JPH10243385A - Video microscope - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a video microscope which prevents power from bring uselessly consumed by a light source or the like when not used and can be sufficiently used for portable equipment as well. SOLUTION: This microscope generates light for irradiating an observation object by supplying power to a light source 10, fetches the image of the object illuminated with that illuminating light through an optical enlarging system 3, coverts the image to a video signa, displays it on a display device 9 and is provided with focusing discriminating means 13 and 14 for discriminating whether the image of the object is focused or not or discriminating a luminance state from the video signal, operation monitoring means 12 for discriminating whether it is under use or not by monitoring the operating conditions of operating part 15 for inputting the setting conditions of a main body 1 of device, and light source control means 11 for controlling light source supply power so as to quench or turn off the light source 10 when the state of no use is judged from two discriminated results among the focusing discriminating means 13 and 14 and the operation monitoring means 12.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a video microscope capable of illuminating an object to be observed and observing an enlarged image taken from an objective lens on a monitor.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A probe having a built-in objective lens is set in contact or non-contact with an observation position on the surface of an observation object, and an enlarged image of the observation object which is magnified and captured by the objective lens of the probe is converted into a photoelectric conversion signal. There is a video microscope that transmits an enlarged image of a subject image-processed by the apparatus main body to a monitor serving as a display apparatus. For example, JP-A-1-114170, JP-A-2-217
No. 81 describes a video microscope of this type.

FIG. 20 shows a configuration example of a video microscope. The video microscope shown in FIG.
Illumination light generated by a light source built in the apparatus main body 331, for example, a halogen lamp 332, is subjected to processing such as dimming and filtering by a filter 333 and then to a probe 335 through a light guide 334 such as an optical fiber.
Sent to.

[0004] An objective lens 336 is attached to the probe 335, and a light guide member 337 composed of a large number of optical fibers is arranged on the cylinder around the objective lens 336. The illumination light sent from the apparatus main body 331 is incident on the light guide member 337 and is collected by the illumination head 338 attached to the tip of the objective lens 336. The observation or inspection site of the observation target is arranged at this light condensing point.

[0005] An image pickup device, for example, a CCD camera head 339 is disposed at an image forming position of the observation light incident on the objective lens 336, and a photoelectric conversion signal of an image received by the CCD camera head 339 is transmitted via a signal cable 340. The data is transmitted to the camera control unit 341 of the device main body 331. The camera control unit 341 converts the photoelectric conversion signal into a video signal for external output, and displays it on the monitor 342.

When using not only a video microscope but also a light source device, the observer turns off the power of the halogen lamp or the whole system except when displaying an image of the object to be observed on the monitor for observation. To avoid wasting power.

In the field of endoscopes, there has been developed one that detects whether or not an examination is being performed using image information and switch operation information and automatically adjusts the power of the light source.
For example, it is displayed in JP-A-5-005844.

FIG. 21 is a configuration diagram of an endoscope described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 5-005844. Endoscope 301 shown in FIG.
Is the universal cord 30 extended from the operation unit 302.
3 is connected to the light source device 304. Further, the camera is connected to a camera control unit (hereinafter referred to as “CCU”) 307 via a curl cord 305 extending from the side of the light source side end of the universal cord 303, and is provided in the endoscope by the CCU 307. The processing of various image data with respect to the photoelectric conversion signal from the imaging element 306 is performed.

The CCU 307 is connected to a motion detecting device 308 for detecting the motion of the endoscope image and a red detecting device 309 for detecting a red signal component included in the image data, and outputs the image data to these devices. It has become. Then, the image motion detection signal 310 and the red detection signal 311 generated by these devices are supplied to the controller 312.

[0010] The endoscope 301 is provided with a scope switch 313 for giving an instruction such as freeze, and an operation knob 314 for performing a bending operation and the like. A potentiometer 315 is connected to the operation knob 314, and an output signal of the potentiometer 315 is output from the operation knob movement detection device 316.
It is supplied to. The operation knob movement detecting device 316 is connected to the controller 312, and receives an operation knob movement signal 317 generated by the operation knob movement detecting device 316.

On the other hand, the scope switch 313 is
07 is connected to the scope switch motion detecting device 318, and the scope switch motion detecting device 31
The scope switch motion detection signal 319 generated in step 8 is supplied to the controller 312.

The controller 312 includes an image motion detection signal 310, a red detection signal 311, an operation knob motion signal 3
17. Whether the endoscope is used is detected based on the scope switch motion detection signal 319, and the dimming signal 320 is output to the light source device 304 when not used. The light source device 304 is provided with a power source 321 and a light source lamp 322 driven by the power source, and the light amount of the light source lamp 322 is controlled by the dimming signal 320.

The endoscope 30 is controlled by the operation knob 314.
1. Operate the up, down, left and right bending operations. Operation knob 314
Is operated, the potentiometer 315 outputs a pulse. The operation knob movement detecting device 316 receives this pulse, generates an operation knob movement signal 317 for determining whether or not the endoscope is being operated, and outputs the signal to the controller 31.
Output to 2.

Thus, the red signal component, the motion of the image,
The endoscope is not used because it detects whether or not the endoscope is used by detecting the movement of an operation member such as a switch, and reduces the light amount of the light source when the endoscope is not used. At this time, it is possible to prevent unnecessary current from flowing to the light source lamp. As a result, the life of the light source lamp can be extended, the number of times of turning on and off can be reduced because the lamp is not turned off at the time of non-inspection, and the consumption of the lamp due to the load at the time of lighting can be prevented. Can be achieved.

In Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 5-43113,
A probe that captures an image of an observation target and outputs a photoelectric conversion signal includes an image still switch for stopping an image,
At least one frame of image data generated by the video signal and the signal from the image stationary switch is switched to the external output video signal in the apparatus main body that controls the imaging operation of the probe and displays the captured image on the monitor. A video microscope having a still image switching unit to be displayed is described.

In the video microscope constructed as described above, an image still switch provided on the probe is operated and an image still signal is output in a state where the object to be observed is imaged by the probe and projected on a monitor. When done
At least one frame of image data is created from the video signal by the still image switching unit, and this image data is switched to an external output video signal and sent to the monitor. As a result, an enlarged image of the stationary observation target is displayed on the monitor.

[0017]

However, as in a video microscope described in JP-A-1-114170 and JP-A-2-21781, a halogen lamp is turned on during normal observation, and when the observation is completed. If the power is turned off and the power of all the systems is turned off, it is highly likely that the user will forget to turn off the power at the end of the observation when the normal observation is for a long time.

Further, the probe does not always display the site to be observed on the monitor even in the normal observation, and often leaves the probe on the table for a while. In such a situation, all the devices wastefully consume power. The power consumption of the halogen lamp is not small, and since it is itself a high-temperature heat source, there is a concern that the heat generated by the lamp may affect the surroundings. In particular, it is considered that a video microscope can be moved using a battery as a power source. However, the capacity of the battery is limited, and power is wasted due to power consumption of a lamp. There is a problem that time must be shortened.

In the endoscope technique described in Japanese Patent Application No. 5-005844, it is determined that observation is being performed by using a red signal component and the movement of an image. If limited, a biological specimen to be observed is likely to contain a large amount of red signal components, and thus is suitable for observation. However, some specimens, even biological specimens, have no red component, and it is more likely that the red component itself is missing in the observation target of industrial parts. In such a case, it may be impossible to determine whether the inspection is being performed.

When the video microscope is applied to the industrial field, the probe may be mounted on a gantry. For example, when the probe is used on an inspection line such as a defect inspection of a part in a factory, an input image is captured in a fixed observation state in which a probe is stationary.
In such a situation, the input image may not move, so it is difficult to determine whether or not the inspection is being performed by motion detection.

Also, while an enlarged image of a stationary observation object is projected on the monitor by the video microscope, the light of the halogen lamp in the main body is constantly supplied to the probe even though the probe is not used. continuing. In particular, a large number of people may give a presentation while watching a still image. In such a case, since the probe is not used for a considerably long time, the power consumption by the halogen lamp and the influence on the life of the halogen lamp during the period are great. Also,
Generally, such a device has a built-in cooling fan for preventing the heating of the halogen lamp, which results in a further increase in the power consumption together with the power consumption of the halogen lamp.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and can prevent wasteful power consumption by a halogen lamp for illumination, a fan, an image pickup device, etc. It is an object of the present invention to provide a video microscope capable of suppressing wasteful power consumption, preventing a decrease in capacity, and enabling long-time observation.

[0023]

A video microscope according to the present invention supplies power to a light source to generate light for illuminating an observation target, and enlarges an image of the observation target illuminated by the illumination light to a magnifying optical system. In a video microscope which converts the image of the observation target into a video signal and displays it on a display device, it is determined whether or not the image of the observation target is in focus or the brightness state from the video signal. Focus determining means for performing the operation, an operation monitoring means for monitoring an operation state of an operation unit for inputting a setting condition of the apparatus main body, and determining whether or not the apparatus is under use; Light source control means for controlling light source supply power such that the light source is dimmed or turned off when it is determined that the light source is not used from at least two determination results.

According to the present invention, it is determined from the in-focus state or the luminance state of the image to be observed and the use state of the operation unit whether or not the state is an unused state. The light source supply power is controlled so that the light is dimmed or turned off.

The video microscope of the present invention supplies power to a light source to generate light for illuminating an observation target, captures an image of the observation target illuminated by the illumination light via an enlargement optical system, and observes the image. In a video microscope that converts an image of an object into a video signal by an imaging unit and displays the video signal on a display device, the video signal of the observation target captured from the magnifying optical system is converted into digital data by A / D conversion. A / D conversion means, a memory for storing image data output from the A / D conversion means, and a memory control means for controlling writing of image data to the memory and reading of image data from the memory D / A conversion means for D / A converting image data read from the memory to output a video signal composed of an analog signal, and inputting the image data to the display device Video switching means for switching an image signal between the imaging unit and the D / A conversion means; and one such that one frame of image data is stored in the memory and one frame of image data is repeatedly read from the memory. A command is given to the memory control means, and the D / A
A still image generation unit that controls the video switching unit so that a video signal from the conversion unit is input to the display device, and a light source while the still image is displayed on the display device by the still image generation unit. Light source control means for controlling the power supplied to the light source so that the light is dimmed or turned off.

According to the present invention, the video data is stored in the memory, and the image data read from the memory is subjected to image processing to determine whether or not the image of the observation target is in focus.

The video microscope according to the present invention supplies light to the light source to generate light for illuminating the observation target, captures an image of the observation target illuminated by the illumination light via the magnifying optical system, and performs the observation. In a video microscope that converts an image of an object into a video signal by an imaging unit and displays the video signal on a display device, the video signal of the observation target captured from the magnifying optical system is converted into digital data by A / D conversion. A / D conversion means, a memory for storing image data output from the A / D conversion means, and a memory control means for controlling writing of image data to the memory and reading of image data from the memory D / A conversion means for D / A converting image data read from the memory to output a video signal composed of an analog signal, and inputting the image data to the display device Video switching means for switching an image signal between the imaging unit and the D / A conversion means; and one such that one frame of image data is stored in the memory and one frame of image data is repeatedly read from the memory. A still image generating means for giving an instruction to the memory control means and controlling the video switching means so that a video signal from the D / A converting means is inputted to the display device; And a light source control means for controlling light source supply power so that the light source is dimmed or turned off while a still image is displayed.

According to the present invention, one frame of image data is stored in the memory, and control is performed such that one frame of image data is repeatedly read from the memory, whereby a still image is displayed on the display device, and the display device displays the still image. While the still image is displayed, the light source supply power is controlled so that the light source is dimmed.

A video microscope according to the present invention includes a light source, a head unit for irradiating a light supplied from the light source to an observation target, imaging the observation target, and outputting a photoelectric conversion signal, and a head unit for the imaging unit. An imaging unit that controls an imaging operation and receives a photoelectric conversion signal from the head unit to convert the image signal into a video signal; a display device that receives a video signal from the imaging unit and projects the video; and a still image on the display device An image still switch for inputting an image still signal for displaying an image, a memory for generating at least one frame of still image data from the video signal when the image still signal is received from the image still switch, A reproducing unit that reproduces image data, an image to be displayed on the display device, a video signal output from the imaging unit, read from the memory, An image switching unit for switching between still image data and a video signal reproduced from the recording medium, and a voltage applied to the light source and cooling the light source while a still image is displayed on the display device. A control unit for reducing or stopping at least one of the number of rotations of the fan and the power supplied to the imaging unit.

According to the present invention, the lamp voltage is reduced by the control unit while the image data recorded on the recording medium is displayed or the image data is recorded on the recording medium in a freeze state, and the rotation speed of the fan is reduced. Then, the power supply to the imaging unit is stopped. Therefore, wasteful power consumption can be suppressed, and the life of the lamp can be extended.

[0031]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below. (First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is an overall view of a video microscope according to a first embodiment.

This video microscope is generated by a light source, for example, a halogen lamp 10 built in the apparatus main body 1, and emits illumination light through a filter (not shown) and further through a light guide 7 such as an optical fiber to a probe 6. Sent to. The illumination head 2 and the objective lens 3 are attached to the probe 6, and a light guide member (not shown) composed of a large number of optical fibers is disposed around the objective lens 3 on a cylinder. Illumination light sent from the apparatus main body 1 to the probe 6 is incident on the light guide member and is collected by the illumination head 2 attached to the tip of the objective lens 3. The observation or inspection site of the observation target is arranged at this light condensing point.

An image pickup device, for example, a CCD camera head 4 is arranged at an image forming position of the observation light incident on the objective lens 3, and a photoelectric conversion signal of an image received by the CCD camera head 4 is transmitted through a signal cable 5. Via the CC of the device body 1
Transmitted to U8. The photoelectric conversion signal from the probe 6 is
The CU 8 is configured to convert the signal into an external output signal and display it on the monitor 9.

An observer sets observation conditions according to an observation target with an operation switch 15 attached to the apparatus main body 1 and configured as described later. When the CPU 12 reads the observation condition input from the operation switch 15, the CPU 12
In, the conditions inside the apparatus are set so as to satisfy the observation conditions specified by the observer.

Here, a typical example of performing image adjustment, which is an example of the operation switch 15, will be described. The operation switch 15 includes a gain adjustment switch (not shown), a white balance adjustment switch, and a freeze switch. These functions are as follows.

The gain adjustment switch is composed of either a dial type switch or a push type switch, and is capable of switching between an auto mode and a manual mode. Even when the manual mode is selected, the switch is adjusted while observing the video so that the video output signal is automatically adjusted so that the video output signal has the same brightness. Therefore, a switch operation is required when performing this switching or during adjustment in the manual mode.

The white balance adjustment switch has a changeover switch for switching between an auto mode and a manual mode, and has a color balance adjustment knob for adjusting red (R) and blue (B).
When the auto mode is selected, the white balance adjustment switch adjusts the color balance (R, B) video output value based on a part of the information of the observed subject, and when the manual mode is selected, the user selects the white balance adjustment switch. The observer adjusts the balance while observing the image so that the desired color is obtained. When switching between the automatic mode and the manual mode, it is necessary to operate a changeover switch, and when performing adjustment in the manual mode, it is necessary to operate the changeover switch.

The freeze switch is operated to temporarily store an observation image as a still image. CP
U <b> 12 manages the operation of the entire apparatus, and one of them includes a function of suppressing supply of useless power to the halogen lamp 10. The CPU 12 includes a luminance detection unit 13
In addition, a signal from the focus detection unit 14 and the use state of the operation switch 15 are monitored to perform automatic control for eliminating unnecessary power consumption.

In the observation using the video microscope, the observation image displayed on the monitor 9 is in focus because the objective lens 3 is focused on the observation site of the observation target during the observation. It becomes an image. In addition, the in-focus image has a high brightness of the external output video signal, that is, a luminance component signal. Further, during operation, various operations are performed in addition to the setting of the observation conditions, so that a signal such as a setting is frequently input from the operation switch 15. On the contrary, the observer monitors 9
When the observation image displayed above is not closely watched, the head part is often shifted from the observation part, so that the image becomes a blurred image shifted from the in-focus range, and the external output having a low luminance component is obtained. Video signal. When not used, the setting of switches and the like is hardly performed.

Such unused conditions are determined based on the analysis of the image information and the use state of the switches, and the condition of the halogen lamp 10 is determined.
Automatically suppresses wasteful power supply. In this embodiment, there is provided a brightness detection unit 13 for detecting whether or not the observation image captured by the probe is a brightness component of a blurred image shifted from the in-focus range. In the CCU 8, a signal separated from the photoelectric conversion signal into a luminance component indicating brightness is input to the luminance detection unit 13, which determines whether or not the luminance has exceeded a certain level, and notifies the CPU 12 of the result. ing.

FIG. 2 shows a specific processing circuit of the luminance detecting section 13.
Shown in The signal voltage accumulating unit 31 accumulates a voltage level indicating the luminance signal component of the luminance signal, and the voltage comparing unit 33 compares the set reference voltage from the reference voltage generating unit 32 with the voltage level of the accumulated luminance signal component. It is determined whether the luminance signal component exceeds the reference voltage value. In the case of a luminance signal as shown in FIG. 3A, the accumulated voltage level indicating the luminance signal component is as shown in FIG. When the luminance signal component (accumulated voltage level) exceeds the reference voltage value as shown in FIG. 3C, the voltage comparator 33 determines that the signal is bright and outputs a high-level detection signal. If the (accumulated voltage level) does not exceed the reference voltage value, it is determined to be dark and a low level detection signal is output.

In the embodiment, the focus detection unit 14 is provided to determine whether the observation image captured by the probe is a focused image. When the observation image of the observation target is in focus, the image data has high contrast, and the difference in luminance between the surrounding images is large.
In the CCU 8, a luminance signal separated into a luminance component indicating brightness from the photoelectric conversion signal is input to the focus detection unit 14, and the focus detection unit 14 detects the level of contrast, and notifies the CPU 12 of the result.

FIG. 4 shows a specific processing circuit of the focus detection unit 14.
Shown in The signal change of the image luminance signal, that is, the differential component is detected by the signal change detection unit 41, and the signal voltage accumulation unit 42 stores the luminance differential signal to obtain the total information of the contrast for judging focus. Then, the voltage comparison unit 44 compares the set reference voltage from the reference voltage generation unit 43 with the total sum of the contrasts, and determines the contrast of the observation target.

By differentiating a luminance signal having a luminance change as shown in FIG. 5A, a differentiated signal obtained by extracting only the luminance change as shown in FIG. 5B is obtained. The accumulated voltage level (FIG. 9 (c)) obtained by accumulating the signal level of the differential signal indicates the luminance difference. Accordingly, when the total contrast of the image exceeds the reference voltage value, the voltage comparator 44 outputs a high-level detection signal as an output, and when the total contrast does not exceed the reference voltage value, outputs a low-level detection signal as an output. I do.

In the embodiment, the frequency of pressing the operation switch 15 to determine the unused state is determined by the CPU 1.
2 and determines whether or not the device is in use based on the previous switch operation result. If there is no switch operation for a certain period of time or more, it can be determined that the device is not in use.

The above three determination results are comprehensively analyzed by the CPU 12 to determine whether or not it is in use. CPU 12
FIG. 6 shows an algorithm for determining an unused state using the above three determination results. For example, in the case of “state 1”, a state in which the state of being out of the focusing range for a certain period of time has been continued, the luminance data of the image is low, and the unused state of the switch operation has been continued, The state is determined, and a signal is sent to the lamp power supply control unit 11 to perform control for dimming the halogen lamp 10. In cases other than the combination of the determination results shown in FIG. 6, it is determined that the lamp is in use, and control such as dimming of the halogen lamp 10 is not performed.

According to such an embodiment, whether or not the luminance component of a blurred image deviates from the in-focus range is detected by the luminance detecting unit 18, and whether or not the observed image is a focused image is determined. The focus detection unit 14 determines
The CPU 12 determines an unused state from the frequency of pressing the operation switch 15 and the like, and performs control for dimming the halogen lamp 10 when it is possible to determine the “unused state” from these conditions. As a result, wasteful power consumption by the halogen lamp 10 can be prevented. This can also be reflected in the technology of mobile video microscopes that can operate with a built-in battery,
This will lead to a sufficiently long observation time.

Further, since the "movement" and "red component" of the image as in the endoscope technique are not used for the judgment condition of "unused state", it is the same as when "movement" and "red component" are used. There is no trouble, and the determination of the “unused state” can be accurately performed, and the applicable range can be expanded.

(Second Embodiment) The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the brightness detector 13 is different from the first embodiment.
Further, the processing of the focus detection unit 14 is performed by image processing.

FIG. 7 is an overall configuration diagram of a video microscope according to the second embodiment. The same parts as those of the video microscope shown in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

In FIG. 7, the part surrounded by the two-dot chain line is the first part.
This is a part in which the same functions as those of the luminance detection unit 13 and the focus detection unit 14 described in the embodiment are realized by image processing. That is, the separated video signal from the CCU 8 is subjected to analog-to-digital conversion by the A / D converter 21.
The digital signal is recorded as image data (digital) in the memory 22 under the writing control by the memory control unit 25. When the observation image is displayed as a still image, the image data (digital) recorded in the memory 22 is read as a still image under read control by the memory control unit 25, and the D / A converter 23 outputs a video signal (analog). After that, the image data from the memory 22 is selected by the display switching unit 24 and displayed on the monitor 9. When displaying as a moving image, the display switching unit 24 selects the video signal (analog) from the CCU 8 so as to be directly input and displays it on the monitor 9. By performing the writing / reading control by the memory control unit 25 at the video rate, it is possible to display as a moving image.

In this embodiment, the unused state is detected by the CPU 12 analyzing the image data (digital) stored in the memory 22 by image processing. The luminance component signal is fetched into the memory 22 at certain time intervals, and whether or not the image is in focus is detected from the image data. For example, two-dimensional frequency components of the image data are analyzed, and if many high-frequency components are included, it is determined that focus has been achieved. This analysis is performed by the CPU 12 using the memory control unit 25.
This is performed by performing a fast Fourier transform on the image data read via the and expanding it into frequency components. It is determined whether or not the high-frequency component exceeds a certain frequency level. If the high-frequency component exceeds the predetermined frequency level, it is determined that the object is in focus.

(Third Embodiment) In the video microscope having the configuration shown in FIG. 7, the CPU 12 uses the representative line data of the image data stored in the memory 22.
Is used to calculate the contrast. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the sum of the absolute values of the differences between adjacent image data is obtained for each of the vertical and horizontal lines in the X direction and the Y direction from the following equation, and focusing is determined from the sum.

[0054]

(Equation 1)

CX is a horizontal focus determination value of a certain Y _k line, CY is a vertical focus determination value of a certain X _k line, and n is the number of pixels. From the value of CX + CY, it is possible to determine whether the in-focus state has been reached by exceeding a certain determination level.

The method of determining the brightness value is as follows. The CPU 12 reads the data through the memory control unit 25, adds the brightness data of all the pixels, and determines the brightness state based on whether the sum exceeds the reference value. I do.

According to such an embodiment, a very simple and high-speed decision can be made. In the case where a battery is used as the drive supply source, power can be more effectively saved by using the method described in this embodiment mode. Such effects are obtained based on the following reasons. That is, in the case of the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, data of two lines of potentials may be used in the vertical and horizontal directions as compared with the second embodiment. And the memory capacity can be reduced, and as a result, the configuration is simplified.

(Fourth Embodiment) The fourth embodiment is an example of a video microscope which suppresses wasteful power consumption when a displayed image is frozen.

FIG. 9 is an overall configuration diagram of a video microscope according to the fourth embodiment. This video microscope is composed of a probe 51, an apparatus main body 52, and a monitor 53. The probe 51 is provided with an objective lens 62 and an illumination head 63. Also,
A CCD camera head 64 is provided inside the probe 51, and further, a distal end portion of a light guide 65 made of, for example, an optical fiber is inserted.

The CCD camera head 64 is composed of a CCD or the like in which a plurality of light receiving elements are arranged, and has a function of capturing an image incident through the objective lens 62 and outputting a photoelectric conversion signal a. The base end of the light guide 65 is optically connected to a halogen lamp 72 arranged in the apparatus main body 52.

The probe 51 is provided with a freeze switch 66 as a switch for instructing a still image. The freeze switch 66 is constituted by a momentary switch, and outputs a signal “b” of “1” level while being pressed, and outputs a signal “b” of “0” level when not pressed.

On the other hand, the apparatus main body 52 is provided with a CCU 73 which controls the imaging operation of the probe 51 and receives the photoelectric conversion signal a from the probe 51 and has an image data (digital) processing function. Specifically, a CCD drive signal c is sent to the CCD camera head 64, and a photoelectric conversion signal a, which is a CCD output, is received from the camera head 64. Then, image data (digital) d is generated from the photoelectric conversion signal a and transmitted from an output terminal.

The device main body 52 has a switch signal detection circuit 7
5 are provided. The switch signal detection circuit 75 is configured to, when receiving the signal “1” at the “1” level from the freeze switch 66 of the probe 51, detect a change in the state of the signal and transmit a detection signal e from the output terminal. . With such a circuit configuration, since the state of the detection signal e is maintained even if the observer releases the hand after pressing the freeze switch 66 of the probe 51, the observer moves the probe 51 from the observation target. Release, the photographing is interrupted, and the observation target can be observed from the still image displayed on the monitor 53.

FIG. 10 shows the switch signal detection circuit 75 of FIG.
Is shown below. Switch signal detection circuit 75
Means three flip-flops (hereinafter referred to as "FF")
97, 78, and 80 and one AND gate 79. The FFs 97, 78, and 80 are driven by a common clock signal CLK. This clock signal is several MHz
Can be used. The FF 80 has an enable terminal. When the enable terminal EN is at the "1" level, the state of the input terminal D is latched in synchronization with the rising edge of the clock signal CLK and output from the output terminal Q and the inverted output terminal. Can be. When the enable terminal EN is at the “0” level, the clock signal CLK and the input terminal D
, The states of the output terminal Q and the inverted output terminal do not change. Output signal e of FF80
Is at the "1" level, and is in the frozen state, and when it is at the "0" level, it is in the frozen state. By repeatedly pressing the freeze switch 66, freeze and freeze release are repeated. FIG. 14 is a time chart including a freeze as an operation of the switch signal detection circuit 75, and FIG. 15 is a time chart including a freeze release as an operation of the switch signal detection circuit 75.

When the memory circuit 74 receives the signal e output from the switch signal detection circuit 75, it generates one frame of still image data from the image signal (digital) d, and outputs this still image data for external output. It has a function of a still image switching unit that switches to the video signal f and sends it to the monitor 53.

FIG. 11 shows a configuration of the memory circuit 74. When the control circuit 81 detects that the state of the output signal e of the switch signal detection circuit 75 has been frozen, the image data (digital) g of the A / D converter 82
Take in. The A / D converter 82 takes in the image signal d, which is the output signal of the CCU 73, and outputs it as image data (digital) g. The control circuit 81 which has taken in the image data (digital) g of the A / D converter 82 creates one frame of image data, stores it in the image memory 83, and switches the input terminal of the changeover switch 85 to the X terminal. The signal i is output. D
The / A converter 84 converts the image data j output from the image memory 83 into an analog signal.

The lighting control circuit 71 is connected to a halogen lamp 72. FIG. 1 shows the configuration of the lighting control circuit 71.
2 is shown. As shown in the figure, the CPU 86 reads the state of the signal e output from the switch signal detection circuit 75, and outputs predetermined voltage data to the D / A converter 87 if the freeze is released. The data bit length of the voltage data is 8 bits. Further, if the signal e is in a freeze state, voltage data for lowering the voltage of the halogen lamp 72 is output to the D / A converter 87. At this time, the voltage may be dropped to a predetermined voltage other than 0 V in a short time or gradually over a long time. Alternatively, a method in which the voltage is reduced to 0 V in a short time or a method in which the voltage is gradually reduced to 0 V over a long time is conceivable. The method of dropping the voltage can be freely set by programming of the CPU 86. The D / A converter 87 converts the 8-bit voltage data from the CPU 86 into an analog signal and sends it to the lighting circuit 88. The lighting circuit 88 includes an operational amplifier, a transistor, and a transformer (not shown), and determines a voltage to be applied to the halogen lamp 72 based on data of the D / A converter 87.

The rotation control circuit 76 is connected to the fan 77. FIG. 13 shows the configuration of the rotation control circuit 76. CP
U91 reads the state of the signal e output from the switch signal detection circuit 75, and outputs predetermined voltage data to the D / A converter 92 if the freeze is released. The data bit length of the voltage data is 8 bits. CPU91
If the state of the signal e that is read is in a frozen state, D / A
Voltage data is output to converter 92 such that the rotation speed of fan 77 is reduced. The voltage at this time corresponds to the cooling capacity corresponding to the amount of heat generated by the halogen lamp 72 based on the voltage determined by the lighting control circuit 71. The applied voltage data can be freely set by programming of the CPU 91. The D / A converter 92 is C
The 8-bit voltage data from the PU 91 is converted into an analog signal and transmitted to the motor driver 93. The motor driver 93 includes a transistor bridge, a diode, and the like (not shown), and determines a voltage to be applied to the fan 77 based on data of the D / A converter 92.

The specific operation of the video microscope configured as described above will be described below. A predetermined voltage is applied to the halogen lamp 72 from the lighting control circuit 71 to illuminate the observation target, and the halogen lamp 72 is turned on. The light emitted from the halogen lamp 72 propagates through the light guide 65, reaches the probe 51, and is emitted from the illumination head 63 to the outside. Thereby, the observation target is irradiated with light.

On the other hand, the CCU 73 is a CCD camera head 6
The CCD camera head 64 sends a CCD drive signal c to the camera 4 to control an image pickup operation, and picks up an image of an object to be observed and outputs a photoelectric conversion signal a thereof. This photoelectric conversion signal a is sent to the CCU 73 of the apparatus main body.

The CCU 73 processes the photoelectric conversion signal a sent from the CCD camera head 64 and outputs image data (digital) d. Since the memory circuit 74 is not in the frozen state, the image data (digital) d output from the CCU 73 passes through the Y contact of the changeover switch 85 and is output as an external output video signal (analog) f to the monitor 53.
Sent to As a result, the monitor 53 displays the original image to be observed.

Here, it is assumed that the freeze switch 66 of the probe 51 has been pressed. When the freeze switch 66 is pressed, a signal “b” of “1” level is sent from the freeze switch 66 to the switch signal detection circuit 75, and the switch signal detection circuit 75 receives “1” level signal “b” from the input of the signal “b” of “1” level. Is sent out. In the memory circuit 74, the control circuit 81 outputs to the changeover switch 85 a changeover signal i for switching the changeover switch 85 for detecting that the freeze signal e has become the “1” level to the X contact side. At the same time, the control circuit 81 fetches image data (digital) from the A / D converter 82 to create one frame of image data and stores it in the image memory 83. As a result, the image data stored in the image memory 83 is read out at any time, and the memory output video signal k converted into an analog signal by the D / A converter 84 is sent to the monitor 53 through the X terminal of the switch 85.

In the lighting control circuit 71, when the CPU 86 receives the "1" level freeze signal e from the switch signal detecting circuit 75, the D / A converter converts 8-bit voltage data for lowering the preset lamp voltage. 87. The D / A converter 87 sends analog data corresponding to the 8-bit voltage data sent from the CPU 86 to the lighting circuit 88. The lighting circuit 88 lowers the lamp voltage based on the analog data sent from the D / A converter 87.

FIG. 16 shows a state of voltage control when the lamp voltage is reduced. As shown in the figure, the reason why the lamp voltage is reduced over time and the voltage is not set to 0 V is that the freeze and the release of the freeze are repeated in a short time, that is, the halogen lamp 72 is turned on in a short time.
This is because turning off → on puts a heavy load on the halogen lamp 72. Further, when the halogen lamp 72 in the light-off state is turned on again, a large rush current flows and adversely affects the lighting circuit, so that the lamp is turned on with the minimum lamp voltage.

In the rotation control circuit 76, when the CPU 91 receives the “1” level freeze signal e from the switch signal detection circuit 75, the CPU 91 outputs 8-bit voltage data for lowering the preset rotation speed of the fan 77 to D. / A converter 92. The D / A converter 92 sends analog data corresponding to the 8-bit voltage data sent from the CPU 91 to the motor driver 93. The motor driver 93 lowers the applied voltage based on the analog data sent from the D / A converter 92 so as to lower the rotation speed of the fan 77. At this time, the number of revolutions of the fan 77 is set to be a necessary and sufficient air flow with respect to the amount of heat generated by the voltage applied to the halogen lamp 72.

FIG. 17 shows a state of voltage control when the rotation speed of the fan 77 is reduced. As shown in the figure,
The reason why the applied voltage is reduced over time and the voltage is not set to 0 V is for the same reason as the lamp voltage.

During the freeze state, the halogen lamp 72 and the fan 77 maintain this low power consumption state. When the freeze switch 66 is pressed again, the switch signal detection circuit 75 outputs a signal “e” of “0” level indicating the freeze release state.

The memory circuit 74 outputs a signal e of “0” level.
In response, the control circuit 81 outputs a switching signal i for switching the switch 85 to the Y contact side.
As a result, an external output video signal (analog) f is output from the memory circuit 74 and sent to the monitor 53. Then, the monitor 53 displays an original image to be observed.

When the CPU 86 of the lighting control circuit 71 receives the "0" level freeze release signal e from the switch signal detection circuit 75, it raises the lamp voltage in the above-described process to return the lamp voltage to the original state. In this case, it is necessary to raise the lamp voltage immediately and irradiate the observation target with light.
The program is set in U86.

The rotation control circuit 76 also increases the rotation speed of the fan 77 in exactly the same sequence as the lighting control circuit 71. According to such an embodiment, when the state changes from the freeze state to the freeze release state, the voltage applied to the halogen lamp 72 is reduced, and the rotation speed of the fan 77 is reduced. The life of the halogen lamp 72 and the fan 77 can be extended.

(Fifth Embodiment) In the fifth embodiment, when the image displayed on the monitor is frozen, or when the image data recorded on the recording medium is displayed on the monitor, This is to stop or reduce the power supply to the CCU, fan, and halogen lamp.

FIG. 18 is an overall configuration diagram of a video microscope according to the fifth embodiment. The CPU 101 is a main CPU that outputs a command for causing each unit of the apparatus main body 52 'to perform various operations. CP
The command output from U101 to each unit is as follows. When the freeze signal e is input from the switch signal detection circuit 75, the
2 to display the image data recorded on the recording medium 103, that is, to display a still image on the monitor 53, the lighting control circuit 71, the rotation control circuit 76, the CC
Command "1" is sent to U73, and signal m is output to memory circuit 74 '. The content of the signal m changes depending on what is displayed on the monitor 53. When the image data recorded on the recording medium 103 is not in a frozen state and is not reproduced, the signal m becomes “0”. That is, this is a case where the image data of the enlarged image of the observation target imaged by the probe 51 is directly displayed on the monitor 53 through the memory circuit 74 '. When the output e of the switch signal detection circuit 75 becomes "1" when the freeze switch 66 of the head unit 51 is pressed, the signal m output to the memory circuit 74 'is set to "1". further,
When the operation switch 104 is operated and the image data recorded on the recording medium 103 is reproduced by the recording / reproducing unit 102, or the image data dropped in the image memory of the memory circuit 74 ′ is used by using the recording / reproducing unit 102. Recording medium 10
3, the signal m corresponding to the memory circuit 74 '
Becomes “2”.

FIG. 19 shows a circuit configuration of the memory circuit 74 '. The basic configuration of the memory circuit 74 'is the same as that of the memory circuit 74 shown in FIG. Here, the signal m is input from the CCU 101 to the control circuit 81 'instead of the freeze signal e. Image memory 8
The recording / reproducing unit 102 records the image data created in 3 'on the recording medium 103, so that the recording / reproducing unit 102 can read out the image data recorded on the recording medium 103 or other image data and input it to the image memory 83'. ing.

The control circuit 81 'is a main CPU
When the command m from 101 is “0”, the memory circuit 7
A switching signal i of level “1” for switching the changeover switch 85 at 4 ′ to the Y side is output. When the signal m is "1", the image data g passed through the video decoder 82 'is fetched. The video decoder 82 'captures the video signal d, which is the output signal of the CCU 73, and outputs it as image data g. In the present embodiment, the video decoder d has 16 bits. The control circuit 81, which has taken in the image data g of the video decoder 82 ', creates one frame of image data and stores it in the image memory 83'. At the same time, the switching signal i for switching the input terminal of the switch 85 to the X side. Is output. When the signal m is "2", the control of the image memory 83 'is transferred to the recording / reproducing unit 102, and a switching signal i for switching the switch 85 to the X side is output. The video encoder 84 'converts the image data j output from the image memory 83' into an analog signal.

Therefore, the memory circuit 74 'is connected to the CPU 101
Operates differently depending on the content of the signal m from First, when the signal m is “0”, the video signal d of the enlarged image of the observation target from the head unit 51 transmitted from the CCU 73 is displayed on the monitor 53 as it is. When the signal m is “1”, the signal e sent from the switch signal detection circuit 75 is “1”.
That is, since the freeze switch 66 of the head unit 51 is depressed and frozen, the image data for one frame is created from the video signal d and displayed on the monitor 53. Signal m is "2"
In the case of, the operation switch 104 is operated to
The video signal recorded on the recording medium 103 is displayed on the monitor 53 by using 2.

The recording / reproducing unit 102 comprises a CPU (not shown), a memory controller, an image compression / decompression IC, a data interface IC, and the like.
4 to operate the recording medium 10 via the CPU 101.
3 is transferred to the image memory 83 'of the memory circuit 74' to be displayed on the monitor 53,
Conversely, the image data of the image memory 83 'in the memory circuit 74' can be fetched and recorded on the recording medium 103. As this recording medium, for example, a PC card can be used.

The operation of the video microscope configured as described above will be described. The light from the halogen lamp 72 propagates through the light guide 65 to the probe 51, and is radiated from the illumination head 63 to the outside to illuminate the observation target.

On the other hand, the CCU 73 is a CCD camera head 6
Then, a CCD drive signal c is sent to the control unit 4 to start an imaging operation. The photoelectric conversion signal a obtained by imaging the observation target by the CCD camera head 64 is sent to the CCU 73 of the main body 52 '. The CCU 73 receives the photoelectric conversion signal a, processes the signal, and outputs a video signal d.

At present, the recording medium 10 is in a frozen state or
In a state where the image data recorded in 3 is not displayed, the video signal output from the CCU 73 is switched to the Y contact side of the switch 85 by the i signal of the control circuit 81 'in the memory circuit 74'. The original image to be observed is displayed on the monitor 53 as the external output video signal f.

Here, when the freeze switch 66 of the head section 51 is pressed to enter the freeze state, or when the image data recorded on the recording medium 103 is to be reproduced by the operation input from the operation switch 104, C
The signal m of the PU 101 becomes “1” and “2”. CPU1
01 sets the signal 1 to “1”, the lighting control circuit 71 of the halogen lamp 72, the rotation control circuit 76 of the fan 77, and CC
Instruct U73 to reduce power consumption.

The lighting control circuit 71 and the rotation control circuit 76 instructed by the CPU 101 to reduce the power consumption are:
For example, the voltage is reduced by a method as shown in FIGS. FIGS. 16 and 17 show a method of applying a voltage at the start of a freeze, but the same sequence is taken when displaying image data recorded on the recording medium 103.

When the signal 1 output from the CPU 101 becomes "1", the CCU 73 stops power supply to the CCU 73 by a power supply unit (not shown) built in the CCU 73.
The same operation is performed when the image data of the image memory 83 'of the memory circuit 74' is written to the recording medium 103 by the recording / reproducing unit 102.

When the freeze switch 66 of the probe 51 is pressed to release the freeze, when the display of the image data recorded on the recording medium 103 is finished, or when the image data 83 'of the memory circuit 74' is read from the image memory 83 '. When the writing of the image data to the CPU is completed, the signal m output from the CPU 101 becomes “0” and the signal 1 becomes “0”. Thus, the lighting control circuit 71 and the rotation control circuit 76
Restores the voltage to the original applied voltage, and the power supply unit (not shown) of the CCU 73 resumes the power supply and returns to the normal operation.

According to such an embodiment, the lamp voltage and the number of rotations of the fan are reduced when the freeze state or the image data recorded on the recording medium 103 is displayed.
Further, since the power supply to the CCU is stopped, wasteful power consumption during battery driving can be prevented, and the life of the halogen lamp can be extended.

In the television signal system of the CCU 73 and the monitor 53, black and white, NTSC, PAL, SECA
M signal system may be used. Also, needless to say, a high-resolution image can be obtained by adopting a high-vision system capable of capturing a higher-band image.

In the above-described embodiment, a halogen lamp is used as a light source. However, the light source applicable to the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, a light emitting diode (LED)
It can also be applied to dimming and extinguishing with a fluorescent lamp.

The invention has been described based on the embodiments, but the present specification includes the following inventions. (1) Power is supplied to a light source to generate light for illuminating an observation target, an image of the observation target illuminated by the illumination light is taken in through an enlargement optical system, and the image of the observation target is converted into a video signal. An A / D conversion unit that A / D converts an image signal of the observation target captured from the magnifying optical system into image data, and stores the image data. A memory; memory control means for controlling writing and reading of image data to and from the memory; and image processing of the image data read from the memory to determine whether the image of the observation target is in focus. An operation monitoring unit that monitors an operation state of an operation unit for inputting setting conditions and the like to determine whether the operation state is under use, and at least two of a focus determination result and a use state determination result. If the is determined that the unused state from the determination result; and a light source control means for controlling the light source power supply to dimming or turning off the light source.

(2) The focus determination means includes a brightness detection circuit for detecting whether or not the observed image is a brightness component of a blurred image shifted from the focus range. (3) A signal separated from the video signal into a luminance component indicating brightness is input, and it is determined whether or not the luminance has exceeded a certain level. If the luminance has exceeded a predetermined level, it is determined that the object is in focus, Otherwise, it is determined to be out of focus.

(4) The focus determining means includes a signal change detecting circuit for detecting a signal change of a luminance signal separated from a video signal, that is, a differential component. (5) Summation information of contrast for accumulating the differential signal of luminance is obtained to determine focusing, and the set reference voltage is compared with the total value of contrast. If the contrast of the observation target exceeds a predetermined value. It is determined that the camera is in focus, and otherwise, it is determined that the camera is out of focus.

(6) The focus judging means is constituted by simultaneously including a luminance detecting circuit and a signal change detecting circuit. (7) Image processing for analyzing two-dimensional frequency components of image data is used as image processing of image data for detecting whether or not the image is in focus. If many high frequency components are included, it is determined that the camera is in focus. For analysis of two-dimensional frequency components of image data, a fast Fourier transform can be used.

(8) As the image processing of the image data for detecting whether or not the image is in focus, image processing for obtaining a contrast using representative line data of the image data stored in the memory is used. . The sum of the absolute values of the differences between the adjacent pixel data is obtained for each of the vertical and horizontal lines in the X direction and the Y direction, and focus determination is performed from the sum.

[0102]

As described in detail above, according to the video microscope of the present invention, operability is improved, unnecessary power consumption of the light source is prevented, and accidents caused by heat generation of the light source can be prevented beforehand. It can be sufficiently used for portable devices and can be observed for a long time.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a video microscope according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of a luminance detection unit according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a waveform diagram of a luminance signal, an accumulation voltage level, and a detection signal used for luminance detection in a luminance detection unit.

FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram of a focus detection unit according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a waveform diagram of a luminance signal, a differential signal, an accumulation voltage level, and a detection signal used for focus detection in a focus detection unit.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating conditions used for determining an unused state according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is an overall configuration diagram of a video microscope according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating detection lines of an observation image according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 9 is an overall configuration diagram of a video microscope according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a circuit configuration diagram of a switch signal detection circuit according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a circuit configuration diagram of a memory circuit according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a circuit configuration diagram of a lighting control circuit of a light source according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a circuit configuration diagram of a fan rotation control circuit according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a time chart showing an operation including a freeze operation of a switch signal detection circuit according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a time chart showing an operation content including a freeze releasing operation of the switch signal detection circuit in the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a control state of a light source voltage at the time of freeze according to the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a control state of a fan speed during a freeze in a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 18 is an overall configuration diagram of a video microscope according to a fifth embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a circuit configuration diagram of a memory according to a fifth embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a configuration diagram of a conventional video microscope.

FIG. 21 is a configuration diagram of a conventional endoscope having a power saving function.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Device main body 2 ... Illumination head 3 ... Objective lens 4 ... CCD camera head 6 ... Probe 8 ... CCU 9 ... Monitor 10 ... Halogen lamp 11 ... Light source power supply control part 12 ... CPU 13 ... Brightness detection part 14 ... Focus detection Part 15: Operation switch

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. An electric power is supplied to a light source to generate light for illuminating an observation target, an image of the observation target illuminated by the illumination light is taken in via an enlargement optical system, and the image of the observation target is converted into a video signal. A video microscope which converts the image into an image and displays the image on a display device; focusing determination means for determining whether or not the image of the observation target is in focus from the video signal or determining a luminance state; An operation monitoring unit that monitors an operation state of the operation unit that inputs the operation unit to determine whether the operation unit is under use; and determining that the operation unit is in an unused state based on at least two determination results of the focus determination unit and the operation monitoring unit. A video microscope, comprising: light source control means for controlling light source supply power so that the light source is dimmed or extinguished when the judgment is made. 2. An electric power is supplied to a light source to generate light for illuminating an observation target, an image of the observation target illuminated by the illumination light is taken in through an enlargement optical system, and the image of the observation target is taken by an imaging unit A video microscope for converting the video signal of the observation target taken in from the magnifying optical system into digital image data by A / D conversion.
/ D conversion means; memory for storing image data output from the A / D conversion means; memory control means for controlling writing of image data to the memory and reading of image data from the memory; D / A conversion means for D / A converting the image data read from the memory to output a video signal composed of an analog signal, and a video signal to be input to the display device, the imaging unit and the D / A conversion Video switching means for switching between the image processing means and the memory means, wherein one frame of image data is stored in the memory, and a command is issued to the memory control means so that one frame of image data is repeatedly read from the memory;
A still image generation unit that controls the video switching unit so that a video signal from the D / A conversion unit is input to the display device, and a still image generation unit that displays a still image on the display device by the still image generation unit. And a light source control means for controlling the power supplied to the light source so as to dim or extinguish the light source. 3. A light source, a head unit for irradiating light supplied from the light source to an observation target, imaging the observation target and outputting a photoelectric conversion signal thereof, controlling an imaging operation of the head unit, and An imaging unit that receives a photoelectric conversion signal from the head unit and converts it into a video signal; a display device that receives the video signal from the imaging unit and projects the video; and an image still signal that displays a still image on the display device An image still switch for inputting a still image signal, a memory for generating at least one frame of still image data from the video signal when an image still signal is received from the image still switch, and reproducing the image data recorded on the recording medium. A reproduction unit, a video signal output from the imaging unit to display an image to be displayed on the display device, still image data read from the memory, or An image switching unit for switching to any of video signals reproduced from a recording medium; a voltage applied to the light source while the still image is displayed on the display device; a rotation speed of a fan for cooling the light source; A control unit for reducing or stopping at least one of electric power supplied to the unit.