is not permanently deteriorated.

Incidentally, instead of the optical disk device 203, a magneto-optical disk, V
A recording device such as a TR or a magnetic tape can be used.

FIG. 9 is a schematic configuration diagram of a light source device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

The light source device 301 includes a light source device main body 302 and a flash unit 303 detachable from the light source device main body 302.

The light source device body 302 controls a light source 304 that emits light when electric energy is supplied, a lighting unit 305 that supplies electric energy for causing the light source 304 to emit light, and an energy output from the lighting unit 305. And lighting control means 306. The flash unit 303 detachable from the light source device main body 302 includes a lighting unit 307, and the energy output to the light source 304 is controlled by the lighting control unit 306.

FIG. 10 shows the light source device body 302 and the flash unit 3
The specific circuit configuration of the electrical system 03 is shown.

The light source device main body 302 is provided with a lighting switch (not shown), and when this switch is turned on, a lighting signal is output.
The lighting signal LS is input to an AND gate 311 constituting the lighting control means 306 and also to a switching power supply 312a constituting the lighting means 305.

A flash signal output by a release operation or a freeze operation is also input to the AND gate 311.
The flash control signal output from the AND gate 311 is input to a switching power supply 312b constituting the lighting unit 307 of the flash unit 303.

The positive side output terminals of the switching power supplies 312a and 312b are connected to the light source 304 via backflow prevention diodes 313a and 313b, respectively.
And the cathode is connected to the negative output terminal.

The switching power supplies 312a and 312b have the same configuration, and the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals.

The AC power supply 115 is rectified by the diode bridge 116 and further charged in the capacitor 117. Both ends of the capacitor 117 are connected in series with a primary winding of a switching transformer 118 and a switching transistor 119. One end of a diode 120 and one end of a resistor 121 are connected to the secondary terminal of the transformer 118, and a capacitor 122 is connected to the other end of the diode 120 and the resistor 121. The connection point between the capacitor 122 and the resistor 121 is connected to the input terminal of the switching circuit 123, and the output terminal of the switching circuit 123 is connected to the base of the transistor 119. A flash control signal output from the AND gate 311 is applied to a control terminal of the switching circuit 123. The flash control signal causes the switching circuit 123 to output a switching pulse to the base of the transistor 119,
19 performs a switching operation, inductively outputs electric power supplied to the primary side through the transformer 118 to the secondary side, and outputs a diode.
DC power smoothed from the
4 are available.

In the first embodiment and the like, the energy supply means for flash light emission in the flash unit 6 is configured using a large-capacity capacitor. However, in this embodiment, a switching power supply is used.

The operation of this embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG.

When a lighting switch (not shown) of the light source device body 302 is turned on, the lighting signal LS changes from “L” to “H” as shown in FIG. 24a. Then, the switching signal 123 in the switching power supply 312a is activated by the lighting signal LS, and the switching power supply 312a outputs a current Ia as shown in FIG. 11 (d). This current Ia is for obtaining the amount of light required for normal observation.

When the release switch is turned on in this state, a flash signal S shown in FIG.
After 311, the flash control signal shown in FIG. 11C changes from “L” to “H”. When the flash unit 303 is connected to the light source device body 302, the flash control signal activates the switching circuit 123 in the switching power supply 312b, and the switching power supply 312b generates a large current Ib for switching light emission in FIG. It is output as shown in (e). This large current Ib is supplied to the other switching power supply 31
The current value Ia is superimposed on the normal current Ia by 2a and becomes a current value of Ia + Ib as shown in FIG.
The amount of light increases.

According to this embodiment, the light emission output is more stable than when a capacitor is used as a flash power supply. Further, even if the release is repeated many times, a decrease in the light emission output is small, and a still image with less blur can be obtained.

 FIG. 12 shows an imaging device 231 according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

The imaging device 231 includes a video camera 232, a flash unit 233 detachable from the video camera 232,
And a flash lamp 234.

The video camera 232 has a CC on the focal plane of the objective lens 235.
D236 is provided for photoelectrically converting the optical image. This CCD236
Are read and stored in the memory 238 by the supply of the CCD drive signal (CCD read pulse) DR from the CCD driver 237. Reading (reading) and writing (writing) of the memory 238 are controlled by the CPU 239. The CPU 239 outputs a control signal to a flash unit 233 that drives a flash lamp 234 mounted on the video camera 232.

 The operation of the fifth embodiment will be described below.

When the flash unit 233 is not connected and the exposure is performed by the external light and the freeze signal is output, the charge of the CCD 236 is written from the CCD driver 237 to the memory 238 by the next read signal, and then the CPU 239 reads the memory. Writing to 238 is prohibited.

Further, when the flash unit 233 is connected, when the freeze signal is output, the pulse cycle becomes faster from the next read pulse DR, and at the same time, the flash unit 233 causes the flash lamp 234 to emit light by the signal from the CPU 239. At this time, the electric charge of the CCD 236 read by the CCD driver 237 is accumulated in the memory 238 cleared at the time of the freeze, and every time the electric charge is written, the total electric charge of each pixel is compared with the appropriate exposure amount. As a result, if the value falls below the appropriate value, the accumulation of charges is repeated again.
8 and the flash lamp 234 stops emitting light.

As an effect of the fifth embodiment, since the shutter time can be shortened by flash emission, a still image with less blur can be obtained by proper exposure.

It is apparent that the present invention can use an external television camera scope in which a television camera is attached to the eyepiece of the fiber scope, instead of the electronic endoscope.

When the release operation is performed, a still image is displayed at the same time as when the freeze operation is performed, and thereafter, the displayed still image is photographed.

[Effects of the Invention] As described above, according to the present invention, the flash unit can be detachably attached to the light source device, and a large amount of light can be emitted with the energy from the flash unit by the freeze operation or the release operation. And a still image with less blur can be obtained.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIGS. 1 to 6 relate to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of the first embodiment, FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a video processor and the like, FIG. 3 is a specific configuration diagram of the video processor, and FIG. 4 shows the operation contents of the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a flow chart, FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 are explanatory diagrams of the operation when the flash unit is not mounted and when the flash unit is mounted, FIG. 7 is a block diagram of the second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 9 to 11 relate to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a configuration diagram of the light source device in the fourth embodiment, and FIG. 10 is an electric system of the light source device. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of the operation, FIG. 12 is a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
It is a lineblock diagram of an example. DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Electronic endoscope apparatus, 2 ... Electronic scope 3 ... Light source device, 4 ... Video processor 5 ... Monitor 6 ... Flash unit 9 ... Light guide, 13 ... CCD 17,24 ... CPU , 16… Memory 21 …… Light source 26 …… Flash control means

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (58) Fields surveyed (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) H04N 7/18 H04N 5/235 A61B 1/04 370 A61B 1/06 G02B 23/26 G03B 15/05

Claims (1)

(57) [Claims] 1. An endoscope imaging apparatus comprising: an imaging unit for converting an optical image into an electric signal using a solid-state imaging device; and a light source capable of emitting a large amount of flash light, wherein a light source for generating illumination light is provided. A light source device, a first energy supply unit provided in the light source device, for supplying energy for causing the light source to emit light at a first light amount, a detachable light source for the light source device, and a large light emission energy for the light source. A second energy supply unit capable of supplying the second energy supply unit; a connection detection unit provided in the light source device, the connection detection unit detecting connection of the second energy supply unit; A light emission sequence based on the energy supply amount supplied by the first energy supply unit and the energy supply amount supplied by the second energy supply unit is selected and the light emission sequence is selected. The endoscope imaging apparatus characterized by comprising a control means for controlling the energy supply.