JP3285217B2 - Endoscope device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to relates to an endoscope apparatus you observe the inside is inserted into the subject.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, by inserting an elongated insertion portion into a body cavity, it is possible to observe an organ in the body cavity, and if necessary,
2. Description of the Related Art An optical fiber endoscope capable of performing various treatments using a treatment tool inserted into a treatment tool channel is widely used.

[0003] Boilers, gas turbine engines,
2. Description of the Related Art Industrial endoscopes are widely used for observing and inspecting internal scratches and corrosion of pipes of chemical plants and the bodies of automobile engines and the like.

Further, various types of electronic endoscopes using a solid-state imaging device such as a charge-coupled device (CCD) as an imaging means have been used.

In a conventional endoscope, the angle of view of the objective optical system is always constant regardless of whether the endoscope is inserted or removed.

[0006]

For example, in endoscopic observation of the lower gastrointestinal tract, when the endoscope is inserted, the folds in the large intestine are inserted while being held down by the intestinal wall, or Since the pleats were inserted with the end of the endoscope traversing, they tended to become reddish. In addition, when the angle of view is widened, an extra portion can be seen, and particularly, the moving speed of the intestinal wall around the screen becomes too fast, which makes it difficult to insert. See FIG. 2 (a).

[0007] On the other hand, at the time of the technique, the intestinal wall which has been laid down is in the direction of unwinding, and observation in the lumen is mainly performed. At this time, the back side of the folds in the intestine may not be clearly seen, and there is a possibility that the diseased piece may be overlooked. See FIG. 2 (b).

That is, it is ideal that the objective optical system of the endoscope for the lower gastrointestinal tract has a narrow angle at the time of insertion and a wide angle at the end of the technique.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances. For example, in endoscopic observation of the lower gastrointestinal tract, the angle of view becomes narrow at the time of insertion, so that it is easy to insert, and at the time of removal, the angle of view becomes wide, and the lesion at the lesion can be obtained. etc. to make the oversight can be prevented, during endoscopic observation, and its object is to provide an endoscope apparatus field angle that is changed in accordance with the observation object and purpose.

[0010]

An endoscope apparatus according to the present invention is provided at a distal end of an insertion portion that can be inserted into a subject and performs imaging of a first angle of view and imaging of a second angle of view. An imaging unit that can select a first light amount and a first light amount
A first illumination system for irradiating light from a light source at a first illumination angle;
A second light amount of light from a light source at a second illumination angle;
A lighting unit capable of selecting one of the two illumination systems; and a selection unit for selecting the imaging of the first angle of view or the imaging of the second angle of view, wherein the first image is selected by the selection unit. The first illumination system is selected according to selection of imaging of a corner, and the second illumination system is selected according to selection of imaging of the second angle of view by the selection unit.
Switching means for selecting one of the illumination systems .

Further , the endoscope apparatus according to the present invention provides
Display means for displaying an image taken by the image means;
The display range of the display means is changed according to the selection of the selection means.
Variable processing means for changing
Features.

[0012]

In the above arrangement, during the endoscopic examination, the imaging means is switched by the selection means to the imaging at the first angle of view or the imaging at the second angle of view according to the observation object and purpose. And
The switching means selects the first illumination system in accordance with the selection of the imaging of the first angle of view by the selection means, and the second illumination system in accordance with the selection of the imaging of the second angle of view by the selection means. Select

[0013] Further, according to the observation object and the purpose, the imaging hand
Display range of the display means for displaying the image taken by the step
The box is changed by the variable processing means according to the selection of the selection means .

[0014]

An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. 1 to 3 relate to the first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the end of the endoscope insertion portion, FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram relating to the operation of the present embodiment when the endoscope is inserted and removed, FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram of the entire endoscope apparatus.

An endoscope apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 3 includes an endoscope 2 having only an insertion end configuration, light source devices 3 and 4 for supplying illumination light to the endoscope, and an endoscope 2. The video processors 7 and 8 respectively process electric signals output from the solid-state imaging devices 5 and 6 provided at the tip of the video processor.
And a monitor 10 for inputting the video signal via the switch 9 and displaying an endoscope image. I have.

The endoscope 2 employing the present invention shown in FIG.
2 shows a side cross-sectional view of a tip portion of FIG. A first objective optical system 12 and a second objective optical system 13, which form an image of a subject (not shown), are connected to the distal end portion 11 of the endoscope 2 from the distal end side. The solid-state imaging devices 5 and 6 such as CCDs, which capture an image and convert it into an electric signal.
Solid-state image pickup device 1 including electric components of capacitors and the like
4, 15 are installed. That is, the endoscope 2 includes two sets of imaging systems. The angles of view of the first and second objective optical systems 12 and 13 are different from each other, and are 140 ° and 140 °, respectively. The electric signals output from the solid-state imaging devices 14 and 15 are converted into standard video signals by the video processors 7 and 8, respectively, and either one of a 140-degree image and a 170-degree image is used. Are displayed on the monitor 10 as an endoscope image.

Further, the endoscope distal end portion 11 has an angle of view of 140 ° with respect to each of the objective optical systems 12 and 13.
Optical system 16 for illuminating the object for 170 °
17 is also provided. Light guides 18 and 19 are arranged at the rear ends of the illumination optical systems 16 and 17, respectively. The light guides 18 and 19 are provided inside the endoscope 2, and their incident ends are connected to the light source devices 3 and 4, respectively. That is, the endoscope 2 uses the illumination system 2
A set is provided. The light guide 19 for an angle of view of 170 °
The light guide 18 for the angle of view of 140 ° is formed to have a larger diameter than the outer diameter thereof, so that a large amount of light can be supplied. Therefore, the light source device 4 incorporates a light distribution lamp (not shown) having a larger light amount than the light source device 3. The illumination optical system 17 is formed so that illumination light can be supplied to a wider area than the illumination optical system 16. The illumination optical system 16,
Reference numeral 17 illuminates the illumination light supplied from the light source devices 3 and 4 toward a subject (not shown).

An illumination system for an angle of view of 170 ° has an angle of view of 140 °.
It is brighter than the lighting system for lighting, and illuminates a wide area. Switching between the two sets of illumination systems is performed, for example, by a changeover switch unit 9 provided in an operation unit (not shown) of the endoscope. The switch unit 9 is for arbitrarily selecting an image having an angle of view of 140 ° and an image having an angle of view of 170 °. The switch unit 9 also switches and selects the illumination system at the same time. It is supposed to.

In the above-mentioned configuration, the angle of view 140 ° and the angle of view 170 ° can be arbitrarily selected by the changeover switch section 9, and at the same time, the illumination system is switched between the angle of view 140 ° and the angle of view 170 °. The illumination light suitable for the image of is supplied. Then, the monitor 10 selectively displays one of an image having an angle of view of 140 ° and an image having an angle of view of 170 ° that has been converted by the video processors 7 and 8 as an endoscope image.
That is, the monitor 10 can selectively display one of an image having an angle of view of 140 ° and an image having an angle of view of 170 °, that is, a narrow-angle image or a wide-angle image.

In this embodiment, for example, when observing the lower gastrointestinal tract, as shown in FIG. 2 (a), when inserting the endoscope, the angle of view is made narrow to make it easier to see the insertion target and facilitate insertion. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 2 (b), at the time of the technique, it is possible to widen the angle to make it easier to see the surroundings and to avoid oversight of the back of the folds in the large intestine.

Also, the 170 ° objective system has a wider angle of view than the 140 ° objective system, so that the brightness of the lens becomes darker and the range of illumination becomes wider. Since the illumination system is also switched, even when a 170 ° objective system is used, bright illumination light can be illuminated over a wide range. However, for a 140 ° objective, 170 °
If the illumination system is used, the surrounding area is too bright and the surrounding image becomes white and cannot be observed. Therefore, in this embodiment, the switching between the illumination system and the imaging system is performed in conjunction with each other. In other words, the changeover switch unit 9 can switch the illumination system at the same time as switching the image, thereby supplying illumination light suitable for each angle of view.

By the way, in this embodiment, the view angles of 140 ° and 170 ° are exemplified in the case of endoscopic observation of the lower gastrointestinal tract.
This is because the angle of view of the peripheral observation at the time of departure is 160 ° or more is ideal. The angle of view in the above embodiment is not limited to the above example, but may be set according to the purpose of use.

Next, a description will be given of a modification of the first embodiment in which distortion (aberration) of the objective system is considered. In this variant, the 140 ° objective 12
Does not correct the distortion, that is, the distortion is large. That is, the peripheral portion of the image is strongly compressed in the radial direction. On the other hand, the 170 ° objective 13
Is used for correcting distortion.
That is, the degree of radial compression of the peripheral portion of the image is small.

The purpose of the 170 ° objective optical system is to observe the peripheral area. However, the peripheral area is distorted due to the distortion of the lens, that is, the area is compressed in the radial direction, and the peripheral area deteriorates. Therefore, the distortion is corrected to improve the appearance of the surroundings. On the other hand, the 140 ° objective system only needs to ensure the center at the time of insertion, and does not particularly need to correct peripheral distortion. Further, since the angle is narrow, distortion around the periphery is not conspicuous. Also, the magnification at the center of the image is increased, and the center is clearly visible. The other configuration and operation and effect are the same as those of the first embodiment, and the drawings and description are omitted.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an objective optical system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment has a configuration in which the objective optical system 13, the solid-state imaging device 6, and the video processor 8 are removed from the endoscope apparatus shown in FIG. Further, this embodiment includes an objective optical system capable of changing the zoom, instead of the objective optical system having the configuration shown in FIG. Other, first
Since the same configuration and operation as those of the embodiment are the same, the drawings and description are omitted.

As shown in FIG. 4, the objective optical system of the present embodiment includes a first lens group 22 from the subject side (left side in the figure).
A second lens group 23 movable back and forth in the optical axis direction;
Are arranged in order. The second lens group 23 is attached to a lens frame 25 that holds the lens group. One end of a wire 26 having the other end fixed to a zoom adjustment ring (not shown) provided in an endoscope operation unit (not shown) is fixed to the lens frame 25. The lens frame 25 is urged toward the subject in the optical axis direction, that is, in the forward direction by an urging member (not shown). The zoom adjustment ring is operated by the wire 26 connected to the zoom adjustment ring, and the wire 26 is operated.
, The second lens group 23 is retracted, while the wire 26 is relaxed to advance the second lens group 23. That is, the second lens group 2
Numeral 3 can be moved back and forth along the optical axis.

As in the first embodiment, two sets of illumination systems for wide-angle and narrow-angle illumination are provided, and are switched by the changeover switch unit 9 of the operation unit. It is desirable that the operation of the switch unit 9 be linked with the operation of the zoom adjustment ring. For example, the zoom adjustment ring is a slide-type operation lever, and when the operation lever reaches a predetermined position, the switch unit 9 is turned on,
What is necessary is just to make it switch an illumination system. Alternatively, the amount of illumination light may be continuously changed by moving the light distribution lamp of the light source device back and forth in accordance with the movement of the operation lever.

The angle of view of the objective optical system can be arbitrarily (continuously) changed by operating the zoom adjustment ring to move the third lens group back and forth. The change in the angle of view is, for example, 130 ° to 170 °. The other configuration and operation and effect are the same as those of the first embodiment, and the description is omitted.

In each of the above embodiments, an electronic endoscope has been described as an example, but an optical fiber endoscope may be used. Also,
In the configuration of the first embodiment, a configuration using the imaging system and the illumination system of the second embodiment may be used instead of the one imaging system and the one illumination system.

In each of the above-described embodiments, for example, a narrow angle of view type, a wide angle of view type, a plurality of objective optical systems are provided at the distal end of the lower gastrointestinal tract endoscope, or a lens that moves into the optical system is provided. Thus, the angle of view can be freely selected by, for example, selecting the angle of view of the objective optical system during the endoscopic inspection. Next, a description will be given below of processing in which an electric signal output from the solid-state imaging device is changed, that is, a display range is changed by an enlargement process or a mask.

FIGS. 5 and 6 relate to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram of an objective optical system, and FIG. 6 is an overall schematic configuration diagram of an endoscope apparatus.

FIG. 6 shows an endoscope 27 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention and a video processor 28 also serving as a light source device.
And the monitor 29. The video processor 28
Has an illumination lamp 28a and a light distribution lens 28b,
The subject is irradiated with illumination light from an illumination optical system 27b at the distal end thereof via a light guide 27a provided in the endoscope 27.

At the distal end portion 30 of the endoscope, an objective optical system 31 and the solid-state imaging device (CCD) 5 are arranged. This objective optical system 31 has a configuration in which the second lens group 23 is fixed in the optical system shown in FIG. 4, and the other configurations are the same as those in FIG.

The endoscope image formed on the CCD surface by the objective optical system 31 is converted into an electric signal and sent to a pre-processing circuit 34 by a transmission cable 33. Here, the electric signal is subjected to signal processing such as γ correction by a process circuit 34, then A / D converted by an A / D (analog / digital) converter 35, and stored in the memory 36 as one screen data. Is done. The data is read from the memory 36, and a signal is sent to the reduction circuit 37 and the enlargement circuit 38.

The video processor 28 has an enlargement control circuit 40 for controlling the enlargement circuit 38 and the like, and a switch 39 as a switching means for switching between operation and non-operation of the enlargement control circuit 40. Set this switch 39 to O
Then, under the control of the enlargement control circuit 40, the enlargement circuit 38 performs enlargement processing on the image data from the memory 36, and sends these data to the synthesis circuit 41. The enlarged image data is D / A converted by a D / A (digital / analog) converter 42, converted into a standard video signal by a post-processing circuit 43, output to a monitor 29, and output to the monitor 29. Is displayed as

If the switch 29 is not operated (OFF
), The enlargement control circuit 40 does not operate, and the image data from the memory 36 is transmitted to the reduction circuit 37, the synthesis circuit 41,
The image passes through the A converter 42 and the post process 43 and is displayed on the monitor 29 as a normal image that is not enlarged.

In the above configuration, the switch 39 is switched to
By operating the reduction circuit 37 and the expansion circuit 38,
The enlarged image and the reduced image can be selectively displayed on the monitor 29.

At this time, the ray heights of the enlarged image and the reduced image are equivalent to those indicated by reference numerals C and D in FIG. 5, respectively. The enlarged image is lower than the reduced image, and the angle of view is narrower (light ray height D). That is, the enlarged image has a narrow angle of view, and the reduced image has a wide angle of view.

In this embodiment, the first embodiment and the second embodiment obtain a narrow angle of view and a wide angle of view by the configuration of the optical system. However, similar effects can be obtained by signal processing of the solid-state imaging device. ing. The other configuration and operation and effect are the same as those of the second embodiment, and the description is omitted.

7 and 8 relate to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is an overall schematic configuration diagram of an endoscope apparatus, and FIG. 8 is an explanatory view showing a mask range of an endoscope image. .

The apparatus according to the fourth embodiment has a configuration in which the mask range of an endoscope image can be selectively changed. As shown in FIG. 7, the video processor 28A includes a mask control circuit 44 connected to the synthesizing circuit 41, and a changeover switch 45 connected to the mask control circuit 44. The mask control circuit 44 can change the shape of the mask covering the displayed endoscope image in accordance with the switching instruction of the switch 45. In addition, the same components and operations as those of the third embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

Conventionally, an endoscopic image on a monitor by an endoscope having a solid-state imaging device is indicated by a symbol E in FIG. As shown in the figure, it was an octagon or a substantially square like a square. An octagonal mask is effective in increasing the resolution and viewing the affected area in more detail. But,
As shown in FIG. 8A, in order to secure a wide field of view such as the 170 ° field of view where emphasis is placed on peripheral observation, as shown in FIG. Only the diagonal direction F takes advantage of the characteristics,
In the diagonal direction G, the diagonal direction is less visible than the diagonal direction due to the shaded portion.

Therefore, by changing the shape of the mask to be electrically processed by the changeover switch 45 as shown in FIG.
At both diagonals, an image that makes use of the characteristics of a 170 ° wide-angle lens is obtained.

That is, when it is desired to observe the affected part in detail as in the case of magnified observation, the number of pixels of the CCD is effectively used as shown in FIG.
In FIG. 8A, the shape indicated by the reference numeral E is optimal, and when it is desired to observe the peripheral portion, the view angle of the wide-angle objective optical system as indicated by the reference numeral H in FIG. Shape is effective.

As described above, in this embodiment, the angle of view of the wide-angle objective optical system is effectively used by changing the shape of the mask. The other configuration and operation and effect are the same as those of the third embodiment, and the description is omitted.

The endoscope device shown in FIGS. 9 to 12 simultaneously displays an ultrasonic image, a video image (or an X-ray image, etc.), and allows the three-dimensional relative positions to be immediately recognized at the same time. Things. A monitor 50 for an endoscope apparatus shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B has a plurality of face-plate monitors such as a liquid crystal vision, unlike an ordinary monitor, and monitors an endoscope (video) image. An ultrasonic image monitor 52 (or an X-ray image monitor) is provided at a three-dimensional angle with respect to 51.

The reflected echo signal received by the ultrasonic transducer 53 provided at the distal end 49 of the ultrasonic endoscope is processed by the ultrasonic device 58 as shown in FIG. Displayed as an image. Further, a reflecting mirror 54 provided at the distal end 49 of the ultrasonic endoscope and the objective optical system 5
The reflected light from the subject 57 incident through the
The electrical signal obtained by the photoelectric conversion 56 is converted into a video processor 59
The signal is processed by the monitor and displayed on the monitor 51 as an endoscope image. Reference numeral 62 denotes a light source device, reference numeral 63 denotes a light guide, and reference numeral 64 denotes an illumination optical system.

As shown in FIG. 10, the position of the ultrasonic section (or X-ray section) can be determined from the video image based on the relative position of the monitor 50 provided at a three-dimensional angle.

The monitor 60 shown in FIG.
In addition to the configuration of 0, a monitor 61 is provided at a three-dimensional angle, and the positions of the ultrasonic section and the X-ray section can be determined from the video image based on these relative positions.

The endoscope device 65 shown in FIG.
In the endoscope apparatus of No. 271467, 6
The air flowing through 6 is dry air, and a hygrometer 69 is installed in the first opening 68 on the suction pump 67 side. Reference numeral 70 denotes an air supply pump, and reference numeral 71 denotes a second opening.

The endoscope tip 7 of the endoscope device 65
As shown in FIG. 14, the end of the inside of the drying pipe 66 is provided inside the base 2 and a base 7 provided at the tip of the drying pipe 66 is provided.
An opening 73a is provided on a side portion of No.3.

When dry air is sent into the drying conduit 66 by the air supply pump 70, dry air is sent into the endoscope from the opening 73a of the base 73, and the inside of the endoscope is actively dried. it can. Further, the humidity inside the endoscope can be determined from the hygrometer 69.

In the endoscope 80 shown in FIG. 15A, a waterproof cap 83 is attached to a side of a connector 82 provided at an end of a universal cable 81. The waterproof cap 83 has a cylindrical main body 84 and a cap 85 serving as a cover cap of the main body 84. A partition plate 88 is provided inside the main body 84, and a cap 85 and a partition plate 88 are provided at the center of the plate.
And a female screw portion with which a set screw 86 for screwing together is screwed. A storage chamber for storing the desiccant 87 is formed between the partition plate 85a and the top plate of the cap 85. A large number of holes are provided on the surface of the partition plate 88.
Fix with 6. The desiccant 87 is covered with a net so as not to fall out of the hole of the partition plate 88.

In the endoscope, after a series of operations such as floor example, washing, and sterilization are completed, the waterproof cap 83 is attached to the partition plate 8 until the floor example on the next day starts.
The moisture in the endoscope 80 can be absorbed by the desiccant 87 through the hole 8.

According to the waterproof cap, dehumidification in the endoscope can be performed, and failures due to humidity of electronic components in the endoscope such as a solid-state imaging device can be reduced.

[0056]

According to the present invention, for example, in the endoscopic observation of the lower gastrointestinal tract, the angle of view becomes narrow at the time of insertion, so that it is easy to insert. For example, during the endoscope observation, there is an effect that the angle of view can be changed according to the observation target and the purpose.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a distal end of an endoscope insertion section according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram relating to the operation of the present embodiment when the endoscope is inserted and withdrawn.

FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram of the entire endoscope apparatus.

FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram of an objective optical system according to a second example.

FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram of an objective optical system.

FIG. 6 is an overall schematic configuration diagram of the endoscope apparatus.

FIG. 7 is an overall schematic configuration diagram of an endoscope apparatus according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a mask range of an endoscope image.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an observation state inside the body cavity of the ultrasonic endoscope.

FIG. 10 is an external view of a monitor that simultaneously displays an ultrasonic image and an endoscope image.

FIG. 11 is an external view of a monitor that simultaneously displays ultrasonic, X-ray, and endoscope images.

FIG. 12 is a schematic configuration diagram of an endoscope apparatus having the monitor shown in FIG. 10;

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of an endoscope apparatus having a dry air supply function.

FIG. 14 is a side sectional view of a distal end portion of the endoscope shown in FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is an external view of an endoscope having a waterproof cap, and a detailed view of the waterproof cap.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Endoscope apparatus 2 ... Endoscope 11 ... Tip part 3, 4 ... Light source device 5, 6 ... Solid-state imaging device 7, 8 ... Video processor 9 ... Changeover switch part 10 ... Monitor 12, 13 ... Objective optical system 16 , 17 ... Illumination optical system 18,19 ... Light guide

Claims (2)

(57) [Claims] An imaging unit disposed at a distal end portion of an insertion portion that can be inserted into a subject and capable of selecting imaging of a first angle of view and imaging of a second angle of view; From the first light source
Illumination system for irradiating light at a first illumination angle and second light
A second illumination for irradiating light from a quantity of light sources at a second illumination angle
An illumination unit capable of selecting a system, and a selection unit that selects the imaging of the first angle of view or the imaging of the second angle of view, and the imaging of the first angle of view by the selection unit. select the first illumination system in accordance with the selection, by comprising a switching means for selecting the second illumination system according to the selection of the imaging of the second field angle by said selection means Endoscope device characterized by the following. 2. The image processing apparatus further comprises: display means for displaying an image picked up by the image pickup means; and variable processing means for changing a display range of the display means according to a selection of the selection means. The endoscope apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: