JP4813145B2 - Endoscope device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an endoscope apparatus, and more particularly to a configuration for forming and displaying a spectroscopic image (video) composed of image information in an arbitrarily selected wavelength region, particularly used in the medical field.

  In recent years, in an electronic endoscope apparatus using a solid-state image sensor, spectral imaging combined with a narrow band-pass filter based on a spectral reflectance in a digestive organ (such as gastric mucosa), that is, an electronic endoscope apparatus incorporating a narrow band filter. (Narrow Band Imaging-NBl) is drawing attention. This device is provided with three narrow (wavelength) band-pass filters instead of the surface sequential R (red), G (green), and B (blue) rotary filters. By sequentially performing the same processing as in the case of the R, G, B (RGB) signals while changing the respective weights for the three signals obtained with these illumination lights, the spectral image is output. Is formed. According to such a spectral image, in the digestive organs such as the stomach and the large intestine, a fine structure or the like that has not been obtained conventionally is extracted.

On the other hand, as shown in Patent Document 1 and Non-Patent Document 1, instead of the above-described narrow-band bandpass filter, the simultaneous expression in which a fine mosaic color filter is arranged in a solid-state image sensor is white. It has been proposed to form a spectral image by arithmetic processing based on an image signal obtained with light. This is obtained as a matrix data (coefficient set) between the RGB color sensitivity characteristics converted into numerical data and the spectral characteristics of a specific narrowband bandpass converted into numerical data. A spectral image signal obtained by estimating a spectral image obtained through a narrow-band bandpass filter by calculation with an RGB signal is obtained. When a spectral image is formed by such an operation, it is not necessary to prepare a plurality of filters corresponding to a desired wavelength region, and replacement arrangement of these is unnecessary, so that the apparatus can be prevented from being enlarged and reduced in size. Cost can be reduced.
JP 2003-93336 A Yoichi Miyake "Analysis and Evaluation of Digital Color Images" The University of Tokyo Press, 2000, p. 148-153

  However, in the formation of a spectral image in the above-described endoscopic device, a plurality of regions such as a relatively thick blood vessel, a capillary blood vessel, a deep blood vessel, a shallow blood vessel, or a cancer tissue having a different degree of progression are desired. The relationship between the region of interest and the wavelength range to be selected may vary depending on the individual difference of the object to be observed, and the wavelength region for obtaining the optimal spectral image in which the region of interest is depicted It is not easy to select and set.

  Furthermore, since the optimal wavelength range for forming and displaying a spectral image that is easy to observe clinically is often different depending on the operator of the apparatus such as a clinician, the wavelength considered to be optimal depending on the part of the object to be observed. Even if a region is prepared in advance, each clinician or the like cannot use it when forming a spectral image, and may be forced to perform a work of selecting a wavelength region suitable for his sensitivity. If so, it takes a long time for each apparatus operator to form and display a spectral image that is most easily observable for him.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and it is an object of the present invention to provide an endoscope apparatus in which each apparatus operator can quickly form and display a spectral image that is most easily observed by the apparatus operator. And

A first endoscopic device according to the present invention includes:
In an endoscope apparatus that forms a color image signal of an object to be observed with an image sensor mounted on an endoscope,
A storage unit for storing matrix data of wavelength regions constituting a spectral image;
A spectral image forming circuit that performs a matrix operation on the color image signal using matrix data in the storage unit and forms a spectral image in a selected wavelength range;
Wavelength selection means for selecting the wavelength range of the spectral image formed by the spectral image forming circuit while switching continuously or stepwise;
Wavelength storage means for storing the wavelength range selected by the wavelength selection means is provided.

The second endoscope apparatus according to the present invention corresponds to a case where a plurality of wavelength ranges are used,
In an endoscope apparatus that forms a color image signal of an object to be observed with an image sensor mounted on an endoscope,
A storage unit for storing matrix data of wavelength regions constituting a spectral image;
A spectral image forming circuit that performs a matrix operation on the color image signal using matrix data in the storage unit and forms a spectral image in a selected wavelength range;
A wavelength selection means for setting a plurality of wavelength regions of a spectral image formed by the spectral image forming circuit as a wavelength set and selecting the wavelength set while switching;
Wavelength storage means for storing a plurality of wavelength ranges as the wavelength set selected by the wavelength selection means.

  The wavelength storage means in the endoscope apparatus of the present invention stores default data that stores an initial setting value (default value) of the wavelength range selected by the wavelength selection means in addition to the area for storing the wavelength range. It is desirable to further include a storage area.

  In addition to the region for storing the wavelength region, the wavelength storage unit may further include a changed wavelength storage region for storing and holding the wavelength region that has been changed after being read from the region. desirable. In that case, it is desirable that the endoscope apparatus of the present invention has a configuration in which the wavelength region stored in the changed wavelength storage region is written in the region in which the wavelength region is stored.

  According to the endoscope apparatus of the present invention, it is provided with wavelength storage means for storing a wavelength range selected by the wavelength selection means or a plurality of wavelength ranges as a wavelength set, thereby providing a device such as a clinician. It becomes possible to store and save the wavelength range once selected by the operator that is most suitable for him / her in this wavelength storage means. Therefore, when the apparatus user forms and displays a spectral image from the next time onward, the wavelength range stored therein can be read and reused, so that the spectral image that is most easily observed by the apparatus user. Can be formed and displayed quickly.

  Further, in particular, the wavelength storage means in the endoscope apparatus of the present invention includes a default data storage area that stores an initial setting value of the wavelength range selected by the wavelength selection means in addition to the area for storing the wavelength range. If further provided, the initial setting value of the wavelength region can be read out and used. If this is the case, if the device operator reselects the wavelength range over and over again and is confused about which is the best wavelength range for him, the default setting is based on the wavelength range. By returning to the value, it becomes possible to eliminate the confusion.

  Further, in addition to the region for storing the wavelength region, the wavelength storage unit further includes a changed wavelength storage region for storing and holding the wavelength region that has been changed after being read from this region, Since the wavelength range can be changed using this changed wavelength storage area, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of a problem that the wavelength range stored in the area for storing the wavelength range is overwritten with an incorrect value. .

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows a basic configuration of an electronic endoscope apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, this electronic endoscope apparatus includes a scope 10, that is, an endoscope main body portion, and a processor device 12 to which the scope 10 is detachably connected, and emits white light in the processor device 12. A light source 14 is arranged. An illumination window 23 is provided at the tip of the scope 10, and the other end of the light guide 24 whose one end is connected to the light source 14 faces the illumination window 23. The light source 14 may be arranged in a light source device that is separate from the processor device 12.

  A CCD 15 that is a solid-state imaging device is provided at the distal end of the scope 10. As the CCD 15, for example, a complementary color type having Mg (magenta), Ye (yellow), Cy (cyan), and G (green) color filters or a primary color type having RGB color filters on the imaging surface is used.

  The CCD 15 is connected to a CCD drive circuit 16 that forms a drive pulse based on a synchronizing signal, and also CDS / AGC (correlated double sampling / output) that samples and amplifies an image (video) signal output from the CCD 15. An automatic gain control) circuit 17 is connected. The CDS / AGC circuit 17 is connected to an A / D converter 18 for digitizing the analog output. Further, in the scope 10, a microcomputer 20 that controls various circuits provided therein and performs communication control with the processor device 12 is disposed.

  On the other hand, the processor device 12 is provided with a DSP (digital signal processor) 25 for performing various kinds of image processing on the digitized image signal. The DSP 25 generates a Y / C signal composed of a luminance (Y) signal and a color difference [C (R−Y, B−Y)] signal from the output signal of the CCD 15 and outputs it. The apparatus according to the present embodiment selectively forms and displays one of a normal image and a spectral image (both a moving image and a still image). The DSP 25 forms a normal image or a spectral image. A switching device 26 for switching whether to perform or not is connected. A first color conversion circuit 28 is connected to one output terminal of the switch 26. The first color conversion circuit 28 converts the Y (luminance) / C (color difference) signal output from the DSP 25 into a three-color image signal of R, G, and B. The DSP 25 may be disposed on the scope 10 side.

  On the rear side of the first color conversion circuit 28, a color space conversion processing circuit that performs matrix calculation for spectral image formation and outputs image signals indicating spectral images in the selected wavelength ranges λ1, λ2, and λ3. 29, a mode selector 30 for selecting one of a single-color mode for forming a spectral image in one narrow wavelength band and a three-color mode for forming a spectral image composed of three wavelength regions, one wavelength region or three wavelengths The second image color signals λ1s, λ2s, and λ3s are input as Rs, Gs, and Bs signals for processing corresponding to the RGB signals, and the Rs, Gs, and Bs signals are converted into Y / C signals. A conversion circuit 31, a signal processing circuit 32 for performing various other signal processing such as mirror image processing, mask generation, and character generation, and a D / A converter 33 are sequentially connected in this order. Instead of the three-color mode selected by the mode selector 30, a two-color mode for forming a spectral image having two wavelength ranges may be set.

In the processor device 12, communication with the scope 10 is performed, each circuit in the device 12 is controlled, and matrix (coefficient) data for forming a spectral image is converted into the color space conversion process. A microcomputer 35 having a function of inputting to the circuit 29 is provided. The memory 36 stores matrix data for forming a spectral image based on RGB signals in the form of a table. In the present embodiment, an example of matrix data stored in the memory 36 is as shown in Table 1 below.

The matrix data in Table 1 is composed of 61 wavelength range parameters (coefficient sets) p1 to p61 obtained by dividing a wavelength range of 400 nm to 700 nm, for example, at 5 nm intervals. These parameters p1 to p61 are respectively used for matrix calculation. coefficients _{k pr, k pg,} and a k pb (p = 1~61).

Then, in the color space conversion processing circuit 29, a matrix operation represented by the following expression is performed by the coefficients k _pr , k _pg , k _pb and the RGB signal output from the first color conversion circuit 28, and the spectral image signal λ1s, λ2s and λ3s are formed.

That is, when, for example, 500 nm, 620 nm, and 650 nm are selected as the wavelength ranges λ1, λ2, and λ3 constituting the spectroscopic image, the coefficients (k _pr , k _pg , k _pb ) are selected from among the 61 parameters in Table 1. , Coefficient of parameter p21 corresponding to the center wavelength of 500 nm (−0.00119, 0.002346, 0.0016), coefficient of parameter p45 corresponding to the center wavelength of 620 nm (0.004022, 0.000068, −0.00097), and coefficient of parameter p51 corresponding to the center wavelength of 650 nm The matrix calculation is performed using (0.005152, -0.00192, 0.000088). Such parameters are read from the memory 36 based on the combination of wavelengths stored in the wavelength set memory 42 described later, and this point will be described later.

  The other output terminal of the switch 26 is connected to a color signal processing circuit 38 for forming a normal color image instead of a spectral image, and this color signal processing circuit 38 has a D / A converter. 39 is connected.

  In addition to the memory 36, the microcomputer 35 is connected with an operation panel 41, a wavelength set memory 42, and an input unit 43 including a keyboard and the like. FIG. 2 shows the operation panel 41 in detail. The operation panel 41 includes, for example, a set selection switch 41a for selecting a wavelength set of a to h schematically illustrated, and wavelength regions λ1, λ2, and λ3. A wavelength selective switch 41b for selecting the respective center wavelengths, a switching width setting switch 41c for setting the width of wavelength switching performed by the wavelength selective switch 41b, and switching between a monochromatic mode and a three-color mode for selecting a single wavelength. The mode changeover switch 41d for performing all of the wavelength sets of the wavelength sets of a to h returns the wavelength range of one wavelength set of the all reset switches 41e and a to h for returning to the initial values described later. Part of the reset switch 41f, and wavelength sets a to h created for each device user such as a clinician are written in the wavelength set memory 42 The doctor page switch 41g for calling therefrom, store the wavelength set in the wavelength set memory 42, storage switch 41h for storing, and the spectral image formation switch 41j for instructing a spectral image formation is provided. The spectral image forming switch 41j can also be provided on the scope 10 side.

  Hereinafter, the operation of the electronic endoscope apparatus of the present embodiment having the above-described configuration will be described. First, the formation of a normal image and a spectral image will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, in the scope 10, the CCD 15 driven by the CCD drive circuit 16 images the object to be observed and outputs an image signal. The imaging signal is amplified by correlated double sampling and automatic gain control in the CDS / AGC circuit 17, then A / D converted by the A / D converter 18, and input to the DSP 25 of the processor unit 12 as a digital signal. The

  In the DSP 25, gamma processing is performed on the output signal from the scope 10, and color conversion processing is performed on the signal obtained through the Mg, Ye, Cy, G color filters to obtain luminance (Y). A Y / C signal composed of a signal and a color difference (R−Y, B−Y) signal is formed. The output of the DSP 25 is normally supplied to the color signal processing circuit 38 by the switch 26, and after receiving predetermined processing such as mirror image processing, mask generation, and character generation in the circuit 38, the D / A converter 39 Is converted to an analog signal and supplied to the monitor 34 shown in FIG. Thereby, a normal color image of the object to be observed is displayed on the monitor 34.

  On the other hand, when the spectral image forming switch 41j of the operation panel 41 shown in FIG. 2 is pressed, the switch 26 is switched to a state in which the Y / C signal output from the DSP 25 is supplied to the first color conversion circuit 28. A circuit 28 converts the Y / C signal into an RGB signal. The RGB signals are supplied to the color space conversion processing circuit 29. The color space conversion processing circuit 29 performs the matrix operation of Formula 1 for forming a spectral image using the RGB signals and matrix data. That is, in the formation of the spectral image, three wavelength ranges of λ1, λ2, and λ3 are set by operating the operation panel 41 described later, and the microcomputer 35 reads out the matrix data corresponding to these three selected wavelength ranges from the memory 36. These are input to the color space conversion processing circuit 29.

For example, when the wavelengths 500 nm, 620 nm, and 650 nm are selected as the three wavelength ranges λ1, λ2, and λ3, the coefficients of the parameters p21, p45, and p51 of Table 1 corresponding to the respective wavelengths are used, and the RGB signals are used. Spectral image signals λ1s, λ2s, and λ3s are formed by the following matrix calculation of equation (2).

  When the three-color mode is selected by the mode selector 30, the spectral image signals λ1s, λ2s, and λ3s are input to the second color conversion circuit 31 as three-color image signals of Rs, Gs, and Bs, respectively. When the mode is selected, one of the spectral image signals λ1s, λ2s, and λ3s is input to the second color conversion circuit 31 as Rs, Gs, and Bs signals. In the second color conversion circuit 31, the three-color image signal of Rs, Gs, and Bs is converted into a Y / C signal (Y, Rs-Y, Bs-Y), and this Y / C signal is converted into the signal processing circuit 32 and The data is input to the above-described monitor 34 and the like via the D / A converter 33.

  The spectral image displayed on the monitor 34 or the like as described above is composed of color components in the wavelength region as shown in FIGS. That is, FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram in which three wavelength regions λ1, λ2, and λ3 for forming a spectral image are superimposed on the spectral sensitivity characteristics R, G, and B of the color filter of the primary color CCD 15, and FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram in which three wavelength regions λ1, λ2, and λ3 are superimposed on the reflection spectrum of FIG. The spectral image signals λ1s, λ2s, and λ3s based on the parameters p21, p45, and p51 exemplified above are color signals in a wavelength range of about ± 10 nm with the center wavelengths of 500 nm, 620 nm, and 650 nm, respectively, as shown in FIG. Thus, a spectral image (moving image and still image) composed of combinations of colors in these three wavelength ranges is displayed.

  When the switch 26 is in the state of supplying the Y / C signal output from the DSP 25 to the first color conversion circuit 28 and the spectral image is formed and displayed, the operation panel 41 shown in FIG. When the spectral image forming switch 41j is pressed, the switch 26 is returned to the state where the Y / C signal is supplied to the color signal processing circuit 38 so that a normal color image which is a moving image or a still image is displayed. become.

  Next, selection of the wavelength ranges λ1, λ2, and λ3 will be described. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, as a wavelength set of λ1, λ2, and λ3, for example, a standard set a of 400, 500, 600 (nm, the same applies hereinafter), and 470, 500, 670 for rendering blood vessels. A blood vessel B1 set b, a blood vessel B2 set c of 475, 510, 685 for depicting a blood vessel, a tissue E1 set d of 440, 480, 520 for depicting a specific tissue, and 480 for depicting a specific tissue , 510, 580, tissue E2 set b, 400, 430, 475 hemoglobin set f for depicting the difference between oxyhemoglobin and deoxyhemoglobin, 415, 450, 500 for depicting the difference between blood and carotene Blood-carotene set g, 420, 550, 600 blood-cytoplasm set h to depict the difference between blood and cytoplasm One of the wavelength set is the default wavelength sets are stored in a first area 42a of the wavelength set memory 42 shown in FIG.

  When the electronic endoscope apparatus is shipped from the factory, the default wavelength set stored in the first area 42a is also stored in the second area 42b of the wavelength set memory 42. When the apparatus is first turned on and the apparatus is started up. The default wavelength set stored in the second area 42b is selected by the microcomputer 35. Then, when the spectral image forming switch 41j of the operation panel 41 shown in FIG. 2 is pressed, the standard set a in the selected wavelength set is displayed in the wavelength information display area 34s on the monitor 34 of FIG. . At this time, if the mode changeover switch 41d is pressed and the three-color mode is selected, parameters corresponding to λ1 = 400 nm, λ2 = 500 nm, and λ3 = 600 nm of the standard set a are read from the memory 36, Are input to the color space conversion processing circuit 29. The color space conversion processing circuit 29 performs the above-described matrix operation using the input parameters to form spectral image signals λ1s, λ2s, and λ3s. Then, spectral images based on these spectral image signals λ1s, λ2s, and λ3s are displayed on the monitor 34 in FIG.

  Further, a device operator such as a clinician can arbitrarily select other wavelength sets b to h of the default wavelength set by operating a set selection switch 41a on the operation panel 41 of FIG. The wavelength set thus selected is displayed in the wavelength information display area 34s on the monitor 34 of FIG. At the same time, the parameters corresponding to the wavelength ranges λ1, λ2, and λ3 of the selected wavelength set are read out from the memory 36 by the microcomputer 35, and these parameters are input to the color space conversion processing circuit 29. The color space conversion processing circuit 29 performs the above-described matrix operation using the input parameters to form spectral image signals λ1s, λ2s, and λ3s. Then, spectral images based on these spectral image signals λ1s, λ2s, and λ3s are displayed on the monitor 34 in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the set selection switch 41a is composed of an upward switch having an upward triangular operation section and a downward switch having a downward triangular operation section. → h → g... Is sequentially selected, and each time the latter is pressed once, the wavelength set is sequentially selected as a → b → c.

  Further, when one of the wavelength sets a to h is selected, the operator operates the wavelength selective switch 41b to change the wavelength ranges λ1, λ2, and λ3 of the selected wavelength set. It can be changed to any value. When changing the wavelength range, the wavelength switching width can be changed by the switching width setting switch 41c. In other words, by rotating the knob of the switching width setting switch 41c, continuous or stepwise switching is set, such as 1 nm width close to continuous switching, 5 nm width, 10 nm width, and 20 nm width as step switching. Can do. For example, when switching at a width of 1 nm, 301 wavelength ranges are set in the range of 400 to 700 nm, and matrix data (p′1 to p′301) corresponding to the 301 wavelength range is created.

  FIG. 6 shows the selection of this wavelength range. When the 5 nm width is set, as shown by the switching of λ1, the switching is made from 400 → 405 → 410, and the 20 nm width is set. Is switched in the order of 600 → 620 → 640 as indicated by switching of λ3, and this value is displayed in the wavelength information display area 34s of the monitor 34.

  FIG. 3 shows the display state in the wavelength information display area 34s in detail. In the present embodiment, when the character is generated in the signal processing circuit 32, the wavelength information is displayed in the wavelength information display area 34s set in the lower right portion of the monitor 34, as shown in FIG. That is, in the wavelength information display area 34s, as shown in FIG. 3B, the selected wavelength value (nm) is displayed under the letters λ1, λ2, λ3, and the like. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 3C, the horizontal axis may be a wavelength scale, the vertical axis may be sensitivity, and the selected wavelength range may be visually displayed as a movable graph (corresponding to FIG. 4).

  The processing for changing the wavelength ranges λ1, λ2, and λ3 of the wavelength set to arbitrary values as described above uses the work area 42d of the wavelength set memory 42 shown in FIG. 2 and stores temporary data therein. Is done by doing.

  The mode changeover switch 41d shown in FIG. 2 switches between the single color mode and the three color mode. When the mode changeover switch 41d is pressed during the three color mode operation, the mode is changed to the single color mode. All of λ2 and λ3 are set to the same value such as 470, 470, and 470. The monitor 34 displays a common wavelength range as shown in FIG. Note that an arbitrary value can be selected for the common wavelength range by the wavelength selective switch 41b.

  Here, some functions of the switches on the operation panel 41 may be replaced with keyboard key functions, or all functions may be replaced with keyboard key functions.

  As described above, when the wavelength ranges λ1, λ2, and λ3 are changed for some of the wavelength sets a to h, pressing the storage switch 41h on the operation panel 41 in FIG. a to h are overwritten and saved in the second area 42 b of the wavelength set memory 42 by the microcomputer 35. Such storage is convenient when a spectral image is immediately formed and displayed using the new wavelength sets a to h.

  Further, the new wavelength sets a to h created as described above are stored in the wavelength set memory 42 by the microcomputer 35 by simultaneously pressing the storage switch 41h and the doctor page switch 41g in the operation panel 41 of FIG. 2, for example. It is newly stored and saved in the third area 42c. At this time, the monitor 34 shown in FIG. 3 displays a guidance display that suggests inputting the name of the operator of the apparatus who performed the storage. Therefore, a name such as “Dr. XX” is input using the input unit 43 such as a keyboard shown in FIG. The microcomputer 35 stores the new wavelength sets a to h in the third area 42c in association with the input name. In this embodiment, as an example, a maximum of 10 wavelength sets a to h can be stored in association with the names of the apparatus operators.

  The wavelength sets a to h stored and stored in the third area 42c of the wavelength set memory 42 can be read out from the third area 42c and used by pressing the doctor page switch 41g on the operation panel 41. . That is, each time the doctor page switch 41g is pressed once, the microcomputer 35 causes the first set of wavelength sets a to h, the second set of wavelength sets a to h, the third set of wavelength sets a to h,. The wavelength set is sequentially selected and read out from the third area 42c and stored in the second area 42b as the changed wavelength storage area. The microcomputer 35 reads out the parameters corresponding to the wavelength ranges λ1, λ2, and λ3 of the stored wavelength set from the memory 36. Spectral image formation using these parameters is performed in the same manner as described above.

  For the wavelength sets a to h selected as described above, for example, “i” indicating spectral image formation in the wavelength information display region 34 s of the monitor 34 as shown in FIGS. "And the name of the creator and the set name are displayed as" Dr. xx b. Blood vessel B1 ". As a result, it is possible to confirm on which wavelength set the spectral image is formed and displayed.

  The optimum wavelength ranges λ1, λ2, and λ3 for forming and displaying a spectral image that is easy to observe clinically are often different depending on the operator of the device such as a clinician. However, as described above, the wavelength region is different for each device operator. If one set a to h is created and stored, and can be read and used, it is possible to quickly and easily form a spectral image that is easy to observe for each operator.

  When displaying the wavelength set such as “Dr. xx b. Blood vessel B1”, if the wavelength set remains the default wavelength set, it is white, for example, and has been changed from the default wavelength set. If it is an object, for example, it is convenient to display the wavelength set history if it is displayed in different colors such as green.

  The wavelength sets a to h read from the third region 42c of the wavelength set memory 42 are partially the same as when the default wavelength sets a to h read from the first region 42a are changed. Alternatively, the wavelength regions λ1, λ2, and λ3 can be changed for all. The wavelength sets a to h changed in this way are overwritten and stored in the third area 42c of the wavelength set memory 42 of FIG. 1 by the microcomputer 35 by pressing a storage switch 41h on the operation panel 41. That is, if the wavelength set is the first set of wavelength sets created by “Dr. XX”, for example, the changed wavelength sets a to h are stored as the new first set of wavelength sets.

  Further, the wavelength sets a to h changed as described above are simultaneously stored in the third region 42c of the wavelength set memory 42 of FIG. 1 by pressing the storage switch 41h and the doctor page switch 41g on the operation panel 41. It is also possible to store and save as a new set of wavelength sets. Also at this time, the monitor 34 shown in FIG. 3 displays a guidance display that suggests inputting the name of the apparatus operator who performed the storage. Therefore, a name such as “Dr. OO” is input using the input unit 43 such as a keyboard shown in FIG. The microcomputer 35 stores the new wavelength sets a to h in the third area 42c in association with the input name. By doing so, for example, a device operator with little clinical experience can easily create a wavelength set suitable for himself by partially using the wavelength sets a to h created by a device operator with extensive clinical experience. It becomes possible.

  Instead of pressing the save switch 41h and the doctor page switch 41g at the same time as described above, only the save switch 41h is pressed, and at that time, the display of "Do you want to overwrite?" On the other hand, when an input indicating consent is made from the input unit 43, the wavelength set is overwritten as the wavelength set of the read set, and when an input indicating non-agreement is made, what is the set that read the wavelength set? You may make it newly memorize | store and preserve | save as another wavelength set.

  Next, resetting of the wavelength set stored in the second area 42b of the wavelength set memory 42 will be described. When the default wavelength set stored in the second area 42b is changed as described above, and a spectral image is formed and displayed based thereon, and the all reset switch 41e on the operation panel 41 is pressed, the microcomputer 35 Reads out the default wavelength set stored in the first area 42a of the wavelength set memory 42 and stores it in the second area 42b.

  This reset operation is desirably performed after, for example, forming and displaying a spectral image. By doing so, the creation of a new wavelength set based on the wavelength set stored in the second area 42b is always performed from the default wavelength set regardless of who the operator of the apparatus is. Since there are many different wavelength sets, it is possible to prevent the creation of a new wavelength set from being confused.

  Further, after changing the default wavelength set stored in the second region 42b as described above, and forming and displaying a spectral image based on the set, the partial reset switch 41f on the operation panel 41 of FIG. When pressed, the microcomputer 35 replaces the set of wavelength sets (any of a to h) used for forming the spectral image with the same set of default wavelength sets stored in the first region 42a. The wavelength set (any one of a to h) is stored in the second region 42b. By doing so, when a certain wavelength set (any one of a to h) is changed variously, and it is confusing which one is the best wavelength range λ1, λ2, λ3, By returning to the standard default wavelength set, confusion can be resolved.

  Next, resetting of the wavelength set stored in the third area 42c of the wavelength set memory 42 will be described. The wavelength set for each apparatus operator stored in the third area 42c is changed as described above, and after forming and displaying a spectral image based on the change, the all reset switch 41e on the operation panel 41 in FIG. When is pressed, the microcomputer 35 reads the default wavelength set stored in the first area 42a of the wavelength set memory 42 and stores it in the third area 42c.

  Alternatively, the wavelength set for each apparatus operator stored in the third area 42c is changed as described above, and a spectral image is formed and displayed based thereon, and then a part of the operation panel 41 in FIG. When the reset switch 41f is pressed, the microcomputer 35 is in the default wavelength set stored in the first area 42a in place of the set of wavelength sets (any of a to h) used for forming the spectral image. Are stored in the third region 42c.

  By performing one of the above reset operations, the wavelength range λ1 is the best wavelength range λ1 while variously changing the wavelength ranges λ1, λ2, and λ3 in one or more of the wavelength sets a to h. , Λ2, λ3, or the like, it is possible to eliminate the confusion by returning to the reference default wavelength set.

  In the above-described embodiment, the wavelength range from 400 nm to 700 nm can be divided into 61 wavelength ranges and can be selected. However, as the wavelength ranges λ1, λ2, and λ3, the wavelength range including the infrared range, or only the infrared range can be selected. By selecting the wavelength set, it is possible to obtain a spectral image that approximates an image obtained by irradiating infrared rays in the past without using a cut filter in the visible light range. In addition, in conventional endoscopes, fluorescence emitted from cancer tissue or the like is photographed by irradiation with excitation light, and the wavelength set of λ1, λ2, and λ3 is selected according to the fluorescence wavelength. Thus, it is possible to form a spectral image of a portion that emits fluorescence. In this case, there is an advantage that an excitation light cut filter is unnecessary.

  Furthermore, in conventional endoscopes, pigments such as indigo and pioctanin are sprayed on the object to be observed, and images of tissues colored by pigment spraying are performed. As a wavelength set of the above λ1, λ2, and λ3 By selecting a wavelength range in which a tissue colored by pigment dispersion can be drawn, a spectral image equivalent to the image at the time of pigment dispersion can be obtained without performing pigment dispersion.

The block diagram which shows the structure of the endoscope apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows the example of the structure of the operation panel of the processor apparatus which comprises the endoscope apparatus of FIG. 1, and a wavelength set The figure which shows the wavelength information display area in the monitor of the endoscope apparatus of FIG. 1, and its display example A graph showing an example of the wavelength range of a spectral image together with the spectral sensitivity characteristics of a primary color CCD A graph showing an example of the wavelength range of a spectral image along with the reflection spectrum of a living body The figure which shows the wavelength switching state operated with the wavelength switching switch of the endoscope apparatus of FIG. The figure which shows the wavelength set selected in monochromatic mode in the endoscope apparatus of FIG.

Explanation of symbols

10 Scope (Electronic endoscope body)
12 processor unit,
15 CCD
20, 35 Microcomputer 25 DSP
26 switching device 29 color space conversion processing circuit 30 mode selector 32 signal processing circuit 34 monitor 34s wavelength information display area 36 memory 38 color signal processing circuit 41 operation panel 41a set selection switch 41b wavelength selection switch 41c switching width setting switch 41d mode switching switch 41e All reset switch 41f Partial reset switch 41g Doctor page switch 41h Storage switch 41j Spectral image forming switch 42 Wavelength set memory 42a Wavelength set memory first area 42b Wavelength set memory second area 42c Wavelength set memory third area 42d Wavelength set memory work area 43 Input section

Claims (4)

In an endoscope apparatus that forms a color image signal of an object to be observed with an image sensor mounted on an endoscope,
A storage unit for storing matrix data of wavelength regions constituting a spectral image;
A spectral image forming circuit that performs a matrix operation on the color image signal using matrix data in the storage unit and forms a spectral image in a selected wavelength range;
Wavelength selection means for selecting the wavelength range of the spectral image formed by the spectral image forming circuit while switching continuously or stepwise;
A wavelength storage means having an area for storing the wavelength range selected by the wavelength selection means and a default data storage area for storing an initial set value of the wavelength range selected by the wavelength selection means; An endoscope apparatus characterized by the above. In an endoscope apparatus that forms a color image signal of an object to be observed with an image sensor mounted on an endoscope,
A storage unit for storing matrix data of wavelength regions constituting a spectral image;
A spectral image forming circuit that performs a matrix operation on the color image signal using matrix data in the storage unit and forms a spectral image in a selected wavelength range;
A wavelength selection means for setting a plurality of wavelength regions of a spectral image formed by the spectral image forming circuit as a wavelength set and selecting the wavelength set while switching;
Wavelength storage having an area for storing a plurality of wavelength ranges as the wavelength set selected by the wavelength selection means, and a default data storage area for storing initial setting values of the wavelength ranges selected by the wavelength selection means An endoscope apparatus comprising: means. In addition to the region for storing the wavelength region, the wavelength storage means further includes a changed wavelength storage region for storing and holding a wavelength region that has been changed after being read from the region. The endoscope apparatus according to claim 1 or 2 . The endoscope apparatus according to claim 3 , wherein the endoscope apparatus has a configuration in which the wavelength range stored in the changed wavelength storage area is written in an area in which the wavelength range is stored.

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