JPH03242133A - Endoscope device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To obtain the image of a wavelength area required for an invisible optical image or a living body function image without scarcely lowering the number of picture elements for video by providing a light quantity adjusting means for executing the modulation of the incident light quantity of a white light on a filter means compared with the time of photographing a regular white light image, at the time of photographing the function information image. CONSTITUTION:This device is provided with a filter means 34 having a transmission area to an incident light and plural filter areas for selecting a monochromatic light of each different wavelength from an incident white light and allowing it to be transmitted. Subsequently, at the time of photographing a function information image, the incident light quantity of the white light to a filter means 23 is modulated with a light quantity adjusting means compared with the time of photographing a regular white light image. In such a manner, living body function information, for instance, under-mucous membrane information, etc., which are difficult to obtain by a usual color image can be obtained easily, and also, the illumination light quantity of the usual image and a living body function information image can be controlled and both of them can be exposed correctly.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Industrial Field of Application] The present invention relates to an endoscope device capable of capturing normal white light images and functional information images easily under monochromatic light illumination.

[Prior art] In recent years, by inserting an elongated insertion section into a living body cavity or a cavity of a mechanical component, etc., it is possible to observe internal organs, etc., and to insert it into a treatment instrument channel as necessary. Endoscopes that can perform various therapeutic procedures using treatment instruments are widely used.

Furthermore, various electronic endoscopes using solid-state imaging devices such as charge-coupled devices (CCDs) as imaging means have been proposed.

By the way, using the electronic endoscope, the object to be observed is
When distinguishing between affected areas and normal areas in vivo, it is necessary to detect (recognize) subtle differences in color tone.

However, when the change in color tone of the observed area is subtle, detecting this subtle difference requires advanced knowledge and experience, requires a long time to detect, and is difficult to detect. It was difficult for him to always make the right decisions even when he concentrated his will power.

To deal with this, conventionally, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 56-303
As shown in Publication No. 3, by taking advantage of the specificity of living organisms in the infrared region, for example, the change in color tone is large in the infrared region, the front surface of the solid-state image sensor is A color separation filter was installed, making it possible to detect lesions that were difficult to detect using only visible light.

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] However, in the conventional example, since the focus is on changes in the infrared light region of the living body, it is difficult to observe images in the visible light region that correspond to the naked eye.

Furthermore, when a color separation filter in the visible light region is combined with a filter in the infrared light region, there is a problem that the number of pixels in each of the visible light region image and the infrared light region image decreases, that is, the resolution decreases. In addition, in the field sequential method in which color images are obtained by injecting light in different wavelength ranges over time, if a large number of filters are provided from the visible light range to the infrared light range, the aperture ratio of each will decrease, resulting in a decrease in the amount of light. There is a problem that the sensitivity decreases as a result.

If the amount of light is increased to compensate for the decrease in the amount of light, there will be a significant difference in the output signals from the image sensor for the white light image and the monochromatic light image that are taken at the same time, resulting in inappropriate exposure. .

[Purpose of the Invention] The present invention has been made in view of these circumstances, and allows normal observation to be visualized using a simultaneous electronic endoscope, while also making it possible to visualize the image with almost no reduction in the number of pixels for imaging. It is possible to obtain images in the wavelength range required for non-visible light images or biological function images without using special 4, TI inputs, and as a result, it is possible to obtain information on the mucous membrane, etc. that is difficult to obtain with normal color images. The purpose of the present invention is to provide an endoscope device that can easily obtain biological function information and that can adjust the amount of illumination light for a normal image and a biological function information image to properly expose both images. .

[Means for Solving the Problems] The present invention is an endoscope device capable of photographing a normal white light image and a functional information image of a subject, and capable of photographing a white light image simultaneously with the functional information image. , a filter means having a transmission region for incident light and a plurality of filter regions for transmitting monochromatic light of different wavelengths selected from the incident white light, and an amount of white light incident on the filter means when capturing a functional information image; Light modulation compared to normal white light when taking images! i adjustment means.

[Function] With this configuration, the amount of light incident on the filter means is adjusted to the amount of light appropriate for each exposure when photographing a white light image and when photographing functional information.

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

FIGS. 1 to 7 relate to the first embodiment of the present invention.
The figure is a block diagram showing the configuration of the electronic endoscope device, FIG. 2 is a side view showing the entire electronic endoscope device, FIG. Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the spectral transmission characteristics of a color separation filter.
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of spectral transmission characteristics of a color separation filter, FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a rotating filter, and FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing spectral transmission characteristics of a rotating filter.

As shown in FIG. 2, the electronic endoscope 1 includes an elongated, for example, flexible insertion section 2, and a large-diameter operation section 3 is connected to the rear end of the insertion section 2. A flexible universal cord 4 extends laterally from the rear end of the operating section 3, and a connector 5 is provided at the tip of the universal cord 4. This connector 5 is connected to a connector receiver 8 of a video processor 6 in which a light source device and a signal processing circuit are built-in. Further, the video processor 6
A color monitor 7 as a display means is connected to the .

On the distal end side of the insertion section 2, a rigid distal end section 9 and a bendable section 10 adjacent to the distal end section 9 and capable of bending toward the rear side are sequentially provided. Further, the operating section 3 is provided with a bending operation knob 11, and by rotating the bending operation knob 11, the bending section 10 can be bent in the vertical/horizontal direction. Further, the operation section 3 includes:
An insertion port 12 is provided that communicates with a treatment instrument channel provided within the insertion portion 2 .

The tip portion 9 is provided with an imaging optical system 2 consisting of an objective lens, etc.
1 is provided at the imaging position of this imaging optical system 21.
A solid-state image sensor 22 is provided as an imaging means.

A color separation filter 23 as a first wavelength region separation means is provided on the front surface of the solid-state image sensor 22. The color separation filter 23 is, for example, a mosaic arrangement of color filters that transmit cyan (Cy), green (G), and yellow (Ye) color light, as shown in FIG.
In this embodiment, each of the color filters of the color separation filter 23 is cyan (Cy), cyan (Cy),
It has a spectral transmission characteristic that transmits green (G), yellow (Ye) color light, and also transmits light in the infrared wavelength region. Note that the color separation filter 23 is not limited to the one shown in FIGS. 3 and 4; for example, as shown in FIG. It is also possible to arrange color filters in a mosaic shape or the like, which transmit each color light (B) and also transmit light in the infrared wavelength region.

Furthermore, the solid-state image sensor 22 has sensitivity in a wavelength range from the visible light region to the infrared light region. The solid-state image sensor 22
is connected to the video signal processing circuit in the video processor 6 via a signal line inserted into the insertion portion 2 and the universal cord 4 and connected to the connector 5.

Furthermore, inside the insertion section 2 and the universal cord 4,
A light guide 24 is inserted. The distal end surface of the light guide 24 is disposed at the distal end of the distal end portion 9, and the proximal end portion is connected to the connector 8. Illumination light from the light source device in the video processor 6 enters the incident end surface of the proximal end of the light guide 24, is guided by the light guide 24 to the distal end 9, and is emitted from the distal end surface, The object to be observed 25 is irradiated with the light.

The light source device in the video processor 6 is connected to a power supply circuit 30.
The lamp 31 is supplied with electric power by a lamp 31 and emits light in a wavelength range from the visible light range to the infrared light range for observation. An infrared cut filter 32 is provided between the lamp 31 and the incident end face of the light guide 24, which transmits only wavelengths in the visible light range among the emission wavelengths of the lamp 31 and absorbs or reflects wavelengths in the infrared light range. , a rotary filter 3 as a second wavelength region separation means rotationally driven by a motor 33.
4, an aperture 35 for adjusting the amount of light in the optical path, and a lens 36 for condensing the light and making it enter the incident end surface of the light I guide 24 are arranged in this order.

As shown in FIG. 7, the rotating filter 34 has wavelength regions IR1 and IR2 which are divided into three infrared light regions.

Filters 34a and 34b that transmit IR3 light.

34c are arranged in the rotational direction as shown in FIG.

Further, the infrared cut filter 32 is inserted into and removed from the illumination optical path by an infrared cut filter driving device 38, and the rotating filter 34 is inserted into and removed from the illumination optical path by a rotary filter moving device 39. It has become so. Further, the motor 33 has a motor driver 4
0. Further, the aperture 35 is controlled by an exposure control circuit 41.

On the other hand, the solid-state image sensor 22 is driven by a driver circuit 42 provided in the video processor 6 to photoelectrically convert the image of the object to be observed. The output signal of the solid-state image sensor 22 is amplified by a preamplifier 43 and then input to a process circuit 44 provided within the video processor 6. This process circuit 44 applies, for example, the output signal of the solid-state image sensor 22 to
Signal processing such as white balance correction, γ correction, and matrix correction is performed, and the signal is converted into a general video signal and output. Further, in this embodiment, the process circuit 44 has two methods: a simultaneous method in which the color separation filter 23 separates the object to be observed, and a frame sequential method in which the rotary filter 34 separates the object in color. It is now possible to perform corresponding signal processing.

The video signal from this process circuit 1144 is input to a color monitor, and the image of the object to be observed is displayed in color by this color monitor.

Further, a synchronization circuit 46 is provided which generates a synchronization signal for the readout and transfer timing of the solid-state image sensor 22 by the driver circuit 42 and for the entire system. controlled.

Further, switching between the two methods is performed by a switching circuit 45. This switching circuit 4
5 includes the infrared cut filter driving device 381, three rotary filter moving devices, and an exposure control circuit 41. Process circuit 4
4 and a synchronization circuit 46. When using the simultaneous method, the infrared cut filter 3
2 is interposed in the illumination optical path, the rotary filter 34 is retracted from the illumination optical path, the diaphragm 35 is controlled to achieve proper exposure, and the driver circuit 42 and process circuit 44 are made compatible with the simultaneous system. On the other hand, when using the field sequential method, the infrared filter 32 is retracted from the illumination optical path, a rotating filter 34 is inserted in the illumination optical path, the aperture 35 is controlled to achieve proper exposure, and the driver times FI@4
2 and the process circuit 44 are made compatible with the field sequential method. In this case, the wavelength range TRI, IT'(2, TR3, which is divided into three by the rotating filter 34, for example,
B.

Each color of GR is assigned, and the image of the object to be observed in the infrared light region is displayed in pseudo color.

Next, the operation of this embodiment with the above configuration will be explained.

First, when observing an object image in the visible light range, the simultaneous method is selected by the switching circuit 45, the infrared cut filter 32 is inserted in the illumination optical path, and the rotating filter 34 is retracted from the illumination optical path. be done. With the power supplied from the power supply circuit 30, light in a wavelength range from the visible light range to the infrared light range is emitted from the lamp 31, and this light is cut into wavelengths in the infrared light range by the infrared cut filter 32. The infrared cut filter 32 transmits only the light in the visible light range. The light that has passed through the infrared cut filter 32 enters the diaphragm 35 without passing through the rotating filter 34 that is retracted out of the optical path. The light is focused by the lens 36 and enters the light guide 24 . This illumination light is transmitted to the light guide 3 of the distal end 9 of the electronic endoscope 1 inserted into the body cavity.
4 is emitted from the tip surface and irradiated onto the object 25 to be observed.

The light reflected by the illumination light from the object to be observed 25, for example, the surface of the mucous membrane, is transmitted to the imaging optical system 21. By color separation filter 2
After passing through 3, an image is formed on the solid-state image sensor 22. Note that the color separation filter 23 has -shell-like Cy, G, Y
In addition to separating colors into e.g., it has sufficient transmission characteristics in the infrared light region, and since the solid-state image sensor 22 is sensitive not only to visible light but also to the infrared light region, accurate color separation is possible. In order to perform reproduction, an infrared cut filter 32 is provided on the light source side. Further, although not shown, an infrared cut filter may be provided in front of the solid-state image sensor in a removable manner. , which is photoelectrically converted into an electric signal according to its color tone and brightness. In other words, the synchronous circuit 46 generates a synchronous signal corresponding to the simultaneous method according to the switching signal of the switching circuit 45. The driver circuit 42 repeats each read and transfer operation corresponding to the simultaneous method. The solid-state image sensor 2
The video signal photoelectrically converted by 2 is sent to a preamplifier 43.
The signal is amplified and input to the process circuit 44. and,
This process circuit 44 performs simultaneous signal processing in accordance with the configuration of the color separation filter 23 and the readout mode.
-i is converted into a video signal that can be viewed on the color monitor 7 and output.

Then, the image of the object to be observed in the visible light range is displayed on the color monitor.

On the other hand, when observing an object image in the infrared light region, the frame sequential method is selected by the switching circuit B45, the infrared cut filter 32 is retracted from the illumination optical path, and the rotating filter 34 is moved into the illumination optical path. Intervened. The lamp 31 emits light in a wavelength range from the visible light range to the infrared light range,
This light enters the rotating filter 34 without passing through the infrared cut filter 32. And this rotating filter 3
4, the light is sequentially converted into light in the IRI, In2, and In2 wavelength ranges. Then, the light enters the aperture 35, and after the amount of light is adjusted by the aperture 35 to obtain proper exposure,
The light is focused by the lens 36 and enters the light guide 24 . Note that the exposure control circuit 41 switches the diaphragm 35 in advance when a switching signal from the switching circuit 45 is input to prevent the diaphragm 35 from making unnecessary movements when the rotary filter 34 is inserted or removed from the optical path. Control.

The illumination light in the wavelength range of IRI, In2, and In2 is emitted from the tip surface of the light guide 34 and is directed toward the object to be observed 25.
are irradiated in chronological order. Object 2 to be observed by this illumination light
The reflected light from 5 is imaged by an imaging optical system 21 on a solid-state image sensor 22 after passing through a color separation filter 23 . Here, each color filter of the color separation filter 23 is
Each has sufficient transmission characteristics in the infrared light region, and the rotating filter 34 separates colors in time series in the infrared light region, so the color separation filter 23 does not function as a color separation filter. No, therefore, solid-state image sensor 2
2, optical images illuminated with time-series color-separated light by a rotating filter 34 are sequentially formed.

In response to the switching signal from the switching circuit 45, the synchronization circuit 46 generates a synchronization signal compatible with the frame sequential method, and at the timing of the synchronization circuit 46, the driver circuit 42 reads out and transfers the solid-state image sensor 22 compatible with the field sequential method. The video signal from the solid-state image sensor 22 is amplified by a preamplifier 43 and input to a process circuit 44 . In this process circuit 44, IRl is read out in time series.
.

After adjusting the level of each signal corresponding to TR2 and In2, for example, B is applied to IRl, In2, and In2.

Assign G and R colors, combine them, and use a general color monitor 7.
convert it into an observable video signal and output it. and,
On the color monitor 7, an image of the object to be observed in the infrared light region is displayed in pseudo color.

As described above, according to this embodiment, the object to be observed can be observed in the visible light region and the infrared light region, so when observing the inside of a living body's body cavity, changes in the unevenness of the biological mucous membrane surface due to the visible light region and In addition to general endoscopic observation using different color tones, the infrared light range makes it possible to observe the state of submucosal blood vessels and the extent of invasion of lesions, which was impossible to detect in the visible light range. Become.

Furthermore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to perform two types of 11 observations with different observation wavelength regions, and a color separation filter provided in front of the solid-state image sensor is used for visible colors.

Compared to the case where a dedicated filter for infrared colors is provided, the resolution does not deteriorate.

Also for rotating filters, as well as for visible colors.

Compared to the case where an infrared color filter is provided, the aperture ratio does not change, so there is no decrease in sensitivity.

Furthermore, by making the color separation filter provided in front of the solid-state image sensor of the electronic endoscope for visible color observation have a transmission characteristic that also transmits infrared light, like the color separation filter 23 used in this example. By combining an electronic endoscope that can be used with a general light source that uses an infrared cut filter with the system of this embodiment, that is, by connecting it to the video processor 6 of this embodiment, a general It becomes possible to observe visible color images and color images in the infrared light region.

Note that the color separation filters 23 are each IRI.

In2. Color filters that transmit each infrared wavelength region of In2 and also transmit visible light are arranged in a mosaic shape, etc., and the rotating filter 34 transmits visible light such as R, G, and B. By using separate filters, a color image in the infrared light region may be obtained in a simultaneous method, and a color image in the visible light region may be obtained in a frame sequential method. Note that when obtaining a color image in the infrared light region using the simultaneous method, the visible light region of the illumination light is cut off using a visible cut filter.

In addition, the illumination by infrared light is not limited to the light guide 24 inserted into the body cavity, and the living body may be illuminated from outside the body. According to this transmitted illumination, epi-illumination from inside the body cavity Since the reflection on the mucosal surface is suppressed compared to the conventional method, it is possible to more clearly observe the course of submucosal blood vessels and the infiltration range of lesions.

8 to 11 relate to a second embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an electronic endoscope device, FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing spectral transmission characteristics of a color separation filter, 10th
The figure is an explanatory diagram showing a rotating filter, and FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing the spectral transmission characteristics of the rotating filter.

In this embodiment, instead of the lamp 31 in the first embodiment, a lamp 51 that emits light in a wavelength range from the ultraviolet light range to the visible light range is provided, and instead of the infrared cut filter 32, An ultraviolet cut filter 52 is provided to cut out wavelengths of . Moreover, instead of the color separation filter 23, as shown in FIG. 9, a filter 53 is provided which separates the colors into Cy, G, and Ye and has sufficient transmission characteristics in the ultraviolet light region. Also, rotating filter 3
4, as shown in FIG. 11, filters 54a, 54b, and 54C that transmit light in wavelength ranges UV1, UV2, and UV3, which are obtained by dividing the ultraviolet light region into three, are used, as shown in FIG. Rotary filters 54 arranged in a row are provided.

Further, the solid-state image sensor 22 of this embodiment has sensitivity in a wavelength range from the visible light region to the ultraviolet light region.

The other configurations are the same as in the first embodiment.

In this embodiment, when observing an object image in the visible light range, the simultaneous method is selected by the switching circuit i45, the ultraviolet cut filter 52 is inserted in the illumination optical path, and the rotating filter 54 is Meikoji was evacuated.

With the power supplied from the power supply circuit 30, light in a wavelength range from the visible light range to the ultraviolet light range is emitted from the lamp 51, and the wavelength of this light in the ultraviolet light range is cut by the ultraviolet cut filter 52. The light does not pass through the rotating filter 54 which is retracted out of the optical path, and enters the diaphragm 35. After adjusting the amount of light to obtain proper exposure by the diaphragm 35, the light is condensed by the lens 36 and enters the light guide 24. do. This illumination light is emitted from the distal end surface of the light guide 34 of the distal end portion 9 of the electronic endoscope 1 inserted into the body cavity, and is irradiated onto the object 25 to be observed.

The light reflected by the illumination light from the object to be observed 25, for example, the mucous membrane surface, is passed through the color separation filter 53 by the imaging optical system 21.
After passing through, an image is formed on the solid-state image sensor 7-22. Since the illumination light is visible light, the color separation filter 53
It functions as a color separation filter that separates colors into Cy, G, and Ye. The color-separated optical image is photoelectrically converted by the solid-state image sensor 22 and read out as an image signal by the driver circuit 42 at a timing synchronized with the synchronization circuit 46. The read signal is amplified by a preamplifier 43, then subjected to simultaneous signal processing by a process circuit 44, converted into a general video signal, and output. Then, as in the first embodiment, the image of the object to be observed in the visible light range is displayed in color on the color monitor 7.

On the other hand, when observing an object image in the ultraviolet light range, the switching circuit 45 selects the frame sequential method, the ultraviolet cut filter 52 is retracted from the illumination optical path, and the rotating filter 54 is inserted in the illumination optical path. be done. The lamp 51 emits light in a wavelength range from the visible light range to the ultraviolet light range,
This light enters the rotating filter 54 without passing through the ultraviolet cut filter 52. And this rotating filter 5
4, the light is sequentially converted into light in the UV1, UV2, and UV3 wavelength ranges. The light then enters the diaphragm 35 and is adjusted in quantity by the diaphragm 35 to achieve proper exposure.Then, the light is focused by the lens 36 and enters the light guide 24. The exposure control circuit 41 switches the diaphragm 35 in advance when a switching signal from the switching circuit 45 is input to prevent the diaphragm 35 from making unnecessary movements when the rotary filter 54 is inserted or removed from the optical path. Control.

The illumination light in the UV1□UV2, IJV3 wavelength range is emitted from the tip surface of the light guide 34 and is directed toward the object to be observed 25.
are irradiated in chronological order. Object 2 to be observed by this illumination light
The reflected light from 5 is imaged by the imaging optical system 21 on the solid-state image sensor 22 after passing through the color separation filter 53 . Here, each color filter of the color separation filter 53 is
Each has sufficient transmission characteristics in the ultraviolet light range, and since the rotating filter 54 separates colors in time series in the ultraviolet light range, the color separation filter 53 does not function as a color separation filter. Therefore, the solid-state image sensor 2
2, optical images illuminated with time-series color-separated light by a rotating filter 54 are sequentially formed.

In response to the switching signal from the switching circuit 45, the synchronization circuit 46 generates a synchronization signal compatible with the field sequential system, and at the timing synchronized with this synchronization circuit 46, the driver circuit 42
The solid-state image sensor 22 compatible with the frame-sequential method is read out, and the video signal of the solid-state image sensor 22 is amplified by a preamplifier 43 and input to a process circuit 44 . In this process circuit 44, tJV is read out in time series.
l.

For example, B and GR colors are assigned to each signal corresponding to UV2 and UV3, and the signals are combined and converted into a video signal that can be viewed on a general color monitor 7 and output.

Then, the image of the object to be observed in the ultraviolet light range is displayed in pseudo color on the color monitor 7.

As described above, according to this embodiment, the object to be observed can be observed in the visible light region and the ultraviolet light region, so general color images in the visible light region and ultraviolet light that can observe minute irregularities on the surface of the mucous membrane can be obtained. As in the first embodiment, it becomes possible to switch and observe the color images of the area without reducing the resolution and sensitivity.

Other functions and effects are similar to those of the first embodiment.

12 to 17 relate to the third embodiment of the present invention,
FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the electronic endoscope device, FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing the spectral transmission characteristics of the color separation filter,
Fig. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing a rotating filter, Fig. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing the scattered reflection spectra of blood due to differences in oxygen saturation of hemoglobin, and Fig. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing the spectral transmission characteristics of the rotating filter. FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the spectral transmission characteristics of the rotating filter.

In this embodiment, instead of the color separation filter 23, the 13th
As shown in the figure, a filter 63 for color separation into Cy, G, and Ye is provided. Moreover, instead of the rotating filter 34, as shown in FIG. 16, filters 64a, 64b, and 64c that transmit light in wavelength regions G1, G2, and G3, which are obtained by dividing the green light region into three, are used as shown in FIG. To,
Rotary filters 64 arranged in the rotational direction are provided. Further, the filter drive device 38 is not provided, and the infrared cut filter 32 of this embodiment is always interposed in the illumination optical path.

By the way, as shown in FIG. 15, for example, 0°0.5
Hemoglobin oxygen saturation of 0.0,98.5 (%) (
Ratio of oxygenated hemoglobin to total hemoglobin:
The scattered reflection (absorption) spectrum of blood with so2) changes as shown in FIG. 15 as S02 changes. That is, as S02 decreases, the pattern changes from bimodal oxidized hemoglobin to monomodal deoxyhemoglobin with isosbestic points at 569 nm, 586 nm, etc. Each filter 64a of the rotary filter 64,
64b and 64c are respectively as shown in FIG.
In the wavelength region where the absorbance of blood changes significantly, light of 01, G2, and G3 is transmitted from the short wavelength region side.

The other configurations are the same as in the first embodiment.

In this embodiment, when observing an object image in the visible light range, the switching circuit 45 selects the simultaneous method, and the rotating filter 64 is retracted from the illumination optical path. The light emitted from the lamp 31 has wavelengths in the infrared region cut by the infrared cut filter 32, and enters the aperture 35 without passing through the rotating filter 64, which is retracted out of the optical path. After adjusting the amount of light to obtain proper exposure, the light is focused by the lens 36 and sent to the light guide 2.
4. This illumination light is emitted from the distal end surface of the light guide 34 of the distal end portion 9 of the electronic endoscope 1 inserted into the body cavity, and is irradiated onto the object 25 to be observed.

The light reflected by the illumination light from the object to be observed 25, for example, the mucous membrane surface, is passed through the color separation filter 63 by the imaging optical system 21.
After passing through, an image is formed on the solid-state image sensor 22. The optical image color-separated into Cy, G, and Ye by the color separation filter 63 is photoelectrically converted by the solid-state image sensor 22, and read out as an image signal by the driver circuit 42 at the same timing as the synchronization circuit 46. The read signal is amplified by a preamplifier 43, then subjected to simultaneous signal processing by a process circuit 44, converted into a general video signal, and output. Then, as in the first embodiment, the image of the object to be observed in the visible light range is displayed in color on the color monitor 7.

On the other hand, when the switching circuit 45 selects the frame sequential method, a rotating filter 64 is interposed in the illumination optical path. The light from the lamp 3 passes through the infrared cut filter 32 and enters the rotating filter 64.

Then, by this rotating filter 64, G1,
The light is converted into light in the G2 and G3 wavelength ranges. And aperture 3
5, the light is adjusted by this diaphragm 35 to achieve proper exposure, and then condensed by a lens 36.
The light enters the light guide 24.

It should be noted that the exposure control circuit 41 controls the switching times i? to prevent the diaphragm 35 from making unnecessary movements when the rotary filter 64 is inserted into and removed from the optical path. The aperture 35 is controlled when the switching signal from 845 is input manually.

The illumination light in the wavelength ranges G1, G2, and G3 is emitted from the tip of the light guide 34 and is irradiated onto the object to be observed 25 in time series. By this illumination light, SO
2, the image whose reflection characteristics have changed is transmitted through the color separation filter 63 by the imaging optical system 21, and then imaged onto the solid-state image sensor 22'. Here, when each color filter of the color separation filter 63 is a complementary color type as shown in FIG. The signals are read out in chronological order.

In response to the switching signal from the switching circuit 45, the synchronization circuit 46 generates a synchronization signal compatible with the field sequential system, and at the timing synchronized with this synchronization circuit 46, the driver circuit 42
The solid-state image sensor 22 compatible with the frame-sequential method is read out, and the video signal of the solid-state image sensor 22 is amplified by a preamplifier 43 and input to a process circuit 44 . In this process circuit 44, G1.
For example, each color of B, G, and R is assigned to each signal corresponding to G2 and G3 and combined, converted into a video signal that can be viewed on a general color monitor 7, and output. Then, on the color monitor 7, an image of the object to be observed in a wavelength region where the change in absorbance of blood is large is displayed in pseudo color. That is, changes in blood oxygen saturation are observed as changes in color tone.

As described above, according to this embodiment, it is possible to observe morphological changes and color tone changes in the mucous membrane using general color images in the visible light range, and the oxygen saturation of the blood on the mucous membrane can be visualized with high resolution. Observable.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 17, each color filter of the rotating filter is provided with a filter that transmits wavelength ranges Go and RO in which the spectral characteristics of absorbance do not change or have little change with changes in blood oxygen saturation. By visualizing the difference between the wavelength ranges Go and R0 where there is no or little change in spectral characteristics, it is possible to visualize the blood volume on the mucosal surface, and it is possible to visualize the amount of blood on the mucosal surface, and to determine the active stage, healing stage, and It becomes possible to diagnose the scar stage. In addition, the wavelength range Go, R
The image of the object to be observed O can be obtained from the pixel corresponding to Ye when a color separation filter 63 having characteristics as shown in FIG. 13 is used, for example.

18 to 20 relate to the fourth embodiment of the present invention,
Fig. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing the scattered reflection spectra of blood due to differences in oxygen saturation of hemoglobin, Fig. 19 is an explanatory diagram showing the spectral transmission characteristics of a rotating filter, and Fig. 20 is an explanatory diagram showing other spectral transmission characteristics of the rotating filter. It is an explanatory diagram showing an example.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 18, each color filter of the rotating filter 64 of the third embodiment is adjusted according to the change in spectral characteristics accompanying the change in S02 from the visible long wavelength side to the near-infrared region. In the wavelength region with large changes, R1 and R2 from the short wavelength region side.

This is a filter that transmits the light of R3.

As the color separation filter, for example, a color separation filter 23 as shown in FIG. 4 which also transmits infrared light is used.

Then, the images of the objects to be observed R1, R2, and R3 can be obtained from the pixels corresponding to Ye.

Other functions and effects of Structure 2 are similar to those of the third embodiment.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 20, each filter of the rotating filter is provided with a filter that transmits wavelength ranges R1 and R3 in which the spectral characteristics of absorbance do not change or change little with changes in blood oxygen saturation. By imaging the difference between the wavelength ranges R1 and R3 where there is no or little change in spectral characteristics, it is possible to visualize the blood volume on the mucosal surface, and it is possible to visualize the amount of blood on the mucosal surface, and it is possible to visualize the ulcer active phase, healing phase, and Diagnosis of the epithelial stage becomes possible.

It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments. For example, a color image in the infrared light region, an ultraviolet light region, etc. can be obtained in a simultaneous method, and a color image in the visible light region can be obtained in a frame sequential method. In this case, each color filter of the rotating filter may be a primary color system or a complementary color system.

In addition, as each color filter of the color separation filter, we use filters that transmit Cy, G, Ye, etc. in the visible light range, and also have transmission characteristics in the infrared light range and ultraviolet light range, so that they can be inserted and removed from the illumination optical path. Alternatively, a rotary filter that color-separates the infrared light region and a rotary filter that color-separates the ultraviolet light region may be provided so that the visible light region, infrared light region, and ultraviolet light region can be selectively observed.

Note that the imaging means is not limited to the solid-state imaging device installed at the tip of the endoscope, but can also be used in the solid-state imaging device installed in the operating section, in the eyepiece of a fiberscope, or replaceable with the eyepiece. It may also be a television camera or the like installed as a camera.

[Effects of the Invention] As explained above, according to the present invention, ordinary observation can be visualized using a simultaneous electronic endoscope, and non-visible light images can be created without substantially reducing the number of pixels for imaging. Alternatively, it is possible to obtain images in the wavelength range required for biological function images without using a special insertion part, and as a result, it is possible to easily obtain biological function information such as information on mucous membranes that is difficult to obtain with normal color images. Furthermore, the amount of illumination light for the normal image and the biological function information image can be adjusted, and the exposure of both images can be made appropriate.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIGS. 1 to 7 relate to the first embodiment of the present invention.
The figure is a block diagram showing the configuration of the electronic endoscope device, FIG. 2 is a side view showing the entire electronic endoscope device, FIG. Figure 4 is a representation diagram showing an example of the spectral transmission characteristics of a color separation filter.
The figures are explanatory diagrams showing other examples of spectral transmission characteristics of color separation filters, FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a rotating filter, FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing spectral transmission characteristics of a rotating filter, and FIGS. 8 to 11 The figures relate to a second embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an electronic endoscope device; FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the spectral transmission characteristics of a color separation filter; and FIG. 10 is a rotating filter. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing the spectral transmission characteristics of the rotating filter, and FIGS. 12 to 17 relate to the third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. A block diagram showing the configuration, Figure 13 is an explanatory diagram showing the spectral transmission characteristics of the color separation filter, Figure 14 is a representation diagram showing the rotating filter, and Figure 15 is the scattered reflection spectrum of blood due to differences in oxygen saturation of hemoglobin. FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing the spectral transmission characteristics of the rotating filter, FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing other examples of the spectral transmission characteristics of the rotating filter, and FIG.
Figures 20 to 20 relate to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, and the 18th embodiment
The figure is an explanatory diagram showing the scattered reflection spectra of blood due to differences in oxygen saturation of hemoglobin, Figure 19 is an explanatory diagram showing the spectral transmission characteristics of a rotating filter, and Figure 20 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the spectral transmission characteristics of a rotating filter. FIG. 1... Electronic endoscope 22... Solid-state image sensor 2
3... Color separation filter 31... Lamp 32...
Infrared cut filter 34... Rotating filter 42... Driver circuit 4
4... Process circuit 45... Switching circuit box 3
0 23 Ri layer fear (nm) Ta skin) distribution (nm) Fig. 9 Σ 2 de ( 111 + 1 640 Fig. 15 Evening layer fear (nm) Fig. 16 Thy fear (nm) Ponashi (nm) Vgi W custom @bud 2 ririlids 2

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] An endoscope device capable of photographing a normal white light image and a functional information image of a subject, and capable of photographing a white light image at the same time as the functional information image, comprising: a transmission area for incident light; a filter means having a plurality of filter regions that select and transmit monochromatic light of different wavelengths from incident white light; and a function information image capturing method; 1. An endoscope apparatus comprising a light amount adjusting means for performing comparison and modulation.