JPS63228118A - Light source device for endoscope - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To permit outputting of white light suitable for a simultaneous image pickup means as well by providing a rotary filter having a hole for white light and means for mechanically selecting and shutting the white light between a light source for a plane sequential system and subject. CONSTITUTION:A light source lamp 31 for white light and rotationally driven transmission filters 36R, 36G, 36B for 3 primary colors having a sectorial shape are provided in the circumferential direction of a filter frame 35. The rotary filter 33a provided with the hole 37 for the white light between, for example, the blue transmission filter 36B and the red transmission filter 36R and the rotationally driven shutter plate 33b having the sectorial hole 38 for the white light are provided. Illumination of a simultaneous type is executed by controlling the positions of the rotary filter 33a and the shutter plate 33b in such are manner that the hole 37 for the white light of said filter and the sectorial hole 38 for the white light of said shutter plate align to each other on the optical path. The supply of the illumination light suitable for the scope provided with the image pickup means of the plane sequential system and simultaneous system and the fiber scope which permits observation with naked eyes is thereby permitted.

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] [Industrial Application Field] The present invention provides illumination light suitable for a scope equipped with a field-sequential imaging means, a scope equipped with a simultaneous image carrying means, and a fiberscope. This invention relates to a light source device for an endoscope.

[Problems to be solved by conventional techniques and inventions] In recent years,
By inserting the elongated insertion part into the body cavity, you can observe organs inside the body cavity and as needed! 2! Endoscope (also called scope or fiberscope) that can perform various therapeutic treatments using treatment instruments inserted into the channel.
is widely used.

Furthermore, various electronic scopes have been proposed that use a solid-state image carrier such as a charge-coupled device (COD) as an imaging means. This electronic scope has advantages such as higher resolution than a fiber scope, easier recording and reproduction of images, and easier image processing such as enlarging images and comparing two images.

The color image transport method of the electronic scope involves sequentially switching the illumination light to R (red), Q (green), B (blue), etc., as shown in, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 61-82731. For example, as shown in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 60-76888, there is a filter array in which color filters that transmit each color light such as R, G, and B are arranged in a mosaic shape on the front surface of a solid-state image sensor. There is a simultaneous type with a The frame-sequential method has the advantage that the number of pixels can be reduced compared to the simultaneous method, while the simultaneous method has the advantage of not causing color shift.

Further, the electronic scopes are diversified depending on their purpose of use. For example, for upper or lower gastrointestinal use,
The outer diameter of the insertion portion is approximately 10φa11. On the other hand, for example, for bronchial use, the outer diameter is usually 5φ.
The following items are required before and after embroidery. In this way, for various electronic scopes with a wide range of insertion tube outer diameters,
It is physically and physically unreasonable to use the same type of image carrier and the same type of Il image system. That is, for example,
In order to realize a bronchial (small diameter) electronic scope, it is necessary to use an image sensor with a small number of pixels.

In cases where the number of pixels is small, in order to prevent a decrease in resolution, instead of using a simultaneous imaging method using a color mosaic filter, the image is illuminated sequentially with light of each wavelength of R, G, and B. A frame-sequential color image transfer system is advantageous, in which images are captured sequentially under the illumination, and these images are combined and displayed in color.

On the other hand, for rollers with an outer diameter of approximately 10φ, it is advantageous to increase the number of pixels and use a simultaneous image conveyance method in order to improve image quality.

Incidentally, the fiber scope or electronic scope is generally used by being connected to a light source device that supplies illumination light suitable for each scope.

The illumination methods are different for the fiber scope, the field-sequential electronic scope, and the simultaneous electronic scope. That is,
A fiber scope and a simultaneous type electronic scope require white light, and a field sequential type electronic scope requires light that can be sequentially switched to R, G, B, etc. However, conventional light source devices can only output illumination light compatible with either a one-track electronic scope, a simultaneous electronic scope, or a fiber scope. However, it was necessary to prepare different light source devices and perform different operations, which was poor in economy and efficiency.

Furthermore, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 60-243625 discloses that a camera is connected to a control device of an electronic scope equipped with a frame-sequential light source device, and a fiber scope equipped with an optical fiber bundle for image transmission. A connection system has been disclosed that allows viewing on a display screen such as . However, with this system, it is not possible to use a simultaneous electronic scope and to perform visual observation using a fiber scope.

[Object of the Invention] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and provides a scope equipped with a field-sequential image conveying means, a scope equipped with a simultaneous II@ means, and a fiber optic capable of visual observation. It is an object of the present invention to provide a light source device for an endoscope that can supply illumination light suitable for a scope.

[Means and effects for solving the problems] The present invention provides a light source that emits white light that is compatible with a scope equipped with a field-sequential imaging means, and a field-sequential imaging device that is disposed between the light source and a subject. A rotary filter having a filter portion and a white light hole that sequentially transmits each color light, and a light blocking means that can mechanically selectively block the white light that passes through the white light hole,
In addition to the field-sequential type, it is also capable of outputting white light suitable for scopes and fiber scopes equipped with simultaneous type image conveying means.

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

1 to 9 relate to the first embodiment, FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating the structure of the light source device, and FIG. 2(a) is an internal view tA.
A block diagram showing the configuration of the device, FIG. 2(b) is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of a simultaneous electronic scope, FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of a field-sequential external fiberscope with a camera, and FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of a simultaneous external camera-equipped fiberscope, FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the fiberscope, FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the entire system of the endoscope device, and FIG. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the structure of the frame sequential process circuit, FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the structure of the eleven o'clock process circuit, and FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the structure of the output circuit.

As shown in FIG. 6, the endoscope a device 1 houses a video processor that processes the video signal of the light source device 1 of this embodiment, and includes various scopes (endoscopes) 2A, 2B, 20.
It is equipped with a control device 1a to which both D and 2E can be connected. As shown in the figure, there are five types of scopes: a field-sequential electronic scope 2A, a simultaneous electronic scope 2B using a color mosaic filter, and a firebus scope with an external field-sequential TV camera (
Hereinafter, it will be referred to as a fiberscope with a frame-sequential television camera. ) 2D fiberscope with an external simultaneous TV camera (hereinafter referred to as fiberscope with simultaneous TV camera) 2D, and fiberscope 2E.

Each of the scopes 2A, 2B, 2C, 20, and 2E has an elongated insertion section 3 and an operation section 4 connected to the rear end side of the insertion section 3, and a universal cord 4a from the operation section 4. is extended, and light source connectors 5A, 5B, 5G, 5D, and 5E are provided at the tips of this universal cord 4a. In addition, a field sequential electronic scope 2A,
In the simultaneous electronic scope 2B, in addition to the light source connectors 5A and 5B, signal connectors 6A and 6B are provided on the distal end side of the universal cord 4a.

In addition, fiber scope 2C with frame-sequential TV camera
The fiberscope 2D with a simultaneous TV camera has a configuration in which a field sequential TV camera 8C and a simultaneous TV camera 8D are respectively attached to the eyepiece 10 of the fiberscope 2E, and the TV cameras 8C and 8D extend from each of the TV cameras 8C and 8D. Signal connectors 6C and 6D are provided at the ends of the signal cables.

Each of the scopes 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E (hereinafter,
If it is common to all these scopes, it is represented by the code 2. ) connectors 5A, 6A+5B, 6B:5G,
6C: A set of connector receivers is provided on the front surface of the housing of the control device 11a, for example, so that each scope 2 can be set in a usable state by connecting the scopes 5D, 6D, and 5E.

These connector receivers consist of a light source connector receiver ( ) 11 and a signal connector receiver 12 . The light source connector receiver 11 has a shape that allows connection of light source connectors 5A, 58.5G, 5D, and 5E of the respective scopes 2 having the same shape. In addition, the light source connector receiver 11
The signal connector receiver 12 adjacent to the lower side of the signal connector 6A of each scope 2 has the same shape as the signal connector 6A,
6B.

It has a shape that allows connection of 6G and 6D.

When the fiber scope 2E is connected and used, the observation is performed with the naked eye, but the other scope 2A is used.

2B, 2C, and 2D, the captured image can be displayed in color by a color monitor 13 connected to the signal output terminal of the control device 1a.

In addition, the light source connector 5A a5B in each scope 2
, 5C, 5D, and 5E are provided with a light guide connector and an air/water supply connector (not shown) in this embodiment, and the connector receiver 11 is also structured to connect these.

The inside of each scope 2A, 2B, 2G, 20.22 is shown in FIGS. 2(a), 2(b), 3, and 4, respectively.
It is constructed as shown in FIG.

Each scope 2 is inserted with a light guide 14 that transmits illumination light, and transmits the illumination light supplied to the input end surface from the light source section 15a of the light source section 2j15 in the control device 1a to the output end surface side. The object side in front can be illuminated through a light distribution lens 16 placed in front of the camera.

Further, in each of the scopes 2, an objective lens 17 for imaging is disposed at the distal end of the insertion section 3. This objective lens 1
In both the field-sequential or simultaneous electronic scope 2A or 2B, a solid-state image carrier 18 such as a COD is installed at the imaging position 7, while the fiber scope 2E or the television camera 8C or 8D is installed. In the fiberscope 2C or 2D with a stripped TV camera, the image guide 19 is arranged so that the incident end face thereof faces. Further, an eyepiece lens 21 is disposed opposite the output end surface of the image guide 19, and in the fiber scope 2F, observation with the naked eye can be performed by bringing the eye close to the eyepiece section 7. .

On the other hand, in a fiberscope 2E with a field-sequential TV camera 8C or a simultaneous TV camera 8D attached to the eyepiece 7, solids are transported opposite the eyepiece 21 through an imaging lens (not shown). An image element 22 is provided.

! Solid-state image element 18 or 2 constituting the image means
Reference numeral 2 photoelectrically converts the optical image formed on the image carrier plane, amplifies the optical image in the preamplifier 24, and then connects it to the signal connector 6 (representatively 6A, 6B, and 60° 6D) through the signal transmission line.

) side, and is input to the video processor It 25 a or 25 b via the signal connector receiver 12 to which this connector 6 is connected. Also each solid! The IIi image element 18 or 22 includes a driver 26a or 26 of the video processor 25a or 25b.
A clock signal for driving the solid-state Fi image element is applied from b.

In addition, for scopes other than the fiberscope 2E, a type signal generation circuit 2 that outputs a type signal for scope identification is provided.
7A, 278.27G, and 27D are provided, and are identified by the identification circuit 28 in the control device 1a via the signal connector 6.

By the way, inside the control device 1a, which can be connected to any of the scopes 2, as shown in FIG.
a light source device 15 consisting of a light source device 15, and two sets of video processors 2.
5a and 25b are stored.

In FIG. 1, the light source unit 15a includes a light source lamp 31 that emits white light, and a fan-shaped color lamp of three primary colors, red (R), green (G), and blue (B), which is rotationally driven by a motor 32a. Transmission filters 36R, 36G, 36B are attached to filter frame 3
For example, a blue (B) color transmission filter 3
6B and the red (R) color transmitting filter 36R, there is a rotary filter 33a provided with a white light hole 37, and a rotary filter 33a which is rotationally driven by a motor 32b, has the same outer diameter as the rotary filter 33a, and has a color transmitting filter 36R. Transmission filter 36R936G, 3
A light shielding plate 33b, which is a light shielding means, has fan-shaped white light holes 38 in the circumferential direction, each having the same shape as 6B.
It is equipped with

Note that the white light hole 37 and the fan-shaped white light hole 38 are
Approximately, a transparent plate may be used to transmit all white light.

By the way, the color transmission filters 36R and 36G.

36B, white light hole 37, and fan-shaped white light hole 38
is provided so that the white light emitted from the light source lamp 31 is transmitted at right angles, and the white light transmitted through the white light hole 37 is blocked by the light shielding plate 33b.

That is, the light shielding plate 33b is controlled to rotate in synchronization with the rotary filter 33a, so that the white light hole 3
By blocking the white light transmitted through 7 and transmitting the colored light of each wavelength of RlG and B, normal R, G, and B plane sequential illumination is performed. In addition, the simultaneous illumination includes a white light hole 37 of the rotating filter 33a and a light shielding plate 33b on the optical path.
White light is output by controlling the positions of the fan-shaped white light holes 38 so that they coincide with each other. For this position control or for detecting timing of signal readout when sequentially reading R, G, and B sides, the filter frame 35 is provided with a large number of holes 39, 39, . . . in the circumferential direction. For example, a light emitting element and a photosensor as a position detection sensor 40 are arranged on both sides of the plate surface to form a rotary encoder for position detection.

Further, the light shielding plate 33b is also provided with a large number of holes 65, 65, etc. in the circumferential direction like the rotary filter 33a, and a light emitting element and a photosensor, for example, as a position detection sensor 66 are provided on both sides of the plate surface of the light shielding plate 33b. They are arranged to form a rotary encoder for position detection.

The motors 32a and 32b are rotated/stopped by a rotation/stop control circuit 161 as shown in FIG. 2(a). In other words, when a field-sequential scope 2 is connected to the light source connector receiver 11 and the signal connector receiver 12, the identification circuit 28 identifies the connected scope 2, and the rotation/stop control circuit 161 controls the motors 32a and 3.
2b is commanded to rotate. At that time, the rotating filter 33
The rotation is detected by the position detection sensor 40.66 so that the light shielding plate 33b blocks light from the white light hole 37 of a, and the motors 32a and 32b are controlled to be synchronized by the rotation/stop control circuit 161. On the other hand, when a simultaneous type scope 2 is connected to the light source connector receiver 11 and the signal connector receiver 12, the connected scope 2 is identified by the identification circuit 28, and the rotation/stop control circuit 161 identifies the connected scope 2.
The white light hole 37 of the light shielding plate 33b and the fan-shaped white light hole 38 of the light shielding plate 33b are detected and stopped so that they are on the optical path.

The rotation/stop control circuit 161 synchronizes the rotations of the rotary filter 33a and the light shielding plate 33b as described above, controls the positions of the rotary filter 33a and the light shielding plate 33b, and at the same time controls the clock of the timing generator 52. The timing of rotation filter 33a and light shielding plate 33
A control signal is output in synchronization with b.

By the way, one video processor 25a is for frame-sequential signal processing, and the signal input to the signal input terminal of the frame-sequential signal connector receiver 12 is input to the frame-sequential process circuit 41a. , R, G, and B wavelengths of illumination light, respectively, are called color signals R, G.
, B. This each color signal R
,G.

B is output by the output circuit 80 from the three primary color output terminal 43 as a three primary color signal RGB. Further, the color signals R, G
, B are converted to NTSC composite video signals,
It is output from the SC output terminal 46.

The frame-sequential process circuit 41a is configured as shown in FIG. 7, for example.

That is, the signal inputted via the preamplifier is inputted to the sample and hold circuit 54, sampled and held, then subjected to γ correction in the γ correction circuit 55, and converted into a digital signal by the A/D converter 56. Then, through a multiplexer 57 which is switched by a signal from the timing generator 52, illumination is performed under sequential illumination of R, G, and B.
The imaged signal is written to the R frame memory 58R, the G frame memory 58GSB frame memory 58B.

The signal data written in each of these frame memories 58R, 58G, and 588 are simultaneously read out and converted into analog color signals R9G and B by the D/A converter 59, respectively.
It is output to the output circuit 80.

On the other hand, signals imaged by the solid-state mechanical element 18 or 22 of the simultaneous electronic scope 2B and the mosaic type external fiberscope 2E are input to the simultaneous process circuit 41b, and the luminance signal Y1 color difference signal R-Y , B-Y are output. This signal is then input to the output circuit 80,
The signal is converted into an NTSC composite video signal and output from the NTSC output terminal 46. Further, the luminance signal Y1 and the color difference signals RY and B-Y are converted into color signals R, G, and B by the output circuit 80, and the three primary color signals RGB are outputted from the three primary color signal output terminal 43.

The simultaneous process circuit 41b is configured as shown in FIG. 8, for example. That is, preamplifier 2
The signal from the solid-state image carrier 18 or 22 amplified in step 4 passes through a brightness signal processing circuit 61 to generate a brightness signal Y. The color difference signal R is also input to the color signal reproduction circuit 62 and
-Y and B-Y are generated in time series for each horizontal line, white balance compensated by the white balance circuit 63, one is directly applied to the analog switch 64, and the other is
The signal is delayed by one horizontal line by the H delay line 63a and input to the analog switch 64a, and the color difference signals R-Y and B-Y are obtained by a switching signal from the timing generator 52.

Note that the timing generator 52 applies signals to the drivers 26a, 26b and an NTSC encoder (not shown), respectively, and controls the solid-state image carrier 18 or 22 so that signal processing is performed in synchronization with the drive pulse used to read out the signal.

By the way, the type signal generation circuits 27A and 27B.

27C and 27D are formed, for example, by connecting resistors with different resistance values between two terminals, and on the other hand, the identification circuit 28 uses a comparator or the like to measure the resistance value between the two terminals. It is possible to identify whether the scope is connected.

The identification circuit 28 controls switching of the changeover switch 103 in addition to controlling both drivers 26a and 26b. For example, when the frame-sequential scope 2A or 2C is connected, it is switched to the frame-sequential side, and the drive pulse of the driver 26a is applied to the solid-state image sensor 18 via the connector, and the signal read from the solid-state image sensor 18 is is input to the frame sequential process circuit 41a.

On the other hand, if the field sequential type scopes 2A and 2G are not connected, the simultaneous type process circuit side is selected. In addition, detecting the case of simultaneous scope 2B or 2D,
The changeover switch 103 may be switched to the mosaic type side.

The identification circuit 28 also sends a control signal to the timing generator 52 so that it can handle either method.

Further, as shown in FIG. 9, the output circuit 80 includes a 3-circuit, 2-contact changeover switch 81 between the output end of the matrix circuit 448 and the NTSC encoder 45, and a switch 81 with 3 circuits and 2 contacts between the output end of the inverse matrix circuit 44b and the driver. There is also a 3-circuit, 2-contact changeover switch 82 between the buffer 42 to be formed.
is the provision.

When one contact side of the changeover switch 81 is turned on, the signal of the matrix circuit 44a is guided to the common NTSC encoder 45, and this NTSC encoder 45
Common NTSC output terminal 4 converted to SC video signal
Output from 6. When the other contact side is selected, the signal from the simultaneous process circuit 41b is sent to the NTSC encoder 4.
5 and output from a common NTSC output 46.

On the other hand, as for the other switch 82, when the frame sequential type side is selected, the output signal of the frame sequential type process circuit 41a passes through the common buffer 42 forming a driver, and the three primary color signals are output from the common RGB output terminal 43. Output. or,
When the simultaneous process circuit side is selected, the three primary color signals R, G, and B passed through the inverse matrix circuit 44b are the common RGB.
It is output from the output end 43.

Each of the changeover switches 81 and 82 can be manually switched, or they can be switched in conjunction with each other.

FIG. 10 is a front view showing the configuration of a light source device showing a second embodiment.

In this embodiment, in the case of field sequential illumination, the light source lamp 31
When the white light emitted from the rotary filter 33a passes through the white light hole 37 provided in the rotary filter 33a, the swing solenoid 49
A light shielding plate 48 provided in the white light hole 37 shields light from the white light hole 37, and is retracted from the optical path when each color light of the color transmission filters 36R036G and 36B is transmitted.

In this embodiment as well, a position detection sensor (not shown) is provided as in the first embodiment, and during frame sequential illumination, the position of the white light hole 37 is detected and the swing solenoid 49 is activated. When the light shielding plate 48 is swung and simultaneous illumination is performed,
The swing solenoid 49 is stopped with the AII plate 48 in the state where the plate road 8 is set, and white light is output.

Note that the other configurations are the same as in the first embodiment.

[Effects of the Invention] As explained above, according to the present invention, there is provided a rotary filter having a filter section and a white light hole, which is disposed between a light source and a subject, and which sequentially transmits each color light in a plane-sequential manner; By providing a light shielding means that can mechanically selectively shield the white light transmitted through the light hole, a scope equipped with a field-sequential Ill flat means and a scope equipped with a simultaneous image conveying means can be achieved using a single light source device. This has the advantage of being able to supply illumination light that is compatible with a fiberscope capable of visual observation.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

1 to 9 relate to the first embodiment, FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the light source device, FIG. 2(a) is a block diagram showing the configuration of the endoscope device, and FIG. 12(b) ) is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of a simultaneous type electronic scope, Figure 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of a camera-equipped fiberscope for the field sequential type external type, and Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of a camera-equipped fiberscope for the simultaneous type external type. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of a fiber scope, FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the entire system of the endoscope device, and FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a field sequential process circuit.
FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the simultaneous output circuit, FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the output circuit, and FIG. 10 is a front view showing the configuration of the optical device according to the second embodiment. It is a diagram. 31...Light source lamp 32a...Motor 32b...Motor 33a
... Rotating filter 33b ... Light shielding plate 34 ... Condensing lens 36R ... Color transmission filter (red) 36G ... Color transmission filter (green) 36B ... Color transmission filter (portrait) 37. ... White light hole 38 ... White light hole Fig. 1 Fig. 6 Fig. 7 Fig. 8 Fig. 10

Claims (1)

[Claims] a light source that emits white light; a rotary filter that is disposed between the light source and a subject and has a filter section and a white light hole that sequentially transmits each color light in a plane-sequential manner; and a rotating filter that transmits the white light through the white light hole. What is claimed is: 1. A light source device for an endoscope, comprising a light shielding means capable of mechanically selectively shielding light.