JP5771543B2 - Endoscope device and imaging control device for endoscope device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an endoscope apparatus and an imaging control apparatus for an endoscope apparatus, and in particular, an endoscope apparatus capable of driving an imaging unit with a drive signal having an appropriate voltage level and imaging control for the endoscope apparatus. Relates to the device.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an imaging apparatus that captures an image of a subject using a solid-state imaging element as an imaging unit has been widely used. In the imaging apparatus, the imaging signal from the imaging means is processed in the image processing apparatus, and an image based on the imaging signal is displayed on the display unit or stored in the storage device. For example, there is an imaging apparatus in which a camera head unit having an imaging unit and a camera control unit having an image processing unit that receives and processes an imaging signal obtained by the imaging unit are connected by a signal cable.

In such an imaging apparatus, when the signal cable length between the camera head unit and the camera control unit is long, the drive signal supplied to the solid-state imaging device is greatly attenuated. When the drive signal is attenuated and the drive signal input to the solid-state imaging device does not have an appropriate voltage level waveform, the image quality and brightness of the obtained image are reduced.
Therefore, there has been proposed a remote imaging device that corrects the waveform (voltage level) of the drive signal supplied to the solid-state imaging device according to the type of signal cable (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  In the proposed apparatus, a camera drive waveform data memory is provided in the camera head unit. A camera control unit that drives and controls the camera head unit generates a correction drive signal to be supplied to the CCD that is a solid-state imaging device from the drive waveform data read from the camera drive waveform data memory, and transmits the correction drive signal to the camera head unit. With such a configuration, the waveform of the drive signal is corrected according to the type of the signal cable.

JP-A-7-203275

  However, in the proposed apparatus, even if the correction drive signal is generated from the drive waveform data considering the signal cable length, the drive signal is not corrected according to the ambient temperature, for example, according to the use condition of the imaging device. . In addition, the drive signal to the imaging unit is not corrected according to the combination of the camera head unit and the camera control unit to be connected, for example, the combination of the camera head unit not equipped with the camera drive waveform data memory. . In particular, the endoscope apparatus includes a plurality of endoscopes having an elongated insertion portion provided with an imaging unit at a distal end portion, and a video processor to which the endoscope is connected, and an endoscope connected to the video processor. A drive signal to the imaging unit of the endoscope is supplied from the video processor to the imaging unit via a long signal cable. Therefore, even if the correction drive signal is generated from the drive waveform data considering the signal cable length in the endoscope apparatus as described above, the endoscope apparatus is equipped with a change in ambient temperature and a camera drive waveform data memory. A combination with no camera head unit is not considered, and a drive signal having an appropriate voltage level is not supplied to the imaging unit.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an endoscope apparatus and an imaging control apparatus for an endoscope apparatus that can supply a drive signal having an appropriate voltage level from the imaging control section to the imaging section.

  According to one aspect of the present invention, an imaging unit provided at the distal end of the insertion unit, a connector, and an input / output unit that is inserted into the insertion unit and has one end connected to the imaging unit and the other end connected to the connector A plurality of types of endoscopes having at least one of the type of the imaging unit and the length of the insertion unit, and the endoscope for performing electrical connection with the input / output transmission line. A connector receiving portion to which the connector of the mirror can be connected; a drive signal generating portion for generating and outputting a drive signal to the image pickup portion output to the input / output transmission line based on a drive reference clock; and the input / output transmission An output clock extraction unit that extracts an output clock from an output signal of the imaging unit that is input via a line; and a phase comparison unit that detects a phase difference by comparing phases of the drive reference clock and the output clock. An imaging control unit, an endoscope information presentation unit that shows endoscope information including at least type information of the imaging unit mounted on the endoscope, and provided in the imaging control unit, the endoscope A drive voltage correction unit that corrects the drive signal output from the drive signal generation unit according to the endoscope information of the information presentation unit and the phase difference detected by the phase comparison unit. An endoscope apparatus can be provided.

  According to one aspect of the present invention, an imaging unit and a connector provided at a distal end of an insertion unit, and an input / output transmission that is inserted into the insertion unit, one end is connected to the imaging unit, and the other end is connected to the connector. A connector receiving portion to which the connector of the endoscope can be connected in order to make an electrical connection with the input / output transmission line of an endoscope having a line, and the imaging portion output to the input / output transmission line A drive signal generation unit that generates and outputs a drive signal based on a drive reference clock; an output clock extraction unit that extracts an output clock from the output signal of the imaging unit that is input via the input / output transmission line; An imaging control unit having a phase comparison unit that compares the phase of the drive reference clock and the output clock to detect a phase difference, and includes at least the type information of the imaging unit provided in the endoscope Drive voltage for correcting the drive signal output from the drive signal generation unit according to the endoscope information of the endoscope information presentation unit indicating mirror information and the phase difference detected by the phase comparison unit It is possible to provide an imaging control apparatus for an endoscope apparatus having a correction unit.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the endoscope apparatus which can supply the drive signal which has an appropriate voltage level from an imaging control part to an imaging part, and the imaging control apparatus for endoscope apparatuses are realizable.

1 is a configuration diagram of an endoscope apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the correction value table 38 concerning embodiment of this invention. FIG. 4 is a waveform diagram showing signal waveforms of a reference clock CLK and drive signals DSb and DS according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a timing diagram for explaining a phase difference between a reference clock CLK and an extracted clock CLKex according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the correction value table according to the combination of CCD11 and the signal cable length connected to CCD11 regarding the modification 1 of embodiment of this invention.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
(overall structure)
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an endoscope apparatus according to the present embodiment. An endoscope apparatus 1 as an imaging apparatus includes an endoscope 2 and a video processor 3.

The endoscope 2 has an elongated insertion portion 4, and a CCD 11, which is a solid-state imaging device, is provided at the distal end portion of the insertion portion 4. An objective optical system (not shown) is disposed on the front end side of the imaging surface of the CCD 11 serving as an imaging unit, and the CCD 11 outputs an output signal IS including an imaging signal obtained by photoelectrically converting a subject image. The endoscope 2 can be connected to the video processor 3.
By the way, the endoscope 2 that can be connected to the video processor 3 includes a plurality of types of endoscopes in which at least one of the types of the CCDs 11 and at least one of the lengths of the insertion portions 4 are different. For example, in an endoscope having a small insertion portion, the size of the CCD 11 mounted at the distal end portion of the insertion portion 4 is small, and is extended into the insertion portion 4 so that the electrical connection between the CCD 11 and the video processor 3 is established. The signal cable is thin. On the other hand, an endoscope having a large insertion portion has a larger size of the CCD 11 mounted at the distal end portion of the insertion portion 4 and extends into the insertion portion 4 than an endoscope having a small diameter. The signal cable is thick. In addition, an appropriate drive signal waveform, particularly a drive voltage, varies depending on the type of CCD mounted.
As described above, the drive voltage required for the CCD differs depending on the type of endoscope, and the impedance and the impedance of the signal cable also differ depending on the thickness and length of the signal cable.

  A connector 12 to which the signal cable described above is connected is provided at the proximal end portion of the insertion portion 4 of the endoscope 2, and the connector 12 can be detachably connected to a connector 21 provided in the video processor 3. It has become. Therefore, a plurality of types of endoscopes can be connected to the video processor 3.

Some types of endoscopes 2 have a connector 12 with a nonvolatile memory 13 such as a flash memory built therein. The memory 13 stores endoscope information ES.
The endoscope information ES is information necessary for the video processor 3 to correct the CCD drive voltage of the connected endoscope 2 among a plurality of types of endoscopes. This is at least one piece of information among the type, the type of CCD 11 to be mounted, the length of the signal cable, the thickness of the signal cable, the material of the conductive portion of the signal cable, and the impedance per unit length of the signal cable.
In this embodiment, it is assumed that the signal cable to be used is determined according to the type of the CCD 11, that is, at least the impedance per unit length of the signal cable is determined. Here, as the endoscope information ES 1 , Information on the type of the CCD 11 is stored in the memory 13. In place of the memory 13, a resistor having a resistance value corresponding to the type of the CCD 11 may be provided in the connector 12. That is, the endoscope 2 includes a memory 13 or a resistor as an endoscope information presenting unit that shows endoscope information including at least type information of the mounted CCD 11.

The insertion portion 4 of the endoscope 2 is the above-described signal cable, the drive signal transmission line 14 that is a signal cable for transmitting the drive signal DS for driving the CCD 11 to the CCD 11, and the imaging signal from the CCD 11. The output signal transmission line 15 which is a signal cable for transmitting the output signal IS including the signal to the video processor 3 is inserted. Specifically, each of the drive signal transmission line 14 and the output signal transmission line 15 inserted into the insertion portion 4 has one end connected to the CCD 11 and the other end connected to the connector 12. That is, the drive signal transmission line 14 and the output signal transmission line 15 inserted into the insertion portion 4 are input / output transmission lines inserted into the insertion portion 4 and connected at one end to the CCD 11 and at the other end to the connector 12. Configure.
The connector 12 has connection terminals for the drive signal transmission line 14, the output signal transmission line 15, and the memory 13.

  The video processor 3 includes an imaging control unit 22, and the imaging control unit 22 constitutes an imaging control device for an endoscope apparatus that performs drive control of the CCD 11. In addition to the drive control of the CCD 11, the video processor 3 performs signal processing on the imaging signal from the CCD 11, and displays an endoscopic image on a display device (not shown) or stores it in a storage device. 1 is generated, and only the components related to the imaging control unit 22 are shown in FIG.

  The imaging control unit 22 includes a CCD drive waveform generation unit 31, a peaking circuit 32, a clock extraction unit 33, a phase comparison unit 34, an analog / digital converter (hereinafter abbreviated as ADC) 35, a correction voltage generation unit 36, and a digital / analog conversion. A device (hereinafter abbreviated as DAC) 37 is included. The correction voltage generator 36 has a correction value table 38.

  The CCD drive waveform generation unit 31 inputs a reference clock signal (hereinafter simply referred to as a reference clock) CLK as a drive reference clock generated by an oscillator or timing generator (not shown) provided in the video processor 3, A drive signal waveform for driving the CCD 11 is generated in synchronization with the clock CLK, and a drive signal DSb is output.

  The peaking circuit 32 performs processing for correcting the waveform of the drive signal DSb so as to add a peak portion to the edge portion of the waveform with respect to the drive signal DSb from the CCD drive waveform generation unit 31, and the processed drive signal This circuit outputs DS. The drive signal DS is supplied to the drive signal transmission line 14 via the connector 21 and the connector 12.

  Therefore, the CCD drive waveform generation unit 31 and the peaking circuit 32 constitute a drive signal generation unit that generates the drive signal DS to the CCD 11 output to the drive signal transmission line 14 based on the reference clock CLK that is the drive reference clock. .

  An output signal IS from the CCD 11 is input to the clock extraction unit 33 via the connector 21 which is a connector receiving unit to which the connector 12 of the endoscope 2 can be connected. That is, the connector 21 is a connector for the video processor 3 to electrically connect with the drive signal transmission line 14 and the output signal transmission line 15 which are input / output transmission lines.

The clock extraction unit 33 is a circuit that receives an output signal IS that is an imaging signal from the CCD 11 of the endoscope 2 and extracts a clock CLKex from the output signal IS. Since the insertion portion 4 of the endoscope 2 has a length of 2 m, for example, and is long, the output signal IS is input to the video processor 3 with a delay from the reference clock CLK. The clock extraction unit 33 extracts the clock CLKex from the output signal IS input with a delay with respect to the reference clock CLK, and outputs the clock CLKex to the phase comparison unit 34. That is, the clock extraction unit 33 constitutes an output clock extraction unit that extracts a clock CLKex as an output clock from the output signal IS of the CCD 11 input via the output signal transmission line 15.
For example, the clock extraction unit 33 extracts a clock CLKex from an imaging signal of a predetermined pixel during a blanking period in each line in an image of one frame.

The phase comparison unit 34 is a circuit that compares the reference clock CLK with the extracted clock CLKex, generates a signal having a phase difference p between them, and outputs the signal to the ADC 35. That is, the phase comparison unit 34 is a circuit that detects the phase difference p by comparing the phases of the reference clock CLK that is the drive reference clock and the clock CLKex that is the output clock.
The ADC 35 converts the value of the phase difference p of the analog signal into a digital signal and outputs the digital signal to the correction voltage generation unit 36.

The correction voltage generator 36 generates a correction voltage signal Va from the phase difference p and outputs it to the DAC 37.
At this time, when the endoscope 2 connected to the video processor 3 is the endoscope 2 equipped with the memory 13 in which the endoscope information ES is stored, the correction value table 38 is referred to and the A correction voltage signal Va is generated from the read endoscope information ES and the phase difference p, and is output to the DAC 37. The configuration of the correction value table 38 and the processing of the correction voltage generator 36 will be described later.
When the endoscope 2 that can be connected to the video processor 3 includes an endoscope 2 that does not have the memory 13 such as an old-type endoscope, the correction voltage signal Va is calculated from the phase difference p. Is output to the DAC 37.
That is, in the case of the present embodiment, when the endoscope that can be connected to the video processor 3 and is not equipped with the memory 13 is, for example, the endoscope 11 having one type of CCD 11 or cable, the phase difference p is used. By generating the correction voltage signal Va, the drive voltage of the CCD 11 can be corrected according to the length of the signal cable by the phase difference p.
In addition, when the endoscope that can be connected to the video processor 3 and does not have the memory 13 is the CCD 11 or the endoscope 2 having a plurality of types of cables, the illustration for inputting the endoscope information ES is illustrated. An information input unit that does not perform may be provided in the video processor 3. That is, in order to correct the drive voltage of the CCD 11 according to the type of the CCD 11 and the signal cable, the video processor 3 is provided with, for example, the endoscope X having the same type of the CCD 11 and the signal cable, and the CCD 11 and the signal cable. For the endoscope Y of the same type, type input switches x and y, which are information input units, are provided. When the endoscope X is connected, the type input switch x is connected to the endoscope Y. In this case, the type input switch y may be selected and switched.
Then, for the endoscope 2 not equipped with the memory 13, the correction voltage generation unit 36 refers to, for example, the correction value table 38 for the endoscope X and the endoscope Y as shown in FIG. Thus, the correction voltage signal Va may be generated from the endoscope information ES and the phase difference p input from the information input unit and output to the DAC 37.
When a resistor corresponding to the type of the CCD 11 is provided in the connector 12, the correction voltage generation unit 36 detects a resistance value of the resistor as the endoscope information detection unit, and the resistance value. To determine the type of the CCD 11.

The DAC 37 converts the correction voltage signal Va of the input digital signal into an analog signal and outputs the analog signal to the CCD drive waveform generation unit 31.
The CCD drive waveform generation unit 31 generates a drive signal DSb for driving the CCD 11 based on the input correction voltage signal Va and outputs the drive signal DSb to the peaking circuit 32. The CCD drive waveform generation unit 31 corrects a drive signal having a predetermined voltage level with the correction voltage signal Va and outputs it as a drive signal DSb.

  Therefore, in the video processor 3, first, the clock extraction unit 33 extracts the clock CLKex from the imaging signals of one or a plurality of pixels within the blanking period of each line of one frame. The phase comparison unit 34 detects the phase difference p between the reference clock CLK and the clock CLKex for each pixel or an integral value of the phase difference p. Subsequently, the correction voltage generation unit 36 generates the correction voltage Va based on the detected phase difference p or an integrated value of the phase difference p and, depending on the connected endoscope 2, endoscope information ES. Then, it is supplied to the CCD drive waveform generator 31. Then, the CCD drive waveform generation unit 31 corrects the voltage level of the drive signal DS based on the correction voltage Va. By performing such processing for each line of one frame, for example, the imaging control unit 22 can always supply the drive signal DS having an appropriate voltage level to the CCD 11 in real time.

  Here, the clock CLKex is extracted for each line of one frame, the phase difference p is detected, and the correction voltage Va is output. However, the clock CLKex is extracted for each frame, and the phase difference p is extracted. May be detected and the correction voltage Va may be output.

As a result, in the endoscope apparatus 1, by controlling the drive signal DS as described above, an appropriate output signal IS is obtained from the CCD 11, and an endoscopic image having appropriate image quality and brightness. Is displayed on the monitor or stored in the storage device.
(Correction value table)
The correction voltage generation unit 36 includes, for example, a field programmable gate array (hereinafter abbreviated as FPGA) including a CPU, and the correction value table 38 is stored in a nonvolatile memory in the FPGA.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the correction value table 38. The correction value table 38 is a storage unit that stores the value of the correction voltage Va corresponding to each of a plurality of phase difference ranges for each type of CCD. FIG. 2 shows an example of the correction value table 38 having 16 phase difference ranges, but the number of phase difference ranges, the width of each phase difference range, etc. in the correction value table 38 are not limited to the example shown in FIG.

  In the example of FIG. 2, in the correction value table 38, the phase difference p is 100 (unit is, for example, nsec (nanosecond)) or more for the type A CCD 11 (indicated as CCD A in FIG. 2). Is less than 110, the value of the correction voltage Va is set to 1.5 and stored. In the case of the type A CCD 11, when the phase difference p is in the range of 110 or more and less than 120, the value of the correction voltage Va is set to 1.6. Similarly, in the correction value table 38, the values of the correction voltages Va corresponding to a plurality of phase difference ranges divided into predetermined ranges for the phase difference p of 120 to 255 for the type A CCD 11 are also shown. Set and remembered. In the correction value table 38, the correction voltage Va is similarly set and stored for each of the plurality of phase difference ranges for the CCDs 11 of type B, type C, and the like other than the CCD 11 of type A. .

  Since a plurality of types of endoscopes 2 can be connected to the video processor 3, for example, even two endoscopes 2 equipped with a type A CCD 11 may be connected to the type A CCD 11. The cable length (that is, the length of the insertion portion) may be different. Moreover, the usage environment in which the endoscope 2 is used is used in various temperature environments.

  Therefore, for each CCD, the length of the signal cable to be connected and the environmental temperature are changed in various ways, the phase difference between the reference clock CLK and the extracted clock CLKex is measured in advance, and the drive has an appropriate voltage level. The correction voltage Va, which is correction data for the predetermined voltage V1 of the drive signal DS, is determined and set in the correction value table 38 so that the signal is supplied to the CCD 11. Here, in the correction value table 38, the phase difference is divided into a plurality of phase difference ranges, and the correction voltage Va is set for each phase difference range.

That is, in the correction value table 38, for each CCD, the value of the correction voltage Va corresponding to the difference in the length of the signal cable to be connected, the difference in the usage environment of the mounted endoscope, etc. Set to range.
(Operation of the video control unit 22)
Next, the operation of the video control unit 22 will be described.

  A reference clock CLK is input to the video control unit 22. Based on the reference clock CLK, the CCD drive waveform generator 31 outputs the drive signal DSb. The clock extraction unit 33 extracts the clock CLKex from one or a plurality of pixel signals in the blanking period in each line of one frame of the image. The phase comparator 34 detects a phase difference p between the reference clock CLK and the extracted clock (hereinafter referred to as an extracted clock) CLKex. The detected phase difference p is converted into a digital signal and supplied to the correction voltage generator 36.

When the phase difference p data is input, the correction voltage generation unit 36 refers to the correction value table 38 based on the endoscope information ES depending on the connected endoscope 2 and inputs the input phase difference p. The correction voltage Va is read out from and output. If the endoscope that can be connected to the video processor 3 and does not have the memory 13 is, for example, the CCD 11 or the endoscope 2 having one type of cable, the correction voltage signal Va is generated from the phase difference p. And output.
The CCD drive waveform generator 31 adds (or subtracts) the predetermined voltage V1 by the correction voltage Va to generate the drive signal DSb.
A waveform of the drive signal DSb is deformed by the peaking circuit 32 so that both edges of the rectangular drive signal DSb are cut off, and the drive signal DSb is output as the drive signal DS.

FIG. 3 is a waveform diagram showing signal waveforms (voltage levels) of the reference clock CLK and the drive signals DSb and DS.
The reference clock CLK is input to the CCD drive waveform generator 31. The CCD drive waveform generation unit 31 generates a drive signal DS having a predetermined voltage V1 in synchronization with the timing of the clock CLK. At this time, since the correction voltage Va is input, the CCD drive waveform generation unit 31 outputs a drive signal DS having a voltage level (V1 + Va) obtained by adding the correction voltage Va to the predetermined voltage V1.

  FIG. 4 is a timing diagram for explaining the phase difference between the reference clock CLK and the extracted clock CLKex. As described in FIG. 3, the drive signal DS generated and output based on the reference clock CLK is synchronized with the reference clock CLK.

  The drive signal DS whose waveform is deformed so that both edge portions are sharp is supplied to the CCD 11 via the drive signal transmission line 14. The CCD 11 outputs an output signal IS based on the supplied drive signal DS. The output signal IS is input to the clock extraction unit 33 via the output signal transmission line 15.

  However, as shown in FIG. 4, the extracted clock CLKex extracted from the output signal IS is delayed with respect to the reference clock CLK due to the length of the signal cable, and a phase difference p is generated. This phase difference p is caused by various factors.

  For example, one of the two endoscopes is equipped with a type A CCD 11 and the insertion length is L1, and the other is loaded with the same type A CCD 11, but the insertion length is L2. There may be. In this case, even with the same type A CCD 11, the delay amount of the extracted clock CLKex with respect to the reference clock CLK, that is, the phase difference p is different if the insertion length of the endoscope is different.

  Further, if the ambient temperature of the environment in which the endoscope apparatus is used changes, the delay amount of the extracted clock CLKex relative to the reference clock CLK, that is, the phase difference p also changes.

  Therefore, the correction value table 38 is measured in advance so that the drive signal supplied to the CCD 11 of the endoscope 2 has an appropriate voltage level corresponding to the phase difference p caused by various factors as described above. The corrected correction value Va is set.

  Then, the CCD drive waveform generation unit 31 generates a drive signal DSb corrected based on the correction value Va, and supplies the drive signal DSb to the drive signal transmission line 14 via the peaking circuit 32. In other words, the correction voltage generation unit 36 and the CCD drive waveform generation unit 31 correct the voltage level of the drive signal DS according to the endoscope information ES and the phase difference p detected by the phase comparison unit 34. Parts.

As a result, the drive signal DS having an appropriate voltage level is supplied to the CCD 11, and the CCD 11 outputs an image pickup signal IS for an appropriate image. In particular, in the above example, the phase difference p is extracted for each line of the frame of the image (or for each frame), and the voltage level of the drive signal DS is corrected. In addition, it is possible to control the voltage level of the drive signal DS in response to changes in ambient temperature or the like in real time.
As described above, according to the endoscope apparatus of the above-described embodiment, a drive signal having an appropriate voltage level can be supplied from the imaging control unit to the imaging unit.

Further, since the endoscope apparatus of the above-described embodiment uses the correction value table 38, the data of the correction value table 38 is also added to an endoscope equipped with a new CCD or the like to be supported. If it is changed, it can be easily handled.
(Modification 1)
In the above-described embodiment, it is assumed that the signal cable to be used is determined according to the type of the CCD 11, that is, at least the impedance per unit length of the signal cable is determined, and one correction value table 38 includes the CCD 11. The correction voltage Va is stored as correction value data for each type. For example, even if the type of the CCD 11 is the same, the signal cable to be used (connected) is different, that is, the impedance per unit length of the signal cable is different. In this case, the correction value table 38 includes the combination of the type of CCD 11 and the signal cable length (or the length of the insertion portion 4), the combination of the type of CCD 11 and the impedance per unit length of the signal cable, the type of CCD 11 and the signal. Separate from CCD11, such as combination with cable diameter, combination of CCD11 type and signal cable material, etc. Data may include in accordance with the combination of conditions. That is, the endoscope information ES includes, in addition to the CCD 11 type information, the length of the input / output transmission line or the insertion portion 4, the impedance per unit length of the input / output transmission line, the thickness of the input / output transmission line, It includes at least one piece of information on the material of the input / output transmission line. More specifically, the impedance, thickness, and material of the input / output transmission line include the impedance, thickness, and material of each of the drive signal transmission line 14 and the output signal transmission line 15.

  In this case, the endoscope information ES includes information such as the signal cable length, the impedance per unit length, the diameter of the signal cable, and the material of the signal cable. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a correction value table according to the combination of the CCD 11 and the signal cable length connected to the CCD 11 according to the first modification. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5, the correction value table 38A may have correction data for each combination of the CCD 11 and the signal cable length.

  For example, even if the length of the signal cable is the same, it is not possible to cope with a change in phase difference due to a difference in the wire diameter or material of the signal cable. However, if the correction voltage Va corresponding to the phase difference is set in the correction value table in accordance with the wire diameter of the signal cable connected according to the type of the CCD 11, the type of the signal cable in addition to the type of the CCD 11. Accordingly, a drive signal having an appropriate voltage level can be supplied to the CCD 11.

The correction voltage generation unit 36 corrects the drive voltage DS by selecting data in the correction value table corresponding to the combination of the CCD 11 and the signal cable length connected to the CCD 11.
(Modification 2)
In the above-described embodiment, the correction voltage Va for each type of CCD 11 is stored as correction value data in one correction value table 38, but the correction value table 38 is correction value data for each type of CCD 11. In addition to this, a table in which correction value data for each type of endoscope 2 is also stored may be used. In that case, the endoscope information ES includes the type information of the endoscope 2. In FIG. 2, a portion indicated by a dotted line is a portion in which correction value data for each type of endoscope 2 in the correction value table 38 is stored.

  Further, for example, in some old endoscopes, an endoscope in which only the type information of the CCD 11 is stored in the memory 13 as the endoscope information ES, and an endoscope in which only the type information of the endoscope 2 is stored in the memory 13. There may be an endoscope in which the type information of the endoscope 2 is stored in the memory 13 in addition to the type information of the mirror 11 and the CCD 11.

When only one type information is detected so that the drive voltage can be corrected even when such an endoscope is connected to the video processor 3, the correction voltage generation unit 36 The correction voltage Va is read from the correction value table 38 based on the type information and the phase difference p. When the two types of information are read out, the correction voltage generation unit 36 corrects based on the type information and the phase difference p using predetermined type information (for example, type information of the CCD 11). The value of the voltage Va can be determined.
(Modification 3)
Further, in the above-described embodiment and each modification, the correction value table 38 stores the correction voltage Va to be added to or subtracted from the predetermined voltage V1, and the CCD drive waveform generator 31 corrects the correction voltage to the predetermined voltage V1. A drive signal DSb having a voltage level (V1 + Va) obtained by adding Va is generated and output. The correction value table stores a correction coefficient value α by which a predetermined voltage V1 is multiplied, and a CCD drive waveform generation unit. 31 may generate and output a drive signal DSb having a voltage level (V1 × α) obtained by multiplying a predetermined voltage V1 by a correction coefficient value α.

Furthermore, the correction value table stores an appropriate voltage level value for each range of the phase difference p, and the CCD drive waveform generation unit 31 reads the voltage level read from the correction value table according to the phase difference p. The drive signal DSb may be corrected by generating and outputting the drive signal DSb having a value of.
(Modification 4)
In the above-described embodiment, correction value data is stored for each type of CCD 11 in one correction value table 38. However, in the above-described embodiment and each modification, the correction value table 38 is stored in the correction value table 38. The correction value table for each type of the CCD 11 and the correction value table for each type of the endoscope 2 may be divided into a plurality of correction value tables by type or combination.
In that case, the endoscope information ES includes type information of the endoscope 2 and the like. The correction voltage generation unit 36 selects a correction value table corresponding to the type of the endoscope 2 and the like, and corrects the drive voltage DS with reference to the selected correction value table.
(Modification 5)
Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the drive signal DS determines the correction amount for the predetermined voltage V1 using the correction value table 38. However, in the above-described embodiment and each modification, the CPU or the like You may make it determine the correction amount using a calculating means.

  As described above, according to the endoscope apparatus according to the above-described embodiment and each modification, an endoscope apparatus that can supply a drive signal having an appropriate voltage level from the imaging control unit to the imaging unit, and An imaging control apparatus for an endoscope apparatus can be provided.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Endoscope apparatus, 2 Endoscope, 3 Video processor, 4 Insertion part, 11 CCD, 12 Connector, 13 Memory, 14 Drive signal transmission line, 15 Output signal transmission line, 21 Connector, 22 Imaging control part, 31 CCD Drive waveform generation unit, 32 peaking circuit, 33 clock extraction unit, 34 phase comparison unit, 35 analog-digital converter, 36 correction voltage generation unit, 37 digital-analog converter, 38 correction value table.

Claims (6)

An imaging unit provided at a distal end of the insertion unit, a connector, and an input / output transmission line that is inserted into the insertion unit, has one end connected to the imaging unit and the other end connected to the connector, A plurality of types of endoscopes having different types of imaging units and at least one of the lengths of the insertion units;
A connector receiving portion to which the connector of the endoscope can be connected in order to make an electrical connection with the input / output transmission line, and a drive reference clock to drive the drive signal to the imaging portion output to the input / output transmission line A drive signal generation unit that generates and outputs the output signal, an output clock extraction unit that extracts an output clock from an output signal of the imaging unit that is input via the input / output transmission line, the drive reference clock, and the output clock An imaging control unit having a phase comparison unit that compares the phases of the two and detects a phase difference;
An endoscope information presentation unit that is provided in the endoscope and shows endoscope information including at least type information of the imaging unit to be mounted;
The drive signal provided in the imaging control unit and output from the drive signal generation unit according to the endoscope information of the endoscope information presentation unit and the phase difference detected by the phase comparison unit A drive voltage correction unit for correcting
An endoscope apparatus characterized by comprising:   In addition to the type information of the imaging unit, the endoscope information includes the length of the input / output transmission line or the insertion unit, the impedance per unit length of the input / output transmission line, and the input / output transmission line. The endoscope apparatus according to claim 1, comprising at least one information of a thickness and a material of the input / output transmission line. The input / output transmission line includes a drive signal transmission line for transmitting the drive signal, and an output signal transmission line for transmitting the output signal,
3. The impedance, thickness, and material of the input / output transmission line include impedance, thickness, and material of each of the drive signal transmission line and the output signal transmission line, respectively. The endoscope apparatus described in 1. A table including a correction value corresponding to the endoscope information and the phase difference;
4. The drive voltage correction unit corrects a voltage level of the drive signal according to the endoscope information and the phase difference with reference to the table. 5. The endoscope apparatus described in one.   The endoscope information presentation unit includes a storage unit or a resistor, and the endoscope information is specified by data stored in the storage unit or a resistance value of the resistor. The endoscope apparatus according to any one of Items 1 to 5. An imaging unit provided at a distal end of an insertion unit, a connector, and an endoscope having an input / output transmission line that is inserted into the insertion unit, connected at one end to the imaging unit, and connected at the other end to the connector. A connector receiving portion to which the connector of the endoscope can be connected to make an electrical connection with an output transmission line;
A drive signal generation unit that generates a drive signal based on a drive reference clock and outputs the drive signal to the imaging unit that is output to the input / output transmission line;
An output clock extraction unit that extracts an output clock from the output signal of the imaging unit input via the input / output transmission line;
An imaging control unit including a phase comparison unit that detects a phase difference by comparing phases of the drive reference clock and the output clock;
The endoscope information of the endoscope information presenting unit indicating endoscope information including at least the type information of the imaging unit mounted on the endoscope and the phase difference detected by the phase comparison unit. In response, a drive voltage correction unit that corrects the drive signal output from the drive signal generation unit;
An imaging control apparatus for an endoscope apparatus, comprising:

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