JPH0642866B2 - Endoscope device - Google Patents

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to an endoscope capable of performing treatment inside a body cavity while observing the inside of the body cavity with an endoscope, for example.

[Prior Art] In recent years, it has become widespread to observe the inside of a body cavity through a monitor screen of a television using an endoscope or the like having a solid-state imaging device such as a CCD or a MOS built therein. For example, when observing the inside of a body cavity using the endoscope, an image based on an image signal in the body cavity captured by a solid-state imaging device built in the distal end portion of the endoscope is external to the endoscope. Is displayed on the monitor TV connected to. Usually, this image is a real-time image, that is, a moving image, so that the movement in the body cavity can be seen.

If the user tries to stop the real-time image displayed on the monitor TV and observe it, the image inside the body cavity is frozen in order to obtain a still image on the monitor TV. Then, after confirming the inside of the body cavity or the necessity / non-necessity of photographing on the monitor screen by the still image at the time of the freeze, the operation in real time is performed.

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] Here, when various treatments such as laser, high frequency electric scalpel, and microwave are being performed while the endoscope is being used in the body cavity, a freeze from a real-time image When the image is switched to, the condition inside the body cavity cannot be accurately confirmed during the treatment because the inside of the body cavity is moving. For this reason, there is a risk of causing unnecessary incision and perforation, and sufficient safety has not been confirmed.

In addition, Japanese Patent Application No. Sho 61-22476 filed by the same applicant as the present application
In some cases, the still image and the moving image in real time are simultaneously displayed as a parent-child screen on the same TV monitor screen during freeze. However, in such a monitor television having a parent-child screen, the screen of the moving image in real time becomes small because the screen is divided, which may be an obstacle to confirming safety. .

The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and relates to an endoscopic device that captures an image of a body cavity and confirms safety even when performing various treatments such as laser, high frequency electric scalpel, and microwave. It is an object of the present invention to provide an endoscope device capable of performing the above.

[Means for Solving Problems] In the endoscope apparatus according to the present invention, an image pickup means such as a solid-state image pickup element is provided at the distal end portion 12 of the endoscope 11 and a treatment such as a laser for performing treatment in the target body cavity. Means 13 and the tip 12
And a switching means for switching the image signal captured by inserting the image signal into the body cavity into a moving image signal and a still image signal, and this switching means 14
The operation of the treatment means 13 is permitted when the image signal switched by the above is on the moving image signal side, and the operation of the treatment means 13 is substantially prohibited when the image signal is switched to the still image signal. Control means such as video processor 15
And a display means 16 for displaying a moving image or a still image based on the moving image signal or the still image signal switched by the switching means 14 and passed through the control means 15.

[Operation] To explain the operation of the present invention, in the endoscope 11 having the imaging means such as a solid-state imaging device and the treatment means 14, for example, the image signal imaged by inserting the distal end portion 12 into the body cavity. However, switching means 14, such as a freeze switch, switches between a moving image signal and a still image signal. Then, the moving image signal or the still image signal passes through the control means 15 such as a video processor, and an image based on each of the above signals is displayed on the display means 16. Here, the operation of the treatment means 13 is allowed when the switching means 14 is switched to the moving image signal side, and the operation of the treatment means 13 is substantially performed when the switching means 14 is switched to the still image signal side. Control means to ban on
The control signal is sent from 15.

[Embodiment] An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows the entire configuration of an endoscope apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which, for example, a CCD is provided at the tip 12 of the endoscope 11.
Type, MOS type solid-state imaging device is built in, and when the tip 12 is inserted into an arbitrary cancer site in a body cavity, a television image can be obtained by an image signal from the solid-state imaging device. ing. Further, the operation unit of the endoscope 11 is provided with a switching unit 14 such as a freeze switch for switching an image based on the image signal to a moving image and a still image, and the connector unit of the endoscope 11 is a video processor. It is connected to such control means 15. The control means 15 is connected with a display means 16 such as a television monitor such as a CRT display.

Further, the endoscope 11 is, for example, through a laser probe,
A treatment means 13 such as a laser irradiation device is connected. The treatment means 13 and the control means 15 are connected by a control signal cable or the like.

FIG. 2 is an example of a block diagram of a control system of the endoscope apparatus in FIG. A CCD type solid-state image sensor (hereinafter referred to as CCD) 17 to which red (R), green (G), and blue (B) color mosaic filters are attached is built in the tip portion 12 of the endoscope 11. ing. The electric signal from the CCD 17 is sent to the switching circuit 19 via the preamplifier 18. The electric signal can be switched in the switching circuit 19, but the real-time signal for transmitting a moving image is directly transmitted to the NTSC signal generating circuit 20 from the NTSC signal generating circuit 20. It is sent to the TV monitor 21 such as a display. In contrast,
A freeze-time signal for sending a still image is converted from the switching circuit 19 by the A / D conversion circuit 22 and transmitted to the frame memory 23 to store the still image.
The freeze-time signal output from the frame memory 23 and converted by the D / A conversion circuit 24 is sent to the NTSC signal generation circuit 20 and is sent to the television monitor 21 in the same manner as the real-time signal. .

When the freeze switch 25, which is the switching means 14, is turned on, the freeze switch 25 outputs an on signal to the laser drive control circuit 26 together with the switching circuit 19. Then, a signal is output from the laser drive control circuit 26 to the laser irradiation device 27.

3A and 3B are time charts of the same embodiment. FIG. 3A is a freeze switch 25, FIG. 3B is a still image on the TV monitor 21, FIG. 3C is a laser switch of the laser irradiation device 27, and FIG. ) Is an example of the same laser irradiation output.

Next, the operation of the embodiment will be described based on the above-mentioned configuration.

The tip portion 12 of the endoscope 11 is inserted into the body cavity and an image of an arbitrary cancer site is taken. Then, the R, G and B signals are converted by the CCD 17 through the color mosaic filter of the tip portion 12, further amplified by the preamplifier 18 and transmitted to the switching circuit 19.

Here, the image signal is usually used for real time, that is, an image signal, and the inside of a body cavity that moves moment by moment can be observed. Therefore, the image signal is transmitted from the switching circuit 19 to the NTSC signal generation circuit 20. That is, the signal of the image is converted from the tip portion 12 through the endoscope 11 into an NTSC system signal by the control means 15 such as a video processor. Then, an NTSC signal is sent from the control means 15 to the television monitor 21, and an image based on the image signal of the arbitrary cancer site is displayed on the television monitor 21.

When the treatment of this arbitrary cancer site is performed by using the laser irradiation device 26 with a laser beam such as a YAG laser, the irradiation from the laser irradiation device 26 through the laser probe and further attached to the distal end portion 12 of the endoscope 11. A laser is radiated from the mouth to the arbitrary cancer site.

On the other hand, when this cancerous part is displayed on the television monitor 21 as a still image, the signal path from the switching circuit 19 to the NTSC signal generating circuit 20 is different from that in the case of the above-mentioned real-time treatment. That is, the signal output from the switching circuit 19 is converted by the A / D conversion circuit 22 and further output to the frame memory 23. The frame memory 23 includes a CCD 17 built in the tip portion 12.
Is stored in association with the content of the image signal to be captured. Then, the image signal stored in the frame memory 23 is converted by the D / A conversion circuit 24 and converted into the NTSC signal in the NTSC signal generation circuit 20 in the same manner as in the case of the above-mentioned real time time, and then the television monitor. Displayed on 21.

Now, when trying to confirm a still image while using the laser irradiation device 27 at any of the above cancer sites, first, the endoscope 11
The freeze switch 25 provided in the switch is turned on. Due to this ON state, an ON signal is output from the freeze switch 25, and the switch of the switching circuit 19 is also switched to the signal path for freeze. Then, as in the case of displaying the still image described above, the freeze-time signal is converted by the A / D conversion circuit 22 and output to the frame memory 23. The still image signal stored in the frame memory 23 is further signal-converted by the D / A conversion circuit 24, and NT
It is output to the SC signal generation circuit 20. The still image signal converted into the NTSC signal by the NTSC signal generation circuit 20 displays an image based on the signal of the content stored in the frame memory 23 on the television monitor 21 for a predetermined time.

At this time, the ON signal output from the freeze switch 25 is also output to the laser drive control circuit 26 in synchronization with the switching of the signal path in the switching circuit 19. Then, the laser drive control circuit 26 operates to control means 15
Outputs a command to the laser irradiation device 27 to prohibit output from the laser irradiation device 27, that is, laser irradiation.

Here, for example, when the freeze switch 25 is in the ON state, that is, while the still image is displayed on the television monitor 21, even if the irradiation switch of the laser irradiation device 27 is turned on, the laser does not irradiate. A shutter is provided in the optical path to block the irradiation light. The method of prohibiting the operation of the laser is not limited to this, and a method of prohibiting the oscillation circuit itself may be used.

FIGS. 3A to 3D are timing charts of signals of the respective devices during the above-described laser operation inhibition time.
When the freeze switch 25 is turned on at an arbitrary time as shown in FIG. 9A, the signal is switched from "0" to "1" at that moment. At the moment when this signal changes from “0” to “1”, the still image signal of the monitor television 21 shown in FIG. 7B also changes from “0” to “1”. However, in this case, the state of "1" of the freeze switch 25 is momentary, whereas the state of "1" is secured for a sufficiently long time, for example, 1.5 seconds, and then returns to "0". And Further, the laser switch of the laser irradiation device 27 shown in FIG. 7C remains in the state of "1" in this case regardless of whether the freeze switch 25 is turned on or off. Then, for example, the laser irradiation shown in FIG. 3D actually irradiated from the tip portion 12 is
Contrary to the still image signal, the state is changed from “1” to “0”, that is, the state is “0” for a time equal to or longer than the time when the still image signal is “1”, and then “ It returns to "1". As a result, while the still image based on the still image signal is displayed on the television monitor 21, the laser drive control circuit 26 operates and the laser is not always emitted.

Thus, after the still image is displayed on the television monitor 21 for a predetermined time (1.5 sec. In this case), the switching circuit 19 switches from the freeze time signal to the real time time signal. Then, the cancer site in real time is displayed on the television monitor 21. For this reason, a still image is displayed on the TV monitor so that the image of the cancer site can be confirmed.
When displayed at 21, the treatment is stopped even while the laser irradiation device 27 is performing the treatment, and the safety is improved.

A second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

In this embodiment, this endoscope device has an image guide fiber which is an optical fiber bundle for image transmission, and a light source device 29 is connected to a connector portion of the endoscope 28. A television camera head 31 is mounted on the eyepiece portion 30 at the rear of the endoscope 28 so that a television image can be obtained, and the freeze switch 32 is attached to the television camera head 31.
Is provided so that a still image of the television image can be obtained. The television camera head 31 is connected to the camera controller 33 by a cable or the like, and the image signal is transmitted from the camera controller 33 to the television monitor 21.

On the other hand, the tip portion 34 of the endoscope body 28 is inserted into the body cavity, and the tip portion 34 is provided with a snare wire for treating the polyp 35.
36 are stored. The snare wire 36 is connected to the high frequency electric knife 37 through the endoscope 28 and the electric knife probe. Furthermore, this high frequency electric knife
Reference numeral 37 is connected to the camera controller 33 and the patient return electrode plate 38 by a control cable.

Further, FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the control system of the endoscope apparatus in FIG. 4, in which the CCD 17 having a color mosaic filter attached is built in the distal end portion 34 of the endoscope 28. The electric signal from the CCD 17 is sent to the switching circuit 39 via the preamplifier 18. One of the electric signals in real time, which is switched by the switching circuit 39, is directly transmitted to the NTSC signal generation circuit 20, and is further transmitted from the NTSC signal generation circuit 20 to the television monitor 21. On the other hand, the freeze-time signal is sent from the switching circuit 39 to the NTSC signal generation circuit 20 through the A / D conversion circuit 22, the frame memory 23, and the D / A conversion circuit 24, and the same as the real-time signal. Monitor 21
To be sent to. Here, the switching circuit
The camera controller 33 includes 39, the NTSC signal generation circuit 20, the A / D conversion circuit 22, the frame memory 23, and the D / A conversion circuit 24.

When the freeze switch 32 is turned on, the freeze switch 32 outputs an on signal to the high frequency electric knife 37 through the high frequency conduction control circuit 40 together with the switching circuit 39. And this high frequency energization control circuit
A signal is output from the high frequency electric knife 37 to 40.

6 (a) and 6 (b) are time charts of the same embodiment. FIG. 6 (a) is a freeze switch 32, FIG. 6 (b) is a still image signal of the television monitor 21, FIG. ) Is an example of the same electric knife output.

Next, the operation of the embodiment will be described based on the above-mentioned configuration.

The operation of this embodiment is basically the same as that of the first embodiment described above, and the treatment of the polyp 35 in the body cavity using the endoscope 28 that obtains light from the light source device 29 is performed by the high-frequency electric scalpel 37. When you're doing it on your TV monitor
It shall be displayed on 21. In other words, freeze switch 32
When turned on, the CCD passes through the color mosaic filter
The signal transmitted from 17 to the preamplifier 18 and the switching circuit 39 is switched from the real time signal to the freeze signal in the switching circuit 39. That is, in the camera controller 33, the above signal is transmitted from the switching circuit 39 to the NTSC signal generation circuit 20 via the A / D conversion circuit 22, the frame memory 23, and the D / A conversion circuit 24. Then, based on the still image signals stored in the frame memory 23, a still image is displayed on the television monitor 21.
Is displayed.

Here, the freeze switch 32 outputs a control signal to the high frequency conduction control circuit 40 in synchronization with the switching of the signal in the switching circuit 39. Then, the operation of the high frequency electric knife 37 is prohibited by the control signal from the high frequency energization control circuit 40.

6 (a) to 6 (d) are timing charts of the respective devices during the prohibition time of the high frequency electric knife 37 described above. When the freeze switch 32 is turned on at an arbitrary time as shown in FIG. 9A, a signal from "0" to "1" is obtained at that moment. At the moment when this signal changes to “0” and “1”, the still image signal shown in FIG.
Changes to "1". However, in this case, the "1" state of the freeze switch 32 is instantaneous, while the "1" state is secured for a sufficiently long predetermined time and then returns to "0". Further, the electric knife switch shown in FIG. 7C is set to "1" after a predetermined time after the still image becomes "1".
Changes to the state of. Then, the output of the high-frequency electric knife 37 shown in FIG. 3D actually irradiated from the tip portion 34 is the same as or longer than the predetermined time, which is “1” of the still image signal. The state changes from "0" to "1" for the first time after. by this,
While the above still image is displayed on the TV monitor 21,
The high frequency energization control circuit 40 is activated, and the high frequency electric knife 37 is
Will be prohibited.

In this way, after the still image is displayed on the television monitor 21 for a predetermined time, the switching circuit 39 switches from the freeze time signal to the real time time signal. Then, the above TV monitor
At 21, the polyp 35 in real time will be displayed. Therefore, when a still image is displayed on the TV monitor 21 so as to confirm the image of the polyp 35, this treatment operation is prohibited even while the treatment with the high frequency electric knife 37 is being performed. Safety is improved without erroneous operation.

In the first and second embodiments described above, the laser irradiation device 27 and the high frequency electric knife 37 are used as the treatment means 13,
The present invention is not limited to this, and can be applied to the case of using a microwave or other treatment device.

Furthermore, in the above-described first and second embodiments, the image pickup method using the image pickup device by the color mosaic filter method is used, but the R, G, B color-sequential image pickup method may be used. In this case, the R, G and B signals are A / D converted and passed through each frame memory.

[Effects of the Invention] As described above, according to the present invention, various treatment devices such as a laser, a high-frequency electric scalpel, and a microwave are used in an endoscope device that performs treatment while confirming the inside of a body cavity. When a still image is displayed while the user is on the screen, the operation of the treatment device is prohibited, so that the safety can be further ensured.

[Brief description of drawings]

1 is an overall configuration diagram of an endoscope apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a control system of the endoscope apparatus in FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is FIG. FIG. 4 is a timing chart in which (a) shows a freeze switch, (b) shows a still image signal, (c) shows a laser switch, and (d) shows a laser irradiation output, and FIG. 4 shows the present invention. FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the control system in FIG. 4, and FIG. 6 is a timing chart in FIG. 4 in the second embodiment of the endoscope apparatus according to FIG. 6A and 6B are views showing a freeze switch, a still image signal, a high frequency electric knife and a high frequency electric knife output, respectively. 11 …… Endoscope, 12 …… Tip, 13 …… Treatment means, 14 ……
Switching means, 15 ... control means, 16 ... display means.

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. An endoscope having an image pickup means for picking up the inside of a target body cavity and a treatment means for treating the inside of the target body cavity, and an image signal picked up by the endoscope is switched to a moving image signal and a still image signal. Switching means, display means for displaying a moving image or a still image based on the moving image signal or still image signal switched by the switching means, and a state in which the switching means is switched to the moving image signal side. An endoscope apparatus comprising: a control unit that allows the operation of the treatment unit and substantially prohibits the operation of the treatment unit while being switched to the still image signal.