JP3363181B2 - Electronic endoscope device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [0001] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention
Odd field by interlaced scanning of object image
Information and even field information alternately read
And an electronic endoscope for storing. [0002] 2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, an elongated insertion portion is inserted into a body cavity.
To observe organs in the body cavity, etc.
Various treatments using a treatment tool inserted into the treatment tool channel
Endoscopes that can be treated are widely used. Also insert
A charge-coupled device (hereinafter referred to as CCD)
Abbreviated. ), Etc. to provide image information
Electronic endoscopes that take out converted electric signals
Various proposals have been made. Hereinafter, a conventional example will be described with reference to the drawings.
11 to 14Is related to the conventional example,FIG.Is inside the electron
Block diagram showing a configuration of a main part of the endoscope apparatus,FIG.Is solid
Explanatory diagram explaining a reading method from the body imaging element,FIG.
3Explains the timing of reading from the synchronous memory.
Explanatory diagram,FIG.Is the readout period from the solid-state image sensor.
Explain the timing of writing and reading to the synchronous memory.
FIG. A conventional electronic endoscope device is:FIG.Shown in
As described above, the illumination light is transmitted into the insertion portion 2 of the electronic endoscope 1.
Light guide 14 is inserted therethrough. This light
The distal end surface of the id 14 is disposed at the distal end 9 of the insertion section 2,
Illumination light can be emitted from the tip 9.
You. Further, the light guide 14 has a light source device on the incident end side.
Video processor 6 with a built-in
It is to be connected. Also, the tip 9
Is provided with an objective lens system 15.
The solid-state imaging device 16 is disposed at the imaging position of No. 5.
The solid-state imaging device 16 is designed to operate from the ultraviolet region including the visible region
It has sensitivity in a wide wavelength range up to the infrared region. Said solid
Signal lines 26 and 27 are connected to the body imaging device 16.
You. On the other hand, in the video processor 6, ultraviolet light
Lamp 21 that emits light in a wide band from
Have been killed. This lamp 21 has a general
A non-lamp, a strobe lamp, or the like can be used.
The xenon lamp and strobe lamp use only visible light.
Nazu emits a large amount of ultraviolet light and infrared light. This lamp 2
1 is that power is supplied by the power supply unit 22.
ing. A motor 23 is provided in front of the lamp 21.
A rotary filter 50 that is driven to rotate is provided.
The rotary filter 50 includes red (R) and green for normal observation.
(G), a filter that transmits light of each wavelength region of blue (B)
Are arranged along the circumferential direction. The motor 23 is a motor driver.
The rotation is controlled by 25 and driven
I have. After passing through the rotary filter 50, R, G,
The light separated in time series into light of each wavelength region of B is further updated.
At the incident end of the light guide 14,
Is guided to the distal end portion 9 through the light guide 14,
9 to illuminate the observation site
You. [0008] Return light from the observation site due to this illumination light
Is placed on the solid-state imaging device 16 by the objective lens system 15.
An image is formed and photoelectric conversion is performed. This solid
The video device is connected to the image sensor 16 via the signal line 26.
Drive pulse from driver circuit 31 in processor 6
Is read, and read and transfer are performed by this drive pulse.
Is being done. From this solid-state imaging device 16
The read video signal is transmitted through the signal line 27 to the
Provided in the video processor 6 or the electronic endoscope 1.
Input to the preamplifier 32. This
The video signal amplified by the preamplifier 32 of the
Input to the path 33 and receive signals such as gamma correction and white balance.
Signal processing, and the digital
The signal is converted to a total signal. This digital
The video signal of
(R), green (G), and blue (B).
Memory (1) 36a, memory (2) 36b, memory (3)
36c is selectively stored. The method
Memory (1) 36a, memory (2) 36b, memory (3)
36c are simultaneously read out and sent to the D / A converter 37.
Therefore, it is converted into an analog signal, and R, G, B color signals
And output to the encoder 38.
From the encoder 38 as an NTSC composite signal
It is output. The video processor 6 has a system
Timing generator that creates timing for the entire stem
42 is provided, and the timing generator 42
Thus, each circuit of the motor driver 25 and the driver circuit 31
Are synchronized between In this field sequential imaging method, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No.
According to Japanese Patent No. 152437 and the like, the vertical resolution is improved.
Odd / even fields within one field
A method for reading both codes has been proposed. The reading and synchronizing method of this method is described below.FIG.
2Shown in The video signal is sent from the solid-state image sensor 16 toFIG.
As shown at 130, RO1 → RE1 → GO1 → GE1 → BO1
→ Read in the order of BE1. On this color signal
The symbol O is for odd field information and E is for even field information.
Corresponding. As shown in the figure, one information is 1/120.
Read in seconds, odd number in one field period (1/60 second)
Field information and even field information are obtained. this
The read video signal is read by the frame memory.Figure
TwelveSynchronized as shown at 132. This is one
Odd field information and even field as frame information
Because information is obtained in 1/30 second period, high vertical resolution
And an image with less color shift can be obtained. [0013] Problems to be Solved by the InventionFIG.In
When performing the reading method, the solid-state imaging device 16
And the timing of reading the synchronization memory 36FIG.To
Consider the case shown below. That is, RO1 and RE1 are
When reading from a child (when inputting to memory)
Reads the information of the odd field and captures GO1, GE1
When reading from the image element, the memory
The information is read.FIG.(A) and (b) show this RO.
1, RE1, GO1, GE1 image sensor readout period memory
The write and read timings of
It is a thing. From the start of writing RO1 to memory a
Read start A is late (FIG.(A)),FIG.
1Stored from the odd field area of the R memory
The information of RO1 is output. As for RE1,
The data is stored in the even field area of the R memory. next
In the field for reading GO1, GE1, GO1
The data is stored as it is in the area of the odd field of the G memory. G
When writing E1,FIG.In (a), even fee
The field read start C is earlier than the GE1 write start c.
Exit D is later than end of GE1 write
Therefore, the read information overwrites the read information on the way.
(At first, the previously stored GE1 information is read,
Will read the GE1 information that is currently being written from
You. ). Conversely, from the start of writing RO1 to the memory a
When memory read start A is early (FIG.(B)),
Start reading RO1 from the start A of reading odd field.
The start a is earlier and the read end B is longer than the write end of RO1.
Because it is late, the read information is written
The information is overtaken (In the beginning, the previously stored RO1 information
Read, read RO1 information currently being written from the middle
Will be. ). Fee for reading the next RE1, GO1
In each field, the even field of the R memory
Field, stored in the odd field area of the G memory.
You. When writing GE1, use the previously stored GE1 information
After reading, new GE1 information is input. As described above, the writing and reading of the memory
If an overtaking occurs, the video will be
It will be discontinuous. Further, the start of writing RO1 to the memory a and
The above disadvantages are improved if the memory read start A is the same.
However, in the case of an electronic endoscope, the
Output timing to match the position and size of the output screen.
Or writing / reading of memory is asynchronous.
Normally, the write timing of the memory is before
It will be one of the two cases. The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances.
And is based on a frame sequential interlace readout imaging method.
Discontinuity of image occurs when writing / reading memory.
The purpose is to provide an electronic endoscope
You. [0019] [Means for Solving the Problems]Achieve the above objectives
In accordance with the present inventionElectronic endoscope devices have different wavelength ranges.
Illumination means for illuminating in a time series with a plurality of illumination lights
And the object illuminated by the illumination light from the illumination means
A solid-state imaging device for capturing a body image, and
The interlaced scan allows the odd field information and even
Reads alternately divided into several fields of information
Means and the solid read by the reading means
Stores at least one field of information from the image sensor
Auxiliary storage means for reading and the reading meansOutput fromMa
Or the auxiliary storage meansSelection means to select output from
And from the selection meansStore output information for each similar color
And a main storage means for simultaneousThe lightIs it clear?
Corresponding to the plurality of illumination lightsBy the reading means
RInformation to be read and a file output from the main storage means.
In relation to field information,Continuous from the main storage means
Control means for outputting the selected information.
And characterized. [0020] [0021] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG.
I will talk about it. FIGS. 1 to 4 relate to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 1 shows the overall configuration of the electronic endoscope apparatus.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a main part of the electronic endoscope apparatus.
Fig. 3 and Fig. 3 show the synchronization of the readout period from the solid-state image sensor.
Explain the timing of writing and reading to memory
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a method of reading out a solid-state image sensor different from FIG.
The readout period from the solid-state image sensor
Explain the timing of writing and reading to memory
FIG. The electronic endoscope apparatus of the first embodiment is shown in FIG.
As shown, an electronic endoscope 1 is provided. This electronic endoscope
1 has an elongated, for example flexible insert 2,
A large-diameter operation unit 3 is connected to the rear end of the unit 2. The operation
A flexible cable 4 extends laterally from the rear end of the working part 3
A connector 5 is provided at the end of the cable 4.
ing. The electronic endoscope 1 is connected via the connector 5
Video processor with a built-in light source device and signal processing circuit
The connection is made to the processor 6. In addition,
A monitor 7 is connected to the video processor 6.
Has become. At the distal end of the insertion section 2, a hard distal end
9 and a curve that can be bent rearward adjacent to the tip 9
Units 10 are provided sequentially. Also, it is installed on the operation unit 3.
By rotating the bending operation knob 11
To bend the bending portion 10 in the horizontal direction or the vertical direction.
I can do it. The operation unit 3 has a front
It communicates with the treatment instrument channel provided in the insertion section 2.
An insertion port 12 is provided. As shown in FIG. 2, the insertion portion of the electronic endoscope 1
2, a light guide 14 for transmitting illumination light is inserted.
Have been. The distal end surface of the light guide 14 is
The illumination light is emitted from the tip 9
I can do it. In addition, the light guide 14
Is inserted into the universal cord 4
It is connected to the connector 5. In addition, the tip portion 9 includes:
An objective lens system 15 is provided.
The solid-state imaging device 16 is provided at the image forming position. this
The solid-state imaging device 16 is capable of detecting infrared rays from the
It has sensitivity over a wide wavelength range up to the region. The solid photography
Signal lines 26 and 27 are connected to the image element 16.
The signal lines 26 and 27 are connected to the insertion section 2 and the universal connector.
And is connected to the connector 5 through the
You. On the other hand, in the video processor 6, ultraviolet light
Lamp 21 that emits light in a wide band from
Have been killed. This lamp 21 has a general
A non-lamp, a strobe lamp, or the like can be used.
The xenon lamp and strobe lamp use only visible light.
Nazu emits a large amount of ultraviolet light and infrared light. This lamp 2
1 is that power is supplied by the power supply unit 22.
ing. A motor 23 is provided in front of the lamp 21.
A rotary filter 50 that is driven to rotate is provided.
The rotary filter 50 includes red (R) and green for normal observation.
(G), a filter that transmits light of each wavelength region of blue (B)
Are arranged along the circumferential direction. The motor 23 is a motor driver
The rotation is controlled by 25 and driven
I have. After passing through the rotary filter 50, R, G,
The light separated in time series into light of each wavelength region of B is further updated.
At the incident end of the light guide 14,
Is guided to the distal end portion 9 through the light guide 14,
9 to illuminate the observation site
You. Return light from the observation site due to this illumination light
Is placed on the solid-state imaging device 16 by the objective lens system 15.
An image is formed and photoelectric conversion is performed. This solid
The video device is connected to the image sensor 16 via the signal line 26.
Drive pulse from driver circuit 31 in processor 6
Is read, and read and transfer are performed by this drive pulse.
Is being done. The image read from the solid-state image sensor 16
The image signal is transmitted to the video processor via the signal line 27.
A preamplifier provided in the sensor 6 or the electronic endoscope 1
32. This preamplifier 3
2 is input to the process circuit 33.
Signal processing such as gamma correction and white balance.
And converted into a digital signal by the A / D converter 34.
Is replaced. The output signal of the A / D converter 34 is
In this case, the data is input to the memory 51. This ba
The buffer memory 51 has a capacity for storing one field.
Good. Output of buffer memory 51 and A / D converter
The output of the main memory 34 is selected by the switch SW1.
2, RE 53, GO 54, GE 55, BO 56, BE5
7 is input. Here, this memory
O is odd field, E is even field
Corresponding to the information in the field. In the main memories 52 to 57, the A / D converter
The output of the inverter 34 and the output of the buffer memory 51.
Video signals are selected and stored according to color and field.
It has become so. Exit from main memory 52-57
The force signal is post-processed in a post-processing circuit 58 and D /
Converted into analog signal by A converter 37 and output
It is supposed to be. The operation of the electronic endoscope apparatus configured as described above is described.
The use will be described. FIG. 3 shows the output of the A / D converter 34.
(Solid-state image sensor 16 output), buffer memory 51,
Write / read timing of the memory 52-57, S
This shows the switching timing of W1. RO is input from the A / D converter 34
(FIG. 3 (A)), the odd number field in the main memory
Since the data has been read (FIG. 3F), the RO signal is
Stored in the memory 51 (S1). Next, the RE signal
Input, the main memory of the even field is read.
Since the signal is not protruding, the RE signal is
It is stored in the RE 53 (S2). Next, GO signal is input
Read from the main memory changes to an even field.
The GO signal is stored in the memory GO 54 as it is.
It is stored (S3). Next, when the GE signal is input,
Since the in-memory read is an even field, the GE signal
Is input to the buffer memory 51 (S4). On the other hand, this G
E During the signal input period, the
The RO signal was replaced by a GE signal so that it could be replaced.
The data is transferred to and stored in the memory RO 52 (S5). Thereafter, similarly, the data being read from the main memory is
When a field signal is input, the buffer memory
The main memory read field changes.
The next time the signal to be stored in the buffer memory is input
To transfer the data to the main memory. Therefore, when operated as described above,
Writing to main memory while reading from main memory
No matter what timing the image signal is
There is no overtaking of writing and reading. Further, the readout of the solid-state image pickup device is expressed as RO1 → G
Even if you go in the order of E1, BO1, RE1, GO1, and BE1,
As shown in FIG. 4, the memory control may be performed similarly. In the first embodiment, the memo of the odd field is used.
Although the memory of the even field is explained separately,
May be divided by address using the same memory. Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.
You. 5 and 6 relate to the second embodiment, and FIG.
FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the unit, and FIG.
Synchronization of reading period
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining timing. As shown in FIG.
(The output of the A / D converter 34 in FIG. 2 of the first embodiment)
Force) is input to memories A to G (61 to 67). Note
The re-output is selected by SW2 to SW4 and the RGB signal
Output as a signal. The other structure is the same as that of the first embodiment. The electronic device according to the second embodiment having the above-described structure is used.
The operation of the endoscope apparatus will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG.
7 shows the operation timing of the second embodiment. At the time of input from the first A / D converter 34
In the memories A to F (61 to 66), RO,
Assume that RE, GO, GE, BO, BE are stored.
You. The contents stored in the memory F67 are arbitrary (auxiliary memo
Re). When the RO signal is input (FIG. 6A), the odd number
Since the field is being read (FIG. 6 (I)), RO
The signal is input to the memory G67 (S11). Next, RE
When a signal is input, the previous RE signal is recorded as it is.
It is input to and stored in the stored memory B62 (S1).
2). Note that the data is read out and output during this one field period.
The RO signal is the content of the previously stored memory A61.
It is. The next input GO signal is an even signal from the memory.
Since several fields have been read, the previous G
The O signal is stored in the memory C63 in which the O signal is stored (S
13). The next GE signal to be input is read in the previous field.
The stored RO signal is stored in the memory A61 where it has been stored.
It is remembered (S14). As described above, odd fields are stored in the memory.
When read, the input odd field information is
Output even field information entered in the field
Memory (this memory is auxiliary memory in this field)
Works as), store and input even field information
Store the corresponding information in the memory that stores the information. same
Thus, if an even field is read from memory,
When the input odd field information stores the corresponding information
The input even field information is stored in the memory
Output the odd field information entered in the field
Memory (this memory is auxiliary memory in this field)
Function as). This memory output is controlled by SW2 to SW4.
In the odd field, RO, GO, BO, even field
In the field, RE, GE, BE are selected and output. In the case of this embodiment, the signal stored in each memory
Although the content of the signal changes from field to field, the period shown in FIG.
Assuming one cycle, one cycle is performed in seven cycles. In the second embodiment, too, it is shown in the first embodiment.
4 from the solid-state imaging device 16 at the timing shown in FIG.
When reading, RE → GE, GO → BO, GE → R
E, BO → Go can be converted in the same way
You. In the second embodiment, an auxiliary memory is used.
Prevents overwriting of main memory write and read
And the memory control method is limited to that of FIG.
There is no. Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described.
You. 7 to 10 relate to the third embodiment, and FIG.
FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the memory unit, and FIG.
A timing diagram illustrating the timing of signals and output signals,
FIG. 9 is a timing chart for explaining the timing of the signal of the memory unit.
FIG. 10 shows the output of the buffer memory and the main memory.
It is a timing chart explaining a timing. In the third embodiment, only the structure of the memory section is described.
Unlike the first embodiment, other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment.
is there. As shown in FIG.
The symbols are the buffer memory 51 and the switches SWR70, S
Input to the terminals a of WG71 and SWB72. In addition,
The output signal of the memory 51 is SWR70, SWG7
1. Input to terminal b of SWB72. SWR70, SW
The output of G71 and SWB72 is the main memory
R73, main memory G74, main memory B75
It is designed to help. This main memory R73,
In-memory G74 and main memory B75 output image sensor
Is stored according to each color signal. Here, the memory unit input signal of each field
As shown in FIG.
Timing. That is, during each field period
When the input of the memory section is completed (in FIG. 8, the symbol B),
The timing is later than the end of the memory output. For example,
During the V blanking period of the in-memory output signal, the memory
The input of the input signal (corresponding to the even field) ends.
To do. Here, the memory section input opening during each field period
The start time (in FIG. 8, reference symbol A) is arbitrary. The operation of the memory unit 60 will be described.
You. FIG. 9 shows a memory unit input, a buffer memory,
Main memory write / read timing, each switch
This shows the timing of switch switching. In each signal, a
Indicates an odd field signal, and b indicates an even field signal.
You. First, when Ra1 is input, the main memory
Since the output of R73 is b0, the input signal is
It is stored in the in-memory R73. Next, Rb1 enters
In this case, the end of the signal of the input Rb1 is
Since it is later than the output end of output b0, an overtaking phenomenon may occur.
In order to avoid this, the Rb1 input signal is
Store it in R73. Also, Ra of the main memory R73
When storing 1, Rb1, the SWR 70 is switched to the a side.
ing. Next, when Ga1 is input, the main memo
Since the output of G74 is a0, an overtaking phenomenon occurs.
The Ga1 signal is temporarily stored in the buffer memory
1 is stored. This Ga1 signal is stored in the buffer memory 5
1 and the main memory G at the end of the Ga1 signal.
It is set to be later than the completion of the readout of a1 in FIG.
0). Next, the input Gb1 signal is sent to the buffer memory 51.
Therefore, the start time of the input Gb1 signal is delayed.
It is faster than the start of reading the even field of the memory G74.
(FIG. 10). That is, the main memory G74
Between the field a and field b reading
End of the Ga1 signal and start of the Gb1 signal within the locking period
Control the reading of the buffer memory 51 so that
You. When the Ga1 and Gb1 are stored, the SWG71 is on the b side.
Has been switched to. Thereafter, similarly, the main memory has an even field.
When reading the data, the input of the memory unit 60 is
The main memory is stored in the main memory
When reading the field, the input of the memory unit 60 is
Main memory at the above timing via the buffer memory 51.
Stored in Mori. SWR70, SWG71, SWB7
2 is also a signal to be written to the main memory
A for signal, for output signal of buffer memory 51
Is controlled to switch to b. By operating as described above, the write
No overtaking of the readout occurs, and the communication can be understood from FIG.
The mainmemoryAre updated continuously (the same frame information
Information is updated every three field periods)
Also, the RGB signals can be synchronized with a natural feeling. The memo of each field period shown in FIG.
Timing between the input signal of the re-unit 60 and the output of the main memory
Input to the memory unit 60 during each field period.
At the beginning (in FIG. 8, symbol A), the output of the main memory starts (FIG. 8).
Middle: buffer memo at timing earlier than code C)
Operating the cell 51 as a delay line of a 1/2 field period.
Then, the relationship of FIG. 10 can always be satisfied. Further, the method of the present embodiment employs a main memory
In the order of odd field → even field
Therefore, the main memory can be composed of one chip storage element,
Thus, one frame is stored in the one-chip storage element.
Can be operated with simple control. Also,
Write address reset at the start of odd field storage
At the beginning of reading odd fields.
Just by performing a dress reset, the FIFO type
It can also be operated in a moly, making the operation method easier
Become. [0063] According to the present invention, as described above,
The electronic endoscope apparatus according to the present invention, by the synchronization readout means,
Stored in the odd information storage means or the even information storage means
Read in response to a plurality of illumination lights from the illuminating means
Information or at least one stored in the auxiliary storage means.
When reading information for a field,
Information storage means or even information storage not performed
The storage means corresponds to the plurality of illumination lights from the illumination means.
Information to be read or stored in auxiliary storage means
Store at least one field of information
So that continuous information can be output from the main storage
As described above, the plurality of illumination light
And the information read out from the main storage means.
In the main storage means,
Output from the read means or auxiliary storage means for writing
Information to be controlled, so
Memory read / write by tareace read imaging method
The effect that the discontinuity of the image does not occur
is there.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing an overall configuration of an electronic endoscope apparatus according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a main part of the electronic endoscope apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram for explaining timings of writing and reading to and from a simultaneous memory during a reading period from the solid-state imaging device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the timing of writing to and reading from the synchronous memory during the readout period from the solid-state image sensor in the method of reading the solid-state image sensor different from FIG. 3 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a memory unit according to a second embodiment. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating timings of writing and reading data to and from a simultaneous memory during a reading period from the solid-state imaging device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a memory unit according to a third embodiment. FIG. 8 is a timing chart illustrating timings of an input signal and an output signal of a memory unit according to a third embodiment. FIG. 9 is a timing chart for explaining signal timings of a memory unit according to the third embodiment. FIG. 10 is a timing chart for explaining output timings of a buffer memory and a main memory according to a third embodiment. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a main part of an electronic endoscope apparatus according to a conventional example. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a method for reading from a solid-state imaging device according to a conventional example. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the timing of reading from the synchronous memory according to the conventional example. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the timing of writing and reading to and from the synchronous memory during the read period from the solid-state imaging device according to the conventional example. [Description of Signs] 1 ... Electronic endoscope 6 ... Video processor 16 ... Solid-state imaging device 42 ... Timing generator 51 ... Buffer memory 52 ... RO main memory 53 ... RE main memory 54 ... GO main memory 55 ... GE main memory 56 ... BO main memory 57: BE main memory 60: memory unit

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (58) Field surveyed (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) A61B 1/00-1/32 G02B 23/24-23/26

Claims (1)

(57) [Claims] [Claim 1] By a plurality of illumination lights having different wavelength ranges,
Illuminating means for illuminating in chronological order; a solid-state imaging device for capturing an image of a subject illuminated by the illumination light from the illuminating means; reading means for reading alternately divided into an auxiliary storage means for storing at least one field of information from the solid-state imaging device to be read by the reading means, an output from said reading means, or from said auxiliary storage means selection means for selecting an output of, and a main memory means for synchronization and stores the information output for each syngeneic color from said selection means, corresponding to the plurality of illuminating light from the lighting means Read
And information read by looking out means, from the relationship between the field data output from said main memory means, said main memory
Means to output continuous information from the means.
An electronic endoscope apparatus for controlling a step .