JP4362571B2 - Endoscopic view system with electric optical coupler - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an endoscope view system, and more specifically to an endoscope view system including an electric optical coupler.

  If endoscopic surgery is possible, the surgeon usually wants to perform endoscopic surgery. When performing endoscopic surgery, the endoscope is inserted into the surgical site of the human body. An endoscope is an extension tube, and a surgeon can visually observe a part of a human body into which the endoscope is inserted. The surgeon views with an endoscope, thereby manipulating other surgical instruments inserted into the surgical site of the human body. As with other instruments, the development of endoscopes has minimized invasive surgery. In this type of surgery, large incisions to access the surgical site have been avoided. Instead, the surgeon inserts an endoscope or other instrument into a small incision (portal) in the human body. One of the advantages of endoscopic surgery is that, since the incision is small, the number of human parts to be cured after surgery is reduced. Furthermore, since the patient's internal tissue that is open to the outside is less, the extent to which the patient's tissues and organs are infected is also reduced.

  Initially, endoscopes only had eyepieces that allow the surgeon to view the surgical site. However, modern endoscope systems include a camera assembly with a camera head attached to the proximal end of the endoscope. A signal processor inputs an output signal from the camera head. This output signal is converted into an electrical signal to be displayed on the monitor by the signal processor. This system allows surgeons and operating personnel in the operating room to immediately identify the surgical site by monitoring the monitor.

  Usually, an endoscope system includes a lens assembly between a proximal end of the endoscope and a camera head. This lens assembly is loaded into a coupler attached to the proximal end of the endoscope. The lens assembly includes one or more lenses that concentrate the image on a transducer in the camera head. The lens assembly also includes one or more lenses that move to arbitrarily enlarge the image.

  Modern camera assemblies can also process the output signal emitted by the camera head to display the image as desired by the surgeon. In particular, such an assembly can enlarge a portion of the output signal to enlarge the image of the surgical site. Such a system is disclosed in the specification of US Pat. No. 6,224,542 (Endoscopic Camera System With Non-Mechanical Zoom), issued May 1, 2001, and is incorporated herein by reference. Shall be.

These assemblies can also enhance the received camera head output signal to clearly display the acquired image on the camera display. Such a system is disclosed in the specification of U.S. Patent Application No. 09 / 917,473, filed July 27, 2001 (ENDOSCOPIC CAMERA SYSTEM WITH AUTOMATIC NON-MECHANIC FOCUS) and described herein with this reference. Shall.
US Pat. No. 6,224,542 US patent application Ser. No. 09 / 917,473

  However, conventionally, at the time of surgery, the surgeon may want to temporarily change the magnification (viewing area) of the surgical site displayed on the monitor. To achieve this, surgeons and surgical personnel often need to adjust the lens position in the coupler and adjust the magnification setting of the video signal processor. This adjustment extends the time required for surgery and diverts attention to the surgical site.

  In some cases, the quality of the image of the surgical site by the endoscope system may deteriorate during surgery. Therefore, it is necessary to readjust the lens position in the coupler and / or readjust the video image processing at the camera position. In addition, since surgeons and surgical personnel need to take such actions, the surgeon's attention to the surgical site is diverted, and the total operation time may be extended. This is contrary to one of the modern surgical objectives of performing the surgery as quickly as possible to minimize the time the patient is in anesthesia.

  The present invention relates to an endoscope view system including a novel and useful electric zoom coupler. The endoscope view system includes a camera. The coupler is configured to attach the camera to the proximal end of the endoscope. A monitor is provided to display the image detected by the camera. The coupler has a plurality of lenses in the sleeve. Further, the coupler includes a first motor and a second motor. Each of the first motor and the second motor relatively moves at least a part of the lens with respect to the sleeve. The coupler can optically focus the image and enlarge the image. The system according to the invention comprises a control console for adjusting the lens settings of the coupler and processing the video signal emitted by the camera. The control center digitally focuses the image and enlarges the image.

  Such a structure of the endoscope view system allows the surgeon to process the image displayed on the monitor optically and electronically with a single control unit. Since the image can be changed digitally and optically, it is possible to zoom to a wider side and obtain a wider focus area. Further, even when the object moves far away from the focus as in the conventional endoscope system, it is not necessary to remove the endoscope or change the position. In addition, the electric zoom coupler of the present invention is easy to use and can quickly zoom and focus on an object. Since manual control is not required for enlargement and / or focus adjustment of the surgical site image, time extension due to surgery is reduced. Furthermore, the overall size of the coupler is the same as the conventional coupler. Therefore, this coupler does not require a special adapter and can be used for an existing endoscope camera.

  The invention shows its particularity in the claims. The above-described features and advantages of the present invention and other features and advantages of the present invention will be better understood by referring to the following description based on the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 shows an endoscope view system 20 of the present invention. The endoscope view system 20 includes an endoscope 22 and a camera system 26 attached to the vicinity end 24 of the endoscope 22. The endoscope is inserted into the body through the portal 32. The camera system 26 itself includes a camera head 28 (FIG. 2) physically attached to the endoscope 22.

  In the camera head 28, there is provided a transducer 29 for converting a light beam constituting an image of the surgical site into a video output signal. In one form of the invention, transducer 29 includes a prism assembly that divides the image into the three primary color components red, green, and blue. Individual image components are sent to an independent CCD (Charge Coupled Device). The blue, green and blue video output signals from the transducer 29 are sent to the camera control unit 34, respectively. The camera control unit 34 converts a video output signal from the camera head 28 into a display signal. The camera control unit 34 can arbitrarily zoom in on the image portion acquired by the camera head 28, thereby enabling an enlarged display of the image.

  The display signal generated by the camera control unit 34 is sent to a monitor 36 that displays the image desired by the surgeon. The camera control unit 34 can also focus the image displayed on the monitor 36. Such a camera system 26 incorporated into the endoscope view system 20 of the present invention includes a 988 3-chip camera manufactured by Striker Endo Photocopy (Santa Clara, Calif.), The assignee of the application. This system is disclosed in the specification of U.S. Patent Application No. 09 / 917,473 filed July 27, 2001 (ENDOSCOPIC CAMERA WITH AUTOMATIC NON-MECHANIC FOCUS) and is described in this application with this reference. And

  The camera head 28 is attached to the proximal end 24 of the endoscope 22. The electric zoom coupler 38 is provided in the camera head 28. As already mentioned, the coupler 38 comprises a plurality of lenses that move to focus the image sent to the camera head transducer. The lens is also arbitrarily movable to enlarge the image sent to the camera head transducer. The coupler 38 includes one or more motors 128 and 138 (see FIGS. 2 and 8, respectively) that arbitrarily move the lens. The energizing signal for driving the motor is generated by the camera control unit 34. The camera control unit 34 receives a signal indicating the relative position of the lens from the coupler 38.

  The surgeon can adjust the image of the surgical site displayed by the endoscopic view system 20 at the operating room control center 42. The control center 42 sends a signal to the camera control unit 34 in response to the touch screen or voice command. Based on the signal from the control center 42, the camera control unit 34 sets the lens in the coupler 38 to an appropriate magnification position. Alternatively, based on a command from the control center 42, the camera control unit 34 resets the lens so that the image sent to the transducer 29 is refocused or appropriately positioned. Also, based on commands from the control center 42, the camera control unit 34 processes the signal received from the camera head transducer 29 and digitally corrects, focuses and / or focuses the final acquired image displayed on the monitor 36. Zoom in arbitrarily.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the camera head 28 includes a case 40. The clamp 50 is attached to the distal end 46 of the case 40, whereby the camera head 28 can be removably attached to the proximal end of the endoscope 22. The transducer 29 and the coupler 38 are provided in the case 40.

  Coupler 38 includes a main sleeve 52 having a longitudinal axis 54. The plurality of lenses 60, 62, 64, 66, 68 can move within the main sleeve 52. The lenses 60 to 68 move relatively with respect to the main sleeve 52 and with respect to each lens. As described in detail, the first lens 60 is a concave lens, the second lens 62 is a concave / convex lens, the third lens 64 is a biconvex lens, the fourth lens 66 is a biconcave lens, and a fifth lens 68 in order from the vicinity of the main sleeve 52. Is a biconvex lens. The lenses 60 to 68 are formed so that the magnification of the image sent to the transducer 29 changes when they move relative to the main sleeve 52 and each lens. On the other hand, when the lenses 60 to 68 move with reference to only the main sleeve 52, the image focus appearing on the surface of the transducer 29 of the camera head changes.

  The five lenses 60 to 68 are supported in the coupler 38 by an annular lens holder. The first lens 60 and the second lens 62 are attached to the first lens holder 70. The first lens holder 70 includes a pin 76 that extends radially outward. The second lens holder 72 supports the third lens 64. The pin 78 is included in the second lens holder 72. The fourth lens 66 and the fifth lens 68 are attached to the third lens holder 74. The third lens holder 74 includes a pin 80.

  The lens holders 70 to 74 are movably supported by the lens sleeve 82 in the main sleeve 52. The lens sleeve 82 moves axially along the longitudinal axis 54 as shown in FIG. As will be described below, the coupler 38 is configured so that the lens sleeve 82 does not rotate about the longitudinal axis 54. The lens sleeve 82 has a proximal end 84 and a distal end 86. The lens sleeve 82 includes four spiral slots, each extending the circumference of the sleeve by half. These slots are provided with a first slot 88, a second slot 90, a third slot 92, and a fourth slot 94 from the proximal end 84 side toward the far end 86 side.

  The pin 76 extends the first slot 88 and couples the first lens holder 70 to the lens sleeve 82. The pin 78 extends the second slot 90 and couples the second lens holder 72 to the lens sleeve 82. The pin 80 extends the third slot 92 and couples the third lens holder 74 to the lens sleeve 82. Each of the slots 88 to 92 is sized so that the pins 76 to 80 can slide.

  As best shown in FIG. 4, the first ends of the slots 88-92 terminate in a first line that extends the length of the lens sleeve 82. The second ends of the slots 88 to 92 are centered on a second line that extends the length of the lens sleeve 82. The vertical distance in which the lens holders 70 to 74 and, in turn, the lenses 60 to 68 can move is limited by the vertical distance of each of the slots 88 to 92.

  Further, the lens sleeve 82 is formed so that the inclination angles of the slots 88, 90, and 92 are different. When the pin 76 and the pin 78 move in the slot 88 and the slot 90, respectively, the vertical distance between the first lens 60 / second lens 62 and the third lens 64 changes. Similarly, when the pin 78 and the pin 80 move in the slot 90 and the slot 92, respectively, the vertical distance between the third lens 64, the fourth lens 66, and the fifth lens 68 changes. Similarly, when the pins 76 and 80 move in the slots 88 and 92, the vertical distances between the first lens 60 and the second lens 62 and the fourth lens 66 and the fifth lens 68 change, respectively. As described above, when the lenses 60 to 68 move with reference to a certain point of the main sleeve 52, they move relatively with respect to each lens.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, the drive sleeve 96 is fitted between the main sleeve 52 and the lens sleeve 82. The drive sleeve 96 rotates about the longitudinal axis 54 within the coupler 38. The drive sleeve 96 has a proximal end 98 and a distal end 100. When the drive sleeve 96 is disposed on the coupler 38, the distal end 100 terminates above the fourth slot 94 of the lens sleeve 82. The longitudinal slot 102 extends from the proximal end 98 of the drive sleeve 96 to the distal end 100. The bore 104 passes through the proximal end 98 of the drive sleeve 96. The bore 104 is offset about 90 degrees around the drive sleeve 96 from the longitudinal slot 102. The drive sleeve 96 surrounds the lens sleeve 82 such that the longitudinal slot 102 is disposed over the slots 88-92.

  Pins 76-80 extend the longitudinal slot 102 of the drive sleeve 96, as shown in FIGS. 7a and 7b. When the drive sleeve 96 rotates, the pins 76 to 80 move in the slots 88 to 92 and rotate with respect to the lens sleeve 82. When the pins 76 to 80 are rotated, the lens holders 70 to 74 are also rotated accordingly. When the lens holders 70 to 74 are rotated, the lenses 60 to 68 are also rotated with respect to the main sleeve 52. Since the inclination angles of the slots 88 to 92 are different, the lenses 60 to 68 move with reference to each lens.

  As indicated above, when the lenses 60-68 are moved relative to each lens and relative to the main sleeve 52, the magnification of the image sent to the transducer 29 of the camera head changes. When the drive sleeve 96 rotates, the arrangement of the lenses 60 to 68 changes as described above. Then, the limit of the enlargement zoom ratio of the coupler 38 is determined by the rotation limit of the drive sleeve 96.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the main sleeve 52 surrounds the drive sleeve 96. The main sleeve 52 has a proximal end 56 and a distal end 58. Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the vicinity slot 106 extends the vicinity end 56 of the main sleeve 52. The far slot 108 extends the far end 58 of the main sleeve 52. Both the near slot 106 and the far slot 108 are oriented in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 54. The neighboring slot 106 extends half way around the main sleeve 52. The far slot 108 also extends half way around the main sleeve 52 but is offset from the neighboring slot 106 by 90 degrees.

  When the coupler 38 is assembled, the bore 104 of the drive sleeve 96 is aligned with the adjacent slot 106 of the main sleeve 52. The drive sleeve 96 is held on the main sleeve 52 by a pin 110 extending through the proximal slot 106 and the bore 104. In this way, the drive sleeve 96 is coupled to the main sleeve 52 such that the drive sleeve 96 does not translate relative to the main sleeve 52.

  As the pin 110 of the proximal slot 106 rotates, the drive sleeve 96 rotates about the longitudinal axis 54. The drive sleeve 96 is dimensioned such that its distal end 100 is located above the main sleeve's distal slot 108. The limit of rotation of the drive sleeve 96 will be determined by the arcuate perimeter of the neighboring slot 106. The adjacent slot 106 extends halfway around the main sleeve 52 of the coupler 38 so that the drive sleeve 96 can rotate 180 degrees.

  The pin 112 extends through the remote slot 108 of the main sleeve 52 to the slot 94 of the lens sleeve. Accordingly, the pin 112 holds the lens sleeve in the main sleeve 52. The pin 112 is movable within the remote slot 108 of the main sleeve. When the pin 112 moves, it acts on the surface of the lens sleeve 82 constituting the slot 94. When the pin 112 is used, the drive sleeve 96 is locked. Accordingly, the drive sleeve 96 prevents the lens holders 76, 78, and 80 from rotating. The pins 76, 78, and 80 of the lens holder thus function as anti-rotation pins that prevent the lens sleeve 82 from rotating. As a result, when the pin 112 moves on the surface near the lens sleeve 82, this surface functions as a cam surface. More specifically, since the lens sleeve is not rotatable, the force of the pin 112 results in the lens sleeve 82 moving axially along the longitudinal axis 54. As the lens sleeve 82 moves in the longitudinal direction, the lens holder pins 76, 78, 80, lens holders 70, 72, 74, and lenses 60 to 68 move in the same manner.

  The limit of the horizontal movement of the lens sleeve 82 is determined by the vertical distance between the first end and the second end of the fourth slot 94.

  When the lens sleeve 82 moves axially with respect to the drive sleeve 96, the pins 76-80 move horizontally within the longitudinal slot 102. Therefore, the lenses 60 to 68 move in the axial direction together with the lens sleeve 82. As described above, when the lenses 60 to 68 move with respect to the main sleeve 52, the focus of the image sent to the transducer 29 changes. Therefore, the limit of the optical focus of the coupler 38 is determined by the limit of the horizontal movement of the lens sleeve 82.

  Returning to FIG. 3, the zoom adjustment ring 114 is attached to the proximal end 56 of the main sleeve 52. The pin 110 extends from the bore 104 through the proximal slot 106 to the zoom adjustment ring 114. Accordingly, both the zoom adjustment ring 114 and the drive sleeve 96 rotate about the longitudinal axis 54. The zoom adjustment ring gear 116 is attached to the zoom adjustment ring 114.

  The focus adjustment ring 118 is attached to the far end 58 of the main sleeve 52. The pin 112 extends from the fourth slot 94 through the remote slot 108 of the main sleeve 52 to the focus adjustment ring 118. The lens sleeve 82 moves with the rotation of the focus adjustment ring. The focus adjustment ring 118 includes a focus adjustment ring gear 120.

  The motor case 122 is attached to the main sleeve 52. The zoom motor assembly 126 and the focus motor assembly 136 are mounted in the motor case 122. The zoom motor assembly 126 includes a zoom gear box 130 that controls the output of the zoom motor 128. The zoom motor shaft 132 is connected to the opposite end of the zoom gear box 130. The zoom spur gear 134 is disposed around the zoom motor shaft 132. The zoom motor 128 is disposed so that the zoom spur gear 134 is positioned near the vicinity end 56 of the main sleeve 52. The zoom spur gear 134 is configured to engage with the zoom adjustment ring gear 116. When the zoom spur gear 134 rotates, the zoom adjustment ring 114 rotates correspondingly.

  The focus motor assembly 136 is substantially the same as the zoom motor assembly 126. The focus motor assembly 136 includes a focus motor 138 connected to the focus gear box 140. The focus motor 138 also includes a focus motor shaft 142. The focus spur gear 144 is positioned around the focus motor shaft 142. The focus motor 138 is disposed so that the focus spur gear 144 is positioned near the far end of the main sleeve 52. The focus spur gear 144 is configured to engage with the focus ring gear 120. When the focus spur gear 144 rotates, the focus adjustment ring 118 rotates correspondingly.

  The zoom motor 128 and the focus motor 138 are preferably relatively small (height less than 0.5 inch (about 12.7 mm)) so that the coupler 38 of the present invention is the same size as a conventional coupler. . A motor of this size can output at a high speed of about 100,000 rpm, but usually has a relatively small torque. Therefore, the zoom gear box 130 and the focus gear box 140 have planetary gear trains. This planetary gear train functions as a reduction gear that increases the output torque amount of the zoom motor shaft 132 and the focus motor shaft 142. Further, any suitable motor may be used, but the zoom motor 128 and the focus motor 138 are preferably three-phase motors.

  As best shown in FIG. 8, the coupler 38 includes a plurality of sensors that detect the lens position within the coupler 38. The zoom setting sensor 146 is located in the slot 148 of the motor case 122 near the zoom spur gear 134. The focus setting sensor 152 is located in the slot 154 of the motor case 122 near the focus spur gear 144. Both the zoom setting sensor 146 and the focus setting sensor 152 are electrically connected to the camera control unit 34. The zoom setting sensor 146 and the focus setting sensor 152 output a signal corresponding to the lens arrangement in the coupler 38 to the camera control unit 34 through this electrical connection. In one form of the invention, the zoom setting sensor 146 and the focus setting sensor 152 are Hall effect sensors. When the camera control unit 34 determines that the optical zoom limit and the optical focus limit have been reached, data representing the state of the coupler is transferred to the control center 42.

  As shown in FIG. 8, two magnets 150 are attached to the zoom adjustment ring 114. The magnet 150 is located at a position corresponding to the optical zoom limit of the coupler 38. As the zoom adjustment ring 114 rotates, one of the magnets 150 approaches the zoom setting sensor 146.

  When the zoom setting sensor 146 detects one of the magnets 150, the zoom setting sensor 146 sends a signal to the camera control unit 34. The intensity of this signal changes as the magnet 150 approaches the zoom setting sensor 146. Based on this signal, the camera control unit 34 determines the positions of the lenses 60 to 68 in the coupler 38. When the signal intensity indicates that the lens is at one of the optical zoom limit positions, the camera control unit 34 stops the zoom motor 128. The camera control unit 34 can still operate the zoom motor 128 and move the lenses 60 to 68 in the opposite direction.

  As shown in FIG. 8, two magnets 156 are attached to the focus adjustment ring 118. Each of the magnets 156 is positioned in the focus adjustment ring 118 such that the position of the magnet 156 with respect to the focus setting sensor 152 is the maximum movable distance in one direction of the lens sleeve 82. That is, each of the magnets 156 is positioned such that the focus setting sensor 152 transmits an appropriate signal to the camera control unit 34 when the lenses 60 to 68 reach one of the focus limits.

  The output signal of the focus setting sensor 152 is transmitted to the camera control unit 34. Based on the state of the output signal, the camera control unit 34 determines the positions of the lenses 60 to 68 in the coupler 38. If the signal intensity indicates that the lens is at the optical focus limit at the coupler 38, the camera control unit 34 stops the focus motor 138. The camera control unit 34 no longer drives the focus motor 138 to move the lenses 60-68 in this direction. However, since the camera control unit 34 moves the lenses 60 to 68 in the opposite direction, driving of the zoom motor 128 is not hindered.

  Alternatively, a magnet can be additionally arranged in the vicinity of the zoom adjustment ring 114 and the focus adjustment ring 118. In the embodiment of FIG. 8, the magnets attached to each adjustment ring can have the same magnetic field strength. However, as shown in FIG. 9, magnets having different magnetic field strengths can be additionally arranged in the coupler 38. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, a series of magnets having different magnetic field strengths and polarities can be provided on one or both of the adjustment rings 114 and 118. The camera control unit 34 evaluates the signal intensity transmitted by the focus setting sensor 152 and determines the placement of the magnet within the optical limit of the coupler 38.

  For example, a number of additional magnets 150 can be provided around the zoom adjustment ring 114 depending on the zoom increment. The first magnet can be arranged successively such as 1.25 times, and the second magnet can be arranged at a magnification of 1.5 times. Rather than giving a zoom out or zoom in command, the surgeon directly causes the coupler 38 to zoom 1.5 times. In this case, the control center 42 sends a signal for driving the zoom motor 128 to the camera control unit 34. The zoom setting sensor 146 transmits a lens position signal to the coupler command center 40 in response to the approach of the magnet 150. The signal strength is based on the approach of the magnet 150 and the detected magnetic field strength of the magnet 150. When the signal from the zoom setting sensor 146 indicates that the lenses 60 to 68 have the desired arrangement, the control center 42 sends a signal for stopping the zoom motor 128 to the camera control unit 34.

  The branch circuit in the camera control unit 34 is shown in FIG. The camera control unit 34 includes an electronic shutter 202. This electronic shutter gates (scans) the CCD pixels integrated in the camera control unit 34 to acquire the charge of each pixel. The electronic shutter 202 generates individual blue, green, and blue output signals representing the primary color components of the acquired image based on this charge amount. These blue, green and blue output signals are individually amplified. In FIG. 10, a single amplifier (A) 204 is shown as performing this amplification. However, it will be understood that separate amplifiers may be provided that optionally amplify or attenuate each primary color signal. These amplifiers may be analog amplifiers that amplify the three primary color signals from the transducer 29 before they are sent to the electronic shutter 202.

  The camera control unit 34 also includes an optical sensor circuit (LS) 206. The optical sensor circuit 206 receives from the electronic shutter 202 an output signal representing the surgical site light acquired by the camera head 28.

  A signal from the amplifier 204 is sent to the video signal processing unit 207. Usually, the video signal processing unit 207 is a digital signal processing device. The video signal processor 207 can be inserted between the individual pixel signals to generate an enlarged portion of the acquired image, among other processes. The output signal of the video signal processing unit 207 becomes an output signal constituting an image and is sent to the monitor 36.

  The electronic shutter 202, the amplifier 204, the optical sensor circuit 206, and the video signal processing unit 207 are connected to the microcontroller 208. The optical sensor circuit 206 sends a signal indicating the light level of the surgical site to the microcontroller 208. In accordance with this input variable and other variables, the microcontroller 208 determines the gate processing rate of the CCD pixel by the electronic shutter 202 and also determines the amplification amount or attenuation amount of the three primary color signals of the amplifier 204. The microcontroller 208 also controls video signal processing by the video signal processing unit 207.

  In addition, the microcontroller 208 receives output signals from the zoom setting sensor 146 and the focus setting sensor 152 as input signals. A zoom drive unit 210 is also provided in the camera control unit 34. The zoom driving unit 210 selectively applies an urging signal to the zoom motor (M) 128. A focus driving unit 212 is also provided. The focus driving unit 212 selectively applies an urging signal to the focus motor (M) 138. The microcontroller 208 adjusts the motor energizing signal sent by the zoom drive unit 210 and the focus drive unit 212.

  The camera control unit 34 also includes a graphic generator 214. As a result, the camera control unit 34 can display a message on the monitor 36. The microcontroller 208 issues a command to the graphic generator 214 to generate an arbitrary message. In FIG. 10, the output signal generated by the graphic generator 214 is applied to the display signal output from the video signal processing unit 207 by the mixer 216.

  The operation of the endoscope view system 20 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a response to the surgical site enlargement zoom-in command of the endoscope view system 20. Recall that the control center 42 described herein can accept touch screens or voice commands. However, the coupler 38 of the present invention can be used in any suitable manner that allows the control center to receive commands. Further, at any time when the command is executed, the surgeon can issue a stop command to prevent the operation of the control center 42 from being completed.

  As shown in FIG. 11, a zoom-in command for the displayed surgical site image is received from the surgeon (step 250). In response to this command, the microcontroller 208 of the camera control unit 34 first determines whether or not the coupler 38 is at the maximum optical zoom position (step 252). This determination is made by the microcontroller 208 based on the output signal received from the zoom setting sensor 146. If the coupler 38 is not at the maximum optical zoom position, the camera control unit 34 applies the bias signal to the zoom motor 128 (step 254).

  Since the positions of the lenses 60 to 68 change in the coupler 38, the microcontroller 208 of the camera control unit 34 inputs a signal from the zoom setting sensor 146. Upon receiving this signal, the microcontroller 208 first determines whether or not the lenses 60 to 68 have moved to the desired magnification (step 256). This determination is made based on the measured value of the driving time of the zoom motor 128. Alternatively, this determination may be made based on whether or not the signal from the zoom setting sensor 146 indicates that the desired lens position movement has occurred. If the lens position is appropriate, the microcontroller 208 signals the zoom driver 210 to stop the zoom motor 128 (step 258).

  If the lens has not moved to the desired position, the microcontroller 208 continues to evaluate the signal from the zoom setting sensor 146 to determine whether the lenses 60-68 have reached the maximum optical zoom position. (Step 260). If the signal indicates that this maximum zoom limit has been reached, the camera control unit 34 performs two processes. First, the micro controller 208 sends a signal to stop the zoom motor 128 to the zoom driver 210 (step 262). Thus, excessive wear of the zoom motor 128 caused by driving the zoom motor 128 in a direction in which the zoom adjustment ring 114 can no longer rotate can be avoided. Next, the microcontroller 208 sends a signal to the graphic generator 214 for overwriting the message that the zoom limit has been reached (step 264). The graphic generator 214 applies a display output signal by the mixer 216 and overwrites and displays the message on the monitor 36. If the surgeon wishes to expand further, he will enter such a command at the control center 42.

  As is apparent from the above, in the execution of step 252, the camera control unit 34 may determine that the coupler lens is at the maximum zoom position. In this state, the microcontroller 208 sends a signal to the video signal processor 207 to digitally enlarge the image on the monitor 36 (step 266). This digital enlarged image is displayed on the monitor 36 (step 268). The camera control unit 34 causes the graphic generator 214 to display a message on the monitor 36 indicating that the image has been digitally enlarged.

  FIG. 12 shows a response to a zoom-out command at the surgical site of the endoscope view system 20. The surgeon inputs a zoom-out command to the control center 42 (step 280), and the zoom-out command is transmitted to the camera control unit 34. Based on this control unit status flag, the microcontroller 208 determines whether the image displayed on the monitor 36 is digitally magnified (step 282). If the image is not digitally magnified, the microcontroller 208 sends a signal to drive the zoom motor 128 to the zoom driver 210 (step 284). As a result, the coupler lens moves to reduce the magnification of the image sent to the transducer 29.

  When the coupler 38 optically adjusts image magnification, the camera control unit 34 monitors the placement of the lenses 60-68. The placement of the lenses 60-68 is monitored based on signals received by the microcontroller 208 from the zoom setting sensor 146. Microcontroller 208 evaluates this signal to determine the position of lenses 60-68 within coupler 38.

  The microcontroller 208 determines whether or not the image enlargement rate has reached a desired level (step 286). This determination is made according to how long the zoom motor 128 has been driven. Alternatively, this determination is made by evaluating the lens moving distance of the coupler based on the output signal change from the zoom setting sensor 146. If the enlargement ratio has decreased appropriately, the microcontroller 208 sends a signal to stop driving the zoom motor 128 to the zoom drive unit 210 (step 288).

  If the enlargement ratio is not changed to the desired level, the microcontroller 208 continues to monitor the lens position in the coupler 38 based on the signal from the zoom setting sensor 146.

  Microcontroller 208 evaluates the signal from zoom setting sensor 146 to determine whether the minimum optical magnification of lenses 60-68 has been reached (step 290). If the signal indicates that the minimum zoom limit has been reached, the microcontroller 208 sends a signal to stop the zoom motor 128 to the zoom driver 210 (step 292). The surgeon can also be notified that the minimum zoom limit has been reached. The camera control unit 34 then transmits a lens state signal to the control center 42 (step 294). If the minimum zoom limit has not been reached, the microcontroller 208 continues to monitor the position of the lenses 60-68 in the coupler 38.

  Returning to step 282, if the image is digitally magnified, the control center 42 sends a command to the camera control unit 34 to reprocess the image (step 296). The video signal processing unit 207 then digitally reprocesses the image. At this time, the microcontroller 208 sends a signal to the graphic generator 214 to display to the surgeon that the zoom out function is being performed digitally rather than optically.

  11 and 12 show the response of the endoscope view system 20 when the camera control unit 34 receives a zoom-in command or a zoom-out command. The endoscope view system 20 refocuses the image displayed on the monitor 36 optically or electronically. This refocusing is performed as a result of monitoring by the camera control unit 34 or in response to the control center 42 receiving a command.

  FIG. 13 shows steps for performing autofocus on an image displayed on the monitor 36 by the endoscope view system 20. The microcontroller 208 determines whether the image is in focus based on the output image signal generated by the video signal processor 207 (step 300). This determination is made by monitoring the energy levels of the signals making up the image. When the image is initially focused, the surgeon inputs a command to the control center 42 to specify this condition. At this time, the microcontroller 208 stores data indicating the image energy level. If the image is out of focus, the energy level specified by the image changes. Microcontroller 208 interprets this change in energy level as the focus of the image has changed.

  Alternatively, the video signal processing unit 207 can use the contour detection software to monitor the sharpness of the signal indicating the contour between two items of the acquired image. Usually this software compares the individual parts of the image (peripheral parts where the brightness varies greatly are considered to constitute the contour). If the software indicates that the outline is blurred, the video signal processing unit 207 or the microcontroller 208 recognizes that the image is out of focus.

  If the microcontroller 208 determines that the image is not out of focus, no processing is performed. The microcontroller 208 continues to monitor the focus state of the image during surgery.

  If the microcontroller 208 determines that the image is out of focus, it proceeds to step 302. In step 302, the microcontroller 208 determines whether the image blur is large or small. This determination is made by evaluating the degree of change in the energy level of the signals constituting the image. In particular, large energy level changes are perceived as having large blurring. Alternatively, this determination can also be made by evaluating the degree of image contour blur constituting the display signal.

  If the image blur is large, the image is optically refocused. The microcontroller 208 sends a signal for driving the focus motor 138 to the focus driver 212 (step 304). When the focus motor 138 is driven, the microcontroller 208 monitors the position of the lens. Based on the approach degree of the focus magnet 156, the focus setting sensor 152 sends a signal related to the arrangement of the lenses 60 to 68 to the microcontroller 208.

  After receiving this signal, microcontroller 208 determines whether the maximum or minimum focus limit of coupler 38 has been reached (step 306). If this limit is not reached, the image focus is further optically adjusted. Alternatively, when the image is in focus again, the focus motor is stopped and the coupler lens is moved according to a command input from the control center 42 (this step is not shown). The microcontroller 208 continues to monitor the positions of the lenses 60 to 68 based on the signal from the focus setting sensor 152. If the maximum or minimum focus limit is reached, the microcontroller 208 sends a signal to stop the focus motor 138 to the focus driver 212 (step 308). At this time, the microcontroller 208 can also send a signal to the graphic generator 214 to display on the monitor 36 that the focus limit has been reached. This can be done in another way, for example by voice message.

  Returning to step 302, if the image blur is small, the microcontroller 208 signals the camera head 28 to electronically correct the image (step 312). Once the image is corrected electronically, the microcontroller 208 monitors the image sent to the monitor 36 to determine whether it is in focus (step 314). If the image is in focus, the microcontroller 208 sends a signal to the camera head 28 to end the electronic correction of the image (step 316). If the image is not in focus, microcontroller 208 drives focus motor 138 to reset the lens to optically refocus the lens, then execute step 304.

  That is, it will be appreciated that the endoscopic view system 20 performs step 304 when it reaches a state where the electronic focus circuit cannot further improve the quality of the output display signal. This circuit provides a feedback signal to the microcontroller 208 when such a state is reached. Alternatively, by monitoring the command sent to the focus circuit, the microcontroller 208 internally determines when it has reached a state where the electronic focus circuit can no longer improve image quality.

  As already mentioned, the surgeon may wish to further adjust the image focus. In this case, the surgeon can send a focus command. That is, step 300 in FIG. 13 may be changed depending on whether or not the control center 42 has received a command. Based on a specific command, such as the command “electronic focus”, the surgeon first causes the camera control unit 34 to make an electronic correction through the control center 42. Alternatively, in response to “focus in” and “focus out” commands, the control center 42 causes the camera control unit 34 to selectively move the lens forward and backward of the endoscope 22.

  It will be understood that the above description is for illustrative purposes only and that other embodiments of the invention are possible without departing from the scope of the claims. For example, a sensor other than the Hall effect sensor can be used for monitoring. Such sensors include optical sensors that monitor the rotational positions of the zoom adjustment ring 114 and the focus adjustment ring 118. Alternatively, a potentiometer can be used to monitor such ring position.

  Furthermore, although the endoscope view system 20 used with the control center 42 capable of inputting a touch screen and voice commands has been described, the present invention is not limited to such a system. For example, a zoom command and a focus command can be input through movement of one or more switches or pedals that communicate with the control center 42.

  Also, although a lens system with specific individual lenses has been described, any lens and / or lens system can be used where appropriate. For example, the described coupler 38 includes lenses 60 to 68 that change their positions in response to a zoom command and a focus command. Alternatively, the coupler 38 can include a series of first lenses that enlarge the image and a series of second lenses that adjust the image focus. Furthermore, although the present invention has been illustrated as having five lenses supported by three lens holders, this arrangement can be changed.

  Further, it will be appreciated that the above control protocol is exemplary and not limiting. For example, the endoscopic view system of the present invention may have several forms if it is preferable to first digitally zoom the image before moving the coupler lens to reset the image magnification sent to the transducer 29. There can be. In one form of the invention, the “zoom out” process begins by resetting the coupler lens before resetting the digital magnification of the display signal.

  Similarly, in a certain form of the present invention, image correction when the focus is slightly off is performed by resetting the coupler lens. In this form of the invention, large refocusing is performed by a video signal processing circuit in the camera control unit 34.

  Alternatively, the image processing of this system is not performed continuously, but first optically and then electronically, or vice versa. In one form of such a system, for example, refocusing is first performed by slightly changing the electronic focus. If this change fails to improve the image quality, the system moves the coupler lens slightly and then executes another electronic focus routine. Zooming in and out of the image is performed in the same way through lens movement and electronic focus readjustment.

  Similarly, it will be appreciated that the coupler need not always be integral with the camera head. In one form of the invention, the coupler is a single part. This is useful for economic reasons, since a single coupler can be used for various camera systems.

  As a result, this embodiment relates to an endoscope view system including a novel and useful electric zoom coupler. The endoscope view system includes a camera. The coupler is configured to attach the camera to the proximal end of the endoscope. A monitor is provided to display the image detected by the camera. The coupler has a plurality of lenses in the sleeve. Further, the coupler includes a first motor and a second motor. Each of the first motor and the second motor relatively moves at least a part of the lens with respect to the sleeve. The coupler can optically focus the image and enlarge the image. The system according to the invention comprises a control console for adjusting the lens settings of the coupler and processing the video signal emitted by the camera. The control center digitally focuses the image and enlarges the image.

  Such a structure of the endoscope view system allows the surgeon to process the image displayed on the monitor optically and electronically with a single control unit. Since the image can be changed digitally and optically, it is possible to zoom to a wider side and obtain a wider focus area. Further, even when the object moves far away from the focus as in the conventional endoscope system, it is not necessary to remove the endoscope or change the position. In addition, the electric zoom coupler of the present invention is easy to use and can quickly zoom and focus on an object. Since manual control is not required for enlargement and / or focus adjustment of the surgical site image, time extension due to surgery is reduced. Furthermore, the overall size of the coupler is the same as the conventional coupler. Therefore, this coupler does not require a special adapter and can be used for an existing endoscope camera.

  Thus, while certain preferred embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed in detail for purposes of illustration, various modifications of the application may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention as described in the specification, drawings and claims. It will be recognized that

  It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and that changes and modifications can be made within the scope of the present invention as set forth in the claims.

1 is an isometric view of an endoscope view system of the present invention. FIG. It is a side view of the electric zoom coupler shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the electric zoom coupler of the present invention with the outer housing removed. It is a side view of the lens sleeve of an electric zoom coupler. FIG. 3 is a side view of a drive sleeve of the electric zoom coupler shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 3 is a side view of a main sleeve of the electric zoom coupler shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 3 is a side view of the zoom assembly of the optical system shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 3 is a side view of the focus assembly of the optical system shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the motor case and the main sleeve of the electric zoom coupler shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 3 is an isometric view of another embodiment of the electric zoom coupler shown in FIG. 2. It is the schematic of the branch circuit of the camera control unit shown in FIG. It is a control diagram which shows operation | movement of the endoscope view system by FIG. 1 when a zoom-in instruction | command is received. It is a control diagram which shows operation | movement of the endoscope view system by FIG. 1 when a zoom out command is received. 2 is a control diagram showing a focus operation of the endoscope view system according to FIG. 1.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 20 Endoscope view system 22 Endoscope 26 Camera system 28 Camera head 32 Portal 34 Camera control unit 36 Monitor 38 Electric zoom coupler 60-68 Lens 82 Sleeve 128 1st motor 138 2nd motor

Claims (2)

An endoscopic view system,
This endoscope view system is provided with an endoscope whose proximal end is located outside the patient's body,
Provide a camera head located beyond the end near the endoscope,
The camera head is provided with a transducer for receiving an optical endoscopic image and transmitting a transducer output signal based on the acquired image.
A coupler is provided between the vicinity of the endoscope and the camera,
The coupler is provided with a plurality of lenses for receiving an image from the endoscope,
This lens is provided so as to be relatively movable with respect to the camera head so as to send a selectively changed endoscopic image to the transducer,
A first motor attached to the lens to arbitrarily move the lens relative to the transducer;
A first lens state sensor configured to monitor the position of the lens and transmitting a first lens state signal representing the position of the lens;
Further, the endoscope view system is provided with a video signal circuit communicated to receive the output signal of the transducer,
The video signal circuit is provided configured to generate a display signal to be transmitted to the monitor based on the output signal of the transducer received,
The video signal circuit is configured to selectively generate a display signal based on a received video signal processing command;
Coupling to receive the first lens status signal from the first lens status sensor;
A camera control processor coupled to drive the first motor and coupled to provide a video signal processing command to the video signal circuit ;
The lens is configured to selectively focus an endoscopic image that the lens sends to the transducer;
The focused endoscopic image is determined according to the distance of the lens from the transducer,
The video signal circuit is configured to generate a display signal by electronically focusing the output signal of the transducer in response to a received video signal processing command,
The camera control processing device or the video signal circuit is configured to monitor a focus degree of an image indicated by a display signal generated by the video signal circuit;
The camera control processing device selectively drives the first motor to move the lens toward or away from the transducer based on the monitoring to the extent that the image indicated by the display signal is out of focus. An endoscope view system configured to move or to generate a focus command to the video signal circuit . The camera control processing device generates the focus command to the video signal circuit when the camera control processing device indicates that the image is out of focus in the monitoring result of the degree of defocusing of the image indicated by the display signal. As well as
If it indicated that the focus of the image is out in the continuing image monitoring result of the camera control processor, so that the position relative to the said transducer of the lens by driving the first motor is changed The endoscope view system according to claim 1 , wherein the endoscope view system is configured and provided.

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