JP6456459B2 - Medical image processing device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a medical image processing apparatus that generates an image in which a color difference between a normal part and a lesion part is emphasized.

  In the medical field, diagnosis using an endoscope system including a light source device, an endoscope, and a processor device is widely performed. In this endoscope system, an observation target is irradiated based on an image signal obtained by irradiating an observation target with illumination light from the endoscope and imaging the observation target under illumination with the imaging element of the endoscope. Is displayed on the monitor. The doctor detects the presence or absence of a lesioned part while viewing the image displayed on the monitor.

  Here, it is possible to easily detect a lesioned part having a shape and size greatly different from a normal part, such as a lesioned part protruding greatly from the mucosal surface. However, a lesion that has almost the same shape and size as the normal part is detected by using the color difference from the normal part as a clue. In this case, it is extremely difficult to detect when the lesioned part is not so advanced and there is almost no difference in color from the normal part.

  Therefore, in Patent Document 1, a process in which the blood volume (hemoglobin index) is separated from the reference value is further separated from the reference value so that the color difference between the normal part and the lesioned part becomes clear. ing.

Japanese Patent No. 3228627

  Among gastric cancers among lesions, it is known that atrophy occurs in the gastric mucosa and the gastric mucosa changes to a fading tone. For this reason, the atrophic part where atrophy occurs in the mucous membrane is different in color from the normal part where no atrophy occurs. By observing the difference in color from the normal part with an endoscope, it is diagnosed whether or not stomach cancer exists (there is ABC screening recommended by the Japan NPO Japan Gastric Cancer Prediction, Diagnosis and Treatment Research Organization) .

  Here, when the atrophy has advanced to a high degree (for example, when it is included in the C group or the D group by ABC screening), the color difference between the normal part and the atrophic part is clear, so that the atrophic part is easily detected. Is possible. However, when atrophy is in progress (for example, when it is included in group B or group C by ABC screening), the color difference between the atrophic part and the normal part is slight. Is difficult to detect. Therefore, even if the color difference between the atrophic part and the normal part is slight, such as during the process of atrophy, the color difference between the normal part and the atrophic part is emphasized to easily detect the atrophic part. It is requested to do.

  Note that it is conceivable to emphasize the color difference between the atrophic part and the normal part by the method of Patent Document 1. However, since the color of the atrophic part is affected not only by the blood volume but also by factors other than the blood volume, it is difficult to emphasize the color difference between the atrophic part and the normal part by the method of Patent Document 1.

  It is an object of the present invention to provide a medical image processing apparatus that generates an image in which a color difference between an abnormal part such as an atrophy part where the gastric mucosa is atrophy and a normal part is emphasized.

The medical image processing apparatus of the present invention displays a purple semiconductor light source that emits violet light, a blue semiconductor light source that emits blue light, a green semiconductor light source that emits green light, a red semiconductor light source that emits red light, and a display unit. A mode switching unit for switching between a plurality of observation modes having different image types, and a first color image signal obtained by imaging a specimen illuminated with light including purple light, blue light, green light, and red light Brightness for adjusting the pixel value of the second color image signal obtained through the color information conversion processing based on the first brightness information obtained from the first color image signal. An adjustment unit, and at least one of the plurality of observation modes displays an image that has been subjected to color information conversion processing on the display unit, and the color information conversion processing is performed in the range before the plurality of conversions. For Le, a processing for moving the range of the destination that is associated with a range of pre each conversion range is distributed in the color space.

  The color information conversion process is preferably a process in which a range before each conversion is moved to a conversion destination range in a polar coordinate-converted space. In the polar coordinate-converted space, it is preferable that the saturation is converted by moving in the radial direction, and the hue is converted by moving in the angular direction. In the first special image obtained by the first color information conversion process among the color information conversion processes, it is preferable that the boundary between the normal part and the abnormal part is clearly represented. In the second special image obtained by the second color information conversion process among the color information conversion processes, it is preferable that the color of the normal part is represented by the original color of the living body.

  The plurality of observation modes include a first special observation mode for displaying a first special image obtained by the first color information conversion process in the color information conversion process on the display unit, and a second color information conversion in the color information conversion process. A second special observation mode in which a second special image obtained by the processing is displayed on the display unit. In the first special observation mode and the second special observation mode, purple light, blue light, and green for illuminating the specimen are included. It is preferable that the light quantity ratio of light and red light is the same, and the first color information conversion process and the second color information conversion process are different.

  The plurality of observation modes include a normal observation mode for displaying a normal image on the display unit, and a first special observation mode or a second special observation mode for displaying an image that has been subjected to color information conversion processing on the display unit. The light quantity ratio of purple light, blue light, green light, and red light that illuminates the specimen in the observation mode, and purple light, blue light, green light, and illuminating the specimen in the first special observation mode or the second special observation mode, and It is preferably different from the light quantity ratio of red light.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the image which emphasized the color difference of abnormal parts, such as an atrophic part which the stomach mucosa shrank, and a normal part can be produced | generated.

1 is an external view of an endoscope system according to a first embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the function of the endoscope system of 1st Embodiment. It is a graph which shows the emission spectrum of purple light V, blue light B, green light G, and red light R. It is a block diagram which shows the function of a 1st special image process part. It is explanatory drawing which shows the 1st color information conversion process for signal ratio spaces. It is explanatory drawing which shows the 1st color information conversion process for ab space. It is explanatory drawing which shows a 1st process. It is a graph which shows the relationship between the moving radius r and the moving radius Er. It is explanatory drawing which shows the effect | action and effect obtained by the 1st process for signal ratio spaces. It is explanatory drawing which shows the effect | action and effect obtained by the 1st process for ab space. It is explanatory drawing which shows the 2nd process for signal ratio spaces. It is a graph which shows the movement range of angle (theta) in angle change range R2. It is a graph which shows the relationship between angle (theta) and angle E (theta) after the 2nd process for signal ratio spaces. It is explanatory drawing which shows the effect | action and effect obtained by the 2nd process for signal ratio spaces. It is explanatory drawing which shows the effect | action and effect obtained by the 2nd process for ab space. It is explanatory drawing which shows the 2nd color information conversion process for signal ratio spaces. It is explanatory drawing which shows the 2nd color information conversion process for ab spaces. It is explanatory drawing which shows the 3rd process for signal ratio spaces. It is a graph which shows the movement range of angle (theta) in angle change range R3. It is a graph which shows the relationship between angle (theta) and angle E (theta) after the 3rd process for signal ratio spaces. It is explanatory drawing which shows the effect | action and effect obtained by the 3rd process for signal ratio spaces. It is explanatory drawing which shows the effect | action and effect obtained by the 3rd process for ab space. It is an image figure of the monitor which displays a 1st special image and a 2nd special image simultaneously. It is a flowchart which shows a series of flows of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the function of the 1st special image process part which has the 1st color information conversion part for CrCb space. It is explanatory drawing which shows the 1st color information conversion process for CrCb space. It is explanatory drawing which shows the 2nd color information conversion process for CrCb space. It is explanatory drawing which shows the 1st process for CrCb space. It is explanatory drawing which shows the 2nd process for CrCb space. It is explanatory drawing which shows the 3rd process for CrCb space. It is a block diagram which shows the function of the 1st special image process part which has the 1st color information conversion part for HS space. It is explanatory drawing which shows the 1st color information conversion process for HS space. It is explanatory drawing which shows the 2nd color information conversion process for HS space. It is explanatory drawing which shows the 1st process for HS space. It is explanatory drawing which shows the 2nd process for HS space. It is explanatory drawing which shows the 3rd process for HS space. It is a block diagram which shows the function of the endoscope system of 2nd Embodiment. It is a graph which shows the emission spectrum of white light. It is a graph which shows the emission spectrum of special light. It is a block diagram which shows the function of the endoscope system of 3rd Embodiment. It is a top view which shows a rotation filter. It is a figure which shows the function of the capsule endoscope system of 4th Embodiment. 4 is a graph showing emission spectra of purple light V, blue light B, green light G, and red light R different from those in FIG. 3. The position of the second range and the third range on the first signal ratio space when the 1B image signal is a narrowband signal and the first position on the first signal ratio space when the 1B image signal is a wideband signal. It is explanatory drawing which shows the position of 2 range and 3rd range.

[First Embodiment]
As shown in FIG. 1, the endoscope system 10 according to the first embodiment includes an endoscope 12, a light source device 14, a processor device 16, a monitor 18 (display unit), and a console 19. The endoscope 12 is optically connected to the light source device 14 and electrically connected to the processor device 16. The endoscope 12 includes an insertion portion 12a to be inserted into a subject, an operation portion 12b provided at a proximal end portion of the insertion portion 12a, a bending portion 12c and a distal end portion 12d provided at the distal end side of the insertion portion 12a. have. By operating the angle knob 12e of the operation unit 12b, the bending unit 12c performs a bending operation. With this bending operation, the tip 12d is directed in a desired direction.

  The operation unit 12b is provided with a mode switching SW 13a in addition to the angle knob 12e. The mode switching SW 13a is used for a switching operation among four types of modes: a normal observation mode, a first special observation mode, a second special observation mode, and a simultaneous observation mode. The normal observation mode is a mode for displaying a normal image on the monitor 18. The first special observation mode is a mode in which a first special image is displayed on the monitor 18 and is used for observing a boundary between an atrophic part and a normal part in which gastric mucosa has atrophy due to a lesion such as gastric cancer. The second special observation mode is a mode for displaying the second special image on the monitor 18 and is used for observing the color difference between the atrophy part and the normal part. The simultaneous observation mode is used for simultaneously observing the boundary between the atrophy part and the normal part and observing the color difference between the atrophy part and the normal part. The first special image and the second special image are displayed on the monitor 18. This is a mode for simultaneous display.

  The processor device 16 is electrically connected to the monitor 18 and the console 19. The monitor 18 outputs and displays image information and the like. The console 19 functions as a UI (User Interface) that receives input operations such as function settings. The processor device 16 may be connected to an external recording unit (not shown) for recording image information and the like.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the light source device 14 includes a V-LED (Violet Light Emitting Diode) 20a, a B-LED (Blue Light Emitting Diode) 20b, a G-LED (Green Light Emitting Diode) 20c, and an R-LED (Red). Light Emitting Diode) 20d, a light source control unit 21 that controls driving of the four color LEDs 20a to 20d, and an optical path coupling unit 23 that couples the optical paths of the four color lights emitted from the four color LEDs 20a to 20d. . The light coupled by the optical path coupling unit 23 is irradiated into the subject through the light guide 41 and the illumination lens 45 inserted into the insertion unit 12a. An LD (Laser Diode) may be used instead of the LED.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the V-LED 20a generates purple light V having a center wavelength of 405 ± 10 nm and a wavelength range of 380 to 420 nm. The B-LED 20b generates blue light B having a center wavelength of 460 ± 10 nm and a wavelength range of 420 to 500 nm. The G-LED 20c generates green light G having a wavelength range of 480 to 600 nm. The R-LED 20d generates red light R having a center wavelength of 620 to 630 nm and a wavelength range of 600 to 650 nm.

  The light source control unit 21 performs the V-LED 20a, the B-LED 20b, the G-LED 20c, and the R-LED 20d in any of the normal observation mode, the first special observation mode, the second special observation mode, and the simultaneous observation mode. Lights up. Accordingly, the observation target is irradiated with light in which four colors of light of purple light V, blue light B, green light G, and red light R are mixed. In the normal observation mode, the light source controller 21 controls the LEDs 20a to 20d so that the light quantity ratio among the violet light V, blue light B, green light G, and red light R is Vc: Bc: Gc: Rc. Control. On the other hand, in the first special observation mode, the second special observation mode, and the simultaneous observation mode, the light source control unit 21 has a light quantity ratio among violet light V, blue light B, green light G, and red light R that is Vs: Bs: Each LED 20a-20d is controlled so that it may become Gs: Rs.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the light guide 41 is built in the endoscope 12 and the universal cord (the cord connecting the endoscope 12, the light source device 14, and the processor device 16). The combined light propagates to the distal end portion 12d of the endoscope 12. A multimode fiber can be used as the light guide 41. As an example, a thin fiber cable having a core diameter of 105 μm, a cladding diameter of 125 μm, and a diameter of φ0.3 to 0.5 mm including a protective layer serving as an outer shell can be used.

  The distal end portion 12d of the endoscope 12 is provided with an illumination optical system 30a and an imaging optical system 30b. The illumination optical system 30 a has an illumination lens 45, and light from the light guide 41 is irradiated to the observation target via the illumination lens 45. The imaging optical system 30 b includes an objective lens 46 and an imaging sensor 48. Reflected light from the observation object enters the image sensor 48 through the objective lens 46. As a result, a reflected image of the observation object is formed on the image sensor 48.

  The imaging sensor 48 is a color imaging sensor that captures a reflection image of a subject and outputs an image signal. The image sensor 48 is preferably a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensor, a CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor) image sensor, or the like. The image sensor 48 used in the present invention is a color image sensor for obtaining RGB image signals of three colors of R (red), G (green), and B (blue), that is, an R pixel provided with an R filter. , A so-called RGB imaging sensor including a G pixel provided with a G filter and a B pixel provided with a B filter.

  The image sensor 48 is a so-called complementary color image sensor that includes complementary filters for C (cyan), M (magenta), Y (yellow), and G (green) instead of an RGB color image sensor. May be. When the complementary color imaging sensor is used, CMYG four-color image signals are output. Therefore, it is necessary to convert CMYG four-color image signals into RGB three-color image signals by complementary color-primary color conversion. . Further, the image sensor 48 may be a monochrome image sensor not provided with a color filter. In this case, the light source control unit 21 needs to turn on the blue light B, the green light G, and the red light R in a time-sharing manner, and add a synchronization process in the processing of the imaging signal.

  The image signal output from the image sensor 48 is transmitted to the CDS / AGC circuit 50. The CDS / AGC circuit 50 performs correlated double sampling (CDS (Correlated Double Sampling)) and automatic gain control (AGC (Auto Gain Control)) on an image signal which is an analog signal. The image signal that has passed through the CDS / AGC circuit 50 is converted into a digital image signal by an A / D converter (A / D (Analog / Digital) converter) 52. The A / D converted digital image signal is input to the processor device 16.

  The processor device 16 includes a receiving unit 53, a DSP (Digital Signal Processor) 56, a noise removing unit 58, an image processing switching unit 60, a normal image processing unit 62, a special image processing unit 64, and a video signal generating unit. 66. The receiving unit 53 receives a digital RGB image signal from the endoscope 12. The R image signal corresponds to a signal output from the R pixel of the imaging sensor 48, the G image signal corresponds to a signal output from the G pixel of the imaging sensor 48, and the B image signal is output from the B pixel of the imaging sensor 48. Corresponds to the signal to be transmitted.

  The DSP 56 performs various signal processing such as defect correction processing, offset processing, gain correction processing, linear matrix processing, gamma conversion processing, and demosaicing processing on the received image signal. In the defect correction process, the signal of the defective pixel of the image sensor 48 is corrected. In the offset process, the dark current component is removed from the RGB image signal subjected to the defect correction process, and an accurate zero level is set. In the gain correction process, the signal level is adjusted by multiplying the RGB image signal after the offset process by a specific gain. The RGB image signal after the gain correction process is subjected to a linear matrix process for improving color reproducibility. After that, brightness and saturation are adjusted by gamma conversion processing. The RGB image signal after the linear matrix processing is subjected to demosaic processing (also referred to as isotropic processing or synchronization processing), and a signal of a color lacking in each pixel is generated by interpolation. By this demosaic processing, all the pixels have RGB signals.

  The noise removing unit 58 removes noise from the RGB image signal by performing noise removal processing (for example, a moving average method, a median filter method, etc.) on the RGB image signal subjected to gamma correction or the like by the DSP 56. The RGB image signal from which noise has been removed is transmitted to the image processing switching unit 60. The “image signal input processing unit” of the present invention corresponds to a configuration including the receiving unit 53, the DSP 56, and the noise removing unit 58.

  When the normal observation mode is set by the mode switching SW 13a, the image processing switching unit 60 transmits the RGB image signal to the normal image processing unit 62, and the first special observation mode, the second special observation mode, and the simultaneous When the observation mode is set, the RGB image signal is transmitted to the special image processing unit 64.

  The normal image processing unit 62 performs color conversion processing, color enhancement processing, and structure enhancement processing on the RGB image signal. In the color conversion process, a 3 × 3 matrix process, a gradation conversion process, a three-dimensional LUT process, and the like are performed on the digital RGB image signal to convert the digital RGB image signal into a color converted RGB image signal. Next, various color enhancement processes are performed on the RGB image signal that has been subjected to the color conversion process. A structure enhancement process such as spatial frequency enhancement is performed on the RGB image signal that has been subjected to the color enhancement process. The RGB image signal subjected to the structure enhancement processing is input from the normal image processing unit 62 to the video signal generation unit 66 as an RGB image signal of a normal image.

  The special image processing unit 64 operates when the first special observation mode, the second special observation mode, or the simultaneous observation mode is set. The special image processing unit 64 includes a first special image processing unit 64a that generates a first special image, a second special image processing unit 64b that generates a second special image, a first special image, and a second special image. A simultaneous display image processing unit 64c for generating a simultaneous display special image for simultaneous display. However, the first special image processing unit 64a does not generate the second special image. Further, the second special image processing unit 64b does not generate the first special image. Details of the first special image processing unit 64a, the second special image processing unit 64b, and the simultaneous display image processing unit 64c will be described later. The RGB image signals of the first special image, the second special image, and the special image for simultaneous display generated by the special image processing unit 64 are input to the video signal generation unit 66.

  The video signal generation unit 66 converts the RGB image signal input from the normal image processing unit 62 or the special image processing unit 64 into a video signal to be displayed as an image that can be displayed on the monitor 18. Based on the video signal, the monitor 18 displays a normal image, a first special image, or a second special image, or simultaneously displays the first special image and the second special image.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the first special image processing unit 64a includes an inverse gamma conversion unit 70, a Log conversion unit 71, a signal ratio calculation unit 72, a first color information conversion unit 73 for signal ratio space, An RGB conversion unit 77, a structure enhancement unit 78, an inverse log conversion unit 79, and a gamma conversion unit 80 are provided. Further, the first special image processing unit 64 a includes a brightness adjustment unit 81 between the RGB conversion unit 77 and the structure enhancement unit 78.

  The inverse gamma conversion unit 70 performs inverse gamma conversion on the input RGB image signal. Since the RGB image signal after the inverse gamma conversion is a linear reflectance RGB signal that is linear with respect to the reflectance from the specimen, a large proportion of the RGB image signal is occupied by signals related to various biological information of the specimen. Become. The reflectance linear R image signal is a first R image signal, the reflectance linear G image signal is a first G image signal, and the reflectance B linear image signal is a first B image signal.

  The Log conversion unit 71 performs Log conversion on each of the first RGB image signals (corresponding to the “first color image signal” of the present invention). As a result, an R image signal (logR) after Log conversion, a G image signal (logG) after Log conversion, and a B image signal (logB) after Log conversion are obtained. The signal ratio calculation unit 72 (corresponding to the “color information acquisition unit” of the present invention) performs difference processing (logG-logB = logG / B = -log (B / G)), the first B / G ratio (corresponding to the “first signal ratio Mx” of the present invention) is calculated. Here, the “first B / G ratio” represents a value obtained by omitting “-log” from −log (B / G). Further, the first G / R ratio (the “first” of the present invention) is obtained by performing differential processing (logR−logG = logR / G = −log (G / R)) based on the R-converted R image signal and the G image signal. 1 signal ratio Nx "). The first G / R ratio is the same as the first B / G ratio, except that “-log” is omitted from −log (G / R). Hereinafter, the two-dimensional color space formed with the first B / G ratio and the first G / R ratio is referred to as a “first signal ratio space (corresponding to the“ first feature space ”of the present invention)”.

  Note that the first B / G ratio and the first G / R ratio are obtained from pixel values of pixels at the same position in the B image signal, the G image signal, and the R image signal. The first B / G ratio and the first G / R ratio are obtained for each pixel. In addition, the first B / G ratio has a correlation with the blood vessel depth (distance from the mucosal surface to the position where the specific blood vessel is located). Therefore, if the blood vessel depth is different, the first B / G ratio also varies accordingly. To do. Further, since the first G / R ratio is correlated with the blood volume (hemoglobin index), if the blood volume varies, the first G / R ratio also varies accordingly.

  The first color information conversion unit 73 for signal ratio space performs a first color information conversion process for signal ratio space on the first B / G ratio and the first G / R ratio obtained by the signal ratio calculation unit 72. The second B / G ratio and the second G / R ratio are converted. The second B / G ratio corresponds to the “second signal ratio My” of the present invention, and the second G / R ratio corresponds to the “second signal ratio Ny” of the present invention. The first color information conversion unit 73 for signal ratio space is composed of a two-dimensional LUT (Look Up Table), and the first B / G ratio, the first G / R ratio, the first B / G ratio, and the first G / R. The second B / G ratio and the second G / R ratio obtained by performing the first color information conversion process for the signal ratio space based on the ratio are stored in association with each other. Details of the first color information conversion process for the signal ratio space will be described later.

  As shown in FIG. 5A, in the first signal ratio space in which the vertical axis is the first B / G ratio and the horizontal axis is the first G / R ratio, a first range in which normal mucous membranes are distributed; A second range in which the atrophic mucosa atrophic due to atrophic gastritis is distributed and a third range in which the deep blood vessels present under the atrophy mucosa atrophy due to atrophic gastritis and seen through with atrophy are distributed in the first quadrant. ing. In the first signal ratio space, there is a difference D12x (for example, an average value of the first range and an average value of the second range) between the first range and the second range, and the first range and the third range Is a difference D13x (for example, the average value of the first range and the average value of the third range). The difference D12x appears as a saturation difference with respect to the colors in the first range and the second range on the image, and the difference D13x appears as a difference in hue with respect to the colors in the first range and the third range on the image.

  In FIG. 5A, “first” indicates “first range”, “second” indicates “second range”, and “third” indicates “third range”. These notations “first” to “third” are the same in the following drawings. In FIG. 5A, “first” of “first B / G ratio” on the vertical axis is omitted, and “first” of “first G / R ratio” on the horizontal axis is omitted. ing. Similar omissions are made in the following figures.

  On the other hand, the second signal ratio space formed by the second B / G ratio and the second G / R ratio obtained by the first color information conversion processing for the signal ratio space (the vertical axis indicates the second B / G ratio, and the horizontal axis indicates In the second G / R ratio), as shown in FIG. 5B, the first range, the second range, and the third range are distributed as in the first signal ratio space. In the second signal ratio space (corresponding to the “second feature space” of the present invention), there is a difference D12y between the first range and the second range (for example, the average value of the first range and the average of the second range). Value), and there is a difference D13y (for example, an average value of the first range and an average value of the third range) between the first range and the third range.

  The difference D12y appears as a difference in saturation and hue with respect to the colors in the first range and the second range on the image, and the difference D12y is larger than the difference D12x. Similarly to the difference D13x, the difference D13y appears as a hue difference with respect to the colors of the first range and the third range on the image, and the difference D13y is larger than the difference D13x. Furthermore, the coordinates of the first range on the second signal ratio space are different from the coordinates of the first range on the first signal ratio space. That is, at least one of the saturation and the hue in the first range is different before and after the conversion of the first color information conversion process for the signal ratio space.

  As described above, the difference between the first range and the second range and the difference between the first range and the third range are increased by the first color information conversion processing for the signal ratio space, and the first for the signal ratio space. At least one of the saturation and the hue in the first range is different before and after the color information conversion process. As a result, on the first special image obtained based on the second B / G ratio and the second G / R ratio that have been subjected to the first color information conversion processing for the signal ratio space, it is transparent by atrophy under the atrophic mucosa or under the atrophic mucosa. The boundary between the atrophic part having a deep blood vessel or the like being viewed and the normal part having a normal mucosa is clarified and displayed.

Note that the first elements a ^* _x and b ^* _x (in the CIE Lab space) obtained by performing the Lab conversion on the first RGB image signal by a Lab conversion unit (not shown (corresponding to the “color information acquisition unit” of the present invention)). By applying the first color information conversion process for ab space similar to the first color information conversion process for signal ratio space described above to color elements a ^* and b ^* (the same applies hereinafter)) The same effects as above can be obtained.

Here, FIG. 6A shows the distribution of the first to third ranges on the first ab space formed by the first elements a ^* _x and b ^* _x, and the difference D12x between the first range and the second range. , And a difference D13x between the first range and the third range. On the other hand, FIG. 6B shows the distributions of the first to third ranges in the second ab space formed by the second elements a ^* _y and b ^* _y obtained by the first color information conversion process for the ab space. A difference D12y between the first range and the second range and a difference D13y between the first range and the third range are shown. As shown in FIG. 6, the first color information conversion process for the ab space can increase the difference between the first range and the second range and the difference between the first range and the third range. The first ab space corresponds to the “first feature space” of the present invention, and the second ab space corresponds to the “second feature space” of the present invention.

  The RGB conversion unit 77 (corresponding to the “color image signal conversion unit” of the present invention) uses at least one image signal of the first RGB image signals to use the first color information conversion unit 73 for signal ratio space. The second B / G ratio and the second G / R ratio that have undergone the above are converted into a second RGB image signal (corresponding to the “second color image signal” of the present invention). For example, the RGB conversion unit 77 converts the second B / G ratio into the second B image signal by performing a calculation based on the G image signal and the second B / G ratio in the first RGB image signal. Further, the RGB converter 77 converts the second G / R ratio into the second R image signal by performing an operation based on the G image signal and the second G / R ratio in the first RGB image signal. In addition, the RGB conversion unit 77 outputs the first G image signal as the second G image signal without performing any special conversion.

  The brightness adjustment unit 81 adjusts the pixel value of the second RGB image signal using the first RGB image signal and the second RGB image signal. The brightness adjustment unit 81 adjusts the pixel value of the second RGB image signal for the following reason. Since the second RGB image signal is subjected to the first color information conversion processing for the signal ratio space by the first color information conversion unit 73 for the signal ratio space, there is a possibility that the brightness of the second RGB image signal is greatly changed from that of the first RGB image signal. There is. Therefore, the brightness adjustment unit 81 adjusts the pixel value of the second RGB image signal so that the brightness-adjusted second RGB image signal has the same brightness as the first RGB image signal.

The brightness adjustment unit 81 has a first brightness information calculation unit 81a that calculates first brightness information Yin based on the first RGB image signal, and a second brightness that calculates second brightness information Yout based on the second RGB image signal. And an information calculation unit 81b. The first brightness information calculation unit 81a performs the first brightness information Yin according to an arithmetic expression of “kr × pixel value of the first R image signal + kg × pixel value of the first G image signal + kb × pixel value of the first B image signal”. Is calculated. Similarly to the first brightness information calculation unit 81a, the second brightness information calculation unit 81b calculates the second brightness information Yout according to the same arithmetic expression as described above. When the first brightness information Yin and the second brightness information Yout are obtained, the brightness adjustment unit 81 performs the calculation based on the following equations (E1) to (E3), thereby calculating the pixel values of the second RGB image signal. adjust.
(E1): R ^* = pixel value of second R image signal × Yin / Yout
(E2): G ^* = pixel value of the second G image signal × Yin / Yout
(E3): B ^* = pixel value of second B image signal × Yin / Yout
“R ^* ” represents the second R image signal after brightness adjustment, “G ^* ” represents the second G image signal after brightness adjustment, and “B ^* ” represents the second B image signal after brightness adjustment. ing. “Kr”, “kg”, and “kb” are arbitrary constants in the range of “0” to “1”.

  The structure enhancement unit 78 performs structure enhancement processing on the second RGB image signal after the brightness adjustment by the brightness adjustment unit 81. As the structure enhancement processing, frequency filtering or the like is used. The inverse log conversion unit 79 performs inverse log conversion on the second RGB image signal that has passed through the structure enhancement unit 78. As a result, a second RGB image signal having a true pixel value is obtained. The gamma conversion unit 80 performs gamma conversion on the second RGB image signal that has passed through the inverse log conversion unit 79. As a result, a second RGB image signal having a gradation suitable for an output device such as the monitor 18 is obtained. The RGB image signal that has passed through the gamma conversion unit 80 is sent to the simultaneous display image processing unit 64c or the video signal generation unit 66 as an RGB image signal of the first special image.

  The first color information conversion process for the signal ratio space includes a polar coordinate conversion process, a first process and a second process for the signal ratio space, and an orthogonal coordinate conversion process. First, a polar coordinate conversion process is performed on the first B / G ratio and the first G / R ratio obtained by the signal ratio calculation unit 72 to convert to a moving radius r and an angle θ. Next, a first process for signal ratio space is performed. As shown in FIG. 7, on the first signal ratio space, the radius r of the coordinate P1 within the radius change range R1 is changed, and the radius of the coordinates outside the radius change range R1 is not changed. In the radius vector changing range R1, the radius vector r is in the range from “rA” to “rB”, and the angle θ is in the range from “θA” to “θB” (rA <rB, θA <θB). . This radius change range R1 is a region including a second range in which atrophic mucosa atrophy due to atrophic gastritis is distributed, and exists under the first range in which a normal mucosa is distributed and the atrophic mucosa atrophy due to atrophic gastritis. The third range in which the deep blood vessels seen through with atrophy are distributed is not included.

  In the first processing for the signal ratio space, the angle θ of the coordinate of the radius vector change range R1 is not changed. Further, in the first processing for the signal ratio space, when the radius r is in the range of “rp” to “rB”, the radius r is set at the radius change rate Vx where the radius change rate is larger than “1”. An expansion process to be changed is performed, and a compression process for changing the radius r at a radius change rate Vy with a radius change rate smaller than “1” is performed when the radius r is within the range of “rA” to “rp”. Preferably it is done. If the radius change rate is “1”, the radius r does not change even if the radius r is changed.

  By performing the above first processing for the signal ratio space, as shown in FIG. 8, the moving radius r in the moving radius change range R1 is changed to the moving radius Er smaller than the moving radius r. The radial change rate is represented by the slope of “straight line L1” indicating the tangent of line CV1 relating radial radius r and radial radius Er, and within the range from “rp” to “rB” While the inclination is larger than “1”, the inclination of the straight line L1 is smaller than “1” within “rA” to “rp”. On the other hand, the moving radius r outside the moving radius change range R1 is converted to a moving radius Er that is not different from the moving radius r (identity conversion). Further, outside the moving radius change range R1, the slope of the straight line L1 is “1”.

  As shown in FIG. 9A, the first range, the second range, and the third range are close to each other before the first processing for the signal ratio space, but the first processing for the signal ratio space. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 9B, the coordinates of the first range and the third range are maintained as they are, and only the coordinates of the second range are moved to the reference range including the origin. The reference range is a low saturation range that does not include the first and third ranges after the first processing for the signal ratio space.

Even when the plurality of first color information is the first element a ^* _x, b ^* _x, as shown in FIG. 10, the coordinates of the first range and the third range remain unchanged by the first processing for the ab space. In the maintained state, only the coordinates of the second range are moved to the reference range including the origin. 10A shows the distribution of the first to third ranges before the first processing for the ab space, and FIG. 10B shows the distribution of the first to third ranges after the first processing for the ab space. Represents the distribution.

  In the second processing for the signal ratio space, as shown in FIG. 11A, the angle θ of the coordinate P2 within the angle change range R2 is changed, while the angle θ is changed for coordinates outside the angle change range R2. Absent. The angle change range R2 is set so as to include the first range and the third range. In the second process for the signal ratio space, the radius r of the coordinates in the angle change range R2 is not changed.

  In the angle change range R2, a first center line CL1 is set between the first range and the third range. The first center line CL1 is an angle θc, and in the second processing for the signal ratio space in the angle change range R2, the angle θ that is equal to or smaller than the angle θc is rotated in the clockwise direction, but is equal to or larger than the angle θc. Is rotated counterclockwise. For the angle θ of the certain range R2x from the first center line CL1, an expansion process is performed in which the angle change rate is changed at an angle change rate Wx greater than “1”, and the angle θ of the range R2y exceeding the range R2x. It is preferable to perform a compression process in which the angle change rate is changed at an angle change rate Wy smaller than “1”. Further, by the second processing for the signal ratio space, the coordinates of the angle change range R2 are set within a range of ± 90 degrees from the first center line CL1 (in the signal ratio space, the “positive” horizontal axis is set to 0 °, and the angle is When expressed from 0 ° to 360 °, it is preferably moved within a range P (see FIG. 11B) from “270 ° + θc” to “θc + 90 °”. When the angle change rate is “1”, the magnitude of the angle θ does not change even if the process of changing the angle θ is performed.

  By performing the above-described second processing for the signal ratio space, as shown in FIG. 12, the angle θ equal to or smaller than the angle θc within the angle change range R2 is changed to the angle Eθ that is smaller than the angle θ. On the other hand, the angle θ greater than the angle θc is changed to an angle Eθ that is larger than the angle θ. The angle change rate is represented by the slope of the “straight line L2” indicating the tangent of the line CV2 relating the angle θ and the angle Eθ, and the slope of the straight line L2 is larger than “1” within the range R2x. On the other hand, in the range R2y, the slope of the straight line L2 is smaller than “1”. On the other hand, the angle θ outside the angle change range R2 is converted into an angle Eθ that does not change in magnitude from the angle θ (identity conversion). Further, outside the angle change range R2, the slope of the straight line L2 is “1”.

  As shown in FIG. 13A (A), before the second processing for the signal ratio space, the first range and the third range are separated from the second range, but the first range and the third range are different from each other. Approaching each other. After the second processing for the signal ratio space, as shown in FIG. 13A (B), the coordinates of the second range are maintained in the reference range, and most of the coordinates of the first range are the second in the signal ratio space. While moving to the quadrant, most of the coordinates of the third range move to the fourth quadrant of the signal ratio space. When the second processing for the signal ratio space is completed, orthogonal coordinate conversion processing is performed on the radius r and the angle θ that have been subjected to the second processing for the signal ratio space. Thereby, the 2nd B / G ratio and the 2nd G / R ratio are obtained.

Even when the plurality of first color information are the first elements a ^* _x and b ^* _x, the coordinates of the second range are maintained in the reference range by the second processing for ab space as shown in FIG. 13B. In this state, most of the coordinates of the first range move to the second quadrant of the second ab space, while most of the coordinates of the third range move to the fourth quadrant of the second ab space. Here, FIG. 13B (A) shows the distribution of the first to third ranges before the second processing for the ab space, and FIG. 13B (B) shows the distribution of the first to third ranges after the second processing for the ab space. Represents the distribution. Further, it is preferable that the brightness adjustment unit 81 adjusts the pixel value for the second RGB image signal obtained after the first process and the second process for the ab space. The pixel value adjustment method for the second RGB image signal is the same as described above.

  The second special image processing unit 64b has substantially the same configuration as the first special image processing unit 64a, but instead of the first color information conversion unit 73 for signal ratio space, a second color for signal ratio space. An information conversion unit (not shown) is included. The second color information conversion unit for the signal ratio space performs a second color information conversion process for the signal ratio space on the first B / G ratio and the first G / R ratio obtained by the signal ratio calculation unit 72. , The second B / G ratio, and the second G / R ratio (corresponding to “a plurality of second color information” of the present invention). The second color information conversion unit for the signal ratio space includes a two-dimensional LUT (Look Up Table). The first B / G ratio, the first G / R ratio, and the first B / G ratio and the first G / R ratio. The second B / G ratio and the second G / R ratio obtained by performing the second color information conversion process for the signal ratio space based on the above are stored in association with each other. Details of the second color information conversion processing for the signal ratio space will be described later.

  As shown in FIG. 14A, in the first signal ratio space in which the vertical axis is the first B / G ratio and the horizontal axis is the first G / R ratio, the first range, the second range, 3 ranges are distributed, and there is a difference D12x (for example, an average value of the first range and an average value of the second range) between the first range and the second range. There is a difference D13x (for example, the average value of the first range and the average value of the third range) between the ranges (similar to FIG. 5A).

  On the other hand, the second signal ratio space formed by the second B / G ratio and the second G / R ratio obtained by the second color information conversion processing for the signal ratio space (the vertical axis is the second B / G ratio, and the horizontal axis is the second 2G / R ratio), the first range, the second range, and the third range are distributed as in the first signal ratio space, as shown in FIG. 14B. In the second signal ratio space, there is a difference D12y (for example, the average value of the first range and the average value of the second range) between the first range and the second range, and the difference between the first range and the third range. There is a difference D13y (for example, the average value of the first range and the average value of the third range) between them.

  Similar to the difference D12x, the difference D12y appears as a saturation difference with respect to the colors of the first range and the second range on the image, and the difference D12y is larger than the difference D12x. Similarly to the difference D13x, the difference D13y appears as a hue difference with respect to the colors of the first range and the third range on the image, and the difference D13y is larger than the difference D13x. Furthermore, the coordinates of the first range on the second signal ratio space are the same as the coordinates of the first range on the first signal ratio space. That is, the saturation and hue of the first range are the same before and after the conversion of the second color information conversion process for the signal ratio space.

  As described above, the difference between the first range and the second range and the difference between the first range and the third range are increased by the first color information conversion processing for the signal ratio space, and the second for the signal ratio space. The saturation and hue in the first range are the same before and after conversion in the color information conversion process. Accordingly, in the second special image obtained from the second B / G ratio and the second G / R ratio that have been subjected to the second color information conversion processing for the signal ratio space, the color of the normal portion is maintained and displayed, Of the atrophic part where atrophic gastritis has occurred, the atrophic mucosa is displayed in fading. On the second special image, the color of the deep blood vessel that is seen through due to atrophy under the atrophic mucosa changes from red to a color such as magenta, so that it can be clearly displayed. Therefore, since the second special image is displayed in the original color when atrophic gastritis occurs, the difference in color between the normal part and the atrophic part is clear.

In addition, when several 1st color information is 1st element a ^* _x, b ^* _x, 2nd color information for said signal ratio space with respect to 1st element a ^* _x, b ^* _x By performing the second color information conversion process for the ab space similar to the conversion process, the same effects as described above can be obtained.

Here, FIG. 15A illustrates the distribution of the first to third ranges on the first ab space formed by the first elements a ^* _x and b ^* _x, and the difference D12x between the first range and the second range. , And a difference D13x between the first range and the third range. On the other hand, FIG. 15B shows the distribution of the first to third ranges in the second ab space formed by the second elements a ^* _y and b ^* _y obtained by the second color information conversion process for the ab space. A difference D12y between the first range and the second range and a difference D13y between the first range and the third range are shown. As shown in FIG. 15, the difference between the first range and the second range and the first range and the third range in the state where the coordinates of the first range are maintained by the second color information conversion process for the ab space. The difference can be increased.

  The second color information conversion process for the signal ratio space includes a polar coordinate conversion process, a first process and a third process for the signal ratio space, and an orthogonal coordinate conversion process. Since the polar coordinate conversion process, the first process for signal ratio space, and the orthogonal coordinate conversion process are the same as described above, the description thereof is omitted.

  In the third process for the signal ratio space, the third range is maintained in a state where the coordinates of the first range are maintained by changing the angle θ based on the radius r and the angle θ after the first process for the signal ratio space. The third processing for the signal ratio space for moving the coordinates is performed. In the third processing for the signal ratio space, as shown in FIG. 16A, the angle θ of the coordinate P3 within the angle change range R3 is changed, while the angle θ is changed for coordinates outside the angle change range R3. Absent. The angle change range R3 is set so as to include the third range and not include the first range. In the third process for the signal ratio space, the radius r of the coordinates in the angle change range R3 is not changed.

  In the angle change range R3, a second center line CL2 is set between the first range and the third range. The second center line CL2 is an angle θd, and the angle θ that is equal to or smaller than the angle θd in the angle change range R3 is rotated in the clockwise direction. In addition, with respect to the angle θ of the certain range R3x from the second center line CL2, an expansion process is performed in which the angle change rate is changed at an angle change rate Wx greater than “1”, and the angle θ of the range R3y exceeding the range R3x It is preferable to perform a compression process in which the angle change rate is changed at an angle change rate Wy smaller than “1”. Further, by the third processing for the signal ratio space, the coordinates of the angle change range R3 are changed to a range of −90 degrees from the second center line CL2 (in the signal ratio space, the “positive” horizontal axis is set to 0 °, and the angle is When expressed from 0 ° to 360 °, it is preferable to move within a range Q from “270 ° + θd” to “θd” (see FIG. 16B). When the angle change rate is “1”, the magnitude of the angle θ does not change even if the process of changing the angle θ is performed.

  By performing the above third processing for the signal ratio space, the angle θ is changed to an angle Eθ smaller than the angle θ within the angle change range R3 as shown in FIG. The angle change rate is represented by the slope of “straight line L3” indicating the tangent of line CV3 relating angle θ and angle Eθ, and the slope of straight line L3 is larger than “1” within range R3x. On the other hand, in the range R3y, the slope of the straight line L3 is smaller than “1”. On the other hand, the angle θ outside the angle change range R3 is converted into an angle Eθ that does not change in magnitude from the angle θ (identity conversion). Further, outside the angle change range R3, the slope of the straight line L3 is “1”.

  As shown in FIG. 18A (A), before the third processing for the signal ratio space, the first range and the third range are separated from the second range, but the first range and the third range are mutually different. It is approaching. After the third processing for the signal ratio space, as shown in FIG. 18A (B), while maintaining the coordinates of the second range in the reference range, the coordinates of the first range are maintained without being changed. Most of the coordinates of the three ranges move to the fourth quadrant of the signal ratio space. The movement of the coordinates of the third range from the first quadrant to the fourth quadrant corresponds to changing the hue while maintaining the saturation on the second special image. As a result, the coordinates of the first range, the second range, and the third range are completely separated.

Even when the plurality of first color information are the first elements a ^* _x and b ^* _x, as shown in FIG. 18B, the coordinates of the second range are set to the reference range by the third processing for ab space. While maintaining the coordinates of the first range without changing, most of the coordinates of the third range move to the fourth quadrant of the second ab space. Here, FIG. 18B (A) shows the distribution of the first to third ranges before the third processing for the ab space, and FIG. 18B (B) shows the distribution of the first to third ranges after the third processing for the ab space. Represents the distribution. Further, it is preferable that the brightness adjustment unit 81 adjusts the pixel value for the second RGB image signal obtained after the first process and the third process for the ab space. The pixel value adjustment method for the second RGB image signal is the same as described above.

  The simultaneous display image processing unit 64c generates a simultaneous display special image based on the first special image and the second special image generated by the first special image processing unit 64a and the second special image processing unit 64b. As shown in FIG. 19, the monitor 18 displays the first special image on one side and the second special image on the other side based on the special image for simultaneous display. The first special image is an image that makes it easy to grasp the position of the atrophic part because the boundary between the normal part and the atrophic part is very clear, but the normal part is not the color of the original stomach mucous membrane Since it is displayed in a pseudo color, the image is uncomfortable for the doctor. On the other hand, compared with the first special image, the boundary between the normal part and the atrophic part is somewhat clear and the color of the normal part is displayed in the original stomach color. The image has no sense of incongruity. By displaying these two first special images and second special images at the same time, the boundary between the normal part and the atrophy part can be detected while grasping the color of the normal part.

  Next, a series of flows of the present invention will be described along the flowchart of FIG. First, the normal observation mode is set, and the insertion portion 12a of the endoscope 12 is inserted into the sample. When the distal end portion 12d of the insertion portion 12a reaches the stomach, the mode switching SW 13a is operated to switch from the normal observation mode to the first and second special observation modes. When diagnosing atrophic gastritis while observing both the first special image and the second special image, the mode is switched to the simultaneous observation mode.

  Based on the RGB image signals obtained after switching to the first and second special observation modes, the signal ratio calculation unit 72 calculates the first B / G ratio and the first G / R ratio. Next, when the first special observation mode is set, the first color information conversion unit 73 for the signal ratio space converts the first B / G ratio and the first G / R ratio into the first signal ratio space. It is converted into the second B / G ratio and the second G / R ratio by the one-color information conversion process. A first special image is generated based on the second B / G ratio and the second G / R ratio that have been subjected to the first color information conversion processing for the signal ratio space. The first special image is displayed on the monitor 18.

  On the other hand, when the second special observation mode is set, the second color information conversion unit for the signal ratio space uses the first B / G ratio and the first G / R ratio as the second color for the signal ratio space. The information is converted into the second B / G ratio and the second G / R ratio by the information conversion process. A second special image is generated based on the second B / G ratio and the second G / R ratio that have been subjected to the second information conversion processing for the signal ratio space. The second special image is displayed on the monitor 18.

  Note that the simultaneous observation mode is not limited to the simultaneous display of the first special image and the second special image, and may be the simultaneous display of the first special image and the normal image, for example. The second special image and the normal image may be displayed simultaneously. In that case, a display image is generated by each of the normal image processing unit 62 and the special image processing unit 64, and is displayed on the monitor 18 through the video signal generation unit 66.

  In the simultaneous observation mode, the first special image and the third special image for which neither the first color information conversion process nor the second color information conversion process for the signal ratio space is performed are displayed simultaneously. Also good. This third special image is generated by a third special image processing unit (not shown) provided in the special image processing unit 64. In this case, the third special image processing unit is different from the first and second special image processing units 64a and 64b, and the signal ratio space necessary for the first color information conversion process and the second color information conversion process for the signal ratio space. The first color information conversion unit and the second color information conversion unit are not provided. The rest is the same as the first and second special image processing units 64a and 64b. When generating the third special image, it is preferable to emit light of each color by setting the light intensity of the purple light V higher than the light intensity of the blue light B, the green light G, and the red light R. The third special image obtained under such light emission conditions is an image that is displayed with the superficial blood vessels being emphasized in a state where the entire image is kept bright.

  In the above embodiment, the signal ratio calculation unit 72 obtains the first B / G ratio and the first G / R ratio from the first RGB image signal, and uses the first B / G ratio and the first G / R ratio for the signal ratio space. The first and second color information conversion processes convert the second B / G ratio and the second G / R ratio, but the first RGB image signal has a plurality of first different from the first B / G ratio and the first G / R ratio. Color information may be obtained, and the plurality of first color information may be converted into the plurality of second color information by the first and second color information conversion processing for a specific feature space.

  For example, the color difference signals Cr and Cb may be obtained as a plurality of color information, and the first and second color information conversion processing for the CrCb space may be performed on the color difference signals Cr and Cb. The first color information conversion process for the CrCb space is performed by the first special image processing unit 94a shown in FIG. Unlike the first special image processing unit 64a, the first special image processing unit 94a is an inverse gamma conversion unit 70, a log conversion unit 71, a signal ratio calculation unit 72, a first color information conversion unit 73 for signal ratio space, and an inverse. The Log converter 79 and the gamma converter 80 are not provided. Instead, the first special image processing unit 94a includes a luminance / color difference signal conversion unit 85 and a first color information conversion unit 86 for CrCb space. Regarding other configurations, the first special image processing unit 94a is the same as the first special image processing unit 64a.

  The luminance / color difference signal conversion unit 85 (corresponding to the “color information acquisition unit” of the present invention) converts the first RGB image signal into the luminance signal Y and the first color difference signals Cr_x and Cb_x. A well-known conversion formula is used for the conversion to the first color difference signals Cr and Cb. The first color difference signals Cr_x and Cb_x are sent to the first color information conversion unit 86 for the CrCb space. The luminance signal Y is sent to the RGB converter 77 and the brightness adjuster 81. The RGB conversion unit 77 converts the second color difference signals Cr_y and Cb_y and the luminance signal Y that have been subjected to the first color information conversion processing for the CrCb space into a second RGB image signal. The brightness adjustment unit 81 uses the luminance signal Y as the first brightness information Yin, and uses the second brightness information obtained by the second brightness information calculation unit 81b as the second brightness information Yout to generate the second RGB. The pixel value of the image signal is adjusted. Note that the calculation method of the second brightness information Yout and the adjustment method of the pixel values of the second RGB image signal are the same as those of the first special image processing unit 64a.

  The first color information conversion unit 86 for the CrCb space performs a first color information conversion process for the CrCb space on the first color difference signals Cr_x and Cb_x to convert them to the second color difference signals Cr_y and Cb_y. The first color information conversion unit 86 for the CrCb space includes a two-dimensional LUT (Look Up Table), and the first color difference signals Cr_x and Cb_x and the first color difference signals Cr_x and Cb_x based on the first color difference signals Cr_x and Cb_x. Second color difference signals Cr_y and Cb_y obtained by performing the color information conversion process are stored in association with each other. Details of the first color information conversion processing for the CrCb space will be described later.

  As shown in FIG. 22A, in the first CrCb space (corresponding to the “first feature space” of the present invention) formed by the first color difference signals Cr_x and Cb_x, the first range, the second range, The third range is distributed in the second quadrant. In the first CrCb space, there is a difference D12x (for example, the average value of the first range and the average value of the second range) between the first range and the second range, and between the first range and the third range. Has a difference D13x (for example, an average value of the first range and an average value of the third range). The difference D12x appears as a saturation difference on the image with respect to the colors of the first range and the second range on the image, and the difference D13x is a difference in hue on the image with respect to the colors of the first range and the third range on the image. Appears as

  On the other hand, in the second CrCb space formed by the second color difference signals Cr_y and Cb_y obtained by the first color information conversion process for the CrCb space, as shown in FIG. 22 (B), the first range, the second range, The third ranges are distributed in different quadrants. In the second CrCb space (corresponding to the “second feature space” of the present invention), there is a difference D12y (for example, the average value of the first range and the average value of the second range) between the first range and the second range. ), And there is a difference D13y (for example, an average value of the first range and an average value of the third range) between the first range and the third range.

  The difference D12y appears as a difference in saturation and hue with respect to the colors in the first range and the second range on the image. Further, the difference D12y is larger than the difference D12x. On the other hand, the difference D13y appears as a hue difference with respect to the colors of the first range and the third range on the image. Further, the difference D13y is larger than the difference D13x. Further, the coordinates of the first range on the second CrCb space are different from the coordinates of the first range on the first CrCb space. That is, at least one of the saturation and the hue in the first range is different before and after the conversion of the first color information conversion process for the CrCb space.

  As described above, the first color information conversion process for the CrCb space increases the difference between the first range and the second range and the difference between the first range and the third range, and before and after the conversion process, At least one of the saturation and the hue of the range can be made different. Therefore, a first special image similar to the above can be obtained from the second color difference signals Cr_y and Cb_y that have been subjected to the first color information conversion process for the CrCb space.

  The second color information conversion process for the CrCb space is performed by a second special image processing unit (not shown) having substantially the same configuration as the first special image processing unit 94a. The second special image processing unit has a second color information conversion unit for CrCb space instead of the first color information conversion unit 86 for CrCb space. It is the same.

  The second color information conversion unit for the CrCb space performs a second color information conversion process for the CrCb space on the first color difference signals Cr_x and Cb_x to convert them into the second color difference signals Cr_y and Cb_y. The second color information conversion unit for the CrCb space includes a two-dimensional LUT (Look Up Table), and the second color for the CrCb space based on the first color difference signals Cr_x and Cb_x and the first color difference signals Cr_x and Cb_x. Second color difference signals Cr_y and Cb_y obtained by performing the information conversion process are stored in association with each other. Details of the second color information conversion process for the CrCb space will be described later.

  As shown in FIG. 23A, in the first CrCb space formed by the first color difference signals Cr_x and Cb_x, as in FIG. 22A, the first range, the second range, and the third range Are distributed in the second quadrant, and have a difference D12x (saturation difference) and a difference D13x (hue difference) between the first range, the second range, and the third range. On the other hand, in the second CrCb space formed by the second color difference signals Cr_y and Cb_y obtained by the second color information conversion process for the CrCb space, the first range and the second range are as shown in FIG. Although distributed in the same second quadrant, only the third range is distributed in the first quadrant. In the second CrCb space, there is a difference D12y between the first range and the second range, and there is a difference D13y between the first range and the third range.

  The difference D12y appears as a difference in saturation regarding the colors of the first range and the second range on the image. Further, the difference D12y is larger than the difference D12x. On the other hand, the difference D13y appears as a hue difference with respect to the colors of the first range and the third range on the image. Further, the difference D13y is larger than the difference D13x. Further, the coordinates of the first range on the second CrCb space are the same as the coordinates of the first range on the first CrCb space. That is, the saturation and hue of the first range are the same before and after the conversion of the second color information conversion process for the CrCb space.

  As described above, the second color information conversion process for the CrCb space increases the difference between the first range and the second range and the difference between the first range and the third range, and before and after the conversion process, The saturation and hue of the range can be the same. Therefore, a second special image similar to the above can be obtained from the second color difference signals Cr_y and Cb_y that have been subjected to the second color information conversion process for the CrCb space.

  The first color information conversion process for the CrCb space includes a polar coordinate conversion process, a first process and a second process for the CrCb space, and an orthogonal coordinate conversion process. First, polar coordinate conversion processing is performed on the first color difference signals Cr_x and Cb_x to convert them into a moving radius r and an angle θ. Next, in the first processing for the CrCb space, as shown in FIG. 24, the radius of the coordinates of the second range is changed, and the coordinates of the second range are set to the reference range including the origin on the first CrCb space. Move. The reference range is a low saturation range that does not include the first and third ranges after the first processing for the CrCb space. On the other hand, in the first processing for the CrCb space, the coordinates of the first range and the third range on the CrCb space are maintained. Here, the moving method of each range is the same as in the case of the first processing for the signal ratio space.

  In the second process for the CrCb space, as shown in FIG. 25, in order to make the coordinates of the first range and the third range apart from each other while maintaining the second range as the reference range, Process to move 3 ranges. The method of moving the first range and the third range is the same as in the case of the second processing for the signal ratio space, and is performed by expanding and compressing the angle. The radius r and the angle θ after the second processing for the CrCb space are converted into second color difference signals Cr_y and Cb_y by the orthogonal coordinate conversion processing.

  The second color information conversion process for the CrCb space includes a polar coordinate conversion process, a first process and a third process for the CrCb space, and an orthogonal coordinate conversion process. The polar coordinate conversion process, the first process for the CrCb space, and the orthogonal coordinate conversion process are the same as in the case of the first color information conversion process for the CrCb space.

  In the third process for the CrCb space, as shown in FIG. 26, the second range is maintained as the reference range, and the first range and the third range are separated while maintaining the coordinates of the first range. In addition, processing is performed so that only the third range is moved. The method of moving the third range is the same as in the third process for signal ratio space, and is performed by expanding and compressing the angle.

  Also, hue H (Hue) and saturation S (Saturation) are obtained as color information, and first and second color information conversion processing for HS space is performed on hue H (Hue) and saturation S (Saturation). May be. The first color information conversion process for the HS space is performed by the first special image processing unit 96a shown in FIG. Unlike the first special image processing unit 64a, the first special image processing unit 96a is an inverse gamma conversion unit 70, a log conversion unit 71, a signal ratio calculation unit 72, a first color information conversion unit 73 for signal ratio space, and an inverse. The Log converter 79 and the gamma converter 80 are not provided. Instead, the first special image processing unit 96a includes an HSV conversion unit 87 and an HS space first color information conversion unit 88. Regarding other configurations, the first special image processing unit 96a is the same as the first special image processing unit 64a.

  The HSV conversion unit 87 (corresponding to the “color information acquisition unit” of the present invention) converts the first RGB image signal into the first hue H_x, the first saturation S_x, and the lightness V. A well-known conversion formula is used for conversion to the first hue H_x, the first saturation S_x, and the lightness V. The first hue H_x and the first saturation S_x are sent to the first color information conversion unit 88 for HS space. The brightness V is sent to the RGB converter 77. The RGB conversion unit 77 converts the second hue H_y, the second saturation S_y, and the lightness V that have been subjected to the first color information conversion processing for the HS space into a second RGB image signal. In the brightness adjustment unit 81, the first brightness information obtained by the first brightness information calculation unit 81a as the first brightness information Yin and the second brightness information calculation unit 81b obtained as the second brightness information Yout. The pixel value of the second RGB image signal is adjusted using the second brightness information. Note that the calculation method of the first brightness information Yin and the second brightness information Yout and the adjustment method of the pixel values of the second RGB image signal are the same as those of the first special image processing unit 64a.

  The first color information conversion unit 88 for the HS space performs the first color information conversion process for the HS space on the first hue H_x and the first saturation S_x to obtain the second hue H_y and the second saturation. Convert to S_y. The first color information conversion unit 88 for HS space is composed of a two-dimensional LUT (Look Up Table), and is based on the first hue H_x and the first saturation S_x, and the first hue H_x and the first saturation S_x. The second hue H_y and the second saturation S_y obtained by performing the first color information conversion process for the HS space are stored in association with each other. Details of the first color information conversion process for the HS space will be described later.

  As shown in FIG. 28A, in the first HS space (corresponding to the “first feature space” of the present invention) in which the vertical axis is the first saturation S_x and the horizontal axis is the first hue H_x. The first range, the second range, and the third range are distributed in the first quadrant. In the first HS space, there is a difference D12x (for example, the average value of the first range and the average value of the second range) between the first range and the second range, and between the first range and the third range. Has a difference D13x (for example, an average value of the first range and an average value of the third range). The difference D12x appears as a saturation difference with respect to the colors in the first range and the second range on the image, and the difference D13x appears as a difference in hue with respect to the colors in the first range and the third range on the image.

  On the other hand, the second hue H_y obtained by the first color information conversion process for the HS space and the second HS space formed by the second saturation S_y (the second saturation S_y is on the vertical axis and the second hue H_y is on the horizontal axis). In FIG. 28B, the first range, the second range, and the third range are distributed at different positions from the first HS space, as shown in FIG. In the second HS space (corresponding to the “second feature space” of the present invention), there is a difference D12y (for example, the average value of the first range and the average value of the second range) between the first range and the second range. ), And there is a difference D13y (for example, an average value of the first range and an average value of the third range) between the first range and the third range.

  The difference D12y appears as a difference in saturation and hue with respect to the colors in the first range and the second range on the image. Further, the difference D12y is larger than the difference D12x. On the other hand, the difference D13y appears as a hue difference with respect to the colors of the first range and the third range on the image. Further, the difference D13y is larger than the difference D13x. Further, the coordinates of the first range on the second HS space are different from the coordinates of the first range on the first HS space. That is, at least one of the saturation and the hue in the first range is different before and after the conversion of the first color information conversion process for the HS space.

  As described above, the first color information conversion process for the HS space increases the difference between the first range and the second range and the difference between the first range and the third range, and before and after the conversion process, At least one of the saturation and the hue of the range can be made different. Therefore, a first special image similar to the above can be obtained from the second hue H_y and the second saturation S_y that have been subjected to the first color information conversion processing for the HS space.

  The second color information conversion process for the HS space is performed by a second special image processing unit (not shown) having substantially the same configuration as the first special image processing unit 96a. The second special image processing unit includes a first special image processing unit 96a, except that it has a second color information conversion unit for HS space instead of the first color information conversion unit 88 for HS space. It is the same.

  The second color information conversion unit for the HS space performs a second color information conversion process for the HS space on the first hue H_x and the first saturation S_x, thereby obtaining the second hue H_y and the second saturation S_y. Convert to The second color information conversion unit for the HS space includes a two-dimensional LUT (Look Up Table). The first hue H_x and the first saturation S_x, and the HS based on the first hue H_x and the first saturation S_x. A second hue H_y and a second saturation S_y obtained by performing the second color information conversion process for space are stored in association with each other. Details of the second color information conversion process for the HS space will be described later.

  As shown in FIG. 29A, in the first HS space formed with the first saturation S_x on the vertical axis and the first hue H_x on the horizontal axis, the first range and The second range and the third range are distributed in the first quadrant, and the difference D12x (saturation difference) and the difference D13x (hue difference) between the first range, the second range, and the third range. Difference). On the other hand, in the second HS space formed by the second hue H_y and the second saturation S_y obtained by the second color information conversion process for the HS space, as shown in FIG. Of the two ranges and the third range, the second range and the third range are distributed at positions different from the first HS space. In the second HS space, there is a difference D12y between the first range and the second range, and there is a difference D13y between the first range and the third range.

  The difference D12y appears as a difference in saturation regarding the colors of the first range and the second range on the image. Further, the difference D12y is larger than the difference D12x. On the other hand, the difference D13y appears as a hue difference with respect to the colors of the first range and the third range on the image. Further, the difference D13y is larger than the difference D13x. Further, the coordinates of the first range on the second HS space are the same as the coordinates of the first range on the first HS space. That is, the saturation and hue of the first range are the same before and after the conversion of the second color information conversion process for the HS space. As described above, the second color information conversion process for the HS space increases the difference between the first range and the second range and the difference between the first range and the third range, and before and after the conversion process, The saturation and hue of the range can be the same. Therefore, a second special image similar to the above can be obtained from the second hue H_y and the second saturation S_y that have been subjected to the second color information conversion processing for the HS space.

  The first color information conversion process for the HS space includes a first process and a second process for the HS space. First, in the first process for the HS space, as shown in FIG. 30, the second range is translated downward with respect to the saturation direction while maintaining the coordinates of the first and third ranges. By this parallel movement, the second range is moved to the reference range. The reference range is a low chroma range that includes the origin on the first HS space and does not include the first range and the third range after the first processing for the HS space.

  In the second process for the HS space, as shown in FIG. 31, the coordinates of the second range among the first range, the second range, and the third range after the first process for the HS space are used as the reference range. In order to keep the first range and the third range apart from each other in the maintained state, the coordinates of the first range and the third range are translated. At this time, the coordinates of the first range are translated to the left with respect to the hue direction, and the coordinates of the third range are translated to the right with respect to the hue direction.

The second color information conversion process for the HS space includes a first process and a third process for the HS space. The first process for the HS space is the same as described above. On the other hand, in the third process for the HS space, as shown in FIG. 32, the coordinates of the second range among the first range, the second range, and the third range after the first process for the HS space are used as a reference. While maintaining the range and maintaining the coordinates of the first range, the coordinates of the third range are translated to the right with respect to the hue direction.
[Second Embodiment]
In the second embodiment, the observation target is illuminated using a laser light source and a phosphor instead of the four-color LEDs 20a to 20d shown in the first embodiment. The rest is the same as in the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 33, in the endoscope system 100 according to the second embodiment, in the light source device 14, a blue laser light source that emits blue laser light having a central wavelength of 445 ± 10 nm instead of the four-color LEDs 20a to 20d (see FIG. 33). 33, a blue-violet laser light source (indicated as “405LD” in FIG. 33) 106 that emits blue-violet laser light having a central wavelength of 405 ± 10 nm is provided. Light emission from the semiconductor light emitting elements of these light sources 104 and 106 is individually controlled by the light source control unit 108, and the light quantity ratio between the emitted light of the blue laser light source 104 and the emitted light of the blue-violet laser light source 106 is freely changeable. It has become.

  The light source control unit 108 drives the blue laser light source 104 in the normal observation mode. On the other hand, in the first or second special observation mode or the simultaneous observation mode, both the blue laser light source 104 and the blue-violet laser light source 106 are driven, and the emission intensity of the blue laser light is changed to the blue-violet laser. It is controlled so as to be larger than the light emission intensity. The laser light emitted from each of the light sources 104 and 106 enters the light guide (LG) 41 through optical members (all not shown) such as a condenser lens, an optical fiber, and a multiplexer.

  Note that the full width at half maximum of the blue laser beam or the blue-violet laser beam is preferably about ± 10 nm. As the blue laser light source 104 and the blue-violet laser light source 106, a broad area type InGaN laser diode can be used, and an InGaNAs laser diode or a GaNAs laser diode can also be used. The light source may be configured to use a light emitter such as a light emitting diode.

  In addition to the illumination lens 45, the illumination optical system 30a is provided with a phosphor 110 on which blue laser light or blue-violet laser light from the light guide 41 is incident. When the phosphor 110 is irradiated with the blue laser light, the phosphor 110 emits fluorescence. Some of the blue laser light passes through the phosphor 110 as it is. The blue-violet laser light is transmitted without exciting the phosphor 110. The light emitted from the phosphor 110 is irradiated into the specimen through the illumination lens 45.

  Here, in the normal observation mode, mainly the blue laser light is incident on the phosphor 110. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 34, the blue laser light and the fluorescence excited and emitted from the phosphor 110 are combined by the blue laser light. White light is irradiated to the observation target. On the other hand, in the first or second special observation mode or the simultaneous observation mode, since both the blue-violet laser beam and the blue laser beam are incident on the phosphor 110, blue-violet laser beam, blue color as shown in FIG. The specimen is irradiated with special light obtained by combining fluorescence excited and emitted from the phosphor 110 by the laser light and the blue laser light.

The phosphor 110 absorbs a part of blue laser light and emits green to yellow excitation light (for example, a YAG phosphor or a phosphor such as BAM (BaMgAl ₁₀ O ₁₇ )). It is preferable to use what is comprised including. If a semiconductor light emitting element is used as an excitation light source for the phosphor 110 as in this configuration example, high intensity white light can be obtained with high luminous efficiency, and the intensity of white light can be easily adjusted, and the color of white light can be easily adjusted. Changes in temperature and chromaticity can be kept small.
[Third Embodiment]
In the third embodiment, the observation target is illuminated using a broadband light source such as a xenon lamp and a rotary filter instead of the four-color LEDs 20a to 20d shown in the first embodiment. Further, instead of the color image sensor 48, the observation target is imaged by a monochrome image sensor. The rest is the same as in the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 36, in the endoscope system 200 of the third embodiment, the light source device 14 is provided with a broadband light source 202, a rotary filter 204, and a filter switching unit 205 instead of the four-color LEDs 20a to 20d. Yes. The imaging optical system 30b is provided with a monochrome imaging sensor 206 that is not provided with a color filter, instead of the color imaging sensor 48.

  The broadband light source 202 is a xenon lamp, a white LED, or the like, and emits white light having a wavelength range from blue to red. The rotation filter 204 includes a normal observation mode filter 208 provided on the inner side and a special observation mode filter 209 provided on the outer side (see FIG. 37). The filter switching unit 205 moves the rotary filter 204 in the radial direction, and when the normal switching mode is set by the mode switching SW 13a, the normal observation mode filter 208 of the rotary filter 204 is inserted into the white light path. When the first or second special observation mode is set, the special observation mode filter 209 of the rotation filter 204 is inserted into the optical path of white light.

  As shown in FIG. 37, the normal observation mode filter 208 includes, in the circumferential direction, a B filter 208a that transmits blue light of white light, a G filter 208b that transmits green light of white light, and white light. Among them, an R filter 208c that transmits red light is provided. Therefore, in the normal observation mode, the rotation filter 204 is rotated, so that blue light, green light, and red light are alternately irradiated on the observation target.

  The special observation mode filter 209 includes, along the circumferential direction, a Bn filter 209a that transmits blue narrow-band light having a specific wavelength among white light, a G filter 209b that transmits green light among white light, and white light. Among them, an R filter 209c that transmits red light is provided. Accordingly, in the special observation mode, the rotation filter 204 is rotated, so that the observation target is alternately irradiated with the blue narrow band light, the green light, and the red light.

  In the endoscope system 200, in the normal observation mode, the inside of the sample is imaged by the monochrome imaging sensor 206 every time the observation target is irradiated with blue light, green light, and red light. Thereby, RGB image signals of three colors are obtained. Based on the RGB image signals, a normal image is generated by the same method as in the first embodiment.

On the other hand, in the first or second special observation mode or the simultaneous observation mode, the inside of the specimen is imaged by the monochrome imaging sensor 206 every time the blue narrow band light, green light, and red light are irradiated on the observation target. Thereby, a Bn image signal, a G image signal, and an R image signal are obtained. The first or second special image is generated based on the Bn image signal, the G image signal, and the R image signal. In order to generate the first or second special image, a Bn image signal is used instead of the B image signal. Other than that, the first or second special image is generated by the same method as in the first embodiment.
[Fourth Embodiment]
In the fourth embodiment, instead of the insertion-type endoscope 12 and the light source device 14, a swallowable capsule endoscope is used to generate an RGB image signal necessary for generating a normal image, a first or second special image. To get.

  As shown in FIG. 38, a capsule endoscope system 300 according to the fourth embodiment includes a capsule endoscope 302, a transmission / reception antenna 304, a capsule receiving device 306, a processor device 16, and a monitor 18. . The capsule endoscope 302 includes an LED 302a, an image sensor 302b, an image processing unit 302c, and a transmission antenna 302d. The processor device 16 is the same as that in the first embodiment. However, in the fourth embodiment, a mode switching SW 308 for switching to the normal observation mode, the first special observation mode, and the second special observation mode is newly provided. Yes.

  The LEDs 302 a emit white light, and a plurality of LEDs 302 a are provided in the capsule endoscope 302. Here, as the LED 302a, it is preferable to use a white LED or the like that includes a blue light source and a phosphor that emits fluorescence by converting the wavelength of light from the blue light source. An LD (Laser Diode) may be used instead of the LED. White light emitted from the LED 302a is illuminated on the observation target.

  The imaging sensor 302b is a color imaging sensor, images an observation target illuminated with white light, and outputs RGB image signals. Here, as the imaging sensor 302b, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) imaging sensor or a CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor) imaging sensor is preferably used. The RGB image signal output from the imaging sensor 302b is processed by the image processing unit 302c so as to be a signal that can be transmitted by the transmission antenna 302d. The RGB image signal that has passed through the image processing unit 302c is wirelessly transmitted from the transmission antenna 302d to the transmission / reception antenna 304.

  The transmission / reception antenna 304 is attached to the body of the subject and receives the RGB image signal from the transmission antenna 302d. The transmission / reception antenna 304 transmits the received RGB image signal to the capsule receiver 306 wirelessly. The capsule receiving device 306 is connected to the receiving unit 53 of the processor device 16 and transmits the RGB image signal from the transmitting / receiving antenna 304 to the receiving unit 53.

  In the above embodiment, four colors of light having an emission spectrum as shown in FIG. 3 are used, but the emission spectrum is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 39, the green light G and the red light R have the same spectrum as in FIG. 3, while the violet light Vs has a center wavelength of 410 to 420 nm. The light may have a wavelength range slightly longer. The blue light Bs may be light having a central wavelength of 445 to 460 nm and a wavelength range slightly shorter than the blue light B in FIG.

  In the above-described embodiment, the angle θ is changed in the second process so that the first range and the third range are separated from each other. However, in other methods, the first range and the third range are mutually separated. You may make it leave. For example, the radius r may be changed so that the first range and the third range are separated from each other, and both the radius r and the angle θ are changed so that the first range and the third range are changed. They may be separated from each other. In the second process, the coordinates of the first range may be moved while maintaining the coordinates of the third range.

  In the above embodiment, the first B / G ratio and the first G / R ratio are obtained from the first RGB image signal, and the first signal ratio space formed with the obtained first B / G ratio and the first G / R ratio is obtained. As described above, when the 1B image signal is a narrowband signal obtained from narrowband light having a narrow wavelength band (for example, light having a half-value width of 20 nm), the wavelength band has a wideband light ( For example, the difference between the first range and the second range on the first signal ratio space, and the first range and the third range are compared with the case of a broadband signal obtained from a light whose half width exceeds a range of 20 nm. The difference with the range is large. Here, the narrow band light includes the “purple light V” and “blue light B” of the first embodiment, and includes the “blue laser light” or “blue violet laser light” of the second embodiment, The “blue narrowband light” of the third embodiment is included, and the “blue light source light” of the fourth embodiment is included.

  In FIG. 40, “Xn” indicates the second range when the first B image signal is a narrowband signal, and “Xb” indicates the second range when the first B image signal is a wideband signal. . Comparing “Xn” and “Xb”, “Xn” is located below “Xb” in the first signal ratio space. “Yn” indicates a third range when the first B image signal is a narrowband signal, and “Yb” indicates a third range when the first B image signal is a wideband signal. Comparing “Yn” and “Yb”, “Yn” is located below “Yb” in the first signal ratio space.

  As shown in FIG. 40, the difference D12n between the average value AXn of “Xn” and the average value AR1 of the first range is larger than the difference D12b between the average value AXb of “Xb” and the average value AR1 of the first range. The difference D13n between the average value AYn of “Yn” and the average value AR1 of the first range is larger than the difference D13b between the average value AXb of “Yb” and the first range AR1. As described above, if the 1B image signal is a narrow-band signal, the difference between the first range and the second and third ranges is already large before performing the process of expanding and compressing the moving radius and angle. attached. By performing the first and second color information conversion processing for a specific feature space for the first to third ranges in such a state, the difference between the normal part and the atrophy part can be displayed more clearly. Become.

  By making the first G image signal a narrow band signal, the difference between the first range and the second range and the difference between the first range and the third range can be obtained as described above. It can be made larger than in the case of. Furthermore, as described above, the first B image signal or the first G image signal is not limited to the narrowband signal, but the image signal of at least one color of the first RGB image signals is changed to the narrowband signal, The difference between the first range and the second range and the difference between the first range and the third range can be made larger than when the first RGB image signals are all wideband signals. As described above, the narrowband signal includes a signal obtained from the spectral estimation process described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-93336 in addition to the signal obtained from the narrowband light.

  The present invention is applicable to various medical image processing apparatuses in addition to the processor apparatus incorporated in the endoscope system as in the first to third embodiments and the capsule endoscope system as in the fourth embodiment. It is possible to apply.

10, 100, 200 Endoscope system 16 Processor device (medical image processing device)
72 Signal ratio calculation unit 64a First special image processing unit 64b Second special image processing unit 73 First color information conversion unit 86 for signal ratio space First color information conversion unit 88 for CrCb space First color for HS space Information converter 77 RGB converter (color image signal converter)
81 Brightness adjustment unit 85 Luminance / color difference signal conversion unit 87 HSV conversion unit

Claims (7)

A purple semiconductor light source that emits purple light;
A blue semiconductor light source that emits blue light;
A green semiconductor light source that emits green light;
A red semiconductor light source that emits red light;
A mode switching unit for switching a plurality of observation modes with different types of images to be displayed on the display unit;
An image signal input processing unit that performs input processing on a first color image signal obtained by imaging a specimen illuminated with light including the purple light, the blue light, the green light, and the red light;
A brightness adjustment unit that adjusts the pixel value of the second color image signal obtained through the color information conversion processing based on the first brightness information obtained from the first color image signal;
At least one of the plurality of observation modes displays the color information converted image on the display unit,
The color information conversion process is a process of moving each of a plurality of pre-conversion ranges to a conversion destination range associated with each pre-conversion range,
The medical image processing apparatus in which the range is distributed in a color space .   The medical image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the color information conversion process is a process in which a range before each conversion is moved to the conversion destination range in a polar coordinate-converted space.   3. The medical image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein in the polar coordinate-converted space, the saturation is converted by moving in the radial direction, and the hue is converted by moving in the angular direction.   The medical image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a boundary between a normal part and an abnormal part is clearly represented in the first special image obtained by the first color information conversion process among the color information conversion processes. .   5. The medical image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second special image obtained by the second color information conversion process among the color information conversion processes has a normal color represented by an original color of the living body. The plurality of observation modes include a first special observation mode for displaying a first special image obtained by the first color information conversion process among the color information conversion processes on the display unit, and a first of the color information conversion processes. A second special observation mode for displaying a second special image obtained by the two-color information conversion process on the display unit,
In the first special observation mode and the second special observation mode, the light quantity ratios of the violet light, the blue light, the green light, and the red light that illuminate the specimen are the same, and 4. The medical image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the one-color information conversion process and the second color information conversion process are different. The plurality of observation modes include a normal observation mode for displaying a normal image on the display unit, and a first special observation mode or a second special observation mode for displaying the color information converted image on the display unit. Included,
Illuminate the specimen in the first special observation mode or the second special observation mode and the light quantity ratio of the purple light, the blue light, the green light, and the red light that illuminate the specimen in the normal observation mode. The medical image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a light amount ratio of the violet light, the blue light, the green light, and the red light is different.

Images