JPH05297288A - Endoscope and device using the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To provide an endoscope and a device associate therewith which can generate variable picture angle of an objective optical system according to the object to be observed or the purpose of observing during the observation with endoscope by introducing an arrangement to change over or vary the picture angle into a narrow or a wide. CONSTITUTION:The tip 11 of an endoscope is provided with the first and the second objective optical system 12, 13 to make image formation of the object inspected fed from the tip part and solid photographing elements 5, 6 or solid photographing devices 14, 15 such as CCD which photograph the images formed by the objective systems 12, 13 and turn into electrical signals. That is, this endoscope is provided with two sets of photographing systems. The first and second systems 12, 13 have different picture angles. i.e., picture angle A (=140deg.) and B (=170deg.). The electrical signals emitted by the devices 14, 15 are subjected to the converting process by a video processor, and either picture image 140 or 170deg. is displayed as the endoscopic image on an image monitor 10.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an endoscope and an endoscope apparatus which are inserted into a subject to observe the inside.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, by inserting an elongated insertion portion into a body cavity, the organ inside the body cavity can be observed and, if necessary,
2. Description of the Related Art Optical fiber endoscopes that can perform various therapeutic treatments using a treatment instrument inserted in a treatment instrument channel are widely used.

Boilers, gas turbine engines,
BACKGROUND ART Industrial endoscopes are widely used for observing and inspecting scratches and corrosion inside pipes of chemical plants and the body of automobile engines.

Further, various electronic endoscopes using a solid-state image pickup device such as a charge coupled device (CCD) as an image pickup means are also used.

In the conventional endoscope, the angle of view of the objective optical system is always constant regardless of whether the endoscope is inserted or removed.

[0006]

For example, in endoscopic observation of the lower digestive tract, when the endoscope is inserted, the folds in the large intestine are inserted while being pressed against the intestinal wall, or It was easy to get a red ball because I was inserting it while pulling out the folds at the tip of the endoscope. In addition, when the angle of view becomes wide, even an unnecessary portion can be seen, and especially the moving speed of the intestinal wall around the screen becomes too fast, which makes it rather difficult to insert. See FIG. 2 (a).

[0007] On the other hand, after the technique, the intestinal wall that has been scooped up is in the direction of unraveling, and the inside of the lumen is mainly observed. At this time, the back side of the folds in the intestine cannot be seen well, and there is a risk of overlooking the diseased piece. Therefore, it is required to widen the angle of view after leaving the technique. See FIG. 2 (b).

That is, it is ideal that the objective optical system of the endoscope for the lower digestive tract has a narrow angle upon insertion and a wide angle upon completion of the technique.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances. For example, in endoscopic observation of the lower gastrointestinal tract, the angle of view becomes narrow at the time of insertion and it is easy to insert, and the wide angle at the end of the technique makes the lesion site. It is an object of the present invention to provide an endoscope and an endoscope device in which the angle of view can be changed according to the observation target and the purpose during the observation of the endoscope, such as preventing oversight.

[0010]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an endoscope having at least one objective optical system for forming an image of the subject at a tip of an insertion portion that can be inserted into the subject. Therefore, at least one of the configuration in which the angle of view of the objective optical system is switched to a narrow angle or a wide angle, or the configuration in which the angle of view of the objective optical system is variable between a narrow angle and a wide angle is provided.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, an objective optical system for forming the image of the subject at the tip of an insertion portion that can be inserted into the subject, and an image of the subject formed by the objective optical system are picked up. Then, an endoscope provided with a solid-state image sensor for converting into an electric signal, a processing means for processing the electric signal obtained by the solid-state image sensor into a video signal, and an image signal output by the processing means An endoscope apparatus comprising display means for displaying as a mirror image, wherein the processing means performs processing for varying a display range of the display means with respect to an electric signal output from the solid-state image sensor. It includes a variable processing means and a switching means for switching whether or not the variable processing of the variable processing means is performed.

[0012]

[Operation] With the configuration according to claim 1, during endoscopic examination,
The angle of view of the objective optical system is switched to a narrow angle or a wide angle, or variable according to the observation target or purpose.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, during the endoscopic examination, processing for varying the display range of the display means with respect to the electric signal output from the solid-state image pickup element is performed according to the observation target and the purpose. The display range can be changed by switching between applying and not applying.

[0014]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. 1 to 3 relate to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a distal end of an endoscope insertion portion, FIG. 2 is an explanatory view related to an operation of the present embodiment at the time of inserting and withdrawing an endoscope, FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram of the entire endoscope apparatus.

The endoscope apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 3 includes an endoscope 2 in which only the tip of the insertion portion is shown, light source devices 3 and 4 for supplying illumination light to the endoscope, and the endoscope 2. At the same time as switching of the power supplies supplied to the light source devices 3 and 4 and the video processors 7 and 8 for processing the electric signals output by the solid-state imaging devices 5 and 6 provided at the tip of the
And a monitor 10 for inputting the video signal through the changeover switch unit 9 and displaying an endoscopic image. There is.

The endoscope 2 according to the present invention shown in FIG. 1 is used.
3 is a side sectional view of the tip of FIG. A first objective optical system 12 and a second objective optical system 13, which form an image of a subject (not shown), and the objective optical systems 12 and 13 are connected to the tip portion 11 of the endoscope 2 from the tip side. The solid-state image pickup device 5, 6 such as a CCD for picking up an image and converting it into an electric signal.
Solid-state imaging device 1 including an electric component such as a capacitor and a capacitor
4 and 15 are installed. That is, the endoscope 2 is provided with two sets of imaging systems. The field angles of the first and second objective optical systems 12 and 13 are different from each other, and have a field angle 140 ° indicated by reference symbol A and a field angle 170 ° indicated by reference symbol B, respectively. The electric signals output by the solid-state imaging devices 14 and 15 are converted into standard video signals by the video processors 7 and 8, respectively, and either one of a 140-degree view angle image and a 170-degree view angle image is displayed. Is displayed on the monitor 10 as an endoscopic image.

The distal end portion 11 of the endoscope has an angle of view of 140 ° with respect to each of the objective optical systems 12 and 13.
Optics system 16 for illuminating a camera for a viewing angle of 170 °,
17 is also provided. Light guides 18 and 19 are arranged at the rear ends of the illumination optical systems 16 and 17, respectively. The light guides 18 and 19 are provided inside the endoscope 2, and their incident end portions are connected to the light source devices 3 and 4, respectively. In other words, the endoscope 2 has two illumination systems.
We have a set. The light guide 19 for the angle of view of 170 ° is
It is formed to have a diameter larger than the outer diameter of the light guide 18 for the angle of view of 140 ° so that a large amount of light can be supplied. Therefore, the light source device 4 incorporates a light distribution lamp (not shown) having a larger amount of light than the light source device 3. The illumination optical system 17 is formed so that the illumination light can be supplied to a wider area than the illumination optical system 16. The illumination optical system 16,
Reference numeral 17 illuminates illumination light supplied from the light source devices 3 and 4 toward a subject (not shown).

The illumination system for an angle of view of 170 ° has an angle of view of 140 °
It is brighter than the lighting system for general use and illuminates a wide area. Switching between the two sets of illumination systems is performed by, for example, a changeover switch unit 9 provided in an operation unit (not shown) of the endoscope. The changeover switch unit 9 is for arbitrarily selecting an image with an angle of view of 140 ° and an image with an angle of view of 170 °. The switch unit 9 also switches and selects the illumination system at the same time. It is supposed to be.

With the above construction, the changeover switch unit 9 can arbitrarily select an image with an angle of view of 140 ° and an image with an angle of view of 170 °, and at the same time, the illumination system is switched between an angle of view of 140 ° and an angle of view of 170 °. The illumination light suitable for the image is supplied. Then, the monitor 10 selectively displays one of the image with the angle of view 140 ° and the image with the angle of view 170 ° converted by the video processors 7 and 8 as an endoscopic image.
That is, the monitor 10 can selectively display one of an image with an angle of view of 140 ° and an image with an angle of view of 170 °, that is, an image with a narrow angle or a wide angle.

In this embodiment, for example, when observing the lower digestive tract, as shown in FIG. 2 (a), when inserting the endoscope, the angle of view is set to a narrow angle so that the insertion target can be easily seen and inserted. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 2 (b), after the technique, the wide angle can be set to make it easier to see the surroundings, and oversight such as the back of the folds in the large intestine can be eliminated.

Further, since the 170 ° objective system has a wider angle of view than the 140 ° objective system, the brightness of the lens becomes darker and the range of illumination is widened. Since the illumination system is also switched, it is possible to illuminate a wide range with bright illumination light even when the 170 ° objective system is used. However, for an objective system of 140 °, 170 °
When the illumination system is used to illuminate, the surroundings are too bright and the surrounding image becomes white and unobservable. Therefore, in this embodiment, the switching between the illumination system and the imaging system is performed in conjunction with each other. That is, the changeover switch unit 9 can supply illumination light suitable for each angle of view by switching the image and simultaneously switching the illumination system.

By the way, in the present embodiment, the angle of view of 140 ° and 170 ° is exemplified. In endoscopic observation of the lower digestive tract, the angle of view at the time of insertion is 120 ° to 140 °.
This is because it is ideal that the angle of view of the peripheral observation after the technique is 160 ° or more. The angle of view in the above embodiment is not limited to the above example, and may be set according to the purpose of use.

Next, as a modified example of the first embodiment, one in which the distortion (aberration) of the objective system is taken into consideration will be described. In this variation, the 140 ° objective 12
Does not correct the distortion, that is, the distortion is large. That is, the peripheral portion of the image is strongly compressed in the radial direction. On the other hand, 170 ° objective system 13
Is the one that has been corrected for distortion.
That is, the degree of radial compression of the peripheral portion of the image is small.

The purpose of the 170 ° objective optical system is to observe the peripheral part, but the peripheral part is distorted due to the distortion of the lens, that is, it is compressed in the radial direction, and the peripheral part becomes unsightly. Therefore, I corrected the distortion to make the surroundings look better. On the other hand, the 140 ° objective system only needs to ensure the view of the center at the time of insertion, and it is not necessary to correct the peripheral distortion. Also, since the angle is narrow, the distortion in the surrounding area is not noticeable. In addition, the magnification of the central portion of the image is increased, and the center can be clearly seen. Other configurations and effects are the same as those in the first embodiment, and therefore, illustration and description thereof are omitted.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the objective optical system according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The present embodiment has a configuration in which the objective optical system 13, the solid-state image sensor 6, and the video processor 8 are removed from the endoscope apparatus shown in FIG. Further, the present embodiment is provided with an objective optical system whose zoom can be changed, instead of the objective optical system having the configuration shown in FIG. Other, first
The same configurations and operations as those of the embodiment are similar to those of the first embodiment, and thus the drawings and the description thereof are omitted.

As shown in FIG. 4, the objective optical system of the present embodiment has a first lens group 22 from the subject side (left side in the figure).
A second lens group 23 that can move back and forth in the optical axis direction,
And the lens group 24 of are arranged in order. The second lens group 23 is attached to the lens frame 25 that holds the lens group. One end of a wire 26, the other end of which is fixed to a zoom adjusting ring (not shown) provided in an endoscope operating section (not shown), is fixed to the lens frame 25. The lens frame 25 is biased toward the subject side in the optical axis direction, that is, in the forward direction by a biasing member (not shown). The wire 26 connected to the zoom adjusting ring operates the zoom adjusting ring to operate the wire 26.
By retracting the second lens group 23, the second lens group 23 is retracted, while the wire 26 is relaxed to move the second lens group 23 forward. That is, the second lens group 2
3 is movable back and forth along the optical axis direction.

Further, as in the first embodiment, two sets of wide-angle and narrow-angle illumination systems are installed, and are switched by the changeover switch section 9 of the operation section. The operation of the switch unit 9 is preferably linked to the operation of the zoom adjustment ring. For example, the zoom adjustment ring is a slide type operation lever, and when the operation lever reaches a predetermined position, the switch unit 9 is turned on,
The illumination system may be switched. Alternatively, the light amount of the illumination light may be continuously changed by moving the position of the light distribution lamp of the light source device back and forth according to the movement of the operation lever.

By operating the zoom adjusting ring to move the third lens group back and forth, the angle of view of the objective optical system can be arbitrarily (continuously) changed. The change in the angle of view is, for example, 130 ° to 170 °. Other configurations and effects are the same as those in the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

In each of the above embodiments, the electronic endoscope is described as an example, but an optical fiber endoscope may be used. Also,
Instead of the one imaging system and the one illumination system in the configuration of the first embodiment, a configuration using the imaging system and the illumination system of the second embodiment may be used.

In each of the above embodiments, for example, a narrow field angle type, a wide field angle type, a plurality of objective optical systems or a plurality of objective optical systems are provided at the tip of the lower digestive tract endoscope, or a lens that moves into the optical system is provided. By doing so, the angle of view can be freely selected so that the angle of view of the objective optical system can be freely selected during endoscopic examination. Next, an electric signal output from the solid-state image sensor is processed, that is, a display range is changed by enlargement processing or a mask, which will be described below.

5 and 6 relate to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an objective optical system, and FIG. 6 is a general schematic block diagram of an endoscope apparatus.

FIG. 6 shows an endoscope 27 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention and a video processor 28 which also serves as a light source device.
And a monitor 29. The video processor 28
Has an illumination lamp 28a and a light distribution lens 28b,
The illumination light is emitted from the illumination optical system 27b at the distal end to the subject via the light guide 27a incorporated in the endoscope 27.

An objective optical system 31 and the solid-state image pickup device (CCD) 5 are arranged at the tip portion 30 of the endoscope. The objective optical system 31 has a configuration in which the second lens group 23 is fixed in the optical system shown in FIG. 4, and other configurations are the same as those in FIG. 4, and the same reference numerals are given and description thereof is omitted.

The endoscopic image formed on the CCD surface by the objective optical system 31 is converted into an electric signal and sent to the preprocessing circuit 34 by the transmission cable 33. Here, the electric signal is subjected to signal processing such as γ correction by the process circuit 34, A / D converted by the A / D (analog / digital) converter 35, and stored in the memory 36 as one screen data. To be done. The data is read from the memory 36, and signals are sent to the reduction circuit 37 and the expansion circuit 38.

The video processor 28 has an enlargement control circuit 40 for controlling the enlargement circuit 38 and the like, and a switch 39 as a switching means for switching the operation and non-operation of the enlargement control circuit 40. Set this switch 39 to O
Then, under the control of the enlargement control circuit 40, the enlargement circuit 38 enlarges the image data from the memory 36 and sends these data to the synthesis circuit 41. The enlarged image data is D / A converted by a D / A (digital / analog) converter 42, converted into a standard video signal by the post-process circuit 43, output to the monitor 29, and the enlarged image is displayed. Is displayed.

If the switch 29 is not operated (OFF
In this case, the enlarging control circuit 40 does not operate, and the image data from the memory 36 is reduced by the reducing circuit 37, the synthesizing circuit 41, D /
After passing through the A converter 42 and the post process 43, a non-enlarged regular image is displayed on the monitor 29.

With the above structure, the switch 39 is changed over,
By operating the reduction circuit 37 and the enlargement circuit 38,
The enlarged image and the reduced image can be selectively displayed on the monitor 29.

The ray heights of the enlarged image and the reduced image at this time are the same as those indicated by the symbols C and D in FIG. 5, respectively. The enlarged image becomes lower than the reduced image and the angle of view becomes narrower (ray height D). That is, the enlarged image has a narrow angle of view and the reduced image has a wide angle of view.

In the present embodiment, the narrow angle of view and wide angle of view were obtained by the configuration of the optical system in the first and second examples, but the same effect is obtained by the signal processing of the solid-state image pickup device. ing. The rest of the configuration, functions and effects are the same as those of the second embodiment, and the explanation is omitted.

7 and 8 relate to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is an overall schematic configuration diagram of an endoscope apparatus, and FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a mask range of an endoscopic image. ..

The apparatus according to the fourth embodiment is constructed so that the mask range of the endoscopic image can be selectively changed. As shown in FIG. 7, the video processor 28A includes a mask control circuit 44 connected to the synthesis circuit 41 and a changeover switch 45 connected to the mask control circuit 44. The mask control circuit 44 can change the shape of the mask that covers the displayed endoscopic image in response to a switching instruction from the changeover switch 45. Other configurations and operations similar to those of the third embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

Conventionally, in an endoscopic image on a monitor by an endoscope having a solid-state image sensor, the pixels arranged in a CCD in a substantially square shape are effectively utilized to the maximum extent. Therefore, reference numeral E in FIG. It had an octagonal shape as shown in, or a substantially square shape such as a square. The octagonal mask is effective in increasing the resolution and viewing the affected area in more detail. But,
In order to secure a field of view with a wide field of view such as the field of view of 170 ° that emphasizes peripheral observation, as shown in FIG. 8A, in an octagonal mask on a monitor as in the related art, a wide angle 170 ° lens is used. It is only the diagonal direction F that makes use of the characteristics,
Since the diagonal direction G is the shaded portion, the diagonal direction cannot be seen from the diagonal direction.

Therefore, by changing the mask shape to be electrically processed by the changeover switch 45 as shown in FIG. 8 (b) H or by changing it to the circular shape J, the opposite side,
An image that makes full use of the characteristics of the wide-angle lens of 170 ° on both diagonals.

That is, when it is desired to observe the affected area in detail such as magnified observation, the number of pixels of the CCD is effectively used in FIG.
The shape as indicated by reference sign E in (a) is optimal, and if it is desired to observe the peripheral portion, the angle of view of the wide-field objective optical system as indicated by reference sign H in FIG. The shape is effective.

Thus, in this embodiment, the angle of view of the wide-angle objective optical system is effectively used by changing the shape of the mask. The rest of the configuration, functions and effects are the same as those of the third embodiment, and the explanation is omitted.

The endoscopic apparatus shown in FIGS. 9 to 12 simultaneously displays an ultrasonic image, a video image, (or an X-ray image, etc.) so that the respective stereoscopic relative positions can be immediately recognized. It is a thing. Unlike an ordinary monitor, a monitor 50 for an endoscope apparatus shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B has a plurality of face-plate-shaped monitors such as liquid crystal vision, and monitors an endoscope (video) image. An ultrasonic image monitor 52 (or an X-ray image monitor) is provided to 51 at a three-dimensional angle.

The reflected echo signal received by the ultrasonic transducer 53 provided at the tip 49 of the ultrasonic endoscope is processed by the ultrasonic device 58 as shown in FIG. Displayed as a statue. Further, the reflecting mirror 54 provided at the tip 49 of the ultrasonic endoscope, and the objective optical system 5
The reflected light from the subject 57, which is incident via
The electric signal photoelectrically converted by 56 is the video processor 59.
The signal processing is performed at and is displayed as an endoscopic image on the monitor 51. Reference numeral 62 is a light source device, reference numeral 63 is a light guide, and reference numeral 64 is an illumination optical system.

As shown in FIG. 10, the position of the ultrasonic cross section (or X-ray cross section) can be determined from the video image based on the relative position of the monitor 50 provided at a three-dimensional angle.

The monitor 60 shown in FIG.
In addition to the configuration of 0, a monitor 61 is provided at a three-dimensional angle so that the positions of the ultrasonic cross section and the X-ray cross section can be determined from the video image based on their relative positions.

The endoscopic device 65 shown in FIG.
In the endoscope apparatus of No. 271467, the inside of the drying pipeline is 6
The air flowing through 6 is dry air, and a hygrometer 69 is installed in the first opening 68 on the intake pump 67 side. Reference numeral 70 is an air supply pump, and reference numeral 71 is a second opening.

The endoscope tip 7 of the endoscope device 65 is also used.
As shown in FIG. 14, the end portion of the inside of the drying pipe line 66 is internally provided in the No. 2 and the base 7 is provided at the tip of the drying pipe line 66.
An opening 73a is provided on the side portion of No. 3.

When the dry air is sent to the drying pipeline 66 by the air pump 70, the dry air is sent into the endoscope through the opening 73a of the mouthpiece 73, so that the inside of the endoscope is positively dried. it can. Further, the humidity inside the endoscope can be known by the hygrometer 69.

In the endoscope 80 shown in FIG. 15 (a), a waterproof cap 83 is attached to the side of a connector 82 provided at the end of a universal cable 81. The waterproof cap 83 has a tubular main body 84 and a cap 85 that serves as a cover cap for the main body 84. A partition plate 88 is provided inside the main body 84, and a cap 85 and a partition plate 88 are provided at the center of the partition plate 88.
A female screw portion is provided to which a set screw 86 for stopping the and is screwed. A storage chamber for containing the desiccant 87 is formed between the partition plate 85a and the top plate of the cap 85. A large number of holes are provided on the surface of the partition plate 88.
Fix at 6. The desiccant 87 is covered with a mesh so as not to fall from the holes of the partition plate 88.

In the endoscope, after a series of operations such as floor example, cleaning, sterilization, etc. are completed and until the next day's floor example begins, the waterproof cap 83 is attached and the partition plate 8 is attached.
The desiccant 87 can absorb moisture in the endoscope 80 through the hole of 8.

With this waterproof cap, dehumidification in the endoscope can be performed, and failure due to humidity of electronic components in the endoscope such as a solid-state image sensor can be reduced.

[0056]

EFFECTS OF THE INVENTION According to the present invention, for example, in endoscopic observation of the lower digestive tract, the angle of view becomes narrow at the time of insertion, and it is easy to insert, and it becomes wide at the end of the technique to prevent overlooking the lesion. Thus, there is an effect that the angle of view can be changed according to the observation target and purpose during the endoscopic observation.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a distal end of an endoscope insertion portion according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram related to the operation of the present embodiment when inserting and removing the endoscope.

FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram of the entire endoscope apparatus.

FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram of an objective optical system according to a second example.

FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram of an objective optical system.

FIG. 6 is an overall schematic configuration diagram of an endoscope apparatus.

FIG. 7 is an overall schematic configuration diagram of an endoscope apparatus according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a mask range of an endoscopic image.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an observation state inside a body cavity of an ultrasonic endoscope.

FIG. 10 is an external view of a monitor that simultaneously displays an ultrasonic image and an endoscopic image.

FIG. 11 is an external view of a monitor that simultaneously displays images of ultrasonic waves, X-rays, and an endoscope.

12 is a schematic configuration diagram of an endoscope apparatus having the monitor shown in FIG.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of an endoscope device having a dry air supply function.

14 is a side sectional view of the distal end portion of the endoscope shown in FIG.

FIG. 15 is an external view of an endoscope having a waterproof cap, and a detailed view of the waterproof cap.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Endoscope device 2 ... Endoscope 11 ... Tip part 3, 4 ... Light source device 5, 6 ... Solid-state image sensor 7, 8 ... Video processor 9 ... Changeover switch part 10 ... Monitor 12, 13 ... Objective optical system 16 , 17 ... Illumination optical system 18, 19 ... Light guide

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. An endoscope having at least one objective optical system for forming an image of the subject at a tip of an insertion portion that can be inserted into the subject, wherein an angle of view of the objective optical system is a narrow angle or a wide angle. An endoscope characterized by comprising at least one of a configuration for switching to, and a configuration for varying the angle of view of the objective optical system between a narrow angle and a wide angle. 2. An objective optical system for forming the image of the subject at the tip of an insertion portion that can be inserted into the subject, and the subject image formed by the objective optical system is captured and converted into an electrical signal. An endoscope provided with a solid-state image sensor, and processing means for processing an electric signal obtained by the solid-state image sensor into a video signal,
An endoscope apparatus comprising: a display unit that displays a video signal output by the processing unit as an endoscopic image, wherein the processing unit displays the electric signal output by the solid-state imaging device. The endoscope apparatus includes: a variable processing unit that performs a process of changing the display range of 1. and a switching unit that switches whether or not the variable process of the variable processing unit is performed.