JPH01217411A - Filter cassette - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To easily check the state of a filter and to suppress the invasion of dust or the like into a filter cassette by forming transmission windows on the front and rear plates of the filter cassette. CONSTITUTION:A rotary filter 33 is stored in the filter cassette 38 and a rotary shaft 40 pivoted by a ball bearing 39 fixed on the center part of the filter cassette 38 is fitted to the rotating center of the rotary filter 33. The transmission windows 50a are opened on the parts formed on the front and rear plates 48, 49 of the filter cassette 38 and positioned on the optical path of a light source lamp 31 at the time of loading the filter cassette 38 on a light source device 15 and glasses 50b to be transparent members are applied to the transmission windows 50a so that no influence is exerted upon color beams transmitted through the rotary filter 33 to form closed transmission window 50. Consequently, the contents of the filter can be easily checked and the invasion of dust can be suppressed.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention provides illumination light suitable for a scope equipped with a field-sequential image conveying means, a scope equipped with a color mosaic type image conveying means, and a fiber scope. The present invention relates to a filter cassette used in an endoscope light source device capable of supplying

[Prior Art and Problems to be Solved by the Invention] In recent years, treatment instruments that are inserted into body cavities with elongated insertion parts to detect I3J internal organs of body cavities, etc., and inserted into treatment instrument channels as necessary. Endoscopes (also referred to as scopes or fiberscopes), which can perform various therapeutic procedures using the following techniques, are widely used.

In addition, solid-state dynamic devices such as charge-coupled devices (CODs) can be used with f!
Various electronic scopes using image carrier means have also been proposed. This electronic scope has higher resolution than a fiberscope, and has advantages such as easy recording and playback of images, and easy image processing such as image enlargement and ratio/correction of two images. has.

In the fil image method of color images of the 11η period electronic scope, for example, as shown in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 61-82731, the illumination light is divided into R (red), G (green), and B ('i!j). For example, JP-A-60-76
As shown in Publication No. 888, a color 7 + 1 type (simultaneous type) is provided in front of a solid-state 114 image element with a filter array in which 16 color filters that transmit color light such as R, G, and B are arranged in a mosaic pattern. ). The frame sequential method has the advantage that the number of pixels can be reduced compared to the color mosaic method, while the color mosaic method has the advantage of not causing color shift.

In addition, early electronic scopes are diversified depending on their purpose of use. For example, for upper or lower Rj converters,
The outer diameter of the insertion portion is approximately 10φ+um. On the other hand, for example, for bronchial use, the outer diameter is usually 5φ.
Something around mm or less is required. In this way, it is difficult to use the same type of ``@imagenu・]ko and the same type of 1ia image system for various electronic scopes whose insertion tubes have a wide range of outer diameters due to physical and performance issues. It's impossible. That is, for example, in order to realize an electronic scope for the bronchus (small diameter), an image sensor with a small number of pixels must be used.

In this case, when the number of pixels is small, in order to prevent a decrease in resolution, R, G is used rather than a color mosaic type imaging method using a color mosaic filter.

The @ method is suitable for the field-sequential color method in which light of each wavelength of B is illuminated in a field-sequential manner, images are taken in the field-sequential manner under the illumination, and these images are combined for color display.

On the other hand, for objects with an outer diameter of around 10 mm, it is advantageous to increase the number of pixels and use a color mosaic imaging method in order to improve image quality.

Incidentally, the fiber scope or the electronic tube T1 is generally used by being connected to a light source device that supplies illumination light suitable for each scope.

For early fiber scopes, field-sequential electronic scopes, and color 1-Ike electronic scopes, the illumination method is 514.
Become. 1. [Straw, fiber scope and Kashi-1119]
The 9-type electronic scope requires white light, and the field sequential type electronic scope requires light that can be sequentially switched to R, G, B, etc. Furthermore, even with the same field-sequential imaging method, it is necessary to change the spectral intensity of the illumination light and the blanking period depending on the type of solid-state image sensor and the purpose of the endoscope.
Depending on the type of scope, it is necessary to use different light source devices and perform different operations, which is not economical and efficient.

Therefore, the patent application No. 62-1100 filed earlier by the present applicant
No. 54 specification old discloses a light source device for an endoscope, which is characterized by being provided with a detachable filter (cassette filter) that sequentially transmits each color light in a field-sequential manner between a light source and a subject.

However, in the filter cassette l- disclosed in Japanese Patent Application No. 110054/1982, there is no specific disclosure regarding windows through which white light passes and holes for timing detection provided on the front and back sides of the filter cassette. . In other words, if these windows and holes are open, there is a risk that dust may enter the filter cassette through these openings.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a filter cassette having a means for easily confirming the contents of the filter and a dustproof means.

[Means and effects for solving the problem] In order to achieve the above object, the filter cassette according to the present invention is inserted on the optical path of a light source in a light source device that is equipped with a light source that emits white light as illumination light. It has a rotary filter built in that can be attached freely and sequentially transmits each color light in plane sequence, and a light transmitting window is formed in a portion corresponding to the optical path on the front back of the main body, and a transparent window is formed in the light transmitting window. The members are arranged.

With this configuration, the light transmitting window or timing detection hole formed on the front and rear surface of the filter cassette body is closed, preventing dust from entering.

[Example] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

1 to 10 relate to the first embodiment, and FIG. 1 (Δ
) is a cross-sectional view taken along line 8-Δ' in Figure 2, Figure 1 (B) is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B' in Figure 1 (Δ), and Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 8-Δ' in Figure 2.
Figure 3 is a perspective view showing how to store the rotary filter, and Figure 4 (a) shows the configuration of the internal tl neck mount.
Block diagram, Fig. 4(b) is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of a color mosaic type electronic scope, Fig. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of a fiberscope with a field sequential type camera,
The figure is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of a fiber scope with a mosaic type external camera, Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the fiber scope, and Figure 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a field sequential process circuit. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the structure of the mosaic process circuit, and FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the output circuit.

As shown in FIG. 4(a) to FIG. 7, an endoscope vi-1 is housed with a light source device and a video processor that processes video signals, and various scopes (including ?1l) 2A,
28.2C, 20, and 2E.

There are five types of scopes as shown in the figure: a field sequential electronic scope 2A, a color mosaic electronic scope 2B using a color mosaic filter, and a firebus scope with an external field sequential television camera.
Hereinafter, it will be referred to as a fiberscope with a frame-sequential television camera. )2C1 A fiberscope with an externally attached color mosaic television camera (hereinafter referred to as a fiberscope with a color mosaic television camera) 2D1 and a fiberscope 2F.

Each of the scopes 2A, 28.2C, 2D, and 2E has an elongated insertion section 3 and an operation section (not shown) connected to the rear end side of the insertion section 3. A Univer 4 Nord cord (not shown) is extended, and light source connectors 5Δ, 5B are connected to the tip of the Univer 1 Nord cord (not shown).

5C, 50, and 5E are provided. In addition, there is a field-sequential electronic scope 1-12A and a color mosaic electronic scope 2.
In B, in addition to the light source connectors 5Δ and 5B, signal connectors 6Δ and 6B are provided on the tip side of the universal cord. In addition, the fiberscope 2C with a field-sequential TV camera and the fiberscope 1-B 2D with a color mosaic TV camera have a field-sequential TV camera 8C and a color mosaic TV camera 8D in the eyepiece 7 of the fiberscope 2E. A signal connector 60.6D is provided at the tip of a signal cable extending from each television camera 8G, 8D.

Each of the scopes 2A, 2B, 20.2D, 2E (hereinafter referred to as
If the scope is common to all these scopes, it is represented by the reference numeral 2. ) connectors 5Δ, 6Δ; 5B, 6B: 5G,
6C: A set of connector receivers is provided on the front surface of the housing of the control device 1a, for example, so that each scope 2 can be set in a usable state by connecting the scopes 5D, 6D, and 5E.

These connector receivers consist of a light source connector receiver 11 and a signal connector receiver 12. The light source connector receiver 11 has a shape that allows connection of light source connectors 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, and 5E of each scope 2 having the same shape. Further, the signal connector receiver 12 adjacent to the lower side of the light source connector receiver 11 has the same shape as the signal connectors 6A and 6 of each scope 2.
B.

It has a shape that allows connection of 6C and 6D.

When the fiber scope 2E is connected and used, the observation is performed with the naked eye, but the other scope 2A is used.

When using 28.2C and 2D, the carried image can be displayed in color by a color monitor (not shown) connected to the signal output terminal of the control device 1a.

In addition, the light source connectors 5A+5B, 5 in each scope 2
In this embodiment, G, 5D, and 5E are provided with an air/water supply connector (not shown) together with a light guide connector, and the connector receiver 11 is also structured to be able to connect these. Furthermore, signal connectors 6A, 6B, 60
．． 6D is provided with a scope identification resistor and a static air protection resistor (not shown), and a signal connector receiver 1.
2 also has a structure that connects these.

A light guide 14 for transmitting illumination light is inserted into each of the blocks 2, and the illumination light supplied to the end face from the light source section 15a of the light source 8 head 15 in the control device 1a is outputted.
The light is transmitted to the end surface side, and the light distribution lens 16 disposed in front of this output end surface is used to illuminate the subject side in front.

Further, in each tube 2, an objective lens 17 for imaging is disposed at the distal end of the insertion section 3. This objective lens 1
In both the field-sequential type or color mosaic type electronic scope 2Δ or 2B, a solid-state image carrier 18 such as a COD is disposed at the imaging position 7, while the fiber scope 2F, the television camera 8C or 8D In the fiberscope 2C or 2D equipped with a television camera, the image guide is arranged so that the entrance end face of one image guide faces the camera. In addition, λ1 is attached to the exit/1 window surface of the image guide 19.
An eyepiece lens 21 is disposed facing the eyepiece 7, and in the fiberscope 2E, observation with the naked eye can be performed by bringing the eye close to the eyepiece portion 7.

On the other hand, the eyepiece section 7 of the fiberscope 2E is equipped with a frame sequential type television camera 8C or a color mosaic type television camera 8.
In the case where D is attached, the solid Iti
An image element 22 is provided.

PFi image means (8-piece solid-state image sensor 18 or 22
photoelectrically converts the optical image formed on the imaging surface, amplifies it in the preamplifier 24, and then passes it through the signal transmission line to the signal connectors 6 (6A, 6B, 6G).

Represents 6D. ) side, and is input to the video processor 25a or 25b via the signal connector receiver 12 to which this connector 6 is connected.

Further, a solid-state M image element drive lock is applied to each solid-state image sensor 18 or 22 from a driver 26a or 26b of the video processor 25a or 25b.

In addition, scopes other than the fiber scope 2E are equipped with type 1/J5 generation circuits 27A, 27B, 27G, and 27D that output type signals for scope identification, and are connected to the control device km I via the signal connector 6. It is designed to be identified by an identification circuit 28 in a.

By the way, inside the control device Vi1a, which can be connected to any of the scopes 2, as shown in FIG. It is stored.

In FIGS. 1 and 2, the light source section 15a of the light source device 15 includes an aperture motor 34 on the optical path connecting the light source lamp 31 that emits white light and the input end surface of the light guide 14. is driven by the diaphragm 35 for adjusting the light ω, the condensing lens 36 for condensing the white light incident on the rotating filter 33, and the condensing lens 36 for condensing the white light incident on the rotary filter 33, and the condensing lens 36 for creating the state of focus and differential A-j on the incident end surface of the light guide 14. A light lens 37 is provided.

The rotary filter 33 has a disc shape, and has color transmission filters 32R, 32G, and 32B of three primary colors, red (R), green (G), and blue (B), in the circumferential direction of the plate surface, A plurality of holes 47, 47, . . . are provided in the circumferential direction on the inner diameter side of the color transmission filters 32R, 32G, and 32B for detecting the timing of reading signals from the solid-state image sensor.

The rotary filter 33 is housed in a filter cassette 38, and the rotation center of the rotary filter 33 is provided at the center of the filter cassette 38 with a ball bearing 39.
A rotating 1N140 which is pivotally supported at 39 is provided.

A transparent window 50a is provided in the front plate 48 and rear plate 49 of the filter cassette 38, which are located on the optical path of the light source lamp 31 when installed in the light source device 15. , a rotary filter 33 that is installed internally to prevent dust from entering the filter cassette 38.
A glass 50b as a transparent member is loaded and closed to form a transparent window 50 so as not to affect the colored light transmitted through the window. Further, the area of the transparent window 50 closed by the glass 50b is formed to be relatively large, and it also faces the timing detection hole 47 that has opened 31. Further, for example, a light emitting cable 74 is disposed so as to face the timing detection hole 47 from one transparent window 50, and a photosenrifle 5, for example, is arranged so as to face the timing detection hole 47 from the other transparent window 50. It is provided.

A hole 66 having grooves 51 and 51 provided in the longitudinal direction is provided in the front end surface of the rotating shaft 40, and a window 67 is provided in the center of the front plate 48 so as to face the hole 66. It is provided.

A radially protruding pin 69.69 is provided in the hole 66 so as to coincide with the groove 51.51, and a drive shaft 68 of a rotary filter drive motor 70 supported by a sliding bearing 72a is inserted. There is.

In front of the rotary filter drive motor 70, a substantially cylindrical attachment/detachment knob 73 is connected, passing through, for example, the front plate 71 of the control device 1a, and supported by a sliding bearing 72b.

The filter cassette 38 includes, for example, a ROM (read only memory) for determining the type of filter.
A filter type recording section 83 is provided based on the combination of contact points and the like, and is connected to a contact point 84 provided on the side surface of the filter cassette 38.

As shown in FIG. 3, the filter cassette 38 is inserted through an opening 78 provided, for example, in the top plate 77 of the control device fJ1a, and positioned by positioning bins 79 and 79 provided on the bottom surface of the filter cassette 38. It looks like this. After positioning, attach/detach knob 73 to control device 1
By pushing in the direction of ff1a, the drive shaft 6-8 of the rotary filter drive motor 70 is inserted into the hole 6G provided in the rotary lTl1I40 that supports the rotary filter 33, and is connected so as to transmit rotation.

Note that the contact point 84 of the filter type recording section 83 is connected to the timing generator 52 in the control device 18 at the same time as the filter cap 38 is positioned, and the type and type of the inserted rotary filter 33 are connected. The characteristics are transmitted to the timing generator 52, and a signal adapted to this is outputted to the field sequential process circuit/11εl, the mosaic process circuit 41b, the drivers 26a, 26b, the output circuit 80, and the driver 86. There is.

The driver 86 drives the rotary filter drive motor 70 using a synchronization signal from the timing generator 52 that is compatible with the rotary filter 33 .

The position detection sensor 940 is configured to synchronize the timing of the clock of the timing generator 52 with the rotation of the rotary filter 33, and the output of the timing generator 52 is used to control the timing of the frame-sequential process circuit 41a. There is.

By the way, one video processor 25a is for frame-sequential signal processing, and the signal input to the signal input terminal of the frame-sequential signal connector receiver 12 is input to the frame-sequential process circuit 41a. , R, G, and B wavelengths of illumination light, respectively, are imaged as Wi images as color signals R,
It is designed to output as G and B. These color signals R and G.

B is output from the three primary color output terminal 43 by the output circuit 80 as the three primary color signal RGI3. Further, the color signal R,
G, 8 is converted to an NTSC composite video signal, and N
It is output from the TSC output terminal 46.

The frame-sequential process circuit 41a is configured as shown in FIG. 8, for example.

A signal input through a preamplifier is input to a sample and hold circuit 54, sampled and held, and then subjected to γ correction in a γ correction circuit 55 and converted into a digital signal by an A/D converter 56. The signal transmitted through the multiplexer 57 which is switched by the signal from the timing generator 52 and subjected to sequential illumination of the UR, G, and B frames is transmitted to the R frame memory 58R, the G frame memory 58G, and the B room memory. 58B.

The signal data written in each of these frames (58R, 58G, 58B) are read out simultaneously, and each D/AJ
The converter 59 converts the color signals R1G and B into ablog color signals,
It is output to the output circuit 80.

On the other hand, the signals imaged by the solid-state display element 18 or 22 of the color mosaic type electronic scope 2B and the mosaic type external fiber scope 2F are manually inputted to the color mosaic type process circuit 41b, and the luminance signal Y, The difference signal @R-Y, 8-Y is output. This signal is then input to the output circuit 80, converted into an NTSC composite video signal, and output from the NTSC output terminal 46. In addition, lWj Kiyuki a (58Y, color difference signal QRY,
B-Y is the color signal R, G, 13 by the output circuit 80.
The three primary color signals RG are output from the three primary color signal output terminal 43.
B is output.

The color mosaic process circuit 41b is configured as shown in FIG. 9, for example.

In addition, the signal from the solid state image carrier 18 or 22 amplified by the preamplifier 24'C is passed through the luminance signal processing circuit 61 to generate the power saving signal Y. In addition, the color signal reproducing circuit 6
2, and the color difference signal R-Y.

B-Y is generated in time series for each horizontal line, white balance compensated by the white balance circuit 63, one is sent directly to the analog switch 64, and the other is delayed by one horizontal line by the 1H delay line 63a and sent to the analog switch. 64a, the timing generator 52
The color difference signals R-Y and B-Y are obtained by the switching signal.

Note that the timing generator 52 applies signals to the drivers 26a, 26b and an NTSC encoder (not shown), respectively, and controls them so that signal processing is performed in synchronization with the drive pulse used to read out signals from the solid-state image carrier 18 or 22. In this case, the frame sequential video processor 25
In a, as described above, the timing generator 52 is synchronized with the rotary filter 33 by the output of the full transistor 40.

By the way, the type signal generation circuits 27Δ, 27B.

27G and 27D are formed by, for example, connecting resistors with different resistance values between two terminals, and the identification circuit 28 detects the resistance value between the two terminals by using a The value block is used to identify whether the block is connected.

The identification circuit 28 not only controls the drivers 26a and 26b, but also controls switching of the changeover switch '87. For example, when the field-sequential type scope 2Δ or 2C is connected, it is switched to the field-sequential side, and the driving pulse of the driver 26a is applied to the solid-state image element 18 via the connector, and the solid-state positive image element 18 The read signal is input to the frame sequential process circuit 41a.

On the other hand, if the screen sequential type screens 12A and 2G are connected (7), the mosaic process circuit side can be selected.
f) The selector switch 87 may be switched to the mosaic type side by detecting the case.

The identification circuit 28 also sends a control signal to the timing generator 52 so that it can handle either method.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 10, the output circuit 80 includes a 3-circuit, 2-contact changeover switch 81 between the output end of the 7-trix circuit 44a and the NTSC encoder 45, and the output end of the inverse matrix circuit 44b. There is also a 3-circuit, 2-contact changeover switch 8 between the buffer 42 and the driver.
2 is a provision.

When one contact side of the changeover switch 81 is turned on, the signal of the matrix circuit 44a is guided to the common NTSC encoder 45, and this NTSC encoder 45
The common NTSC output is converted into an SC video signal.
Output from 6. When the other contact side is selected, the signal of the mosaic process circuit 4.1b is guided to the NTSC encoder 45 and outputted from the common NTSG output terminal 46.

On the other hand, when the frame sequential type side is selected for the other changeover switch 82, the output signal of the frame sequential type process circuit 41a passes through the common buffer 42 forming a driver, and one is output to the automatic dimming circuit 88. , the other is a common RGB
Three primary color signals are output from the output terminal 43. When the mosaic process circuit side is selected, the three primary color signals R, G, [3 that have passed through the inverse matrix circuit 44b are output on one side to the automatic light control circuit 88 and on the other hand to the common RGB output terminal 4.
Output from 3.

Each of the changeover switches 81 and 82 can be manually switched, or they can be switched in conjunction with each other.

The automatic light adjustment circuit 88 drives the aperture motor 34 so that the magnitude of the image signal of the subject is constant, and adjusts the aperture 35.
Adjust J: The sea urchin is turning.

Note that the color transmission filter may be a filter for special observation such as infrared observation. In addition, when using a scope equipped with a color mosaic type image means and an Ivascope connected to a light source device, there is no need to insert a rotating filter, and the white light incident on the end face of the light guide does not need to be inserted. The light may be re-defocused to a condensing lens.

Further, the transparent members of the transparent windows 50 provided on the front and back plates of the filter cassette 38 may be formed of plastic snacks or infrared cut filters.

Furthermore, the entire side plate of the filter cassette 38 may be formed of a transparent member.

In this example, the rotating filter is supported by a ball bearing fitted into the center of the filter cassette, but instead of fixing the ball bearing, an elastic member such as a spring is fixed to the outer ring of the ball bearing to rotate the filter. The filter may also be supported. By supporting the rotary filter with an elastic member in this way, even if there is a slight error in the axis between the rotary filter drive and the rotary filter, the error can be absorbed by the elastic member. .

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a filter capitol according to the second embodiment.

In this embodiment, a transmission window through which white light passes and a transparent window for timing detection are provided separately.

A transmission window 90a is opened at a portion of the front plate 48 and rear plate 49 of the filter cassette 38, which are located 1i on the optical path of the light source lamp 31 when installed in the light source device 15. 908, dust is filf casera 1
-38 Rotary filter 3 equipped with H to prevent intrusion into 38
A glass 90b as a transparent member is loaded and closed to affect the colored light transmitted through the window 90, thereby forming a transparent window 90. Similarly, the front plate 48 and the back plate 49 have a transmission window 91a for timing detection facing the timing detection hole 47, and the transmission window 91a has a filter cover for school dust. A lath 91b as a transparent member is loaded to prevent the hole from entering the hole 38, and is closed to form a transparent window 91. , for example, a light emitting element 74 is disposed,
For example, a photosenrift 5 is provided facing the timing detection hole 47 from the timing detection transparent window 91.

Further, the operation and effect of the configuration 9 (, 1) are the same as in the first embodiment.

[Effects of the Invention] According to the present invention, since transparent windows are provided on the front and back plates of the filter cassette, it is easy to check the condition of the filter, and it is possible to prevent straw etc. from entering the filter cassette. There is an effect.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

1 to 10 relate to the first embodiment, and FIG.
) is a sectional view taken along the line A-A in FIG. 2, FIG. 1(B) is a sectional view taken along the line B-8 in FIG. 1(A), and FIG. Figure 3 is a perspective view showing how to store the rotating filter, Figure 4 (a) is a block diagram showing the configuration of the endoscope device, and Figure 4 (b) is the configuration of the color mosaic electronic scope. Fig. 5 is an explanatory drawing showing the configuration of a field-sequential type external fiber scope with a camera, Fig. 6 is an explanatory drawing showing the configuration of a mosaic type external fiber scope with a camera, and Fig. 7 is an explanatory drawing showing the configuration of a mosaic type external fiber scope with a camera. Explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the scope, No. 8
The figure is a block diagram showing the configuration of a frame-sequential process circuit, FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a mosaic wrestling circuit, and FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an output circuit.
The figures relate to the second embodiment of the present invention, with FIG. 11(A) being a sectional view of the filter cap hit, and FIG.
) is a cc'''F2 sectional view of 33...Rotating filter 38...Filter cassette 50...Transparent window 50a...Transmission window 50b.
...Glass field) Figure 5 Figure 8 Figure 9 Figure 10 ■

Claims (1)

[Claims] A light source device equipped with a light source that emits white light as illumination light, which is removably installed on the optical path of the light source, and has a rotary filter internal therein that sequentially transmits each color light in a plane-sequential manner. . A filter cassette, characterized in that a light transmission window is formed at a portion corresponding to the optical path on the front and rear surface of the main body, and a transparent member is disposed in the light transmission window.