JPH11318806A - Endoscope system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To inexpensively and easily perform endoscope observation by specific wavelength or light in the region of specific wavelength. SOLUTION: An endoscope 2 consists of a light emitting element 11 emitting the specific wavelength or light in the area of the specific wavelength energizing tissues or the fluorescent light of the tissues, a lens 12 for the light emitting element for irradiating light from the element 11 to a wide range with respect to the inside of a body cavity, an objective lens 13 for making fluorescent light from a body to be inspected within the body cavity incident, and an image guide fiber 15 for transmitting fluorescent light made incident by the lens 13 to the eyepiece section 14 of the endoscope 2. Then, the element 11 is connected to the processor 5 through a signal cable 16 and a camera unit 3 is connected with the section 14 of the endoscope 2 in the state of being freely attachable and detachable. In this case, the element 11 emitting the specific wavelength or light in the area of the specific wavelength can be provided at a tip by not only one kind but plural kinds.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an endoscope apparatus, and more particularly, to an endoscope apparatus characterized by a light emitting element provided at the end of the endoscope.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, in an endoscope apparatus, in addition to a normal observation in which the inside of a body cavity is illuminated with a lamp having an emission spectrum in the entire visible region using an endoscope, a tissue in the body cavity is excited by excitation light. And a fluorescence observation endoscope apparatus capable of performing fluorescence observation for diagnosis and treatment by observing the fluorescence of cells.

[0003]

However, in the conventional fluorescence observation using an endoscope, in addition to an illumination light source device used for ordinary observation, a laser or the like which emits light of a specific wavelength to excite fluorescence of cells is used. A special light source dedicated to fluorescence excitation, such as a lamp, must be prepared, and the fluorescence observation endoscope system requires two or more light source devices, resulting in a large-scale system and significant cost increase. There is.

[0004] The fluorescence to be excited is determined by the type of drug that makes the fluorescence easier to see, the type of autofluorescence emitted by the cell itself, the purpose of exciting the fluorescence (for diagnosis or
If the target fluorescence changes, it is necessary to prepare a special light source dedicated to fluorescence excitation that can emit a wavelength that can excite the fluorescence. Since it is necessary to prepare a special light source device dedicated to fluorescence excitation for each fluorescence to be performed, there is a problem that it is not possible to actually increase the types of fluorescence that can be observed by one fluorescence observation endoscope system.

On the other hand, for example, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 4-357929, a plurality of light sources for irradiating light in different wavelength regions are provided in the light source device. However, there is a problem that the cost for the user increases.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and provides an endoscope apparatus capable of easily and inexpensively realizing endoscope observation using light of a specific wavelength or a specific wavelength region. It is an object.

[0007]

An endoscope apparatus according to the present invention comprises:
One or more types of light emitting elements that emit light of a specific wavelength or a specific wavelength region are provided at the tip of the endoscope.

In the endoscope apparatus of the present invention, by providing one or more types of light emitting elements for emitting light of a specific wavelength or a specific wavelength region at the end of the endoscope, the specific wavelength or the specific wavelength region is provided. Endoscope observation by light can be realized at low cost and easily.

[0009]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIGS. 1 and 2 relate to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an endoscope apparatus.
FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram illustrating a configuration of a distal end of the endoscope in FIG. 1.

(Structure) As shown in FIG. 1, an endoscope apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment is an optical endoscope 2 for observing the inside of a body cavity.
A camera unit 3 that captures an image of the subject in the body cavity obtained by the endoscope 2; a video processor that drives the camera unit 3 to capture an image and performs signal processing to display an image of the subject on a monitor 4. 5 is provided.

The endoscope 2 emits light of a specific wavelength or a specific wavelength range that excites the fluorescence of a tissue or a cell, and irradiates the light from the light emitting element 11 over a wide area into the body cavity. , A light-emitting element lens 12, an objective lens 13 for receiving fluorescent light from a test object in a body cavity, and an eyepiece 1 of the endoscope 2 for transmitting the fluorescent light incident on the objective lens 13.
4 and an image guide fiber 15 for transmission to the optical fiber 4. Here, the light emitting element 11 is connected to the video processor 5 via the signal cable 16, and the camera unit 3 is detachably connected to the eyepiece 14 of the endoscope 2.

The camera unit 3 includes an image intensifier (hereinafter abbreviated as II) lens 17 for receiving fluorescence from the image guide fiber 15 and an I.I.
I. Amplifying the light passing through the lens 17 for I. I. 18
And I. I. The solid-state imaging device for imaging the light amplified by 18, for example, a CCD 19.

The video processor 5 has a CCD driver 21 for driving the CCD 19 of the camera unit 3,
A signal processing circuit 22 for signal processing of an image pickup signal from the CCD 19 and a light emission drive dimming circuit 23 for driving and dimming the light emitting element 11 of the endoscope 2 are provided.

The light emitting element 11 provided in the endoscope 2 for emitting light of a specific wavelength or a specific wavelength region includes one light source.
Not only the type but also a plurality of types may be provided at the tip.

FIG. 2A is a view of the endoscope 2 seen from the end face side, and FIG. 2B is a view of the end of the endoscope 2 taken along the line AA in FIG. 2 (a) and 2 (a)
(B), the end of the endoscope 2 is the light emitting element 11, the light emitting element lens 12, the signal cable 16, the objective lens 1
In addition to the 3 and the image guide fiber 15, a forceps channel 25 through which a treatment tool such as a forceps is inserted, and an air / water channel 26 for air / water supply are provided.

Here, since the light emitting element 11 of the endoscope 2 emits light of a specific wavelength or a specific wavelength region that excites the fluorescence of a tissue or a cell, the endoscope apparatus 1 constitutes a fluorescence observation endoscope apparatus. Will do.

(Operation) The light emission drive dimming circuit 23 drives the light emitting element 11 to adjust the light. Then, the light emitting element 11 irradiates the tissue or cells in the body cavity via the light emitting element lens 12 to excite fluorescence. Then, the excited fluorescence passes through the objective lens 13, and the image guide fiber 15 transmits the fluorescence to the eyepiece 14. The fluorescence transmitted by the image guide fiber 15 is transmitted to the I.P.
I. Is condensed by the lens 17 for I. I. 18 is incident. I. I. Reference numeral 18 amplifies the fluorescence of the excited cells or tissues and outputs the amplified fluorescence to the CCD 19.

The CCD 19 is driven by a CCD driver 21 in the video processor 5,
The output of D19 is the signal processing circuit 2 of the video processor 5.
2 is input. The signal processing circuit 22 processes the output of the CCD 19, converts the signal into a video signal, and outputs the video signal to the monitor 4.

(Effects) As described above, in the present embodiment, the light emitting element 11 having a specific wavelength is provided at the end of the endoscope 2 so that a specific wavelength or a specific light such as a lamp or a laser having a specific wavelength as in the related art is used. Even without preparing a special light source that emits light in a wavelength region, it is possible to perform fluorescence observation for observing the fluorescence of tissues and cells in a body cavity. Therefore, there is an effect that the large-scale fluorescence observation endoscope apparatus is reduced in size and the cost given to the user is reduced.

A plurality of different types of light-emitting elements for exciting fluorescence can be provided at the end of the endoscope. Each time the target fluorescence changes, a special light source device dedicated to fluorescence excitation, which is the excitation light of the fluorescence, is provided. Since it is not necessary to prepare, it is possible to increase the types of fluorescence that can be observed by one fluorescence observation endoscope apparatus.

FIGS. 3 and 4 relate to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an endoscope apparatus.
FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram illustrating a configuration of a distal end of the electronic endoscope in FIG. 3.

Since the second embodiment is almost the same as the first embodiment, only different points will be described, and the same components will be denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

(Configuration) As shown in FIG. 3, the present embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the configuration of the endoscope and does not include the camera unit 10.

That is, the endoscope 2a of the present embodiment is an electronic endoscope. As shown in FIG. 3, a CCD 19 is provided at the end of the endoscope, and the CCD 19 is driven instead of the image guide fiber 15. A CCD cable 31 for transmitting signals and output signals of the CCD 19 is provided.

Here, in the electronic endoscope 2a, if the light emitting element 11 emits light of a specific wavelength or a specific wavelength region for exciting the fluorescence of a tissue or a cell, the endoscope apparatus 1
Is a fluorescence observation endoscope device, and if the light emitting element 11 emits infrared light or light in an infrared light region capable of obtaining information of a deep layer of tissue, the endoscope device 1 performs infrared light observation. It becomes an endoscope device.

FIG. 4A is a diagram viewed from the end face side of the electronic endoscope 2a, and FIG. 4B is a view B of FIG. FIG.
4A and 4B, the distal end of the electronic endoscope 2a has a forceps channel in addition to the light emitting element 11, the light emitting element lens 12, the signal cable 16, the objective lens 13, the CCD 19, and the CCD cable 31. 25 and an air supply / water supply channel 26.

Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment.

(Operation) The light emitting element 11 irradiates the tissue or cells in the body cavity via the light emitting element lens 12. Then, the excited fluorescent light or reflected light is transmitted to the objective lens 13.
The image is taken by the CCD 19 at the tip of the electronic endoscope 2a. The image captured by the CCD 19 is subjected to signal processing by the video processor 5 and output to the monitor 4 as a video signal.

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

(Effects) As described above, in the present embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, even if a special light source that emits light of a specific wavelength or a specific wavelength region is not prepared, a deep layer of a tissue can be obtained. Since infrared light observation for obtaining information can be performed, there is an effect that the large-scale endoscope apparatus for infrared light observation is reduced in size and the cost given to the user is reduced.

FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram showing a configuration of a distal end of an endoscope according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

Since the third embodiment is almost the same as the second embodiment, only different points will be described, and the same components will be denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

(Configuration) As shown in FIG. 5, the tip of the electronic endoscope 2b of the present embodiment limits the wavelength of the light emitted from the light emitting element 11 in front of the light emitting element 11, as shown in FIG. The optical filter 41, the light emitting element lens 12, the signal cable 16, the CCD 19, the objective lens 13,
It comprises a CD cable 31.

Here, the optical filter 41 is a light emitting element 1
It is a filter that reduces the peak wavelength or the half-value width of a specific wavelength in one emission spectrum, and may be configured by a combination of a plurality of types.

The other structure is the same as that of the second embodiment.

(Operation) With the above configuration, the drive signal is transmitted by the signal cable 16 and input to the light emitting element 11. The light emitting element 11 emits light, and the light passes through the optical filter 41 and is illuminated over a wide area by the light emitting element lens 12. At this time, the light of the light emitting element 11 is light whose peak wavelength or the half value width of the specific wavelength is reduced by the optical filter 41, and the emission spectrum intensity other than the peak wavelength or the specific wavelength is reduced. Therefore, the light transmitted through the optical filter 41 is a wavelength that can excite the fluorescence of the cell or a light that can be transmitted to a deeper layer of the tissue.

Other operations are the same as those of the second embodiment.

(Effect) As described above, in this embodiment, in addition to the effect of the second embodiment, the light emitted from the light emitting element 11 has a sharp peak in the wavelength of the excitation light due to the optical filter 41. Since the light becomes light, the fluorescent light can be strongly excited, which has an effect that the fluorescent light is easily seen by a user.

Further, since the light emitted from the light emitting element 11 is light that can be transmitted to a deeper layer of the tissue, there is an effect that more detailed infrared light observation can be performed.

FIGS. 6 to 8 relate to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram showing a configuration of an endoscope apparatus, and FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram of a distal end of the endoscope of FIG. FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram showing a configuration of a modification of the distal end of the endoscope in FIG.

Since the fourth embodiment is almost the same as the second embodiment, only different points will be described, and the same components will be denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

(Construction) As shown in FIG. 6, the electronic endoscope 2c of the present embodiment comprises a light emitting element 11 and a white light emitting element 51 for supplying white light used as illumination light for normal observation.
A light emitting element lens 12, a signal cable 16, a light emitting element lighting switching circuit 52 for switching the light emitting element 11 and the white light emitting element 51, and a scope switch for sending a light emitting element lighting switching signal to the light emitting element lighting switching circuit 52. 53
, A CCD 19 and a CCD cable 31. The light emitting element lighting switching circuit 52 may be provided in the video processor 5.

As shown in FIG. 7A, FIG. 7B which is a cross section taken along line CC of FIG. 7A, and FIG. 7C which is a cross section taken along line DD of FIG. The distal end of the electronic endoscope 2c is provided with the light emitting element 11, the CCD 19, the forceps channel 25, the air / water supply channel 26, and the white light emitting element 51.

8A and 8A, even if the light source of the illumination light for normal observation is not the white light emitting element 51. FIG.
8B and FIG. 8A, which are cross sections taken along line EE of FIG.
As shown in FIG. 8C, which is a cross-section along the line F, an illumination light source combining a red light emitting element 51r, a green light emitting element 51g, and a blue light emitting element 51b may be used.

The other structure is the same as that of the second embodiment.

(Operation) With the above configuration, when the scope switch 53 is pressed, a light emitting element lighting switching signal is input to the light emitting element lighting switching circuit 52 provided in the endoscope 2c, and only the light emitting element 11 is turned on. Lighting control of each light emitting element such as lighting only the white light emitting element 51 as illumination light or simultaneous lighting of the light emitting element 11 and the white light emitting element 51 is performed.

The lighting control of the light emitting element is performed not only from the scope switch 51 but also from the video processor 5.
Alternatively, it may be performed from a keyboard connected to the video processor 5 (not shown).

The other operations are the same as in the second embodiment.

(Effects) As described above, in the present embodiment, in addition to the effects of the second embodiment, the switching of the light emitting elements can be smoothly and easily performed, so that the transition from the normal observation to the fluorescence observation is performed. Transition from normal observation to infrared observation,
In addition, there is an effect that the reverse transition becomes smooth.

[Supplementary Note 1] (Supplementary Note 1-1) In an endoscope apparatus provided with a light emitting element at the tip of an endoscope, the light emitting element emits light of a specific wavelength or a specific wavelength region. Alternatively, an endoscope apparatus including a plurality of types of light emitting elements.

(Additional Item 1-2) The endoscope apparatus according to additional item 1, wherein the light emitting element emits at least a wavelength in an infrared region.

(Additional Item 1-3) The endoscope apparatus according to additional item 1, wherein the light emitting element emits a specific wavelength that excites at least the fluorescence of tissues and cells in a body cavity.

(Additional Item 1-4) The endoscope apparatus according to additional item 1, wherein an optical filter for limiting a transmission wavelength region is provided in front of the light emitting element.

(Appendix 1-5) At the tip of the endoscope,
2. The endoscope apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a second light emitting element for illumination.

(Additional Item 1-6) The endoscope apparatus according to Additional Item 1, further comprising lighting selection means for selecting the light emitting elements to be turned on or selecting the light emitting elements to be combined.

By the way, in the electronic endoscope having the light emitting element in the distal end portion, there is a problem that the heat at the time of light emission of the light emitting element is transmitted to the solid-state image pickup element, thereby deteriorating the characteristics of the solid-state image pickup element. Therefore, an embodiment that can effectively prevent the influence of heat generated from the light emitting element on the solid-state imaging element will be described.

FIG. 9 is a configuration diagram showing the configuration of the distal end of the endoscope according to the first embodiment, which can effectively prevent the heat generated by the light emitting element from affecting the solid-state imaging element.

(Configuration) As shown in FIG. 9, an endoscope 101 according to the present embodiment includes a light emitting element 102 that emits visible light or light of a specific wavelength or a specific wavelength region, and a light emitting element 1.
Light Emitting Element Lens 1 for Distributing Light 02 in a Wide Range
03, a CCD lens 104 for condensing reflected light of the light of the light emitting element 102 from the symmetrical illumination, and a CCD lens 1
A CCD 105 for imaging the reflected light through the light-emitting device 04, a signal cable 106 for transmitting a drive signal to the light-emitting element 102,
A heat insulating member 107 for preventing conduction of heat generated by the light emitting element 102 to the CCD 105;
And a CCD cable 108 for transmitting a CD output signal.

The heat insulating member 107 may be disposed only between the CCD 105 and the light emitting element 102, or may be disposed so as to surround the light emitting element 102.

(Function) When the light emitting element 102 emits light, heat is generated from the light emitting element 102. Light emitting element 2
The heat from the light emitting element 102 is converted into C by the heat insulating member 107 interposed between the CCD 105 and the light emitting element 102.
This prevents conduction to the CD 105.

(Effect) Therefore, since the heat insulating member 107 prevents the heat generation of the light emitting element 102 from being transmitted to the CCD 105, there is an effect that the characteristics of the CCD 105 can be prevented from being deteriorated.

FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram showing the configuration of the distal end of an endoscope according to the second embodiment, which can effectively prevent the heat generated by the light emitting element from affecting the solid-state imaging device.

(Structure) As shown in FIG. 10, an endoscope 101a according to the present embodiment includes a light emitting element 102 that emits visible light or light of a specific wavelength or a specific wavelength range, and a light emitting element 102 that emits light of a wide range. A light-emitting element lens 103 for distributing light to the light-emitting element, a CCD lens 104 for condensing reflected light of the light of the light-emitting element 102 from the object to be illuminated, and a CCD 105 for imaging the reflected light via the CCD lens 104. , A signal cable 106 for transmitting a drive signal to the light emitting element 102
A radiating member 111 provided around the light emitting element 102 for radiating heat generated by the light emitting element 102; and a CCD cable 1 for supplying a driving signal to the CCD 105 and transmitting a CCD output signal.
08 is provided. The heat radiating member 111
Is only between the light emitting element 102 and the outermost surface of the endoscope 101,
Alternatively, it may be disposed both between the light emitting element 102 and the outermost end of the endoscope 101 and between the CCD 105 and the light emitting element 102.

(Function) When the light emitting element 102 emits light, heat is generated from the light emitting element 102. Therefore, the heat radiating member 111 radiates the heat from the light emitting element 102 to the surroundings, so that the heat radiating member 111 prevents the temperature around the light emitting element 102 from rising.

(Effect) When the temperature around the light emitting element rises due to the heat generated by the light emitting element, the allowable forward current flowing through the light emitting element becomes small. In consideration of the heat generation of the light emitting element, the forward current flowing through the light emitting element must be set low. From the characteristic of the light emitting element that the light quantity of the light emitting element increases in proportion to the forward current value, there is a problem that the light quantity of the light emitting element becomes small in consideration of heat generation.

In this embodiment, the heat radiating member 111 radiates heat from the light emitting element 102 to prevent the temperature around the light emitting element from rising. Therefore, it is not necessary to set a low allowable current value that can flow through the light emitting element 102 with respect to the ambient temperature of the light emitting element 102, so that it is possible to prevent the light amount of the light emitting element 102 from decreasing. In addition, since the heat radiating member 111 radiates heat from the light emitting element 102, the light emitting element 102 is destroyed due to the heat generated by the light emitting element 102 exceeding an allowable current value.
It is possible to avoid shortening the life.

FIG. 11 is a configuration diagram showing the configuration of the distal end of an endoscope according to the third embodiment, which can effectively prevent the heat generated by the light emitting element from affecting the solid-state imaging device.

(Structure) As shown in FIG. 11, an endoscope 101b according to the present embodiment includes a light emitting element 102 that emits visible light or light of a specific wavelength or a specific wavelength region, and a light emitting element 102 that emits light over a wide range. A light-emitting element lens 103 for distributing light to the light-emitting element, a CCD lens 104 for condensing reflected light of the light of the light-emitting element 102 from the object to be illuminated, and a CCD 105 for imaging the reflected light via the CCD lens 104. , A signal cable 106 for transmitting a drive signal to the light emitting element 102
And a heat radiating member 111 provided between the light emitting element 102 and the outermost surface of the end of the endoscope 101 to radiate heat generated by the light emitting element 102, and a CCD cable 108 for transmitting a drive signal to the CCD 105 and transmitting a CCD output signal. And the light emitting element 10
2 and the light emitting element 10 provided between the CCD cable 108
A heat insulating member 1 for preventing heat generation from being conducted to the CCD 105
07 is provided.

(Operation) Heat is generated when the light emitting element 102 emits light. Then, the light emitting element 102 and the CCD
Since the heat insulating member 107 is provided between the light emitting elements 10,
2 is prevented from being conducted to the CCD 105.
In addition, it prevents the heat generated by the CCD 105 from conducting around the light emitting element 102. Further, since the heat radiating member 111 is disposed between the light emitting element 102 and the outermost surface of the endoscope 101, heat generated from the light emitting element 102 is generated by the heat radiating member 1.
Heat is radiated to the outside of the endoscope 101 by 11.

(Effect) The heat of the light emitting element 102 is insulated by the heat insulating member 107, so that the light emitting element 102
This can prevent deterioration of the CCD characteristics, which is caused by the transfer of the heat to the CCD 105. Also, C
Since the heat generated by the CD 105 is insulated by the heat insulating member 107 and is not transmitted to the light emitting element 102, the allowable current value flowing through the light emitting element 102 is exceeded.
2 can be avoided from shortening the life and breaking. further,
Since the heat of the light emitting element 102 is radiated by the heat radiating member 111, it is possible to prevent the temperature around the light emitting element from rising. Therefore, a decrease in the allowable forward current value and a decrease in the light amount of the light emitting element 102 can be avoided.

FIGS. 12 and 13 relate to a fourth embodiment capable of efficiently preventing the heat generated from the light emitting element from affecting the solid-state imaging device. FIG. 12 shows the configuration of the electronic endoscope apparatus. FIG. 13 is a configuration diagram showing the configuration of the distal end of the electronic endoscope in FIG.

(Configuration) As shown in FIG. 12, the electronic endoscope apparatus according to the present embodiment performs signal processing on an electronic endoscope 201 for observing the inside of a body cavity and an image pickup signal from the electronic endoscope 201. A video processor 203 for displaying an endoscope image on the monitor 202.

The electronic endoscope 201 includes a light emitting element 210 that irradiates light into the body cavity, a CCD 211 that captures an endoscopic image with light from the light emitting element 210, and a light emitting element 210 that drives the light emitting element 210 with a first drive current. One current limiting circuit 212 and second current limiting circuit 21 for driving light emitting element 210 with a second drive current
3 and a temperature sensor 214 for detecting the ambient temperature of the light emitting element 210.

The video processor 203 includes a temperature detection circuit 220 for detecting a temperature based on a detection signal from the temperature sensor 214, a comparator 221 for comparing the temperature detected by the temperature detection circuit 220 with a predetermined value, and a comparator 221. A microcomputer (hereinafter, a microcomputer) 222 that performs various controls based on the microcomputer 221, a switching circuit 223 that switches between the first current limiting circuit 212 and the second current limiting circuit 213 under the control of the microcomputer 222, and a light emitting element 210. It comprises a light emitting element drive circuit 224, a CCD driver 225 for driving the CCD 211, and a signal processing circuit 226 for processing an output signal of the CCD 211 and outputting it as a video signal to the monitor 202.

As shown in FIG. 13, the distal end of the electronic endoscope 201 has a light emitting element 210, a signal cable 231 for transmitting a driving signal for driving the light emitting element 210 by the light emitting element driving circuit 224, and a light emitting element 210. Light emitting element lens 23 for irradiating a wide range of light into the body cavity
2, light from the test object in the body cavity is incident, and CCD 211
The objective lens 233 for forming an image on the image forming surface of the CCD 21
1 and a temperature sensor 214.
The drive signal and the imaging signal can be transmitted to and received from the video processor 203 via the CCD cable 234.

(Operation) A drive signal is input to the CCD 211 provided in the electronic endoscope 201 by the CCD driver 225 provided in the video processor 203. As a result, the CCD 211 is driven, and the CCD 211 is driven.
The output signal of 211 is input to the signal processing circuit 226. The signal processing circuit 226 processes the output signal of the CCD 211 and outputs the processed signal to the monitor 202 as a video signal.

At the same time, the light emitting element 210
A driving signal is input from the light emitting element driving circuit 224 via the signal cable 231 and the light emitting element 210 emits light. Temperature sensor 214 senses the temperature around light emitting element 210 and inputs a detection signal to temperature detection circuit 220. The temperature detection circuit 220 receives a detection signal from the temperature sensor 214 and detects a temperature.

The temperature detection circuit 220 sends a temperature identification signal to the comparator 221, and the comparator 221 compares the temperature identification signal with a predetermined value, and the first current limit circuit 212 or the second current limit circuit 21
Compare which of 3 is to be selected. The microcomputer 222 sends a signal as to whether to switch to the first current limiting circuit 212 or the second current limiting circuit 213 to the switching circuit 223 according to a signal from the comparator 221. When a signal for switching the current limiting circuit is output from the microcomputer 222, the switching circuit 223 operates, is connected to the first current limiting circuit 212 or the second current limiting circuit 213, and sends a driving signal to the light emitting element 210.

When the light emitting element 210 emits light for the first time,
The light emitting element driving circuit 224 is connected to the first current limiting circuit 212. However, when the temperature around the light emitting element 210 rises, the temperature sensor 214 senses it. When the temperature around the light emitting element 210 rises, a temperature rise signal is transmitted from the temperature sensor 214 and detected by the temperature detection circuit 220.

Then, the comparator 221 checks whether or not the temperature for switching from the first current limiting circuit 212 to the second current limiting circuit 213 has been reached, by comparing it with the output signal of the temperature detecting circuit 220. The comparison result of the comparator 221 is sent to the microcomputer 222, and when a signal indicating that the current limiting circuit needs to be switched is transmitted to the microcomputer 222, the microcomputer 222 sends the second current limiting circuit 213 to the switching circuit 223.
Command to connect to.

Then, the switching circuit 223 operates, and the connection from the first current limiting circuit 212 to the second current limiting circuit 213 is made. The second current limiting circuit 213 includes:
Since the current limiting value of the first current limiting circuit 212 is set to be smaller than that of the first current limiting circuit 212, the light emitting element 210 is connected to the second current limiting circuit, so that the light emitting element 210 is smaller than when the first current limiting circuit 212 is connected. Only the current will flow.

(Effect) The light emitting element 2
The temperature sensor 214 detects the heat generated by the light emission of the light source 10, and the temperature sensor 220, the first current limiting circuit 212 or the second
Since the current limiting circuit is switched by the current limiting circuit 213, the microcomputer 222, and the switching circuit 223, the value of the forward current flowing through the light emitting element changes according to the rise in the temperature around the light emitting element. Therefore, the peripheral temperature of the light emitting element rises, whereby the current flowing through the light emitting element exceeds the allowable forward current value of the peripheral temperature at that time, which can prevent the light emitting element from being broken or shortened in life. It has the effect.

[Appendix 2] (Appendix 2-1) In an endoscope apparatus provided with a light emitting element at the tip of the endoscope, a heat insulating means is provided around the light emitting element. .

(Additional Item 2-2) An endoscope apparatus provided with a light emitting element at the tip of the endoscope, wherein a heat radiating means is provided around the light emitting element.

(Additional Item 2-3) An endoscope apparatus provided with a light emitting element at the tip of the endoscope, wherein heat insulating means and heat radiating means are provided around the light emitting element.

(Additional Item 2-4) In an endoscope apparatus provided with a light emitting element at the end of an endoscope, a temperature detecting means for detecting a temperature around the light emitting element, and a drive signal for driving the light emitting element A driving signal generating means for generating a driving signal, a driving signal restricting means for restricting a driving signal generated from the driving signal generating means, and a control means for controlling the driving signal restricting means. Mirror device.

[0088]

As described above, according to the endoscope apparatus of the present invention, one or more kinds of light emitting elements for emitting light of a specific wavelength or a specific wavelength region are provided at the tip of the endoscope. Therefore, there is an effect that endoscope observation using light of a specific wavelength or a specific wavelength region can be realized at low cost and easily.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing a configuration of an endoscope apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram showing a configuration of a distal end of the endoscope in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram showing a configuration of an endoscope apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram showing a configuration of a distal end of the electronic endoscope in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram showing a configuration of a distal end of an endoscope according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram showing a configuration of an endoscope apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram showing a configuration of a distal end of the endoscope in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram showing a configuration of a modification of the distal end of the endoscope in FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is a configuration diagram showing the configuration of the distal end of the endoscope according to the first embodiment, which can effectively prevent the heat generated by the light emitting element from affecting the solid-state imaging device;

FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram showing a configuration of a distal end of an endoscope according to a second embodiment that can effectively prevent the influence of heat generated from a light emitting element on a solid-state imaging device;

FIG. 11 is a configuration diagram showing a configuration of a distal end of an endoscope according to a third embodiment that can effectively prevent the influence of heat generated from a light emitting element on a solid-state imaging device;

FIG. 12 is a configuration diagram showing a configuration of an electronic endoscope apparatus according to a third embodiment that can effectively prevent the influence of heat generated from a light emitting element on a solid-state imaging device.

13 is a configuration diagram showing a configuration of a distal end of the electronic endoscope in FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Endoscope apparatus 2 ... Endoscope 3 ... Camera unit 4 ... Monitor 5 ... Video processor 11 ... Light emitting element 12 ... Light emitting element lens 13 ... Objective lens 14 ... Eyepiece 15 ... Image guide fiber 16 ... Signal cable 17 ... I. I. (Image Intensifier) Lens 18 ... I. I. (Image intensifier) 19 ... CCD 21 ... CCD driver 22 ... Signal processing circuit 23 ... Emission driving dimming circuit

Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Yoshitaka Miyoshi 2-43-2 Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Inside Olympus Optical Co., Ltd.

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. An endoscope apparatus provided with a light emitting element at a distal end of an endoscope, wherein the light emitting element is one or more kinds of light emitting elements that emit light of a specific wavelength or a specific wavelength region. An endoscope device characterized by the above-mentioned.