JPH03131980A - Image filing device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To record in detail an image on the way of the start of a transient change at the time of switching the recording time intervals by providing the image filing device with an image storage means for temporarily storing plural images at the 2nd time interval different from the 1st recording time interval. CONSTITUTION:At the time of recording still picture, a user inputs the condition of a comparator and data for the initial recording time interval for the conditions and the 2nd recording time interval from a data input part 39 in an image input device 16. Then the user inputs a record start signal from the data input part 39. When the start signal is detected by a CPU 44 through a control part 37, a communication interface 40 and the 1st serial port 42, the CPU 44 sends a shift signal and a freeze signal to a memory control part through a bus line 43 at the 2nd recording time interval stored in a memory part 45 and sends a release signal to the image filing device 4 through the 2nd serial port 47 at the initial recording interval. Plural images are temporarily stored at the 2nd time interval different from the 1st recording time interval.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to an image file device capable of recording images at time intervals other than the initial recording setting time interval.

[Prior Art] In recent years, it has become possible to observe organs within a body cavity by inserting an elongated insertion section into a body cavity, and to perform various therapeutic procedures using a treatment instrument inserted into a treatment instrument channel as needed. Endoscopes (also called scopes or fiberscopes) are widely used.

In addition, various electronic scopes using solid-state imaging devices such as charge-coupled devices (abbreviated as COD) as image carriers are also used. This electronic scope has advantages such as higher resolution than a fiber scope, easier recording and reproduction of images, and easier image processing such as image enlargement and comparison of two screens.

The endoscopic image visualized by the above-mentioned electronic scope is recorded on an image recording device.
No. 46 proposes changing the recording interval by comparing an image value generated based on that image with a set value, thereby shortening the recording interval of an image that is considered important.

For example, during fluorescence observation in endoscopy, a certain amount of time is required before the subject begins to emit fluorescence. Therefore, normal images up until fluorescence is emitted are not very important for diagnosis, so they are recorded at relatively long time intervals, and images after fluorescence starts to be recorded are important images, so they can be recorded frequently at relatively short time intervals. It becomes possible to record.

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] However, in the above proposal, since the image value has not yet exceeded the set value at the time when it starts changing, the recording time interval has not become shorter. For this reason, even if an image in which the image@value starts to change is important, there is a problem in that it is not possible to record minute changes in the image.

A possible solution to this problem is to lower the setting value and shorten the recording time interval from the point at which the image starts changing, but the change in image value at the start of the change is gradual, and in this case, factors such as noise As a result, the image value tends to exceed the set value, making the operation unstable.

The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image file device that can record images at short time intervals when the image value exceeds a set value, including the time when the image value starts to change. shall be.

[Means and effects for solving the problem] In the present invention, a storage means for temporarily storing a plurality of images at a second recording interval different from the first recording time interval is provided, and analysis of input time-series image information is provided. Based on the means, when an image@record switching signal is output from the first recording time interval to the second recording interval, the storage means can record the image stored before this switching signal in the recording means. In this way, it is possible to record in detail the transient changes in the image when the recording time interval is switched.

[Example] Hereinafter, the present invention will be specifically explained with reference to the drawings.

Figures 1 to 6 relate to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the recording control memory section in the first embodiment, FIG. 2 is an overall configuration diagram of the image file system, FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the endoscope device, and FIG. A block diagram showing the internal configuration of the image file controller, FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the processing process in the recording mode of the first embodiment, and FIG. 6 is a time chart following the series of processing processes of the first embodiment. It is a diagram.

As shown in FIG. 2, the image file system 1 includes an endoscope device 2 as an image signal generating section, an image file controller 3, and a still image file device 4 as an image recording section.

The endoscope device 2 is flexible and elongated, and includes an insertion section 7 inserted into an observation site 6, an operation section 8 connected to the rear end of the insertion section 7, and an operation section 8. The electronic scope 10 has a universal cable 9 extending from the side thereof.

A connector 11 is provided at the rear end of the universal cable 9.
is provided, and this connector 11 is connected to the electronic scope 1.
The light source device 12 is connected to a light source device 12 that supplies illumination light to the light source.

A signal cable 13 extends from the side of this connector 11, and a connector 14 provided at the rear end of this signal cable 13 is connected to an image input device 16. This image input device 16 processes the image signal obtained by the electronic scope 10 to generate a video signal such as RGB three primary color signals, and outputs the signal to a TV monitor 18 via a cable 17.
Endoscope images can be displayed with A.

The video signal generated by the image input device 16 is also sent to the image file device 3 via a cable 19.

The image file controller 3 is connected to the still image file device 4 by a cable 21.

The endoscope device 2 will be explained with reference to FIG.

A light source device 1 is installed at the distal end of the insertion section 7 of the electronic scope 9.
A light guide 22 is provided with an output end face formed by a fiber bundle that outputs the illumination light supplied from the I-detecting section 6 to the I-sensing portion 6 . Illumination light is supplied to the light guide 22 when the connector 11 is connected to the light source device 12 via the insertion section 7, the operation section 8, and the inside of the universal cord 9.

An objective lens 23 is further provided at the distal end of the insertion section 7, and a solid y is located at the imaging position of this objective lens 23.
The decoy image surface provided on the i-image element 24 is designed to be tilted. Connected to this solid-state m-image s element 24 are an electric signal written as a result of photoelectric conversion of the subject image formed on the i'1il1 plane and a signal 1i126 to which a drive clock for driving this solid-state Ilil elementary image 24 is transmitted. There is. This belief NW
A26 includes the insertion section 7, operation section 8, and universal cable 1.
0 to the connector 11, and is further extended from the connector 11 to the connector 14 via the signal cable 13.

The light source Hii 212 is provided with a light source lamp 31, and the illumination light of the light source lamp 31 is parallelized from the light source lamp 31 side on the optical path connecting the light source lamp 31 and the input ()I end surface of the light guide 22. A collimating lens 32 , a rotating filter 33 , and a condensing lens 34 that condenses illumination light and irradiates it onto the incident end surface of the light guide 22 are provided.

The rotary filter 33 is disc-shaped and has red (R) color, for example, in the circumferential direction.
), green (G), j! Color transmission filters 34R, 34G, and 34 [3 are provided to transmit each color light of f (B), and illumination light that has been made into parallel light by the collimating lens 32 is incident on each color transmission filter 34R, 34G, and 34B. It is supposed to be done. This rotary filter 33 is rotationally driven by a motor 35, and is rotated to display red, b+, *
The light of each color is supplied to the light guide 22 in time series.

By connecting the connector 14 to the image input device ff116, the signal 126 is connected to the image processing unit 36 installed in the image input device 16.

The image processing unit 36 applies a drive clock to drive the solid-state FI image element 24, converts the electric signal sent from the solid-state B image element 24 into an RGB video signal, and outputs the RGB video signal.

It also controls the balance of the image signal q levels R and B signals. Furthermore, III Suburban Area 37, which will be described later,
The patient data, error messages, etc. sent from
ffl to GB video signal! It is supposed to be done. The output of the image processing unit 36 is branched, and one side is sent to the TV monitor 1.
I5 on screen 1 output to 8A! An image of the detected area 6 is displayed.

The other one is sent to the image file controller 3.

The &++121] unit 37 is connected to a data interface 40 through a data input M39 such as a keyboard, for example. From the data input section 39, patient data such as the patient's name and date of birth are superimposed on the RGB video signal by the user's operation, and image recording (release)? 7's 1ilI
The III signal is input, and the patient data is sent to the image processor 36 and converted into RGB video signals as described above. Further, the i11 control signal is sent to the communication interface 40. This communication interface 40 is a serial transmission interface section based on the R3-232C standard, for example, and is controlled by the vIID section 37 to communicate data and Ill! I! Performs signal input/output.

The communication interface 40 is configured to input and output data and fill signals to and from the image file controller 3.

The RG B (No. 8), data and control signals are sent to the image file controller 3 by the cable 19.

The image file controller 3 will be explained with reference to FIG.

The RGB video signal from the image input device 16 is transmitted to a recording control memory section 4 provided in the image file controller 3.
1 is entered.

Furthermore, data and control signals are input to and output from the first serial port 42.

On the other hand, the first serial port 42 is connected to the CPU 44, the memory section 45, the hard disk control section 46, and the second serial port 47 by the pass line 43.
Data and control signals can be input and output to and from the ll memory section 41. The CPU 44 is the image input device 1
6] is stored in the hard disk 50 via the hard disk control section 46. Further, the CPU 44 sends a release signal to the second serial port 47 based on the control signal input to the first serial port 42 . The information is stored in the memory section 45
When a control signal indicating the end of one examination is input to the first serial port 42, it is stored in the hard disk 50 together with the patient data.

Furthermore, when a search command from the image input device 16 is input to the first serial port 42, the CPLJ 44 refers to the data on the hard disk 50 and sends the data to the second serial port 4.
Send the search 1llll III signal to 7.

Based on this control signal, the RGB video signal from the image file device 4 is output to the TV monitor 18B.

The second serial port 47 is configured to input and output control signals related to the still image file device 4, such as release signals.

Next, the configuration of the recording control memory section 41 will be explained below with reference to FIG.

The R video signal from the image input device 16 is input to the A/D section 61. The signal digitized by the A/D section 61 is input to the first R memory 62. This R memory 6
The digital data held by the second R memory 63 is input to the second R memory 63.

The digital data held by this R memory 63 is input to a third R memory 64. The digital data held by this R memory 64 is transferred to the fourth R memory 65.
is input. The digital data held by this R memory 65 is input to a DZA section 66. The R video signal converted into analog by the D/A section 66 is sent to the image file device 4.

The G video signal from the image input device 16 is input to the A/D section 67. The signal digitized by this A/D section 67 is input to the first G memory 68. The digital data held by this G memory 68 is input to a second G memory 69. Digital data held by this G memory 69 is input to a third G memory 70. Digital data held by this G memory 70 is input to a fourth G memory 71. This G memory 7
The digital data held by 1 is stored in the D/Δ section 72.
is input. The G video signal converted into analog by this D/A section 72 is sent to the image file device 4.

The B video signal from image input &@16 is input to the A/D section 73. The signal digitized by the A/D section 73 is input to the first B memory 74 and the B reference memory 78. The digital data held by the B memory 74 is input to the second B memory 75. The digital data held by this B memory 75 is transferred to the third B memory 76.
is input. The digital data held by the memory 76 on this day is input to the fourth B memory 77.

The digital data held by the memory 77 on this day is input to the D/A section 79. The B video signal digitized by the D/A section 79 is sent to the image file device @4. Note that the digital data held by the BM semi-memory 78 is transferred to the comparator 8 constituting the image analysis means.
0 and is compared with the image data output from the first B memory 74. This comparator 80 outputs the result of comparing the two input image data systems to the memory control unit 81 .

A synchronization signal from the image input device 16 is input to the memory control section 81. This memory control section 81 is an AZD section 61.6.
7.73 each outputs a clock signal. It also outputs write and read control signals to the memories 62-65.68-71, 74-77.78, respectively. The memory control section 81 also outputs clock signals to each of the DZA sections 66, 72, and 79.

The memory control unit 81 outputs a synchronization signal to the image file device 4.

When the RGB video signal inputted from the image input device 16 meets preset conditions, the recording control unit memory 41 changes the recording condition to the image file device 4.
It is used for recording.

Note that the R memories 62 to 65, the G memories 68 to 71, and the B memories 74 to 77 constitute a temporary storage memory 82.

Next, the operation of this first embodiment will be explained below.

When recording a still image, the user inputs the conditions of the comparator 80 and data regarding the initial recording time interval and second recording time interval for the comparator 80 through the data input unit 39 of the image input device 16. The data is transmitted to the control unit 37, the communication interface 40. CP via the first serial boat 42
It is stored in the memory unit 45 by U44.

Next, the user inputs a recording start signal from the data input section 39 of the image input device 16. When the start signal is detected by the CPU 44 via the control unit 37, the communication interface 40, and the first serial port 42,
The CPtJ 44 sends a shift signal and a freeze signal to the memory control unit 81 at the second recording time interval stored in the memory unit 45 via the pass line 43, and also sends a shift signal and a freeze signal to the image file device 4 via the second serial port 47. and sends a release signal at the initial recording interval.

The memory control unit 81 uses the shift signal to synchronize with the Domei signal, and transfers the images in the R memories 62 to 64 to the R memories 63 to 65, respectively, and the images in the G memories 68 to 70 to the G memories 79 to 81, respectively. The images in B memories 74-76 are shifted to B memories 75-77, respectively.

Furthermore, the memory control unit 81 freezes each image input to the R memory 62, G memory 68, and B memory 74 in synchronization with the synchronization signal using the freeze signal.

At this time, only the blue component of the first image is stored in the Bl quasi-memory 78.

The comparator 80 sends to the CPU 44 via the memory control unit 81 data, for example, the difference between the average values of the image data of the B reference memory 78 and the B memory 74 which are successively rewritten.

The CPU 44 compares the difference data with the setting data stored in the memory section 45, and when the difference data becomes larger than the setting value, the CPU 44 sets the second recording time interval (for example, A release signal is sent to the image file device 4 via the second serial port 47 at an interval of 1/4 of the initial recording interval.

When the difference data becomes smaller, the initial recording time interval is returned.

The state of the recording time interval is temporarily stored in the memory section 45, and is recorded on the hard disk 50 via the hard disk control section 46 in response to a recording stop signal from the data input section 39 of the image input device 16.

FIG. 5 shows the processing process during this recording.

When recording, the user needs to set data for the conditions of the reference level of the comparator 80, data for the initial recording time interval (for example, the recording interval when recording one sheet per second), and if the above conditions are met. Input setting data for the second recording time interval (for example, the recording interval when recording four images per second).

The above setting data is stored in the -time memory section 45. Next, when a start signal is input, the R memory 62, G memory 68, B memory 74, and 8 reference memory 78 are frozen. Next, the images in each memory are jitted and the next image is frozen at a second recording time interval. The difference between the B image component of this image and the B reference memory 78 is calculated, and if it is within the set value, the release is repeated at the initial recording time interval.

On the other hand, if the comparator 80 detects a difference greater than the set value, release is performed at the second recording time interval. In this case, since both images are frozen in the memory at the second recording time, a transient change exceeding the set value can be recorded at the second recording time interval.

When the value becomes smaller than the set value again, the release continues at the second recording time interval, for example, four times thereafter, and from the fifth time onwards, the release is performed again at the initial recording time interval.

Note that when the stop signal is input, the data temporarily stored in the memory section 45 is stored in the hard disk 50.

An example of a time chart according to the above series of processing processes is shown in FIG.

For example, assume that the image value of the B video signal changes as shown in FIG. 6(a), and the set value is as shown in FIG. 6(a). As shown in FIG. 6(b), for example, when a start signal is input from the data input section 39 at time 10, the memory control section 81 controls the first R, G, B memories 62, 68, 74 and the B memories.
Freeze the RlG and 8 images in the base memory 78.

After that, the second (th) recording interval (FIG. 6(C)).

In (d), it is indicated by the symbol @T2. ) at the 1st R,
Each image of G, B, 7th 62, 68.74 is 2nd R, G,
8 memories 63, 69, and 75, respectively, and the first
The next images are frozen in the R, G, and B memories 62, 68° 74, respectively.

Furthermore, due to this freezing, as shown in Fig. 6 (9),
A conversion clock is input to the /D sections 61, 67, and 73. Also, the next 8 images and the previous Bii! ii image is comparator 80
The difference is calculated (as shown by the comparison in FIG. 6(e)), a judgment is made as to whether it is within a set value, and the judgment signal is sent to the memory control section 81. In the example shown in FIG. 6, since it is within the set value, no release is performed after the interval T2, and the image is shifted and a new image is frozen again.

In this way, the shift and freeze are repeated until the set value is lower than the set value, and the 4-frame images are divided into the first, second, and so on. Third
．． Fourth image memory 62~65°68~71.74~
77 is temporarily stored. Thereafter, when the time interval T2 has elapsed and the shift and freeze are performed, a release signal is output as shown in FIG.

In synchronization with this release signal, a conversion clock is input to the D/A section 66, 72, 79 as shown in FIG. Output to the 4th side.

In this way, the frozen image shown in FIG. 6(g) is recorded in the still image file device 4.

If it is below the set value, this operation will be repeated, but if it exceeds the set value at time t1, for example, this operation will be repeated.
When this is detected in a later comparison of two 8 images, the comparator 80 outputs a detection signal to the memory control unit 81. This signal causes a release signal to be output. This laser signal causes the 4th R, G, B memory 65.71.77
The image temporarily stored in (the image marked with ■ in FIG. 6) will be recorded. From this time, the initial recording interval (
Release (recording) is performed in the second recording interval region from the region in FIG. 6 (indicated by the symbol T1 in parentheses), that is, in the interval T2. After this, rifJ interval T2 biweekly 2 elapsed,
The image shown in (3) will be recorded.

In this way, when the set value is exceeded, images that were previously frozen at short intervals can be recorded, so transient changes can be recorded (observed) in detail.

Also, for example, if the value falls below the set value at time t2, this time t
This is detected by the comparator 80 after 2, and thereafter recording is performed four times at the interval T2, and then becomes an initial recording interval region in which recording is performed at the initial recording interval T1.

According to this first embodiment, from the initial recording time interval to the second
When the recording time interval reaches the second recording time interval, images that were frozen four times ago can be recorded at the second recording time interval, and the region of interest can be examined in more detail.

In the first embodiment, the comparison is made using 8 images, but the comparison may be made using R or 0 images, etc. Alternatively, a comparison may be made using a plurality of images that are a combination of these images. Further, the comparator is not limited to the one that compares the average value of image data, but may also be used for comparison such as analysis of a certain feature of the image +a.

Furthermore, the recording time interval may be set by setting the data to be compared to have two or more values, and recording may be performed at two or more recording time intervals in accordance with these conditions.

FIG. 7 shows the configuration of an image file recording control memory section 41' in a second embodiment of the present invention. The system of this second embodiment has a recording i which has a configuration different from that of the recording control memory section 41 in the image file controller 3 shown in FIG.
It is constructed using an i-control memory section 41'.

This recording control memory section 41' is located at J3 in the recording control memory section 41 shown in FIG. 4, and the serially connected memory sections are connected in parallel.

The configuration of the recording control memory section 41' will be explained with reference to FIG.

The R video signal from the image input device 16 is input to the A/D section 61. The signal digitized by this A/D section 61 is input to R memories 62-65. The digital data held by the R memories 62 to 65 is input to a D/A section 66. The R video signal converted into analog by this D/Δ section 66 is sent to the image file device 4.

The G video signal from the image input device 16 is sent to the A/D section 67.
is input. The signal digitized by this Δ/D section 67 is input to G memories 68-71. This G
Digital data held in memories 68 to 71 is input to D/A section 72. The G video signal converted into analog by this D/Δ section 72 is sent to the image file device 4.
will be sent to.

The B video signal from the image input device 16 is input to the A/D section 73. The signal digitized by this A/D section 73 is input to B memories 74 to 77 and B reference memory 78. Digital data held by the B memories 74 to 77 is input to a D/A section 79 and a comparator 80. The B video signal converted into analog by this D/A section 79 is sent to the image file device 4. Note that the digital data held by the B reference memory 78 is input to the comparator 80. The comparator 80 compares the two input image data systems and outputs the result to the memory control unit 81 .

A synchronization signal from the image input device 16 is input to the memory control section 81. The memory control section 81 includes A/D sections 61, 67.
73 each outputs a clock signal. It also outputs write and read control signals to the memory sections 62-65.68-71, 74-77.78, respectively. The memory control section 81 also outputs clock signals to the D/A sections 66, 72, and 79, respectively.

The memory control unit 81 outputs a synchronization signal to the image file device 4.

The recording control memory section 41' is used to record the RGB video signal inputted from the image input device 16 in the image file device 4 by changing recording conditions when it conforms to preset conditions. Note that the memories 62 to 65.
68-71 and 74-77 constitute a temporary storage device 82''.

Next, the operation of this second embodiment will be explained below.

When the start signal is detected by the CPU 44, the CPU
The U 44 sends a select signal and a freeze signal to the memory control section 81 at the second recording time interval stored in the memory section 45 via the pass line 43, and also sends a signal to the image file device 4 via the second serial port 47. A release signal is sent to the target at an initial recording time interval.

The memory control unit 81 selects one from the R memories 62 to 65, one from the G memories 68 to 71, and one from the B memories 74 to 77, respectively, in response to the select signal.

The memory control unit 81 also controls the R memory selected by the freeze signal in synchronization with the synchronization signal.

Freezes each image input to G memory and B memory, and transfers only the image stored in each memory that was selected and frozen three times ago to each D/A unit 6.
Output to 6.72.79.

The next select signal causes the memory control section 81 to
Select the memory outputting to section A.

At this time, only the blue component of the first image is stored in the B reference memory 78. The comparator 80 sends data of the difference between the average values of the image data of the 8 reference memories 78 and the last frozen B memory to the CPU 44 via the memory control unit 81.
send to

The CPU 44 compares the difference data with the setting data stored in the memory section 45, and when the difference data becomes larger than the setting value, the CPU 44 sets the second recording time interval (for example, A release signal is sent to the image file device 4 via the second serial port 47 at intervals of 1/4 of the initial recording time interval.

When the difference data becomes smaller, the initial recording time interval is returned.

The state of the recording interval is temporarily stored in the memory section 45 and recorded on the hard disk 50 via the hard disk control section 46 in response to a recording stop signal from the data input section 39 of the image input device 16.

The processing process during this recording is shown in FIG.

When the start signal is input, the R memory 62, G memory 68, B memory 74, and BLiLi 78 are frozen. Next, each memory is selected at a second recording interval, and the next image is frozen. The difference between the B111i image component of this image and the B1 quasi-memory 78 is calculated, and if it is within the set value, the release is repeated at the initial recording time interval.

On the other hand, if the comparator 80 detects a difference greater than the set value, release is performed at the second recording interval.

When the value becomes smaller than the set value again, the release continues at the second recording time interval, for example, four times thereafter, and from the fifth time onwards, the release is performed again at the initial time interval.

Note that when the stop signal is input, the data temporarily stored in the memory section 45 is stored in the hard disk 50.

According to this second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, when the initial recording time interval reaches the second recording time interval, it is possible to record images frozen four times previously at the second recording interval. This allows you to examine the areas of interest in more detail.

In the second embodiment, comparison is made using eight images, but R or Gli! The comparison may be made using iif & others. Alternatively, a comparison may be made using a plurality of images that are a combination of these images.

Furthermore, the recording time interval may be set by setting the data to be compared to have two or more values, and recording may be performed at two or more recording time intervals in accordance with these conditions.

[Effects of the Invention] As described above, according to the present invention, since the image storage means for temporarily storing a plurality of images at a second time interval different from the first recording time interval is provided, the first recording time interval is When it is determined that recording is to be performed by switching from the first storage time interval to the second storage time interval, it is possible to record in detail the image in the middle of the transitional change at the time of the switching.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

Figures 1 to 6 relate to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the recording control memory section in the first embodiment, FIG. 2 is an overall configuration diagram of the image file system, FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the endoscope device, and FIG.
The figure is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the image file controller, FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the processing process in the recording mode of the first embodiment, and FIG. 6 is a time chart showing the processing process according to the first embodiment. The chart diagrams, FIGS. 7 and 8 relate to the second embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of the recording control memory section of the second embodiment, and FIG. 8 is a block diagram of the second embodiment. FIG. 3 is a flowchart diagram showing a processing process in recording mode. 1... Image file system 2... Endoscope device 3... Image file controller 4... Still image file device 10... Electronic scope 16... Image input! !
! i position 18A, 18B...TV monitor 39...data input section 44...CPU 45...
...Memory section 50...Hard disk Figure 3

Claims (1)

[Claims] A designation means for designating a plurality of recording time intervals for input image information, and a designation means for recording a plurality of images at a second recording time interval different from the first recording time interval. storage means for temporarily storing; image analysis means for analyzing the image information inputted in chronological order and outputting an image value; an image file device comprising: recording means for recording the image stored in the storage means by switching to a recording time interval different from the recording time interval of .