JP4477286B2 - Electronic endoscope system - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an electronic endoscope system that performs endoscopy using a solid-state imaging device.
[0002]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, such a conventional portable or battery-powered dedicated TV camera external endoscope system is inferior in function and performance as compared with the stationary type, and is used only for limited applications. .
[0003]
Endoscope operators are required to have a certain level of skill in the operation of each endoscope. If there is an endoscope system with an external TV camera, it is necessary to get used to each operation. There was a problem with usability. Furthermore, there was a situation where further improvement was desired in terms of cost.
[0004]
(Object of invention)
The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and it is an object of the present invention to provide an electronic endoscope system having good operability and the like that can be used both as a portable type and as a highly functional stationary type. Objective.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
An electronic endoscope system according to the present invention includes a solid-state imaging device for capturing a subject image and an electronic endoscope including a light source that generates illumination light for irradiating the subject image; In an electronic endoscope system comprising a endoscope and a camera control unit that transmits and receives a predetermined signal,
The electronic endoscope includes a solid-state imaging device for imaging a subject image, and a video signal that can be displayed on a predetermined display unit by performing at least a first type of signal processing on an imaging signal from the solid-state imaging device. The first signal processing circuit for generating the image signal and the video signal that is processed by the first signal processing circuit and output as a signal that can be displayed on a predetermined display means is transmitted to the camera control unit. First transmission means, first reception means for receiving a predetermined control signal transmitted from the camera control unit, and the video signal output from the first signal processing circuit other than the camera control unit Monitor output transmitting means for transmitting toward the monitor,
The camera control unit has at least the first receiving means for receiving the video signal transmitted from the first transmitting means and the video signal received by the second receiving means . A second signal processing circuit capable of performing a second type of signal processing different from the first type of signal processing in the signal processing circuit; and a second transmission means for transmitting the control signal toward the electronic endoscope. And controlling the signal processing operation in the second signal processing circuit, controlling the second transmission means to transmit the control signal toward the electronic endoscope, and the electronic endoscope. Control means capable of controlling the signal processing action in the first signal processing circuit in
The control means controls the second transmission means in the camera control unit to transmit the control signal toward the electronic endoscope, and the first reception means in the electronic endoscope controls the control. When a signal is received, the first signal processing circuit is controlled so that a predetermined parameter in the first type of signal processing can be changed with respect to the imaging signal from the solid-state imaging device , and the second signal A processing circuit controls the second signal processing circuit so as to perform the second type of signal processing different from the first type of signal processing on the video signal received by the second receiving means. It is characterized by that.
[0006]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
(First embodiment)
1 to 3 relate to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 1 shows the overall configuration of the electronic endoscope system of the first embodiment, and FIG. 2 shows the internal configuration of the camera head. FIG. 3 shows the internal configuration of the camera control unit.
[0007]
As shown in FIG. 1, a TV camera external endoscope system 1 according to a first embodiment as an electronic endoscope apparatus according to the present invention is inserted into a body cavity and optically observes an affected part in the body cavity. Built-in imaging endoscope 2 (hereinafter abbreviated as “endoscope”) and an imaging unit that is detachably attached to the eyepiece 12 of the endoscope 2 and that captures an optical image transmitted to the eyepiece 12 A TV camera external endoscope (camera head-mounted endoscope) 4 including a camera head 3, a camera control unit (hereinafter abbreviated as CCU) 5 for controlling the camera head 3 wirelessly or by wire, A light source device 6 that supplies illumination light to the endoscope 2, a monitor 7 that captures video signals from the camera head 3 or CCU 5 by wire or wirelessly, and a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as a personal computer) that sets parameters of the CCU 5. The light guide base 13 of the endoscope 2 is supplied with illumination light from the light source device 6 by the light guide cable 9a or from the light source part built in the camera head 3 by the light guide cable 9b. It has come to be.
[0008]
The endoscope 2 is an elongated and hard insertion portion 11 to be inserted into a body cavity, a grip portion provided at the rear end of the insertion portion 11, and an eyepiece portion 12 provided at the rear end of the grip portion. A light guide device 13 or a camera head to which one end of a light guide cable 9a or 9b is detachably connected to a light guide base 13 provided in a gripping portion and the other end of the light guide cable 9a or 9b is connected The illumination light from 3 is supplied.
[0009]
The TV camera external endoscope system 1 according to the present embodiment can be used as a portable TV camera external endoscope apparatus and also as a stationary TV camera external endoscope apparatus. Yes.
[0010]
That is, when used as a portable TV camera external endoscope device, the light guide inside the endoscope 2 is connected by connecting the endoscope 2 and the camera head 3 by the short light guide cable 9b. The illumination light can be supplied.
Further, when used as a stationary TV camera external endoscope device, the light guide inside the endoscope 2 is connected by connecting the endoscope 2 and the light source device 6 by the light guide cable 9a. The illumination light can be supplied.
[0011]
Then, the incident illumination light is transmitted and emitted from the illumination window at the distal end of the insertion portion 11 to illuminate a subject such as an affected area. The illuminated subject forms an optical image of the subject by an objective lens attached to an observation window provided adjacent to the illumination window at the tip, and the optical image is formed by a relay lens system inserted into the insertion portion 11. It is relayed to the rear side and can be observed with the naked eye from the eyepiece window of the eyepiece 12 via the eyepiece lens. When the camera head 3 is attached, the imaging lens 15 (see FIG. 2) of the camera head 3 is attached. Further, an image is formed on, for example, a charge coupled device (abbreviated as CCD) 16 (see FIG. 2) as a solid-state image pickup device disposed at the image formation position, and photoelectrically converted.
[0012]
As described above, in this embodiment, for example, the camera head 3 includes a camera head portion 21 that is attached to the eyepiece portion 12 of the endoscope 2, and the camera head portion 21 so that it can be used as a portable type. And a signal processing unit 23 that is provided at the other end of the cable unit 22 and performs signal processing on the image pickup means (specifically, the CCD 16). An image captured by a monitor 7 wired or wirelessly connected is displayed, and the surgeon can observe an image displayed on the monitor 7 to perform endoscopy or surgery.
[0013]
Further, the signal from the camera head 23 is sent to the CCU 5 and processed by the CCU 5 so that it can be used as a stationary TV camera external endoscope apparatus having a higher function than the portable type. Can be displayed. Hereinafter, the configuration will be described with reference to FIG.
[0014]
FIG. 2 shows the configuration of the camera head 3. The camera head unit 21 is provided with, for example, a white LED 25 that generates white light and a lens 26 that collects the illumination light as a light source unit together with the imaging lens 15 and the CCD 16 that perform imaging, and is connected to the illumination light output unit 27. The illumination light can be supplied to the light guide cable 9b.
[0015]
A CCD drive circuit 31 built in the signal processing unit 23 applies a CCD drive signal to the CCD 16 via a signal line inserted into the cable unit 22, and the CCD 16 receives the CCD drive signal and receives a predetermined imaging cycle. The imaging signal photoelectrically converted in is output. The image pickup signal output from the CCD 16 is input to a signal processing circuit 32, and processing such as correlated double sampling (CDS), AGC, white balance, enhancement, γ correction, etc. is performed inside the signal processing circuit 32, and an image is displayed. Converted to a signal.
[0016]
The output signal of the signal processing circuit 32 can be output from the video output terminal 33 (by wire), and is input to the modulation circuit 34 for wireless transmission, and after performing predetermined modulation, a transmitter that performs wireless transmission 35, is converted into a radio signal (low transmission intensity for short distance) and radiated to the outside from an antenna (not shown).
[0017]
Therefore, in the case of using as a portable type, the video output terminal 33 is connected to the monitor 7 via a video cable, or if the monitor 7 is a wireless compatible monitor, the wireless signal from the transmitter 35 (of the monitor 7) is used. ) Received by the receiver, an image corresponding to the video signal is displayed on the monitor screen, and the image can be observed.
[0018]
That is, an image can be transmitted via the transmitter 35 when the portable type is used for short-distance wireless transmission.
In the present embodiment, long-distance wireless transmission can also be performed.
[0019]
In other words, the signal modulated by the modulation circuit 34 is sent to the mobile phone / PHS interface 36, converted into a predetermined transmission format / protocol, transmitted to the external mobile phone / PHS 37, and transmitted through the mobile phone / PHS 37. Distance wireless transmission can be performed.
[0020]
On the other hand, the signal can be transmitted to the CCU 5 via the transmitter 35 or the like so that it can be used as a stationary type.
As shown in FIG. 3, the radio signal from the transmitter 35 is received by the receiver 41 of the CCU 5 and sent to the demodulation circuit 42. The demodulated circuit 42 demodulates the received signal and converts it into a baseband video signal, which is then input to the signal processing circuit 43.
[0021]
In addition to signal processing such as color adjustment and noise reduction for the input video signal, the signal processing circuit 43 may display a frozen image by performing A / D conversion and temporarily storing it in the memory. Perform signal processing to enable.
[0022]
For example, when an instruction operation such as a freeze instruction switch on the operation panel 44 provided on the front surface of the CCU 5 is performed, a control signal for the instruction is given to the memory controller or the like of the signal processing circuit 43 via the CPU 45, and is sent to the memory. It is possible to set a state in which a frozen image is output with writing prohibited.
[0023]
In addition, by operating the color adjustment switch on the operation panel 44, the operator (user) can set a favorite color tone or the like that he or she thinks is easy to diagnose, and can set the endoscope image to be displayed.
[0024]
That is, the signal processing circuit 43 can be controlled by an instruction operation from the operation panel 44.
The output signal from the signal processing circuit 43 is output to the monitor 7 as a video signal from the output terminal via the output circuit 46.
[0025]
In addition, an instruction signal to the CPU 45 can be sent from the operation panel 44, and a signal can be inputted from the external personal computer 8 via the TCP / IP port 47 inside the CCU 5.
[0026]
More specifically, this instruction method can be input using a standard HTTP browser installed in the personal computer 8. In FIG. 1 or FIG. 3, the personal computer 8 and the CCU 5 are connected by a cable, but may be connected wirelessly.
[0027]
It should be noted that the video output end 33 of the camera head 3 and the video input end 48 of the CCU 5 are connected by a video cable without using the short-range wireless signal from the transmitter 35, and the output signal of the signal processing circuit 32 is directly connected to the CCU 5 Even if the signal is input to the signal processing circuit 43, the same processing is performed. In this case, since the operation on the demodulation circuit 42 side is unnecessary, for example, the demodulation function of the demodulation circuit 42 is stopped via the CPU 45, and the power consumption can be reduced by setting the standby state. Yes.
[0028]
In the present embodiment, when used as a stationary type, a control signal from the CCU 5 or various signal processing parameters can be sent to the signal processing circuit 32 of the camera head 3.
[0029]
That is, an instruction control signal or signal processing parameter given to the CPU 45 by the operation panel 44 or the like is modulated by the modulation circuit 49, then sent to the transmitter 50, and radiated to the outside as a radio signal.
[0030]
This wireless signal is received by the receiver 38 of the camera head 3 and sent to the demodulation circuit 39. The signal demodulated by the demodulating circuit 39 is input to the signal processing circuit 32 so that the video processing parameter of the enhancement amount can be changed, AGC ON / OFF control, and other settings and controls can be performed.
[0031]
That is, when used as a stationary type, a control signal from the CCU 5 or a signal processing parameter for various image processing is sent to the signal processing circuit 32 of the camera head 3, and the internal function of the signal processing circuit 32 is more detailed. By controlling and setting to a higher function (than when used as a portable type), and passing through the signal processing circuit 43 on the CCU 5 side, it is more than when using as a portable type. It enables high-performance signal processing.
[0032]
In this case, compared with the case of only the signal processing circuit 32 of the camera head 3, the function of the added signal processing circuit 43 on the CCU 5 side can be controlled or set in detail.
[0033]
Next, the operation of the present embodiment having such a configuration will be described.
First, when using as a portable type, the endoscope 2 and the camera head unit 21 are connected using the light guide cable 9b. Then, a wired monitor 7 is connected to the signal processing unit 23, or the video signal is received by the wireless monitor 7 so that it can be displayed on the display surface.
[0034]
In this case, the endoscopy can be performed in a compact and lightweight state suitable for carrying at the time of home visit or the like.
That is, the camera head unit 21 incorporates an imaging unit (more specifically, a CCD 16 as a solid-state imaging device) and a simple illumination unit (light source unit), and the signal processing unit 23 drives the CCD 16. And a signal processing function for generating a video signal from the output signal of the CCD 16, and a video signal can be output to the monitor 7 by wire or wireless to display an endoscopic image on the display surface of the monitor 7. Endoscopy can be performed at home visits by observing endoscopic images.
[0035]
Also, a portable or PHS 37 can be connected to the signal processing unit 23, and an endoscopic image can be transmitted to the hospital side to request diagnosis and advice for the endoscopic image.
[0036]
On the other hand, when it is used as a stationary TV camera external endoscope device without having to move around, the light guide cable 9a is connected to supply the illumination light of the light source device 6 to the endoscope 2. In addition, the signal processing unit 23 is disposed at a short distance from the CCU 5, and a wired (or wireless) monitor 7 is connected to the CCU 5.
[0037]
In this case, a sufficient amount of illumination light is supplied from the light source device 6 to the endoscope 2, and the optical image formed and transmitted by the observation optical system of the endoscope 2 is connected to the CCD 16 of the camera head unit 21. The imaging signal that has been imaged and photoelectrically converted by the application of the CCD drive signal from the CCD drive circuit 31 is read out, processed by the signal processing circuit 32, modulated by the modulation circuit 34, and radiated by radio waves through the transmitter 35. The
[0038]
This radio wave is received by the receiver 41 of the CCU 5, further demodulated by the demodulation circuit 42 and returned to the baseband video signal, and further, the signal processing circuit 43 provides the signal processing function of the signal processing circuit 32 inside the signal processing unit 23. Performs signal processing functions such as added color adjustment and noise reduction.
[0039]
Further, the signal processing function of the signal processing circuit 32 in the signal processing unit 23 and the freeze function of the signal processing circuit 43 in the CCU 5 are operated by operating the operation panel 44 of the CCU 5 or operating the personal computer 8 through the CPU 45 of the CCU 5. It is also possible to perform signal processing with higher functionality by controlling the signal processing function, changing parameters, etc.
[0040]
Then, a video signal is output from the output circuit 46 of the CCU 5 to the monitor 7. The monitor 7 generally displays an endoscopic image that is brighter or better in S / N than the portable type, It is possible to display a color tone corresponding to the selection and a freeze image as necessary.
[0041]
As described above, in the present embodiment, it can be used as an external TV camera endoscope apparatus that is suitable for portable use with almost no adjustment operation and the like, and a CTV 5 and a light source device 6 are added to the stationary TV camera externally attached. Since it can also be used as an endoscope apparatus, it can be handled with a simpler operation method than the conventional example employing a separate TV camera external endoscope apparatus, and the usability can be improved.
In addition, since many camera heads are not required as compared with the case of the conventional example employing a separate TV camera external endoscope device, the cost can be reduced.
[0042]
Therefore, this embodiment has the following effects.
As described above, wireless communication means is provided inside the camera head of the stationary external TV camera system, and the same camera head can be used as the camera head of the stationary external TV camera system according to the application or as a portable type. Since only the camera head body can be used, it can be handled by the same operation method, and the usability is improved. Further, since it is not necessary to have many camera heads, it is advantageous in terms of cost.
[0043]
When short-distance transmission is sufficient, a license-free short-distance radio is used. When long-distance transmission is required, image transmission can be performed using an infrastructure such as a portable / PHS 37. System can be realized.
Furthermore, since TCP / IP and HTTP are installed and various settings are possible using the browser of the personal computer 8, the input interface can be unified and the usability can be improved.
[0044]
(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 shows a TV camera external endoscope system 61 according to the second embodiment. This TV camera external endoscope system 61 employs a normal camera head 3 'instead of the camera head 3 in the TV camera external endoscope system 1 of FIG. The signal processing unit 23 ′ is detachably attached to the connector unit 62 at the other end of the cable unit 22 ′ with one end extending from the camera head 3 ′.
[0045]
The signal processing unit 23 'has a configuration in which a white LED 25 and a lens 26 incorporated in the camera head unit 21 are incorporated in addition to the configuration of the signal processing unit 23 shown in FIG. The light guide cable 9a shown in FIG. 1 can be detachably connected to the light output section 64. That is, the light guide cable 9a can be connected to the light source device 6, and can also be connected to the illumination light output unit 64 (corresponding to the illumination light output unit 27 in FIG. 2) in the signal processing unit 23 ′. .
[0046]
The other configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment. According to the present embodiment, even when the existing camera head 3 'is adopted, a TV camera externally attached that can be used both as a portable type and a stationary type having the same functions as in the first embodiment. A mirror system 61 can be realized.
[0047]
In each of the above-described embodiments, the electronic endoscope system 1 in the case of an electronic endoscope in which a solid-state imaging device is built in the camera head 3 or 3 'by the TV camera external endoscope 4 or 4'. Alternatively, as described in 61, the case of an electronic endoscope system that employs an electronic endoscope that incorporates a solid-state imaging device at the distal end of the insertion portion or the like also belongs to the present invention.
[0048]
[Appendix]
1. The electronic endoscope apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the transmitter for wireless transmission and the receiver for wireless reception can be connected to a mobile phone or a PHS.
2. The electronic endoscope according to any one of claims 2 to 3, wherein, for short-distance wireless transmission, the transmission protocol is TCP / IP, HTTP is installed, and various settings can be made by a browser such as a personal computer. apparatus.
[0049]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, it can be used both as a portable type and as a highly functional stationary electronic endoscope system , and operability and the like can be improved.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of an endoscope system with an external TV camera according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of a camera head.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of a camera control unit.
FIG. 4 is an overall configuration diagram of an endoscope system with an external TV camera according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... TV camera external endoscope system 2 ... (Optical) endoscope 3 ... Camera head 4 ... TV camera external endoscope 5 ... Camera control unit (CCU)
6 ... Light source device 7 ... Monitor 8 ... Personal computer (PC)
9a, 9b ... Light guide cable 11 ... Insertion part 12 ... Eyepiece part 16 ... CCD
21 ... Camera head unit 22 ... Cable unit 23 ... Signal processing unit 25 ... White LED
31 ... CCD drive circuits 32, 43 ... signal processing circuits 34, 49 ... modulation circuits 35, 50 ... transmitter 36 ... mobile / PHS interface 37 ... mobile / PHS
38, 41 ... receiver 39, 42 ... demodulating circuit 45 ... CPU
47 ... TCP / IP port

Claims (2)

An electronic endoscope having a solid-state imaging device for imaging a subject image and a light source that generates illumination light for irradiating the subject image, and a camera that transmits and receives predetermined signals to and from the electronic endoscope In an electronic endoscope system comprising a control unit,
The electronic endoscope is:
A solid-state imaging device for imaging a subject image;
A first signal processing circuit that performs at least a first type of signal processing on an imaging signal from the solid-state imaging device and generates a video signal that can be displayed on a predetermined display unit;
First transmission means for transmitting the video signal, which is subjected to signal processing by the first signal processing circuit and output as a signal that can be displayed on a predetermined display means, to the camera control unit;
First receiving means for receiving a predetermined control signal transmitted from the camera control unit;
Monitor output transmission means for transmitting the video signal output from the first signal processing circuit to a monitor other than the camera control unit;
Have
The camera control unit is
Second receiving means for receiving the video signal transmitted from the first transmitting means;
A second signal processing circuit capable of performing at least a second type of signal processing different from the first type of signal processing in the first signal processing circuit on the video signal received by the second receiving means; When,
Second transmission means for transmitting the control signal toward the electronic endoscope;
The second signal processing circuit controls the signal processing operation, and controls the second transmission means to transmit the control signal toward the electronic endoscope. Control means capable of controlling the signal processing action in the first signal processing circuit;
Have
The control means includes
When the second transmission unit in the camera control unit is controlled to transmit the control signal to the electronic endoscope, and the first reception unit in the electronic endoscope receives the control signal The first signal processing circuit is controlled so that a predetermined parameter in the first type signal processing can be changed with respect to the imaging signal from the solid-state imaging device , and
The second signal processing circuit applies the second type of signal processing different from the first type of signal processing to the video signal received by the second receiving means. Control processing circuitry
An electronic endoscope system characterized by that.   2. The electronic endoscope system according to claim 1, wherein the second type of signal processing in the second signal processing circuit is a function of improving medical diagnostic ability.

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