JP4472049B2 - Electronic endoscope device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an electronic endoscope apparatus incorporating a solid-state image sensor at the distal end of an insertion portion of an endoscope, a processing circuit for a video signal generated by the solid-state image sensor, and a control circuit for controlling the operation of the endoscope And an electronic endoscope apparatus in which a camera control unit including a patient circuit and a secondary circuit are insulated and separated.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Endoscopes that can be used to observe the target site deep in the body cavity without needing an incision by inserting an elongated insertion part into the body cavity, and can be used for treatment with a treatment tool as needed are widely used. Yes.
[0003]
Recently, an electronic endoscope apparatus that obtains a video signal of a subject image using an electronic endoscope provided with a solid-state imaging device using a CCD or the like and displays the image on a monitor or the like has been used.
[0004]
In an electronic endoscope apparatus used in the medical field, medical safety measures are taken to prevent an electric shock or the like due to a leakage current at a portion that directly touches a patient or an operator like other electronic medical devices.
[0005]
In other words, in addition to the primary circuit directly connected to the commercial power source, the secondary circuit configured via the primary circuit and the power supply isolation transformer, the primary circuit and the secondary circuit have a predetermined withstand voltage and leakage current. A patient circuit that sufficiently satisfies the above criteria is provided, and an electronic circuit including a solid-state imaging device disposed in the endoscope insertion portion is configured as the patient circuit.
[0006]
Circuits such as the imaging unit of an electronic endoscope provided in the vicinity of such a portion that may be touched by the patient cannot prevent a sufficient creepage space from the outer surface in order to prevent the insertion portion from becoming thicker. The patient circuit needs to be isolated from the secondary circuit.
[0007]
The patient circuit has a structure in which signal lines, grounds and the like are electrically insulated from the secondary circuit. Of the electronic circuits in the electronic endoscope apparatus, the secondary circuit usually connects the ground to a housing or the like, and may be shared with the ground of the primary circuit.
[0008]
On the other hand, the ground of the patient circuit is a ground different from the secondary circuit, and is floating with respect to the secondary circuit.
[0009]
In addition, an isolation element is provided between the patient circuit and the secondary circuit so as to insulate the patient circuit and the secondary circuit from each other with respect to a power source, a signal line, and the like.
[0010]
As the isolation element, a photocoupler or the like is used for a digital signal, and a pulse transformer or the like is used for an analog signal line.
[0011]
As a specific method for isolating a patient circuit and a secondary circuit of a conventional electronic endoscope apparatus, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-323003 has been proposed. The contents of this Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-32003 are shown in FIG. It has a configuration.
[0012]
An electronic endoscope provided with a CCD 101 is connected to a camera control unit (hereinafter referred to as CCU) 102 that performs video signal processing. The CCU 102 includes a CCD driver 103 that drives the CCD 101, a timing generator (1) 104 that generates various timing pulses to be supplied to the CCD driver 103, a preamplifier 105 that amplifies the output signal of the CCD 101, and a CDS (correlation double) for the preamplifier 105 output signal. The output signal of the CCD 101 is processed by a video signal processing circuit 109 through a preprocessing circuit (hereinafter referred to as CDS) 108 that performs preprocessing such as sampling) and is output as a video signal to a TV monitor (not shown). An endoscopic image is displayed on the monitor.
[0013]
The timing generator (1) 104 generates a timing signal based on a reference clock signal from a reference clock signal generation circuit (hereinafter referred to as CXO) 110 that generates a reference clock signal.
[0014]
The reference clock signal from the CXO 110 is also supplied to a standard signal generation circuit (hereinafter referred to as SSG) 107. The SSG 107 generates and supplies horizontal synchronization (HD) and vertical synchronization (VD) signals supplied from the timing generator (1) 104 to the CCD driver 103, and generates timing pulses of the timing generator (2) 106. The reference signal is generated and supplied.
[0015]
The timing pulse generated by the timing generator (2) 106 is supplied to the CDS 108 and the video signal processing circuit 109 to control the operation timing.
[0016]
The circuit in the CCU 102 includes a patient circuit 112 and a secondary circuit 113. The patient circuit 112 includes the CCD driver 103, the timing generator (1) 104, and the preamplifier 105, and the secondary circuit 113. Is composed of the timing generator (2) 106, SSG107, CDS108, video signal processing circuit 109, and CXO110.
[0017]
Isolation elements 111a to 111c such as photocouplers and pulse transformers are provided and insulated between the patient circuit 112 and the secondary circuit 113. Further, the secondary circuit 113 and the patient circuit 112 are separately grounded, and the patient circuit 112 is in a state of floating with respect to the secondary circuit 113.
[0018]
The reference clock signal generated by the CXO 110 is supplied to the timing generator (1) 104 via the isolation element 111a. The synchronization signal HD and VD generated by the SSG 107 are supplied to the timing generator (1) 104 via the isolation element 111b. The video signal from the preamplifier 105 is supplied to the CDS 108 via the isolation element 111c.
[0019]
In the CCU 102 having such a configuration, the CXO 110 and the SSG 107 are provided in the secondary circuit 113, so that the isolation element 111 between the patient circuit 112 and the secondary circuit 113 is reduced.
[0020]
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 1-223928 proposes to eliminate a delay in an isolation element of a signal exchanged between a patient circuit and a secondary circuit. The proposed content of Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 1-223928 has a configuration shown in FIG.
[0021]
An electronic endoscope having a CCD 201 is connected to a CCU 203 that performs video signal processing via a cable 202. A patient-side process circuit 204 for processing an output signal from the CCD 201 is connected to the CCU 203, and a patient-side timing signal generator 205 is connected to the patient-side process circuit 204 and the CCD 201 based on a reference clock signal from a patient-side reference oscillator 206. The timing signal generated in (1) is supplied. The video signal processed by the patient-side process circuit 204 is supplied to the secondary-side process circuit 210 via the video-signal isolation circuit 207, and after being signal-processed by the secondary-side process circuit 210, it is shown in the drawing. Is output to a monitor that is not connected.
[0022]
Of the HD and VD generated by the patient side timing signal generator 205, HD is supplied to the phase comparator 211 via the isolation element 208, and VD is supplied to the secondary side timing signal generator 213. The output of the phase comparator 211 is supplied to a voltage controlled oscillator 212, and the output of the voltage controlled oscillator 212 is supplied to the secondary side timing signal generator 213. The secondary side timing signal generator 213 generates a timing signal based on the signal from the voltage controlled oscillator 212 and the VD from the isolation element 209, and supplies the timing signal to the secondary side process circuit 210. The timing of signal processing of the process circuit 210 is controlled. The phase comparator 211 compares the phase of the HD ′ from the secondary side timing signal generator 213 with the HD supplied from the patient side timing signal generator 205 via the isolation element 208 and outputs the voltage. The oscillation of the controlled oscillator 212 is controlled.
[0023]
That is, the phase of the HD generated from the patient side timing signal generator 205 is adjusted by the phase comparator 211, the voltage control oscillator 212, and the secondary side timing generator 213 of the secondary circuit via the isolation element 208. The phase comparator 211, the voltage controlled oscillator 212, and the secondary side timing signal generator 213 constitute a PLL (Phase Locked Loop) circuit to adjust the phase comparison between the patient circuit and the secondary circuit to obtain a secondary circuit. By supplying the secondary timing signal generator 213 to the secondary process circuit 210 and performing video signal processing, the phase of the horizontal synchronizing signal HD due to signal delay by the isolation elements 208 and 209 is corrected and the patient process circuit 204 is processed. And the phase of the synchronizing signal of the secondary process circuit 210 are matched.
[0024]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In the endoscope imaging apparatus proposed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-32003, the patient circuit 112 includes a timing generator (1) based on the reference clock from the CXO 110 of the secondary circuit 113 and the HD and VD from the SSG 107. ) 104 is driven, and the CCD 101 is driven and controlled by the CCD drive signal from the CCD driver 103 based on the timing signal generated by the timing generator (1) 104, and the video signal generated by the CCD 101 is Based on the standard clock generated by the SSG 107 based on the reference clock of the CXO 110, the CDS 108 and the video signal processing circuit 109 perform predetermined signal processing based on the timing pulse generated by the timing generator (2) 106. Is going.
[0025]
That is, by providing the patient circuit 112 and the secondary circuit 113 with the timing generator (1) 104 and the timing generator (2) 106, the number of transmission signals between the patient circuit 112 and the secondary circuit 113 is reduced, The number of isolation elements 111 can be reduced.
[0026]
However, a high-speed reference clock is used in drive control of the CCD 101 and signal processing in the CDS 108 and the video signal processing circuit 109 of the video signal generated by the CCD 101. For this reason, a signal delay occurs in the isolation element 111, which may cause a problem such as a phase shift between the image captured and generated by the CCD 101 and the image signal processed by the image signal processing circuit 109.
[0027]
In Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 1-223928, a complicated and large circuit scale PLL circuit must be used in order to eliminate the signal delay caused by the isolation element and to synchronize the synchronization between the patient circuit and the secondary circuit. .
[0028]
However, in the actual apparatus, the CCUs 102 and 203 are provided with various control circuits necessary for the operation of the endoscope apparatus other than the drive control of the CCDs 101 and 201 and the video signal processing. Basically, the operation control circuits of these endoscope apparatuses are supplied from the timing generator (2) 106 and the secondary side timing signal generator 213 based on the reference clock generated by the CXO 110 or the patient side reference oscillator 206. Control operations are performed using timing signals. Since the operation control circuits of these endoscope apparatuses are provided in the secondary circuit portion, there is a problem that the circuit scale is further increased together with the PLL circuit, the CCUs 102 and 203 are large, and the handling operation is inconvenient.
[0029]
On the other hand, the CCUs 102 and 203 are restricted in electromagnetic noise mixing shielding performance (EMC = Electro Magnetic Compatibility performance) from the outside, and in particular, image signals generated and imaged by the CCDs 101 and 201 and subjected to various signal processing. If external noise is mixed in, there is a risk that not only the sharpness of the image will be lowered but also the misdiagnosis of the imaged affected area may be misidentified. For this reason, in particular, the ground wiring pattern of the circuit board constituting the patient circuit is provided as wide as possible to avoid the mixing of external noise.
[0030]
In avoiding external noise mixing, the patient circuits described in the above publications minimize the signal processing circuit of the patient circuit in order to minimize signal exchange with the secondary circuit and reduce the number of isolation elements. For this reason, the ground pattern of the circuit board which arrange | positions a patient circuit narrows, and the subject that EMC performance fell fell occurred.
[0031]
In view of these problems, an object of the present invention is to provide an electronic endoscope apparatus capable of sufficiently ensuring EMC performance without causing signal delay.
[0032]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  The present invention is an electronic endoscope apparatus including an endoscope including an imaging unit that converts light information of a subject into an electrical signal, and a video signal processing unit that processes an output signal of the imaging unit. ,
  Drive control means for driving and controlling the imaging means;A reference clock signal generating means for generating a reference clock signal to be supplied to at least the drive control means, and based on the reference clock signal,Output signal of the imaging meansAgainst the givenVideo signal processingTo generate and output a predetermined video signalVideo signal processing means;Synchronization signal generating means provided in the video signal processing means for generating a synchronization signal for displaying the video signal on a predetermined external display means based on the reference clock signal;A patient circuit unit having
Input from the patient circuit via a first isolation means,Video signal processing meansInGeneratedSaidThe video signalPredetermined external display meansTo supplyTo perform a predetermined processVideo signal processing means;At least one endoscope operation control circuit for controlling a predetermined operation in the endoscope, and generated in the synchronization signal generation means input from the patient circuit via the second isolation means Using the synchronization signal as a reference signal, the endoscope operation control circuitControl various operationsControl signal forGenerateControl signal generation meansAnd a secondary circuit section having
  Comprising
The endoscope operation control circuit is configured to provide a delayed signal even when the synchronization signal input to the control signal generation unit via the second isolation unit is delayed in the second isolation unit. The synchronization signal can be controlled by the control signal generated using the synchronization signal as a reference signal.
[0033]
As a result, the electronic endoscope apparatus of the present invention is provided with the reference clock generation means and the video signal processing means necessary for the video signal processing in the patient circuit so as not to cause a signal delay and in the secondary circuit. Therefore, even if a signal delay occurs, the control operation is not hindered, and it is possible to secure the arrangement and area of the ground pattern of the wiring board of the patient circuit necessary for ensuring the EMC performance.
[0034]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
In the present invention, the CCU of the electronic endoscope apparatus has an endoscope operation drive control function in addition to the CCD drive control and the image signal processing generated by the CCD. The control signal for performing the control is controlled based on the reference clock signal supplied from the reference clock generation circuit. However, the control signal is focused on the fact that the phases of the reference signals do not necessarily match.
[0035]
Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a camera control unit of an embodiment of an electronic endoscope apparatus according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 is an explanatory view showing the entire electronic endoscope apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a standard signal generator of the electronic endoscope apparatus according to the present invention, FIG. 4 is an explanatory view showing the entire camera control unit of the electronic endoscope apparatus according to the present invention, and FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the drive control operation of the illumination lamp of the electronic endoscope apparatus according to the present invention, and FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the pump drive control operation of the electronic endoscope apparatus according to the present invention.
[0036]
As shown in FIG. 2, the electronic endoscope apparatus 11 is elongated and includes, for example, a flexible insertion portion 12, and a large-diameter operation portion 13 is connected to the rear end of the insertion portion 12. A flexible universal cord 14 extends laterally from the rear end of the operation portion, and a connector 15 is provided at the distal end of the universal cord 14. The connector 15 is connected to a connector receiver 18 of a camera control unit (CCU) 16 in which a light source device (not shown), a video signal processing circuit, and the like are incorporated. A monitor 17 that reproduces and displays a video signal is connected to the CCU 16. On the distal end side of the insertion portion 12, a rigid distal end portion 19 and a bending portion 20 that can be bent rearward adjacent to the distal end portion 19 are sequentially provided.
[0037]
Further, the operation section 13 is provided with the bending operation knob 21, and the bending section 20 can be bent in the up / down / left / right directions by rotating the bending operation knob 21.
[0038]
Although not shown in the drawing, the operation unit 13 is provided with an insertion port communicating with a treatment instrument channel provided in the insertion unit 12.
[0039]
A configuration built in the insertion unit 12 and the CCU 16 will be described with reference to FIG.
[0040]
An imaging optical system (not shown) is provided at the distal end portion 19 of the insertion portion 12, and a solid-state imaging device 31 as an imaging means is disposed at an imaging position of the imaging optical system. As the solid-state image sensor 31, a charge coupled device, a MOS solid-state image sensor, or the like is used. This solid-state image sensor is hereinafter referred to as CCD 31.
[0041]
A signal transmission / reception cable is connected to the CCD 31, and the signal transmission / reception cable is inserted into the insertion portion 12, the operation portion 13, and the universal cord 14 and connected to the connector 15.
[0042]
Further, a light guide fiber 32 inserted from the distal end portion 19 into the insertion portion 12, the operation portion 13, and the universal cord 14 is provided, connected to the connector 15, and illuminated from a light source 48 built in the CCU 16. The light can be projected.
[0043]
In other words, here is an example of an electronic endoscope apparatus integrated with a light source, in which a CCU that drives a CCD to perform image processing and a light source unit that supplies light into a body cavity are incorporated in one housing. explain.
[0044]
The connector 15 is connected to the CCU 16 via a connector receiver 18. The signal transmission / reception cable is connected to a CCD driver 33 that drives and controls the CCD 31 and a preamplifier 36 that amplifies a video signal generated and output by the CCD 31. The CCD driver 33 is connected to a reference clock signal generator (CXO) 35 via a timing generator 34.
[0045]
That is, the reference clock signal generated from the CXO 35 is supplied to the timing generator 34, which generates a timing signal for driving the CCD 31 and drives the CCD 31 via the CCD driver 33.
[0046]
Based on the drive signal from the CCD driver 33, the CCD 31 generates an output signal corresponding to the imaged subject. The output signal is amplified to a predetermined gain by the preamplifier 36, and then the CDS (correlation double). (Sampling) 37 performs CDS processing such as removal of unnecessary noise, converts the signal into a digital signal by an analog / digital converter (A / D) 38, and supplies it to the process circuit 39. The CDS 37 and A / D 38 are subjected to CDS processing and A / D conversion based on the timing signal from the timing generator 34.
[0047]
The process circuit 39 separates the luminance component and color component of the digital signal corresponding to the subject generated by the CCD 31, enhances the contour of the video, corrects the color, etc., under the control of the reference clock signal from the CXO 35. The digital signal after the video signal processing is subjected to digital / analog (D / A) conversion, and is output in the form of an analog luminance (Y) signal and color (C) signal. ing.
[0048]
The process circuit 39 also generates and outputs horizontal synchronization (HD) and vertical synchronization (VD) signals. The Y and C signals are supplied to a mixer 41 via an isolation means 40a capable of transmitting a high-frequency analog signal, and a composite video signal composed of the Y signal, the C signal, and a synchronization signal is generated, and the monitor 17 is supplied. To supply.
[0049]
The mixer 41 can also output the analog Y and C signals as they are and supply them directly to the Y and C signal reproduction processing circuit of the monitor 17.
[0050]
The HD and VD generated by the process circuit 39 are supplied to a standard signal generator (SSG) 42 through an isolation means 40b corresponding to the transmission speed. The SSG 42 generates various operation control signals such as a lamp control unit 43, a pump control unit 44, an operation panel unit 45, and a scope switch signal, which will be described later, using HD and VD from the process circuit 39 as reference signals.
[0051]
As shown in FIG. 3, the SSG 42 includes a lamp counter unit 51 connected to a lamp control unit 43 that operates using HD and VD supplied from the process circuit 39 via an isolation element 40b as a reference signal, and a pump. It comprises a pump state holding unit 52 connected to the control unit 44, an LED / SW control unit 53 connected to the operation panel unit 45, and a scope signal processing unit 54. The LED / SW control unit 53 is adapted to exchange control signals with the process circuit 39 via the isolation element 40c, and the scope signal processing unit 54 is connected to the isolation element 40d. The scope switch signal is supplied, and a control signal corresponding to the scope switch signal is supplied to an external device (not shown).
[0052]
The CCD driver 33 to the process circuit 39 that supplies the drive control signal of the CCD 31 isolated by the isolation elements 40a to 40d constitutes a patient circuit 46, and the mixer 41 to the operation after the isolation elements 40a to 40d. Up to the panel unit 45 constitutes the secondary circuit 47. The patient circuit 46 and the secondary circuit 47 have different grounds as in the prior art, and the patient circuit 46 is in a floating state with respect to the secondary circuit 47.
[0053]
In addition, a lamp 48 and a lens 49 that collects illumination light emitted from the lamp 48 and collects illumination light are disposed at the end of the light guide fiber 32 of the insertion portion 12 on the CCU 16 side. It is guided to the light guide fiber 32 and projected from the proximal end.
[0054]
As shown in FIG. 4, the CCU 16 is housed in a housing in which various operation switches, display lamps, and the like are arranged in front. A lamp changeover switch 43 a connected to the lamp control unit 43, a lamp changeover display LED 43 b, and a lamp light emission amount adjustment 43 c are disposed on the front surface of the casing of the CCU 16, and a pump operation connected to the pump control unit 44 A brightness adjustment switch (IRIS) 45a for adjusting and controlling the brightness of the video signal generated by the process circuit 39 connected to the operation panel unit 45, and a brightness adjustment state, are provided with a switch 44a and a display LED 44b indicating a pump control operation. Display LEDs 45b (average luminance = AVE) and 45c (peak luminance = PEAK), a white balance adjustment switch (WHIT BAL) 45d and a white balance adjustment display LED 45e are arranged, and further, a power switch 55 and the isolation element 40d are provided. Squaw supplied Switch signal cable connector 56 is disposed.
[0055]
The operation of the SSG 42 will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0056]
When the power switch 55 is turned on, the lamp control unit 43 starts to rotate the counter with a reference clock based on HD and VD supplied to the lamp counter unit 51. The lamp counter unit 51 checks the lighting condition based on a detection signal from a lamp position detection unit (not shown) with a predetermined counter value of the reference clock.
[0057]
This lighting condition is to determine whether or not the light source center of the lamp 48 and the optical axis center of the light guide fiber 32 coincide with each other based on a detection signal from the lamp position detection unit. In particular, in the electronic endoscope apparatus, when the lighting of the lamp 48 is cut off during the diagnosis and treatment in the body cavity, the insertion part 12 of the electronic endoscope apparatus cannot be reinserted into the body cavity. In order to put a great burden on the patient and the operator, the lamp 48 is not a single lamp, but, for example, two lamps are arranged so that one of the lamps can be lit. Yes. For this reason, when the lamp is turned on, it is necessary to confirm that the optical axis of the light guide fiber 32 and the light source center of the lamp 48 coincide with each other.
[0058]
The lamp control operation will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 5. When the power switch 55 shown in FIG. 5A is turned on, is the mounting position of the lamp 48 set in the correct position in step S1? If the lamp position is incorrect, lighting power is not supplied to the lamp 48. If the lamp position is correct, the auxiliary lamp is checked for lighting in step S2, and then the main lamp is turned on in step S3. I do. Next, while the lamp 48 is lit, as shown in FIG. 5B, the lamp position is always determined in step S6 for each reference clock, and when the lamp is arranged at the correct position, step S7 is performed. When the lamp position is incorrect, the operation control for turning off the lamp is repeated in step S8, and the lighting of the lamp 48 is monitored.
[0059]
Further, when the main lamp is turned off for some reason due to lighting interruption or incorrect lamp position, the lamp switching switch 43a is operated to switch on the spare lamp. Further, the lighting or switching of the lamp 48 is indicated by the lighting of the lamp display LED 43b, and the light emission amount of the lamp 48 is adjusted using the lamp light emission amount adjustment 43c.
[0060]
Next, the operation of the pump control unit 44 will be described.
When the pump switch 44a of the CCU 16 is operated to supply air, the pump state holding unit 52 generates a control signal for maintaining the air supply state of the pump based on the reference clock to cause the pump control unit 44 to operate. The drive of the pump is controlled via
[0061]
The operation of the pump control unit 44 will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 6. When the power switch 55 is turned on, the pump starts to operate simultaneously. In step S11, it is determined whether or not the pump switch 44a has been operated. If it is determined that the pump switch 44a has been operated, the pump state before the pump switch 44a is operated in step S12, for example, if the pump is on before the pump switch 44a is operated, the pump is turned on. The state is changed to the off state, and the process returns to step S11. If it is determined in step S11 that the pump switch 44a has not been operated, the current operation state of the pump is maintained in step S13. When the process of step S13 is completed, the process returns to step S11.
[0062]
That is, it is determined whether or not the pump switch 44a is operated. When the pump switch 44a is not operated, the current operation state is maintained, and the pump is switched from the on state to the off state every time the pump switch 44a is operated. Alternatively, the operation is sequentially changed from the off state to the on state.
[0063]
Next, the operation panel unit 45 performs control corresponding to the operation of the brightness adjustment switch 45a and the white balance adjustment switch 45d on the front surface of the casing of the CCU 16, and when the brightness adjustment switch 45a is operated, the brightness The switch operation of the adjustment switch 45a is detected, the level of the luminance signal processed by the process circuit 39 is adjusted from the LED / SW control unit 53 via the isolation element 40c, and the luminance of the luminance signal is adjusted. When the level is an average value, the luminance level display LED 45b is generated and when the luminance level is a peak value, a control signal for lighting the luminance level LED 45c is generated and supplied. When the white balance adjustment switch 45d is operated, the mixing ratio of the three primary colors red, green, and blue of the color signal generated by the process circuit 39 from the LED / SW control unit 53 via the isolation element 40c. After the white balance adjustment is completed, a signal for controlling the lighting of the white balance adjustment display LED 45e is generated, and the completion of the white balance adjustment is displayed.
[0064]
Next, the scope switch signal is provided in the electronic endoscope apparatus 11, and when the CCD 31 of the insertion unit 12 inserted into the body cavity images the affected part as a subject, the video signal of the affected part is recorded on the recording medium. This is a switch operation signal of a scope switch (not shown) that is operated by an operator for the purpose of, for example. When the scope switch signal is supplied to the scope signal processing unit 54 via the isolation element 40d, the scope switch signal is used as a trigger to drive the external device, for example, a magnetic recording device, for example, for a period of 300 ms. Is controlled so that the composite signal or Y / C signal supplied from the mixer 41 is recorded. After 300 ms for driving and controlling the external device, the control returns to the control standby state when the next scope switch signal is supplied.
[0065]
Thus, the SSG 42 of the secondary circuit 47 depends on the reference clock signal generated based on the HD and VD signals from the process circuit 39, and the lamp control unit 43, the pump control unit 44, and the operation panel unit 45. The SSG 42 does not necessarily have the same phase as the reference clock signal generated by the CXO 35 of the patient circuit 46 and does not need to use a high-speed reference clock. The secondary circuit 47 does not need to be provided with a timing generation for generating a control reference signal synchronized with a reference clock signal as in the prior art or a PLL circuit for phase control.
[0066]
Thus, the processing function of the generated video signal is provided in the patient circuit 46 based on the reference clock signal generated by the CXO 35, and the secondary circuit 47 does not need to be synchronized with the reference clock signal from the CXO 35. By providing various control circuits, if the isolation element 40 is an element that can follow the HD and VD frequencies, it can be selected and set without considering the delay amount. Various control units can be simplified.
[0067]
Further, since the patient circuit 46 is provided with the reference clock generator (CXO) 35 to the process circuit 39, the area of the wiring board can be slightly increased as compared with the conventional circuit, and the area of the wiring board is slightly increased. As a result, the area of the ground pattern is increased, and it is possible to improve the prevention of external noise from being mixed into the patient circuit 46.
[0068]
Next, an application example of one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The same parts as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.
[0069]
The difference between FIG. 7 and FIG. 1 is that the reference clock signal generated by dividing the reference clock signal generated by the CXO 35 of the patient circuit 46 by the 1 / N divider 58 is used as the operation reference signal of the SSG 42 of the secondary circuit 47. In the point.
[0070]
That is, the reference clock signal generated by the CXO 35 of the patient circuit 46 is divided by 1 / N (N is a positive number) by the frequency dividing circuit 58, so that the SSG 42 is supplied from the process circuit 39 through the isolation element 40b. A reference clock signal having a lower frequency than the HD and VD signals supplied to the SSG 42 can be supplied to the SSG 42. As a result, the isolation element 40b ′ can use a photocoupler corresponding to a lower transmission frequency than the isolation element 40b, and the isolation element 40b ′ can be simplified, and the lamp control unit 43, Control of the pump control unit 44, the operation panel control unit 45, and the like can be controlled in the same manner as in the above-described embodiment of the present invention, and the same effect can be obtained.
[0071]
In the embodiment and the application example of the present invention described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 7, the CXO 35 is provided in the patient circuit 46. However, the CXO 35 is provided in the secondary circuit 47, and this secondary circuit is provided. The reference clock signal is supplied from the CXO provided in 47 to the timing generator 34 and the process circuit 39 or the frequency divider 58 of the patient circuit 46 via the isolation element, and further, the reference clock signal is supplied to the SSG 42 of the secondary circuit 47. It is also possible to supply.
[0072]
In this case, the phase of the reference clock signal supplied from the CXO provided in the secondary circuit 47 to the timing generator 34 of the patient circuit 46 and the process circuit 39 need only be matched. Even if it occurs, there is no problem as long as the phases of the reference clock signals supplied to the timing generator 34 and the process circuit 39 match.
[0073]
Next, another embodiment of the electronic endoscope apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In addition, the same part as FIG. 1 is attached | subjected the same part number.
[0074]
A DSP (digital signal processor) 61 is used for video signal processing and control of various signal processing circuits. The DSP 61 is incorporated in a patient circuit 46 of the CCU 16 that controls driving of the CCD 31 disposed at the distal end portion of the insertion portion 12 of the electronic endoscope apparatus and generates a signal output from the CCD 31 as a video signal. Operation control of a timing generator 34 that generates a timing signal for driving and controlling the CCD driver 33 of the patient circuit 46, correlated double sampling (CDS) of the output signal output from the preamplifier 36 that amplifies the output signal of the CCD 31, and a signal The CDS / AGC unit 37 ′ that performs preprocessing such as gain and the A / D circuit 38 that performs A / D conversion on the output signal from the CDS / AGC unit 37 ′ are controlled via the control bus 61a. It has become.
[0075]
The DSP 61 is a video signal processing process for digital video signal processing of basic operation data for controlling the timing generator 34, the CDS / AGC unit 37 'and the A / D circuit 38 and a digital signal supplied from the A / D circuit 38. It has an EEPROM 62 that stores data, and is connected to a DSP control signal (not shown) via a communication driver 63 and a buffer 65. The luminance (Y) signal and the color (C) signal that have been subjected to digital video signal processing by the DSP 61 are supplied to a mixer 66. The communication driver 63 and the buffer 65 are isolated by an isolation element 64a, and the DSP 61 and the mixer 66 are isolated by a Y signal isolation element 64b and a C signal isolation element 64c, respectively. The mixer 66 constitutes a secondary circuit 47. The patient circuit 46 and the secondary circuit 47 have different grounds, and the patient circuit 46 is in a floating state with respect to the secondary circuit 47.
[0076]
Next, the operation of the electronic endoscope having the DSP 61 will be described.
[0077]
When operating power (not shown) of the CCU 16 of the electronic endoscope is turned on, the DSP 61 is initialized and reads various control data stored in the EEPROM 62. When the power is turned on, a reference clock signal is generated from the CXO 35 and supplied to the timing generator 34 and the DSP 61. The timing generator 34 receives drive timing data suitable for the CCD 31 from the DSP 61, generates a CCD drive timing signal, and drives the CCD 31 via the CCD driver 33 based on the timing signal. The CCD 31 driven at a predetermined timing generates an output signal corresponding to the subject. The output from the CCD 31 is amplified to a predetermined signal amount by the preamplifier 36, then subjected to CDS processing by the CDS / AGC unit 37 ', and a predetermined signal gain is adjusted. The CDS / AGC unit 37 ′ is supplied with clamp data and timing data necessary for CDS processing and a control voltage value necessary for AGC control from the DSP 61.
[0078]
The output signal controlled by the CDS / AGC unit 37 ′ to a predetermined gain with the CDS processing is converted into a digital signal by the A / D converter 38 based on the A / D conversion reference data from the DSP 61. It has become. The digital signal A / D converted by the A / D converter 38 is supplied to the DSP 61.
[0079]
The digital signal supplied to the DSP 61 is converted into predetermined digital data by a video signal processing process built in the DSP 61.
[0080]
The video signal processing process of the DSP 61 is shown in FIG. 9. The digital video signal supplied from the A / D converter 38 is converted into a luminance component (Y) signal and a color component (C ) Separated into signals. The Y signal is subjected to removal of unnecessary components by a low-pass filter (LPF) 72, then subjected to image edge enhancement processing by an enhancement unit 73, and converted to an analog Y signal by a D / A converter 74.
[0081]
The C signal separated by the Y / C separation circuit 71 is subjected to color correction by the color correction unit 76 after removing unnecessary components by the LPF 75, and the time adjustment unit 77 corrects the time difference of signal processing with the Y signal. Thereafter, an analog C signal that has been analog converted by the D / A converter 78 is output.
[0082]
The Y signal and the C signal converted into analog signals by the D / A converters 74 and 78 are output from the secondary circuit 47 via isolation means 64b and 64c configured by photocouplers capable of transmitting high-frequency analog signals. It is supplied to the mixer 66 to generate a composite video signal (composite signal), and the Y and C signals are output as they are and supplied to a monitor (not shown).
[0083]
When changing the operation control conditions of the timing generator 34, the CDS / AGC unit 37 ′, and the A / D circuit 38 in the DSP 61, the buffer 65 and the communication driver based on the RS-232C standard of the digital data transmission standard Control data is communicated to the DSP 61 via 63.
[0084]
The control data communication includes signal lines for transmitting and receiving three types of signals: a signal (TXD) transmitted from the DSP 61, a signal (RXD) received by the DSP 61, and a ground (GND). Note that the transmission signal (TXD) and the reception signal (RXD) can be transmitted and received through one signal line.
[0085]
First, the DSP 61 sends TXD to the communication driver 63. The communication driver 63 converts the voltage level between the programmable device (not shown) and the DSP 61. The signal passing through the communication driver 63 is transmitted to the buffer 65 through the isolation means 64a. The buffer 65 is connected to a programmable device through a connector (not shown). The programmable device sends the DSP control signal RXD signal to the DSP 61 through the same route as transmission from the programming side. The DSP 61 can hold the value by writing the received data to the EEPROM 62 as a new parameter. With this new data, the DSP 61 processes the video signal and controls the timing generator 34, the CDS / AGC unit 37 ', and the A / D circuit 38.
[0086]
As a result, the isolation element 64 between the patient circuit 46 and the secondary circuit 47 is generated by processing the video signal in the DSP 61 and the isolation element 64a for data communication between the DSP 61 and the programmable device. It can be constituted by three isolation elements 64b and 64c between the signal transmission line and the mixer 66. The patient circuit 46 includes a control circuit (CXO 35, timing generator 34, CCD driver 33) and a signal processing circuit (preamplifier 36, CDS / AGC unit 37 ', A / D circuit 38) necessary for video signal processing including the DSP 61. ) And a wiring board having a relatively large area on which the data communication driver 63 is arranged. As a result, the arrangement area of the ground wiring pattern on the wiring board of the patient circuit can be increased. The shielding performance can be improved. Furthermore, since the data of DSP 61 of the patient circuit 46 can be freely rewritten from the programmable device, the contents of diagnosis of the affected part in the body cavity with the endoscope can be controlled with video signal processing and various endoscope operations not shown. By this, the surgeon can select.
[0087]
As described above, according to the present invention, the control circuit for controlling the CCD drive for driving the patient circuit in synchronization with the reference clock signal supplied from the reference clock generator, and the subject signal imaged and generated by the CCD in the reference clock. Video signal generating means for generating a video signal by performing signal processing in synchronization with the signal is arranged, and the reference clock signal supplied from the reference clock generator is used for the secondary circuit, but it is not always necessary to synchronize. By arranging the signal processing and control means for performing various signal processing and various operation control of the endoscope, it is not necessary to consider the signal delay due to the isolation element of the patient circuit and the secondary circuit tube. Easy selection. Furthermore, a sufficient ground pattern for shielding external noise can be secured on the wiring board on which the patient circuit is arranged.
[0088]
[Appendix]
As described in detail above, according to the embodiment of the present invention, the following configuration can be obtained.
[0089]
(1) An electronic endoscope apparatus including an endoscope including an imaging unit that converts light information of a subject into an electrical signal, and a video signal processing unit that processes an output signal of the imaging unit. Drive control means for driving and controlling the imaging means, video signal processing means for processing an output signal of the imaging means, and reference clock generation for generating an operation reference clock for the drive control means and the video signal processing means A patient circuit section having a means, a video signal processing means for supplying a video signal generated by the video signal processing means of the patient circuit section to an external device, and a standard signal for controlling various operations of the endoscope A secondary circuit unit having a standard signal generating unit for generating a signal, and an isolation unit for isolating various signals exchanged between the patient circuit unit and the secondary circuit unit, The reference signal generated by the video signal processing unit based on the operation reference clock generated by the reference clock generating unit of the patient circuit unit via the isolation unit is used to operate the standard signal generating unit of the secondary circuit unit. An electronic endoscope apparatus characterized in that the operation control of the video signal processing means of the patient circuit unit is performed by the operation control signal generated by the standard signal generation means of the secondary circuit unit while being supplied as a reference signal.
[0090]
(2) The electronic endoscope apparatus according to appendix 1, wherein the imaging means provided in the endoscope is a solid-state imaging device and is disposed in the distal end portion of the insertion portion of the endoscope body.
[0091]
(3) The electronic endoscope apparatus according to appendix 1, wherein the solid-state imaging device of the imaging unit is disposed inside an external camera attached to the endoscope body.
[0092]
(4) The video signal processing means of the patient circuit unit includes a processing circuit that performs correlated double sampling processing, analog / digital conversion processing, and processing for generating video luminance components and color components. The electronic endoscope apparatus according to 1.
[0093]
(5) The reference operation signal generated by the video signal processing unit of the patient circuit unit is used as the operation reference signal supplied to the standard signal generation unit of the secondary circuit unit. Electronic endoscope device.
[0094]
(6) The operation reference signal supplied to the standard signal generation means of the secondary circuit unit is 1 / N frequency division of the reference clock signal generated by the reference clock generation means of the patient circuit unit (N is a positive number) The electronic endoscope apparatus according to appendix 1, wherein the reference operation signal is used.
[0095]
(7) The video signal processing means of the secondary circuit unit includes a mixer circuit that generates a composite video signal by mixing a luminance signal component and a color component from the patient circuit unit. The electronic endoscope apparatus described.
[0096]
(8) The standard signal generation unit of the secondary circuit unit is configured to control at least a lamp operation, a pump operation, and a panel operation for controlling the operation of the endoscope main body in addition to the operation control of the video signal processing unit of the patient circuit unit. The electronic endoscope apparatus according to appendix 1, wherein a control signal for controlling the control is generated.
[0097]
(9) The reference clock generation means provided in the patient circuit section is provided in the secondary circuit section, and the patient circuit is generated based on an operation reference clock generated from the reference clock generation means provided in the secondary circuit section. The electronic endoscope apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein operation control of the drive control means and the video signal processing means provided in a section is controlled.
[0098]
(10) An electronic endoscope apparatus including an endoscope including an imaging unit that converts light information of a subject into an electrical signal, and a video signal processing unit that performs video signal processing on an output signal of the imaging unit, Drive control means for driving and controlling the imaging means, digital signal processing means for video signal processing of the output signal of the imaging means, and communication transmission of processing data exchanged between the digital signal processing means and an external control device A communication driver means, a patient circuit section having a reference clock generating means for generating an operation reference clock for the drive control means and the digital signal processing means, and a digital signal processing means of the patient circuit section. Video signal processing means for supplying video signals to an external device, and connection control for communication transmission of processing data exchanged between the communication driver means and the external control device A secondary circuit section having a buffer means, and an isolation means for isolating various signals exchanged between the patient circuit section and the secondary circuit section and transmission communication. An electronic endoscope device.
[0099]
(11) The electronic endoscope apparatus according to appendix 9, wherein the imaging means provided in the endoscope is a solid-state imaging element and is disposed in the distal end portion of the insertion portion of the endoscope body.
[0100]
(12) The electronic endoscope apparatus according to appendix 9, wherein the solid-state imaging device of the imaging unit is disposed inside an external camera attached to the endoscope body.
[0101]
(13) The digital signal processing means of the patient circuit section has an operation control function of correlated double sampling processing and analog / digital conversion processing, and a video luminance component and color component generation processing function. The electronic endoscope apparatus described in 1.
[0102]
(14) The digital signal processing means can be rewritten to the processing data supplied from the external control device via the external control device, the communication driver means, and the buffer means, and the basis of the rewritten processing data. The electronic endoscope apparatus according to appendix 9, wherein the correlated double sampling process, the analog / digital conversion process, and the video brightness component and color component generation process are performed.
[0103]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, in an electronic endoscope apparatus incorporating a solid-state image sensor, video signal processing of an output signal generated by a reference clock generator, a drive controller of the solid-state image sensor, and the solid-state image sensor Means in the patient circuit, and various operation control means of the endoscope that are not affected by the control operation due to the signal delay of the reference clock signal from the reference clock generating means are provided in the secondary circuit. It is possible to use an element that does not need to consider signal delay as an isolation element for various signals exchanged with the next circuit, and to block external noise by expanding the area of the ground wiring pattern of the patient circuit. It has the effect of improving performance.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a camera control unit according to an embodiment of an electronic endoscope apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an explanatory view showing the entirety of an electronic endoscope apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a standard signal generator of the electronic endoscope apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory view showing the entire camera control unit of the electronic endoscope apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a drive control operation of an illumination lamp of the electronic endoscope apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a pump drive control operation of the electronic endoscope apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a camera control unit showing an application example of an embodiment of an electronic endoscope apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a camera control unit of another embodiment of the electronic endoscope apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a digital signal processor according to another embodiment of the electronic endoscope apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a camera control unit of a conventional electronic endoscope apparatus.
FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a camera control unit of a conventional electronic endoscope apparatus.
[Explanation of symbols]
11 ... Electronic endoscope device
12 ... Insertion section
13 ... operation part
14 ... Universal code
16 ... Camera control unit
17 ... Monitor
19 ... tip
31 ... Solid-state image sensor
32 ... Light guide fiber
33 ... CCD driver
34 ... Timing generator
35 ... Reference clock generator
36 ... Preamplifier
37 ... correlated double sampling
38 ... Analog / digital converter
39 ... Process circuit
40. Isolation element
41 ... Mixer
42 ... Standard signal generator
43. Lamp control unit
44 ... Pump control unit
45. Operation panel section
46 ... Patient circuit
47 ... Secondary circuit

Claims (2)

An endoscope including an imaging unit that converts light information of a subject into an electrical signal, and an image signal processing unit that performs video signal processing on an output signal of the imaging unit,
Drive control means for driving and controlling the imaging means ;
Reference clock signal generating means for generating at least a reference clock signal to be supplied to the drive control means;
Based on the reference clock signal, and the video signal processing means for generating and outputting a predetermined video signal performs predetermined video signal processing on the output signal of the imaging means,
Synchronization signal generating means provided in the video signal processing means for generating a synchronization signal for displaying the video signal on a predetermined external display means based on the reference clock signal;
A patient circuit unit having
Is input through the first isolation means from said patient circuit, the video signal the video signal generated in the processing unit, the video signal processing means for performing a predetermined process to provide a predetermined external display section When,
At least one endoscope operation control circuit for controlling a predetermined operation in the endoscope;
Control for controlling various operations of the endoscope operation control circuit using , as a reference signal, the synchronization signal generated by the synchronization signal generation means, which is input from the patient circuit via the second isolation means. control signal generating means for generating a signal,
A secondary circuit section having
Comprising
The endoscope operation control circuit is configured to provide a delayed signal even when the synchronization signal input to the control signal generation unit via the second isolation unit is delayed in the second isolation unit. The electronic endoscope apparatus can be controlled by the control signal generated using the synchronization signal as a reference signal .   The synchronization signal generating means generates a horizontal synchronization signal and a vertical synchronization signal based on the reference clock signal,
  The control signal generation means is based on at least one synchronization signal of the horizontal synchronization signal and the vertical synchronization signal generated by the synchronization signal generation means, which is input from the patient circuit through the second isolation means. As a signal, a control signal for controlling various operations of the endoscope operation control circuit is generated.
  The electronic endoscope apparatus according to claim 1.

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