JP5810016B2 - Endoscope system - Google Patents

Description

  According to the present invention, image information transmitted from an imaging device including an imaging element that can output an electrical signal after photoelectric conversion as image information from a pixel arbitrarily designated as a readout target among a plurality of pixels for imaging. The predetermined image processing relates to an endoscope system.

  Conventionally, in the medical field, an endoscope system is used when observing an organ of a subject such as a patient. An endoscope system has, for example, a flexible elongated shape, an imaging device (electronic scope) that is inserted into a body cavity of a subject, and an imaging device that is provided at the tip of the imaging device and captures an in-vivo image. The image processing apparatus includes a processing device (external processor) that performs predetermined image processing on the in-vivo image captured by the image sensor, and a display device that can display the in-vivo image subjected to the image processing by the processing device. When acquiring an in-vivo image using an endoscope system, after inserting an insertion portion into a body cavity of a subject, illumination light is irradiated from the distal end of the insertion portion to a living tissue in the body cavity, and the imaging device In-vivo images are taken. A user such as a doctor observes the organ of the subject based on the in-vivo image displayed by the display device.

  As such an endoscope system, a technique for outputting in-vivo image information captured by an image sensor to a processing device as an optical signal by using a light emitting element provided in the image sensor is known (see Patent Document 1). ). In this technique, since the number of wires constituting the transmission path connecting the imaging device and the processing device can be reduced, the diameter of the insertion portion can be reduced.

JP 2008-36356 A

  However, the above-described conventional technique has a problem that the in-vivo image information cannot be appropriately transmitted because the output of the light emitting element is lowered due to the environment around the imaging device, for example, temperature.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object of the present invention is to provide an endoscope system capable of appropriately transmitting in-vivo image information regardless of the environment around the imaging apparatus.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, an endoscope system according to the present invention includes an imaging unit that outputs an electrical signal after photoelectric conversion from a plurality of pixels as image information, and the imaging unit that outputs the image signal. An endoscope including an imaging device having a transmission unit that converts image information into an optical signal and transmitting the same to the outside, and a processing device that is connected to the imaging device and capable of transmitting and receiving an optical signal to and from the imaging device In the mirror system, the processing device includes a processing control unit that controls a transmission output characteristic of the optical signal when the transmitting unit transmits the optical signal to the outside.

  In the endoscope system according to the present invention as set forth in the invention described above, the processing control unit controls the transmission output characteristics to change over time based on identification information of the imaging device connected to the processing device. It is characterized by performing.

  In the endoscope system according to the present invention, in the above invention, the imaging device further includes a temperature detection unit that detects a temperature, and the processing control unit is based on a detection result detected by the temperature detection unit. The transmission output characteristic is controlled.

  In the endoscope system according to the present invention, in the above invention, the processing device includes a light receiving unit that receives the optical signal transmitted by the transmitting unit and converts the light signal into an electrical signal, and the processing control unit includes: The transmission output characteristic is controlled based on the intensity of the electrical signal converted by the light receiving unit.

  According to the endoscope system of the present invention, the imaging control unit controls the transmission output characteristics when the image information is transmitted as an optical signal by the transmission unit. As a result, there is an effect that the in-vivo image information can be properly transmitted regardless of the environment around the imaging apparatus.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an endoscope system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a main part of the endoscope system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an outline of the transmission output characteristic control process of the transmission unit executed by the imaging control unit of the endoscope system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between the amount of light emitted by the light emitting unit of the transmitting unit of the endoscope system according to the first embodiment of the present invention and time. FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a main part of the endoscope system according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an outline of the transmission output characteristic control process of the transmission unit executed by the imaging control unit of the endoscope system according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically illustrating the relationship between the forward current supplied by the drive unit of the endoscope system according to the second embodiment of the present invention and the temperature characteristic of the light amount emitted from the light emitting unit of the transmitting unit. . FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a main part of an endoscope system according to a modification of the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a main part of the endoscope system according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an outline of the transmission output characteristic control process of the transmission unit executed by the imaging control unit of the endoscope system according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

  Hereinafter, as a mode for carrying out the present invention (hereinafter, referred to as “embodiment”), a medical endoscope system that captures and displays an image of a body cavity of a subject such as a patient will be described. Moreover, this invention is not limited by this embodiment. Furthermore, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the same part in description of drawing. Furthermore, the drawings are schematic, and it should be noted that the relationship between the thickness and width of each member, the ratio of each member, and the like are different from the actual ones. Moreover, the part from which a mutual dimension and ratio differ also in between drawings.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an endoscope system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a main part of the endoscope system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, an endoscope system 1 includes an endoscope 2 (electronic scope) as an imaging device that captures an in-vivo image of a subject by inserting a distal end portion into the body cavity of the subject. And a processing device 3 (external processor) that performs predetermined image processing on the in-vivo image captured by the endoscope 2 and comprehensively controls the operation of the entire endoscope system 1, and the distal end of the endoscope 2. It includes a light source device 4 that generates emitted illumination light, and a display device 5 that displays an in-vivo image subjected to image processing by the processing device 3.

  The endoscope 2 includes an insertion portion 21 having an elongated shape having flexibility, an operation portion 22 that is connected to a proximal end side of the insertion portion 21 and receives input of various operation signals, and an insertion portion from the operation portion 22. And a universal cord 23 including various cables that extend in a direction different from the direction in which 21 extends and connect the processing device 3 and the light source device 4.

  The insertion portion 21 is connected to a distal end portion 24 incorporating an image pickup device to be described later, a bendable bending portion 25 constituted by a plurality of bending pieces, and a proximal end side of the bending portion 25, and has a flexible length. And a flexible tube portion 26 having a scale shape.

  The distal end portion 24 is configured using a glass fiber or the like, and forms a light guide path for light emitted from the light source device 4. An illumination lens 242 provided at the distal end of the light guide 241. A system 243, an imaging element 244 provided at an imaging position of the optical system 243, receiving light collected by the optical system 243, photoelectrically converting the light into an electrical signal, and performing predetermined signal processing; A receiving unit 245 that receives the received optical signal, and a transmitting unit 246 that converts an electrical signal including image information input from the imaging element 244 into an optical signal and transmits the converted signal to the processing device 3.

  The optical system 243 is configured using one or a plurality of lenses, and has an optical zoom function for changing the angle of view and a focus function for changing the focus.

  The image sensor 244 includes a sensor unit 244a that photoelectrically converts light from the optical system 243 and outputs an electrical signal, and an analog front end 244b that performs noise removal and A / D conversion on the electrical signal output from the sensor unit 244a. (Hereinafter, referred to as “AFE unit 244b”), a timing generator 244c that generates a drive timing of the sensor unit 244a and various signal processing pulses in the AFE unit 244b, a drive unit 244d that drives the transmission unit 246, and an image sensor 244. And an imaging control unit 244e for controlling the operation. The imaging device 244 is a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) image sensor. The timing generator 244c functions as a timer.

  The sensor unit 244a includes a light receiving unit 244f in which a plurality of pixels each having a photodiode that accumulates a charge corresponding to the amount of light and an amplifier that amplifies the charge accumulated by the photodiode are arranged in a two-dimensional matrix, and a light receiving unit 244f. A readout unit 244g that reads out, as image information, an electrical signal generated by a pixel arbitrarily set as a readout target among the plurality of pixels.

  The AFE unit 244b includes a noise reduction unit 244h that reduces a noise component included in the electrical signal (analog), and an AGC (Auto Gain Control) unit that adjusts the amplification factor (gain) of the electrical signal and maintains a constant output level. 244i and an A / D conversion unit 244j that performs A / D conversion on an electrical signal as image information (image signal) output via the AGC unit 244i. The noise reduction unit 244h performs noise reduction using, for example, a correlated double sampling (Correleted Double Sampling) method.

  The drive unit 244d supplies a current to the transmission unit 246 under the control of the imaging control unit 244e described later, thereby causing the transmission unit 246 to output an optical signal including the image information generated by the imaging element 244.

  The imaging control unit 244e controls various operations of the distal end portion 24 according to the setting data received from the processing device 3. The imaging control unit 244e is configured using a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or the like. The imaging control unit 244e controls transmission output characteristics when a transmission unit 246 described later transmits an optical signal to the processing device 3. Specifically, the imaging control unit 244e performs control to change the transmission output characteristic when the transmission unit 246 transmits an optical signal to the processing device 3 with time.

  The receiving unit 245 receives the optical signal branched from the wavelength branching unit 245a and the wavelength branching unit 245a that branches the optical signal transmitted from the processing device 3 for each predetermined wavelength band, and outputs the timing signal to the timing generator 244c. A light receiving unit 245b that receives the optical signal branched by the wavelength branching unit 245a and outputs setting data to the imaging control unit 244e. The wavelength branching unit 245a is configured using a low-pass filter or the like. The light receiving unit 245b and the light receiving unit 245c are configured using a light receiving element that receives light, such as a photoelectric conversion element of a photodiode.

  The transmission unit 246 converts the electrical signal of the image information input from the image sensor 244 into an optical signal and outputs the optical signal to the processing device 3, and the electrical signal of the setting data input from the imaging control unit 244e as an optical signal. The light emitting unit 246b that converts the signal into a signal and outputs it to the processing device 3, and the wavelength that multiplexes (superimposes) two optical signals output (emitted) by the light emitting unit 246a and the light emitting unit 246b and outputs the signal to the processing device 3 And a multiplexing unit 246c. The light emitting unit 246a and the light emitting unit 246b are configured using a light emitting element such as a surface emitting laser (VCSEL). The amount of light emitted from the light emitting unit 246a and the light emitting unit 246b changes based on the current supplied from the driving unit 244d. Furthermore, the light emitting unit 246a and the light emitting unit 246b emit light having different wavelength bands.

  The recording unit 247 records various information of the endoscope 2. Specifically, the recording unit 247 includes model information for identifying the endoscope 2, identification information including transmission output characteristics of the transmission unit 246, identification information for the image sensor 244, and the amount of light emitted by the light emitting unit 246 a of the transmission unit 246. The transmission output characteristic information indicating the relationship between time and time and various programs executed by the imaging control unit 244e are recorded.

  The operation unit 22 includes a bending knob 221 that bends the bending unit 25 in the vertical direction and the left-right direction, a treatment tool insertion unit 222 that inserts a treatment tool such as a biological forceps, a laser knife, and an inspection probe into the body cavity, and the processing device 3. In addition to the light source device 4, it has a plurality of switches 223 which are operation input units for inputting operation instruction signals of peripheral devices such as air supply means, water supply means, and gas supply means. The treatment tool inserted from the treatment tool insertion portion 222 is exposed from the opening (not shown) via the treatment tool channel (not shown) of the distal end portion 24.

  The universal cord 23 includes at least a light guide 241 and a collective cable 248 in which one or a plurality of optical fibers are collected. The universal cord 23 has a connector portion 27 that can be attached to and detached from the light source device 4. The connector part 27 has a coiled coil cable 27a extending, and has a connector part 28 that can be attached to and detached from the processing device 3 at the extended end of the coil cable 27a.

  Next, the configuration of the processing device 3 will be described. The processing device 3 includes a reception unit 301, an image processing unit 302, a brightness detection unit 303, a light control unit 304, a read address setting unit 305, a drive signal generation unit 306, an input unit 307, and a recording unit. 308, a processing control unit 309, a reference clock generation unit 310, and a transmission unit 311. In the first embodiment, the processing apparatus 3 will be described by taking a frame sequential configuration as an example, but the processing apparatus 3 can also be applied to a simultaneous type.

  The receiving unit 301 includes a wavelength branching unit 301a that branches the multiplexed optical signal output from the transmission unit 246 of the endoscope 2 via the universal code 23 for each predetermined wavelength range, and a wavelength branching unit 301a branches. Receiving the optical signal of the image information and converting it into an electrical signal, receiving the converted electrical signal to the image processing unit 302, and receiving the optical signal of the setting data branched by the wavelength branching unit 301a A light receiving unit 301c that converts the electrical signal into an electrical signal and outputs the converted electrical signal to the processing control unit 309.

  The image processing unit 302 generates an in-vivo image displayed by the display device 5 based on the image information input from the light receiving unit 301b. The image processing unit 302 includes a synchronization unit 302a, a white balance (WB) adjustment unit 302b, a gain adjustment unit 302c, a γ correction unit 302d, a D / A conversion unit 302e, a format change unit 302f, and a sample-use unit. It has a memory 302g and a still image memory 302h.

  The synchronization unit 302a inputs image information input as pixel information to three memories (not shown) provided for each pixel, and associates the image information with the pixel address of the light receiving unit 244f read by the reading unit 244g. Then, the values of the respective memories are held while being sequentially updated, and the image information of these three memories is synchronized as RGB image information. The synchronization unit 302a sequentially outputs the synchronized RGB image information to the white balance adjustment unit 302b, and outputs a part of the RGB image information to the sample memory 302g for image analysis such as brightness detection.

  The white balance adjustment unit 302b automatically adjusts the white balance of the RGB image information. Specifically, the white balance adjustment unit 302b automatically adjusts the white balance of the RGB image information based on the color temperature included in the RGB image information.

  The gain adjustment unit 302c performs gain adjustment of RGB image information. The gain adjustment unit 302c outputs the RGB signal subjected to gain adjustment to the γ correction unit 302d, and a part of the RGB signal for still image display, enlarged image display, or emphasized image display 302h. Output to.

  The γ correction unit 302 d performs gradation correction (γ correction) of the RGB image information in correspondence with the display device 5.

  The D / A conversion unit 302e converts the gradation-corrected RGB image information output from the γ correction unit 302d into an analog signal.

  The format changing unit 302f changes the image information converted into an analog signal to a moving image file format such as a high-definition method and outputs the same to the display device 5.

  The brightness detection unit 303 detects the brightness level corresponding to each pixel from the RGB image information held in the sample memory 302g, records the detected brightness level in a memory provided therein, and the processing control unit To 309. Further, the brightness detection unit 303 calculates a gain adjustment value and a light irradiation amount based on the detected brightness level, and outputs the gain adjustment value to the gain adjustment unit 302c, while adjusting the light irradiation amount to the light adjustment unit 304. Output to.

  The light control unit 304 sets the type, light amount, light emission timing, and the like of the light generated by the light source device 4 based on the light irradiation amount calculated by the brightness detection unit 303 under the control of the processing control unit 309. A light source synchronization signal including the set condition is transmitted to the light source device 4.

  The read address setting unit 305 has a function of setting a pixel to be read and a reading order on the light receiving surface of the sensor unit 244a. That is, the read address setting unit 305 has a function of setting the pixel address of the sensor unit 244a read by the AFE unit 244b. Further, the read address setting unit 305 outputs the set address information of the pixel to be read to the synchronization unit 302a.

  The drive signal generation unit 306 generates a driving timing signal for driving the image sensor 244 and transmits the timing signal to the timing generator 244 c via a predetermined signal line included in the aggregate cable 248. This timing signal includes address information of a pixel to be read.

  The input unit 307 receives input of various signals such as an operation instruction signal that instructs the operation of the endoscope system 1.

  The recording unit 308 is realized using a semiconductor memory such as a flash memory or a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory). The recording unit 308 records various programs for operating the endoscope system 1 and data including various parameters necessary for the operation of the endoscope system 1. In addition, the recording unit 308 includes an identification information recording unit 308 a that records the identification information of the processing device 3. Here, the identification information includes unique information (ID) of the processing device 3, year, specification information of the processing control unit 309, transmission method, transmission rate, and the like.

  The processing control unit 309 is configured using a CPU or the like, and performs drive control of each component including the tip 24 and the light source device 4, input / output control of information with respect to each component, and the like. The processing control unit 309 transmits setting data for imaging control to the imaging control unit 244e via a predetermined signal line included in the collective cable 248.

  The reference clock generation unit 310 generates a reference clock signal that serves as a reference for the operation of each component of the endoscope system 1 and supplies the generated reference clock signal to each component of the endoscope system 1.

  The transmission unit 311 converts the timing signal generated by the drive signal generation unit 306 into an optical signal and outputs the optical signal to the wavelength multiplexing unit 311c, and the electrical signal of the setting data input from the processing control unit 309 as an optical signal Wavelength-division multiplexing that outputs the multiplexed optical signal to the endoscope 2 by multiplexing the two optical signals output from the light-emitting unit 311a and the light-emitting unit 311b, respectively. Part 311c.

  Next, the configuration of the light source device 4 will be described. The light source device 4 includes a light source 41, a light source driver 42, a rotary filter 43, a drive unit 44, a drive driver 45, and a light source control unit 46.

  The light source 41 is configured using a white LED, and generates white light under the control of the light source control unit 46. The light source driver 42 causes the light source 41 to generate white light by supplying current to the light source 41 under the control of the light source control unit 46. Light generated by the light source 41 is irradiated from the tip of the tip portion 24 via the rotary filter 43, a condenser lens (not shown), and the light guide 241. The light source 41 may be configured using a xenon lamp or the like.

  The rotary filter 43 is disposed on the optical path of white light emitted from the light source 41, and rotates to transmit only the light having a predetermined wavelength band through the white light emitted from the light source 41. Specifically, the rotary filter 43 includes a red filter 431, a green filter 432, and a blue filter 433 that transmit light having wavelength bands of red light (R), green light (G), and blue light (B). . The rotary filter 43 sequentially transmits light having wavelength bands of red, green, and blue (for example, red: 600 nm to 700 nm, green: 500 nm to 600 nm, blue: 400 nm to 500 nm) by rotating. As a result, the white light emitted from the light source 41 can sequentially emit one of the narrow-band red light, green light, and blue light to the endoscope 2.

  The drive unit 44 is configured using a stepping motor, a DC motor, or the like, and rotates the rotary filter 43. The drive driver 45 supplies a predetermined current to the drive unit 44 under the control of the light source control unit 46.

  The light source control unit 46 controls the amount of current supplied to the light source 41 in accordance with the light source synchronization signal transmitted from the dimming unit 304. Further, the light source control unit 46 rotates the rotary filter 43 by driving the drive unit 44 via the drive driver 45 under the control of the processing control unit 309.

  The display device 5 has a function of receiving and displaying the in-vivo image generated by the processing device 3 from the processing device 3 via the video cable. The display device 5 is configured using liquid crystal or organic EL (Electro Luminescence).

  The transmission output characteristic control process of the transmission unit 246 executed by the imaging control unit 244e of the endoscope system 1 having the above configuration will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an outline of a transmission output characteristic control process of the transmission unit 246 executed by the imaging control unit 244e of the endoscope system 1 according to the first embodiment. The following control process is performed at predetermined timings after the practitioner starts examination of the subject using the endoscope system 1.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the imaging control unit 244e determines whether or not the connector unit 28 of the endoscope 2 is connected to the processing device 3 (step S101). When the imaging control unit 244e determines that the connector unit 28 of the endoscope 2 is connected to the processing device 3 (step S101: Yes), the endoscope system 1 proceeds to step S102. On the other hand, when the imaging control unit 244e determines that the connector unit 28 of the endoscope 2 is not connected to the processing device 3 (step S101: No), the endoscope system 1 repeats this determination.

  Subsequently, the imaging control unit 244e starts counting time based on the timing signal output from the timing generator 244c (step S102), and the drive unit 244d supplies the light emitting unit 246a based on the current time. By controlling the current intensity, the amount of light emitted by the light emitting unit 246a is adjusted (step S103).

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the amount of light emitted by the light emitting unit 246a of the transmission unit 246 and time. In FIG. 4, the horizontal axis indicates time (t), and the vertical axis indicates the amount of light (mW). In FIG. 4, a curve L1 indicates the light quantity characteristic of the light emitting unit 246a.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the light amount of the light emitting unit 246a of the transmission unit 246 decreases with time. The distal end portion 24 including the light emitting portion 246a of the transmitting portion 246 uses a heat-resistant structure with high airtightness in order to prevent the heat of the light guide 241 from being transferred to the living tissue of the subject. For this reason, as for the front-end | tip part 24 containing the light emission part 246a of the transmission part 246, the temperature inside the front-end | tip part 24 rises with progress of time, and the light quantity of the light emission part 246a of the transmission part 246 falls. Therefore, in the first embodiment, the imaging control unit 244e starts the examination of the subject included in the setting data output from the processing device 3 or the light source device 4 starts emitting the illumination light. The intensity of the current supplied to the light emitting unit 246a by the driving unit 244d is controlled based on the time after. Thereby, the image information can be transmitted to the processing device 3 with high accuracy regardless of the environment around the endoscope 2.

  Returning to FIG. 3, the description of step S104 and subsequent steps will be continued. In step S104, the imaging control unit 244e determines whether an end instruction signal for ending the examination of the subject has been input. When the imaging control unit 244e determines that the end instruction signal has been input (step S104: Yes), the endoscope system 1 ends this process. On the other hand, when the imaging control unit 244e determines that the end instruction signal is not input (step S104: No), the endoscope system 1 returns to step S103.

  According to the first embodiment of the present invention described above, the imaging control unit 244e controls the current (forward current) supplied to the light emitting unit 246a by the drive unit 244d, thereby adjusting the light amount of the light emitting unit 246a. . Thereby, since the transmission output characteristic of the image information imaged by the image sensor 244 can be controlled, the image information can be appropriately transmitted to the processing device 3 regardless of the environment around the endoscope 2.

  Further, according to the first embodiment, by transmitting image information by the optical transmission method, high-speed communication that has been difficult with the conventional electric transmission method can be performed, and the radiated electromagnetic field characteristics can be improved and the electric knife can be used. It is possible to reduce the influence of electromagnetic interference received from a processing tool such as.

  In the first embodiment, the current supplied from the drive unit 244d to the light emitting unit 246a is controlled based on the time output by the imaging control unit 244e by the timing generator 244c. The processing control unit 309 controls the intensity of the current supplied to the light emitting unit 246a by the driving unit 244d based on the time output by the reference clock generating unit 310 and the identification information of the endoscope 2, thereby the light emitting unit 246a. The transmission output characteristics may be controlled by adjusting the amount of light. In this case, the processing control unit 309 identifies the identification information for identifying the endoscope 2 included in the optical signal received from the endoscope 2 via the optical fiber of the universal code 23, the time output by the reference clock generation unit 310, and the recording The drive unit 244d supplies the light emitting unit 246a based on the transmission output characteristic indicating the relationship between the amount of light emitted by the light emitting unit 246a of the transmitting unit 246 associated with each endoscope 2 recorded by the unit 308 and time. Setting data indicating current is output to the light emitting unit 311b of the transmission unit 311. Accordingly, the imaging control unit 244e can control the transmission output characteristics output from the issuing unit 246a by controlling the intensity of the current supplied by the driving unit 244d based on the setting data. As a result, the processing control unit 309 can control the transmission output characteristics of the light emitting unit 246a of the transmission unit 246 for each type of the endoscope 2, so that each internal control can be performed regardless of the environment around the endoscope 2. Image information can be appropriately transmitted according to the endoscope 2.

(Embodiment 2)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The endoscope system according to the second embodiment is different in the processing executed by the imaging device and the endoscope system in the endoscope of the endoscope system according to the above-described embodiment. Specifically, the image sensor has a temperature detection unit. For this reason, in the following, after describing the imaging element in the endoscope of the endoscope system according to the second embodiment, a process executed by the endoscope system according to the second embodiment will be described. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and demonstrated to the same structure.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a main part of the endoscope system 100 according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, the endoscope system 100 includes an endoscope 6 and a processing device 3.

  The distal end portion 24 of the endoscope 6 is provided at an imaging position of the light guide 241, the illumination lens 242, the optical system 243, and the optical system 243, and receives the light collected by the optical system 243 to receive an electrical signal. An image sensor 601 that performs photoelectric conversion to perform predetermined signal processing, a reception unit 245, and a transmission unit 246.

  The imaging element 601 includes a sensor unit 244a, an AFE unit 244b, a timing generator 244c, a driving unit 244d, an imaging control unit 244e, and a temperature detection unit 602. The image sensor 601 is a CMOS image sensor.

  The temperature detection unit 602 is configured using a temperature sensor or the like, detects the temperature in the image sensor 601, and outputs the detection result to the image capture control unit 244 e. The temperature detection unit 602 is integrally formed on a substrate (one chip) in the image sensor 601.

  The transmission output characteristic control process of the transmission unit 246 executed by the imaging control unit 244e of the endoscope system 100 having the above configuration will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an outline of the transmission output characteristic control process of the transmission unit 246 executed by the imaging control unit 244e of the endoscope system 100 according to the second embodiment.

  As illustrated in FIG. 6, the imaging control unit 244e determines whether or not the connector unit 28 of the endoscope 6 is connected to the processing device 3 (step S201). When the imaging control unit 244e determines that the connector unit 28 of the endoscope 6 is connected to the processing device 3 (step S201: Yes), the endoscope system 100 proceeds to step S202. In contrast, when the imaging control unit 244e determines that the connector unit 28 of the endoscope 6 is not connected to the processing device 3 (step S201: No), the endoscope system 100 repeats this determination.

  Subsequently, the imaging control unit 244e adjusts the amount of light emitted by the light emitting unit 246a by controlling the intensity of the current supplied to the light emitting unit 246a by the driving unit 244d based on the detection result detected by the temperature detecting unit 602. (Step S202).

  FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically illustrating the relationship between the forward current supplied by the drive unit 244d and the temperature characteristics of the light amount emitted from the light emitting unit 246a of the transmission unit 246. In FIG. 7, the horizontal axis indicates the forward current (mA), and the vertical axis indicates the light amount (mW) of the light emitting unit 246a. In FIG. 7, a curve L11 indicates the relationship between the forward current and the light amount (LI characteristic) when the image sensor 601 is at a low temperature (for example, −20 degrees), and a curve L12 is when the image sensor 601 is at a high temperature (for example, 90 °) shows the relationship between forward current and light intensity.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the light amount of the light emitting unit 246 a of the transmission unit 246 varies depending on the temperature even with the same forward current. For example, when the forward current is 6 mA, the light emitting unit 246a has a light amount at a high temperature (point P2) of about 1.00 (mW), whereas a light amount at a low temperature (point P1) is 2.00. (MW), almost halved. Further, when image information is appropriately transmitted with an optical signal, a current is output so that the difference (extinction ratio) between the amount of light emitted from the light emitting unit 246a and the amount of extinction (extinction ratio) is within a predetermined range d1 (for example, 3 db or more). Must. Specifically, as indicated by a curve L12, the imaging control unit 244e supplies a current to the driving unit 244d when the light emitting unit 246a is extinguished when the light amount to be emitted to the light emitting unit 246a is 1 (mW). While the value range W1 is set to 4 to 6 (mA), the imaging control unit 244e causes the driving unit 244d to emit light when the light emitting unit 246a emits light when the light amount emitted to the light emitting unit 246a is 1 (mW). The current value range W2 to be supplied is set to 6 to 8 (mA). As described above, the imaging control unit 244e determines the difference between the amount of light when the light emitting unit 246a emits light and the time when the light is extinguished based on the detection result of the temperature detecting unit 602 as to the current supplied by the driving unit 244d to the light emitting unit 246a. By controlling so as to be within the range d1, the amount of light emitted by the light emitting unit 246a is adjusted. As a result, the image information can be appropriately transmitted to the processing apparatus 3 regardless of the environment around the endoscope 2.

  Returning to FIG. 6, the description from step S203 will be continued. In step S203, the imaging control unit 244e determines whether an end instruction signal for ending the examination of the subject has been input. When the imaging control unit 244e determines that the end instruction signal has been input (step S203: Yes), the endoscope system 100 ends this process. On the other hand, when the imaging control unit 244e determines that the end instruction signal is not input (step S203: No), the endoscope system 100 returns to step S202.

  According to the second embodiment of the present invention described above, the imaging control unit 244e controls the transmission output characteristics of the light emitting unit 246a of the transmission unit 246 based on the detection result detected by the temperature detection unit 602. Thereby, the in-vivo image information can be appropriately transmitted to the processing device 3 regardless of the environment around the endoscope 6.

  In the second embodiment, the temperature detection unit 602 is provided in the image sensor 601. However, as shown in FIG. 8, the temperature detection unit 602 may be provided in the transmission unit 610. Thereby, the warm imaging element 244 can be formed smaller, and the diameter of the distal end portion 24 can be reduced.

  In the second embodiment, the imaging control unit 244e controls the transmission output characteristics of the light emitting unit 246a of the transmission unit 246 based on the detection result detected by the temperature detection unit 602. For example, the driving unit 244d May acquire the detection result of the temperature detection unit 602, and adjust the transmission output characteristics of the light emitting unit 246a by changing the intensity of the current supplied to the light emitting unit 246a based on the output detection result. As a result, the processing speed is increased as compared with the above-described embodiment, so that the image information can be appropriately transmitted to the processing device 3 at a higher speed.

  In the second embodiment, the processing control unit 309 of the processing device 3 may control the transmission output characteristics of the light emitting unit 246a of the transmission unit 246 based on the detection result of the temperature detection unit 602. In this case, the process control unit 309 acquires the detection result of the temperature detection unit 602 from the endoscope 6 via the optical fiber of the universal cord 23, and the drive unit 244d sends the light emission unit 246a to the light emission unit 246a based on the acquired detection result. Setting data indicating the intensity of the current to be supplied is output to the light emitting unit 311a. Accordingly, the imaging control unit 244e controls the transmission output characteristics of the optical signal output by the light emitting unit 246a by controlling the intensity of the current supplied to the light emitting unit 246a by the driving unit 244d based on the setting data. Can do. As a result, it is possible to appropriately transmit the image information to the processing device 3 regardless of the environment around the endoscope 6.

(Embodiment 3)
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. The endoscope system according to the third embodiment is different in processing executed by the transmission unit and the endoscope system in the endoscope of the endoscope system according to the above-described embodiment. For this reason, below, after demonstrating the transmission part in the endoscope of the endoscope system concerning this Embodiment 3, the processing which the endoscope system concerning this Embodiment 3 performs is explained. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and demonstrated to the same structure.

  FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a main part of the endoscope system 110 according to the third embodiment. As shown in FIG. 9, the endoscope system 110 includes an endoscope 7 and a processing device 3.

  The distal end portion 24 of the endoscope 6 is provided at an imaging position of the light guide 241, the illumination lens 242, the optical system 243, and the optical system 243, and receives the light collected by the optical system 243 to receive an electrical signal. An image sensor 244 that performs photoelectric conversion to perform predetermined signal processing, a receiving unit 245, and a transmitting unit 701.

  The transmitting unit 701 includes a light emitting unit 246a, a light emitting unit 246b, a wavelength multiplexing unit 246c, a spectroscopic unit 702, and a light receiving unit 703.

  The spectroscopic unit 702 splits the optical signal emitted from the light emitting unit 246a into the wavelength multiplexing unit 246c and the light receiving unit 703, respectively. The spectroscopic unit 702 is configured using a prism, a dynamic mirror, or the like.

  The light receiving unit 703 receives the optical signal dispersed by the spectroscopic unit 702, converts it into an electrical signal, and outputs the converted electrical signal to the imaging control unit 244e. The light receiving unit 703 is configured using a photodiode or the like.

  A transmission output characteristic control process transmitted by the transmission unit 701 of the endoscope system 110 configured as described above will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an outline of a transmission output characteristic control process of the transmission unit 701 executed by the imaging control unit 244e of the endoscope system 110 according to the third embodiment.

  As illustrated in FIG. 10, the imaging control unit 244e determines whether the connector unit 28 of the endoscope 7 is connected to the processing device 3 (step S301). When the imaging control unit 244e determines that the connector unit 28 of the endoscope 7 is connected to the processing device 3 (step S301: Yes), the endoscope system 110 proceeds to step S302. On the other hand, when the imaging control unit 244e determines that the connector unit 28 of the endoscope 7 is not connected to the processing device 3 (step S301: No), the endoscope system 110 repeats this determination.

  Subsequently, the imaging control unit 244e adjusts the amount of light emitted by the light emitting unit 246a by controlling the intensity of the current supplied by the driving unit 244d based on the electrical signal input from the light receiving unit 703 (step S302). ). Thereby, the image information can be appropriately transmitted to the processing device 3 regardless of the environment around the endoscope 7.

  Thereafter, the imaging control unit 244e determines whether an end instruction signal for ending the examination of the subject has been input (step S303). When the imaging control unit 244e determines that the end instruction signal has been input (step S303: Yes), the endoscope system 110 ends this process. On the other hand, when the imaging control unit 244e determines that the end instruction signal is not input (step S303: No), the endoscope system 110 returns to step S302.

  According to the third embodiment of the present invention described above, the imaging control unit 244e controls the transmission output characteristics of the light emitting unit 246a of the transmission unit 701 based on the intensity of the electric signal input from the light receiving unit 703. Thereby, the image information can be appropriately transmitted to the processing device 3 regardless of the environment around the endoscope 7.

  In the third embodiment, the imaging control unit 244e controls the transmission output characteristic of the light emitting unit 246a based on the intensity of the electric signal input from the light receiving unit 703. For example, the processing control of the processing device 3 is performed. The unit 309 may control the transmission output characteristics of the light emitting unit 246a based on the intensity of the electric signal input from the light receiving unit 301b. In this case, the processing control unit 309 causes the light emitting unit 311a to output setting data indicating the intensity of the current supplied from the driving unit 244d to the light emitting unit 246a based on the intensity of the electrical signal input from the light receiving unit 301b. Accordingly, the imaging control unit 244e can control the transmission output characteristics output from the light emitting unit 246a by controlling the intensity of the current supplied by the driving unit 244d based on the setting data. As a result, the image information can be appropriately transmitted to the processing apparatus 3 regardless of the environment around the endoscope 7.

(Other embodiments)
In the above-described embodiment, the transmission path for transmitting the endoscope and the processing apparatus is configured only by the optical fiber. However, for example, a plurality of electric wires such as metal cables may be provided between the endoscope and the processing apparatus. Good. In this case, the image information may be transmitted using an optical cable, and the setting data and timing signal may be transmitted using an electric wire.

  In the embodiment described above, the image sensor and the transmission unit are separate, but may be integrally formed. Furthermore, the image sensor, the transmission unit, and the reception unit may be integrally formed.

  In the above-described embodiment, optical signals having a plurality of wavelengths are multiplexed. However, a single wavelength transmission unit that does not perform multiplexing may be used. The transmission using the optical fiber is not limited to bidirectional, but may be unidirectional (for example, a low-speed control signal from the control device to the imaging device is communicated electrically).

(Appendix 1)
An imaging unit that outputs electric signals after photoelectric conversion from a plurality of pixels as image information;
A receiver for receiving a multiplexed optical signal in which the optical signal is multiplexed;
A transmission unit that converts the image information output from the imaging unit into an optical signal, multiplexes it with another optical signal, and transmits the multiplexed optical signal to the outside;
An imaging control unit that controls transmission output characteristics when the transmission unit transmits the multiplexed optical signal to the outside; and
An imaging apparatus comprising:

(Appendix 2)
An imaging device having an imaging unit that outputs electrical signals after photoelectric conversion from a plurality of pixels as image information, and a processing device connected to the imaging device and capable of transmitting and receiving optical signals to and from the imaging device. An endoscope system,
The imaging device
A receiver for receiving a multiplexed optical signal in which the optical signal is multiplexed;
A transmission unit that converts the image information output from the imaging unit into an optical signal, multiplexes it with another optical signal, and transmits the multiplexed optical signal to the outside;
Have
The processor is
An endoscope system comprising: a processing control unit that controls a transmission output characteristic when the transmission unit transmits the multiplexed optical signal to the outside.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1,100,110 Endoscope system 2,6,7 Endoscope 3 Processing apparatus 4 Light source apparatus 5 Display apparatus 24 Tip part 21 Insertion part 22 Operation part 23 Universal code 25 Bending part 26 Flexible pipe part 27, 28 Connector Unit 243 optical system 244, 601 imaging device 244a sensor unit 244b analog front end 244c timing generator 244d driving unit 244e imaging control unit 244f light receiving unit 244g reading unit 244h noise reduction unit 244i AGC unit 244j A / D conversion unit 245 5, 301 245a, 301a Wavelength branching section 245b, 245c, 301b, 301c, 703 Light receiving section 246, 311, 610, 701 Transmitting section 246a, 246b, 311a, 311b Light emitting section 246c, 311c Wavelength multiplexing section 247, 308 Recording unit 302 Image processing unit 303 Brightness detection unit 304 Dimming unit 305 Reading address setting unit 306 Drive signal generation unit 307 Input unit 308a Identification information recording unit 309 Control unit 310 Reference clock generation unit 602 Temperature detection unit 702 Spectroscopy unit

Claims (1)

An endoscope having an imaging unit that outputs electrical signals after photoelectric conversion from a plurality of pixels as image information, and a transmission unit that converts the image information output by the imaging unit into an optical signal and transmits the optical signal to the outside , is connected to the endoscope, a processing unit capable of transmitting and receiving optical signals to and from said endoscope, a light source device for generating the illumination light emitted from the distal end of the endoscope, with the endoscope system equipped with a There,
The processor is
Based on the time from when the light source device starts emitting the illumination light , a process for performing control to change the transmission output characteristic of the optical signal when the transmission unit transmits the optical signal to the outside over time An endoscope system comprising a control unit.

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