JP5468694B1 - Endoscope system - Google Patents

Abstract

An endoscope system capable of imaging an observation object without an image defect and capable of performing high-power laser irradiation.
An endoscope system is an endoscope system that captures an image of an observation object on an imaging element through imaging optical systems 110 and 111 to capture the captured image and displays the captured image. A plurality of imaging optical systems, a plurality of imaging elements corresponding to each of the imaging optical systems, an image processing unit that generates a combined image obtained by combining captured images captured by the imaging elements, and a display unit that displays the combined image And a laser light source that outputs laser light, and a laser transmission unit 150 that is disposed at the center of an interval formed between the plurality of imaging optical systems and guides the laser light.
[Selection] Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to an endoscope system that images and displays an observation object, and more particularly to an endoscope system that can perform laser treatment and laser welding by irradiating the observation object with laser light.

  An endoscope system that is inserted into a narrow part and images and displays an object to be observed is often used in a medical field or a narrow part inspection work. In recent years, laser welding technology and laser medical technology using laser light have been remarkably developed.

  Based on this background, technology that can perform laser welding and laser treatment at the same time while observing with an endoscope system has been developed, and a technology that can perform laser welding and laser treatment more safely and simply is patented. Documents 1 and 2 are proposed.

  The technique described in Patent Document 1 is a technique related to a composite optical fiber scope in which an image fiber for image transmission is bundled around an optical fiber for laser light guide. An observation target can be irradiated with laser light from an optical fiber for laser light guide.

  Further, in the technique described in Patent Document 2, a laser beam can be guided using an image bundle of a fiberscope as it is, and irradiated on an observation object.

  In these technologies, since the observation direction by the endoscope and the irradiation direction of the laser beam are the same, the conventional technology of irradiating the laser beam from a laser light guiding optical fiber inserted from another route such as a forceps opening Compared to the medical field, the laser beam can be irradiated onto the object to be observed more safely and concisely.

JP 2003-1465 A JP 2010-69291 A

  In the technique described in Patent Document 1, an optical fiber for laser light guide is arranged at the center of the image bundle, and the optical fiber for laser light guide cannot transmit an image, so that the most important imaging at the time of observation is performed. There is a problem that a video defect portion is formed at the center of the image. In addition, since it is necessary to focus laser light only on the optical fiber for laser light guide arranged at the center of the image bundle, a precisely adjusted optical system is required, and there is a problem that the maintainability is poor. is there.

  In the technique described in Patent Document 2, since laser light is guided using an image bundle, there is no video defect portion in the captured image as in the technique described in Patent Document 1. However, since the laser light is guided not by a dedicated laser light guiding fiber but by an image bundle for image transmission, it cannot be irradiated with high-power laser light as compared with the technique described in Patent Document 1. There are challenges.

  Further, as a common problem of Patent Documents 1 and 2, since the imaging optical system and the laser irradiation optical system are shared, the condensing / diffusion of the laser light applied to the observation object is controlled independently. There is a problem that it cannot be done. In addition, since the laser beam and the image information pass through the same optical system, an optical system for separating and synthesizing them is required, so that the configuration is complicated and the maintainability is poor.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is an endoscope system capable of irradiating an observation object with laser light simultaneously with observation by imaging, and can capture an observation object without an image defect portion and with high output. It is an object of the present invention to provide a highly maintainable endoscope system having a simple configuration capable of controlling the laser light focusing / diffusion independently from the imaging optical system.

(1) The invention described in claim 1 is an endoscope system that images an observation object on an image sensor through an imaging optical system, captures the captured image, and displays the captured image. The imaging optical system, a plurality of imaging elements corresponding to each of the imaging optical systems, an image processing unit that generates a combined image obtained by combining the captured images captured by the imaging element, and a display that displays the combined image and parts, and a laser light source for outputting laser light, is disposed at the center of the gap formed between the plurality of the imaging optical system, and a laser transmitter which guides the laser light, a plurality of the imaging optical system and said laser transmitter is an endoscope system characterized that you have been integrated so that the end portion of the observation object side of the endoscope system to form a flat surface.
(2) The invention according to claim 2 is the endoscope system according to claim 1, wherein the laser transmission unit diffuses and irradiates the laser with respect to the observation object. System is included.
(3) The invention according to claim 3 is the endoscope system according to claim 1,
The laser transmission unit includes a condensing optical system for condensing and irradiating the observation target with the laser.
(4) The invention according to claim 4 is the endoscope system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the output and / or wavelength of the laser beam output from the laser source is set. It has the control part for performing.
(5) The invention according to claim 5 is the endoscope system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the imaging optical system and the laser transmission unit include an endoscope insertion unit. In the endoscope insertion portion, the imaging optical system is configured by an objective optical system and an image bundle.
(6) The invention according to claim 6 is the endoscope system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the imaging optical system, the laser transmission unit, and the imaging element are endoscopes. A mirror insertion part is configured, and in the endoscope insertion part, the imaging optical system includes an objective optical system and an image bundle .
[Effect of the invention]

  In the endoscope system according to the present invention based on the present invention, the center of the composite image can always be irradiated with laser light without any loss of video. In addition, since the observation target is irradiated with laser light using an optical system different from the imaging system, the laser light can be irradiated to the observation target with an arbitrary spot diameter. Since the laser is guided using a certain laser transmission section, irradiation with high-power laser light is also possible. Furthermore, since the configuration is simple and does not require a complicated optical system, it is excellent in maintainability and can be provided at a lower cost than the conventional technology.

1 is an external view illustrating a configuration of an imaging apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is the top view and perspective view which show the front end surface of the endoscope insertion part of this embodiment shown in FIG. It is the top view and perspective view which show the front end surface of the endoscope insertion part of the conventional composite type optical fiber. It is an image figure which shows an example of the captured image imaged with the imaging device using the composite type optical fiber shown in FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an imaging apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a conceptual diagram which shows an example of the endoscope insertion part 200 shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is an image diagram illustrating an example of a combined image combined by the image processing unit 130 illustrated in FIG. 5. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the imaging device of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a conceptual diagram which shows an example of a structure of the endoscope insertion part 200 of this embodiment shown in FIG. It is a conceptual diagram which shows an example of a structure of the endoscope insertion part 200 of the 3rd Embodiment of this invention.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that components having the same function are denoted by the same reference symbols throughout the drawings for describing the embodiments of the invention, and the repetitive description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 1 is an external view showing a configuration of an imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the endoscope system 100 according to the present embodiment includes an endoscope insertion unit 200 and an endoscope control unit 300. Here, an outline of the endoscope insertion unit 200 and the endoscope control unit 300 will be described, and a detailed description will be given later.

The endoscope insertion unit 200 is inserted into the observation target and includes a plurality of imaging optical systems 110 and 111, a laser transmission unit 150, and light guides 250 and 251. In the cross section of the distal end portion 400 of the endoscope insertion portion 200, the laser transmission portion 150 is disposed at the center of the interval formed between the imaging optical systems 110 and 111. Details of the tip 400 will be described later.

  The endoscope control unit 300 includes an endoscope 122 having image sensors 120 and 121, a processor device 185, and a monitor 141. The endoscope 122 and the processor device 185 are connected by video signal cables 630 and 631 and a laser transmission fiber cable 632, and an image captured by the endoscope 122 is transmitted to the processor device 185. The details of the inside of the processor device 185 will be described later, and include a control unit (CPU) 180, an image processing unit 130, a laser light source 160, and the like. The control unit (CPU) 180 controls driving of the laser light source 160 and the light sources of the imaging optical systems 110 and 111 and an image displayed on the display unit (screen) 140 of the monitor 141. In addition, an input unit 184 and an output unit 182 are provided, and a display unit 142 that displays a numerical value of the laser light source is provided separately from the screen.

  The image processing unit 130 of the processor device 185 combines the captured images and displays them on the display unit 140 of the monitor 141. The image displayed on the display unit 140 displays the imaging unit 320 captured by the two imaging optical systems 110 and 111 and the laser irradiation unit 340 irradiated by the laser transmission unit 150.

  2A and 2B are a plan view and a perspective view showing a cross section of the distal end portion 400 of the endoscope insertion portion 200 shown in FIG.

In the endoscope system 100 of the present embodiment, FIG. 2 (A), the plurality of imaging optical systems 110 and 111 for imaging provided in the endoscope insertion portion 200 (B), the further their A laser transmission unit 150 for guiding the laser is provided in the center of the interval formed therebetween. In the present embodiment, only two sets of the imaging optical system and the imaging element are provided in order to obtain the minimum necessary configuration, but two or more sets of the imaging optical system and the imaging element may be provided.

  The diameters of the laser transmission unit 150 and the imaging optical systems 110 and 111 shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B are 0.05 mm to 0.5 mm, for example, and the diameter of the cross section of the tip 400 is, for example, 1 0.0 mm to 4.0 mm. These diameters can be appropriately changed according to the application.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the endoscope insertion portion 200 is further provided with light guides 250 and 251. By illuminating the observation object, the observation object can be observed even in a dark place. Imaging is possible. Here, the two light guides 250 and 251 are provided. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the light guide may be arranged on the entire circumference of the endoscope insertion portion 200.

  As shown in FIG. 2B, in the endoscope system 100 of the present embodiment, the observation direction 260 by the endoscope and the irradiation direction 270 of the laser light are the same, so that the laser light can be emitted more safely and simply. An observation object can be irradiated. Also in an endoscope using a conventional composite fiber, as shown in FIG. 3B, the observation direction 260 by the endoscope and the irradiation direction 270 of the laser beam are the same.

  FIG. 3 is a plan view (A) and a perspective view (B) showing a cross section of the tip of the conventional composite fiber described in Patent Document 1. FIG. The composite fiber of FIG. 3 includes an optical fiber 240 for laser light guide, an image bundle 210 composed of a large number of multi-core fibers, and a surrounding light guide 252. In FIG. 3A, for the sake of simplicity, the core of the image bundle 210 is partially illustrated around the periphery of the laser light guiding optical fiber 240. The cores of the image bundle 210 are distributed.

As described above, in the composite fiber of FIG. 3, the laser light guide optical fiber 240 is disposed at the center of the image bundle 210, and the laser light guide optical fiber 240 cannot transmit an image. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4, a video defect portion 310 is formed at the center of the imaging portion 320 of the most important captured image at the time of observation. In that respect, in the endoscope system 100 of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of imaging optical systems 110 and 111 are provided in the endoscope insertion portion 200, and a laser is formed at the center of the interval formed between them. Since the laser transmission unit 150 for guiding light is provided, the video defect unit 310 cannot be formed in the imaging unit of the captured image. The captured image of this embodiment will be described later.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the endoscope system of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, the endoscope system 100 according to the present embodiment includes two imaging optical systems 110 and 111, imaging elements 120 and 121 corresponding to the imaging optical systems 110 and 111, an image processing unit 130, and the like. A laser transmission unit 150 disposed at the center of the interval formed between the display unit 140 and the imaging optical systems 110 and 111, a laser light source 160, a light source 161 of the imaging optical system, and a control unit (CPU) 180. A storage unit 170, an output unit 182 and an input unit 184. Note that the endoscope system 100 of the present embodiment includes various other types of general endoscope systems such as an illumination light source, a light guide, a forceps opening, and an operation unit for illuminating an observation object. Of course, the components are included, but they are omitted here because they are not the essence of the present invention.

  The imaging optical systems 110 and 111 are optical systems for forming an image of an observation target on the imaging elements 120 and 121, and are configured with lenses, optical fibers, and the like. The image sensors 120 and 121 are elements that form an image as a captured image, and are configured by, for example, a CCD or a CMOS. Captured images captured by the image sensors 120 and 121 and converted into electrical signals are transmitted to the image processing unit 130 via the video transmission cables 630 and 631.

  The image processing unit 130 generates a composite image obtained by combining the captured images. Here, the captured images captured by the image sensors 120 and 121 are combined in the manner of a panoramic photograph. However, a parallax image is calculated like a general two-lens endoscope, and is converted into a three-dimensional image. It may be synthesized.

  The display unit 140 displays the synthesized image synthesized by the image processing unit 130. In addition to the synthesized image, the captured image captured by the imaging elements 120 and 121 may be displayed on the display unit 140 as it is. Each image displayed on the display unit 140 and setting data for processing are stored in the storage unit 170 so that they can be used whenever necessary.

  The laser light source 160 outputs laser light. Note that the wavelength and output of the laser beam output from the laser light source 160 vary depending on the intended use. For example, when laser welding is performed, an output of about several tens of W to several KW is required. On the other hand, in the case of medical use, an output of about several mW to several tens of W is required. As for the wavelength, for example, in the case of medical use, the near infrared region (about 600 nm to 850 nm) is often used. The above-described examples of wavelengths and outputs are merely examples, and are not particularly limited. As the laser light source 160, a carbon dioxide laser, ruby laser, alexandrite laser, YAG laser, die laser, diode laser, excimer laser, or the like can be used.

The laser transmission unit 150 is disposed at the center of the interval formed between the imaging optical systems 110 and 111 and guides the laser light output from the laser light source 160. The laser transmission unit 150 includes a condensing optical system or a diffusion optical system that is an optical system for condensing or diffusing the laser light output from the laser light source 150 onto the observation target. ing. The laser transmission unit 150 includes a lens, an optical fiber, and the like.

The input unit 184 operates as an interface for performing various operations of the endoscope system 100. In this embodiment, for example, the wavelength (for example, 650 nm shown in FIG. 1) or the output (for example, 0.80 mW shown in FIG. 1) or both the wavelength and the output of the laser light source 160 can be set via the input unit 184. it can. As the output of the laser light source 160, the output power (mW) may be set as described above, or the voltage (mV) or the current (mA) may be set. It is also possible to set whether to use a condensing optical system or a diffusion optical system at the tip of the laser transmission unit 150. Furthermore, the setting of the light source 161 of the imaging optical system can be set via the input unit 184, and whether or not the captured image is synthesized by the image processing unit 130 can also be set. For example, the input unit 184 may be a button or switch on the processor device 185 as shown in FIG. 1, or may be a touch panel input on the display unit 140 of the monitor 141.

  The control unit 180 includes a CPU, a nonvolatile memory that holds a control program for operating the CPU, a volatile memory used for the operation of the CPU, and other circuits necessary for the operation. Control of each unit and the entire apparatus, and various calculations and processes are performed. In particular, in this embodiment, the laser light source 160, the light source 161 of the imaging optical system, and the image processing unit 130 are controlled according to the setting of the laser light source 160 and the light source 161 of the imaging optical system and the setting of the image processing unit 130.

  The output unit 182 includes a printer that outputs a captured image, a digital data output device that outputs captured image data, a transmission device that is connected to a local network and transmits image data and the like.

  The storage unit 170 stores the display image and measurement data generated by the image processing unit 130, the above-described setting conditions input by the input unit 184, and the like. The image data held in the storage unit 170 can be read and displayed on the display unit 140 as necessary. The image data held in the storage unit 170 can be printed out from the output unit 182. Furthermore, the output data can be transmitted to the local network such as the hospital via the output unit 182, for example, the stored data such as the image data stored in the storage unit 170, and the image measured by the shared data management system provided in the hospital Data can be transmitted and managed centrally. The storage unit 170 stores programs for operating various systems that constitute the endoscope system 100.

  As shown in FIG. 5, each component of the endoscope system 100 described above is classified as one of the components of the endoscope insertion unit 200 and the endoscope control unit 300.

  Here, the endoscope insertion unit 200 is a component that is inserted into a patient's body or a narrow part for imaging and observing an observation target, and the endoscope control unit 300 is an endoscope system 100. This is a component that controls imaging and the like. In the present embodiment, the endoscope insertion unit 200 includes imaging optical systems 110 and 111 and a laser transmission unit 150, and the endoscope control unit 300 includes imaging elements 120 and 121, an image processing unit 130, and a light source for the imaging optical system. 161, a laser light source 160, a control unit 180, a display unit 140, a storage unit 170, an output unit 182 and an input unit 184. Here, the laser light source 160, the display unit 140, the input unit 184, and the output unit 182 are components of the endoscope control unit 300, but may be configured externally.

  FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the configuration of the endoscope insertion unit 200 of the present embodiment shown in FIG. The endoscope system 100 of the present embodiment assumes a fiberscope type endoscope. As shown in FIG. 6, the endoscope insertion unit 200 includes image bundles 210 and 211 and objective optical systems 220 and 221. And a condensing optical system (or diffusion optical system) 230 and a laser guiding optical fiber 240 at least.

  Here, the imaging optical systems 110 and 111 shown in FIG. 5 include image bundles 210 and 211 and objective optical systems 220 and 221. The image bundles 210 and 211 are made of, for example, quartz glass. The laser transmission unit 150 includes a condensing optical system (or diffusion optical system) 230 and a laser light guiding optical fiber 240.

FIG. 7 is an image diagram showing an example of a synthesized image synthesized by the image processing unit 130 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 7, the images captured by the imaging optical systems 110 and 111 are combined by the image processing unit 130 and the imaging unit 320 is displayed. Further, the laser light emitted through the laser transmission unit 150 is synthesized by the image processing unit 130 because the laser transmission unit 150 is arranged at the center of the interval formed between the imaging optical systems 110 and 111. The center of the synthesized image is always irradiated (laser irradiation unit 340). For this reason, in the present embodiment, the image defect portion 310 cannot be formed on the captured image as described with reference to FIG. 4, and laser light is always irradiated to the center of the composite image. It can be performed.

The operation of the endoscope system 100 of the present embodiment will be described based on FIGS. 1, 2, and 5 to 7. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 6, in the endoscope insertion unit 200 of the endoscope system 100 of the present embodiment, a laser transmission unit 150 is provided at the center of the interval formed between the imaging optical systems 110 and 111. Is provided. In such a configuration, the observation object is imaged on the imaging elements 120 and 121 via the imaging optical systems 110 and 111 and captured as a captured image.

As shown in FIG. 7, the captured image is combined as a single composite photograph by the image processing unit 130 in the manner of a panoramic photograph and displayed on the display unit 140. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 6, the laser light output from the laser light source 160 and irradiated through the laser transmission unit 150 has an interval formed between the imaging optical systems 110 and 111 by the laser transmission unit 150 . Due to the arrangement at the center, the center of the synthesized image synthesized by the image processing unit 130 is always irradiated. Therefore, the user of the endoscope system 100 according to the present embodiment can perform laser welding, laser treatment, or the like while performing observation with the endoscope through an intuitive operation.

  In FIG. 7, the laser irradiation range is calculated by the image processing unit 150 and is drawn on the composite image by a broken line. As a result, the irradiation range of the laser light is known, so that the operation can be performed more safely. The irradiation range can be calculated from the combination position of the captured image and the property of the condensing optical system (or diffusion optical system) 230 included in the laser transmission unit 150.

  Further, depending on whether a condensing optical system or a diffusing optical system is used for the laser transmission unit 150, the laser light may be focused on one point of the observation object, or may be diffused and irradiated on a wide range. It is also possible. For example, when used for laser welding or the like, a stronger energy density can be obtained by condensing the laser at one point using a condensing optical system. On the other hand, when used for thermotherapy, photodynamic therapy, etc., laser light can be evenly irradiated over a wide range of the entire visual field using a diffusion optical system.

Next, the effect of this embodiment will be described. As described above, according to the endoscope system of the present embodiment, the captured image that is imaged on the imaging elements 120 and 121 via the imaging optical systems 110 and 111 and is captured as a composite image by the image processing unit 130. The laser beam output from the laser light source 160 via the laser transmission unit 150 arranged at the center of the interval formed between the imaging optical systems 110 and 111 is synthesized and displayed on the display unit 140. Can be irradiated.

  For this reason, in the endoscope system 100 of the present embodiment, it is possible to irradiate laser light to the center of the composite image without any loss of video.

  In addition, since the observation target is irradiated with laser light using an optical system different from the imaging system, the laser light can be irradiated to the observation target with an arbitrary spot diameter. Since the laser is guided using a certain laser transmission section, irradiation with high-power laser light is also possible.

  Furthermore, since the configuration is simple and does not require a complicated optical system, it is excellent in maintainability and can be provided at a lower cost than the conventional technology described above.

  Further, in this embodiment, since a fiberscope type endoscope is assumed, the imaging element is far from the heat source or the radiation source, so that the heat resistance is good, the radiation resistance is good, and thinning is possible.

  FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an endoscope system 500 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 8, the endoscope system 500 of the present embodiment has an imaging device 120, 121 having an endoscope as compared to the endoscope system 100 of the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 5. The difference is that it is configured in the insertion section 200. Since other components are the same as those of the endoscope system 100 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the description thereof is omitted here.

  Similar to the first embodiment, the image sensors 120 and 121 are elements that form an image as a captured image, and are configured by, for example, a CCD or a CMOS. The imaging optical systems 110 and 111 are optical systems for forming an image of an observation target on the imaging elements 120 and 121, and are configured with lenses or the like.

  FIG. 9 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the configuration of the endoscope insertion unit 200 of the present embodiment shown in FIG. In the endoscope system 500 of the present embodiment, a video co-op type endoscope is assumed, and as shown in FIG. Video signal cables 630 and 631, a condensing optical system (or diffusion optical system) 230, and a laser light guiding optical fiber 240 are included.

  Here, the imaging optical systems 110 and 111 shown in FIG. 9 are configured only from the objective optical systems 220 and 221, and the imaging elements 120 and 121 are configured from the CCD. The captured image captured by the CCD and converted into an electrical signal is transmitted to the image processing unit 130 via the video transmission cables 630 and 631. The laser transmission unit 150 includes a condensing optical system (or diffusion optical system) 230 and a laser light guiding optical fiber 240.

  As described above, in the endoscope system 500 according to the present embodiment, the imaging elements 120 and 121 have the distal ends of the endoscope insertion portion 200 as compared with the endoscope system 100 according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. The difference is that it is a videoscope-type endoscope arranged in the vicinity. Therefore, as compared with the fiberscope-type endoscope system 100 of the first embodiment, imaging can be performed without passing through the image bundles 210 and 211, so that the reflection of the clad of the optical fiber constituting the image bundles 210 and 211 is reflected. Therefore, it is possible to take an image with higher image quality.

  Next, the effect of the endoscope system 500 of this embodiment will be described. As described above, in addition to the effects of the endoscope system 100 of the first embodiment, the endoscope system 500 of the present embodiment has the imaging elements 120 and 121 installed in the vicinity of the distal end of the endoscope insertion portion 600. Since the image can be captured without going through the image bundles 210 and 211, the captured image can be captured more clearly and displayed on the display unit 140 as a composite image. Further, long-distance transmission of 10 m or more is possible, and further long-distance transmission is possible by transmitting with an optical signal.

  In addition, while all of the conventional techniques described above use a fiberscope, the endoscope system 100 of the present embodiment can use a video scope, so that it is clearer and cleaner than the conventional technique. An image can be taken.

  The configuration of the endoscope system 600 according to the third embodiment of the present invention is the same as the block diagram shown in FIG. The difference from the endoscope systems 100 and 500 of the first and second embodiments is the configuration of the endoscope insertion unit 200. Since other components are the same as those of the endoscope system 100 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the description thereof is omitted here.

  FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the endoscope insertion unit 200 according to the third embodiment. Similar to the endoscope system 500 of the second embodiment, the endoscope insertion unit 200 of the present embodiment includes imaging optical systems 110 and 111, CCDs 120 and 121, video signal cables 630 and 631, and light collection. It has at least an optical system (or diffusion optical system) 230 and a laser light guiding optical fiber 240. The imaging optical systems 110 and 111 are configured by objective optical systems 220 and 221 and image bundles 210 and 211 as in the first embodiment, which is different from the endoscope insertion unit 200 of the second embodiment. It is a point. The laser transmission unit 150 includes a condensing optical system (or diffusion optical system) 230 and a laser light guiding optical fiber 240. The captured image converted into an electrical signal by the CCD is transmitted to the image processing unit 130 via the video transmission cables 630 and 631.

  An endoscope system having such an endoscope insertion section 200 is called a hybrid endoscope system. In this hybrid type endoscope system, the image pickup element is far from the heat source or the line source, so that the heat resistance is good and long-distance transmission is possible.

  Next, effects of the endoscope system 600 of the present embodiment will be described. As described above, the endoscope system 600 according to the present embodiment includes the imaging optical systems 110 and 111 and the CCDs 120 and 121 in the endoscope insertion unit 200. Therefore, as in the second embodiment, the endoscope system 600 has a long distance. Transmission is possible. In addition, since the imaging optical systems 110 and 111 are composed of objective optical systems 220 and 221 and image bundles 210 and 211, and the CCDs 120 and 121 are far from the heat source, the heat resistance is good as in the first embodiment. Good radiation resistance.

  As described above, the endoscope systems 100, 500, and 600 described in the first to third embodiments can be used in accordance with the intended use. For example, when it is desired to use an endoscope system that prioritizes heat resistance over image quality accuracy, the endoscope systems 100 and 600 described in the first or third embodiment may be used. In addition, when it is desired to use the endoscope system in preference to the accuracy of image quality over heat resistance, the endoscope system 500 described in the second embodiment may be used. When long-distance transmission is required, the endoscope systems 500 and 600 described in the second or third embodiment can be used.

  Note that the endoscope systems 100, 500, and 600 according to the first to third embodiments described above are examples, and the configuration and operation thereof can be appropriately changed without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, in the endoscope systems 100, 500, and 600 according to the first to third embodiments described above, the laser transmission unit 150 includes the condensing optical system (or the diffusion optical system) 230. The optical system may be omitted, and the tip of the laser light guiding optical fiber 240 may be cut off. In this case, the laser light is irradiated to the observation object while being diffused to some extent.

  100, 500, 600 ... endoscope system, 110, 111 ... imaging optical system, 120, 121 ... imaging element, 122 ... endoscope, 130 ... image processing unit, 140, 142 ... display unit, 141 ... monitor, 150 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS ... Laser transmission part, 160 ... Laser light source, 170 ... Memory | storage part, 180 ... Control part (CPU), 182 ... Output part, 184 ... Input part, 185 ... Processor apparatus, 200 ... Endoscope insertion part, 210, 211 ... Image bundle, 220, 221 ... objective optical system, 230 ... condensing optical system (diffusion optical system), 240 ... optical fiber for laser light guide, 250, 251, 252 ... light guide, 260 ... observation direction, 270 ... laser irradiation Direction, 300 ... Endoscope control unit, 310 ... Video defect unit, 320 ... Imaging unit, 340 ... Laser irradiation unit, 400 ... Tip, 630, 631 ... Video No. cable, 632 ... laser transmission for fiber cable.

Claims (6)

An endoscope system that images an observation object through an imaging optical system as an imaged image by imaging the imaging object and displays the captured image, and includes at least a plurality of the imaging optical system and each of the imaging optical system A plurality of image sensors corresponding to
An image processing unit that generates a combined image obtained by combining captured images captured by the image sensor;
A display unit for displaying the composite image;
A laser light source that outputs laser light;
It is located in the center of the gap formed between the plurality of the imaging optical system, and a laser transmission unit for guiding the laser beam, the said laser transmitter plurality of the imaging optical system wherein the endoscope system an endoscope system end of the observation object side is characterized that you have been integrated to form a flat surface. The endoscope system according to claim 1,
The endoscope system according to claim 1, wherein the laser transmission unit includes a diffusion optical system that diffuses and irradiates the laser beam onto the observation object. The endoscope system according to claim 1,
The endoscope system according to claim 1, wherein the laser transmission unit includes a condensing optical system for condensing and irradiating the observation target with the laser. The endoscope system according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
An endoscope system comprising a control unit for setting the output and / or wavelength of laser light output from the laser source. The endoscope system according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The imaging optical system and the laser transmission unit constitute an endoscope insertion unit, and the imaging optical system includes an objective optical system and an image bundle in the endoscope insertion unit. Endoscopic system. The endoscope system according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The imaging optical system, the laser transmission unit, and the imaging element constitute an endoscope insertion unit, and in the endoscope insertion unit, the imaging optical system includes an objective optical system and an image bundle. A featured endoscope system.

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