WO1995017845A1 - Endoscopic video system - Google Patents

Endoscopic video system Download PDF

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Publication number
WO1995017845A1
WO1995017845A1 PCT/DE1995/000001 DE9500001W WO9517845A1 WO 1995017845 A1 WO1995017845 A1 WO 1995017845A1 DE 9500001 W DE9500001 W DE 9500001W WO 9517845 A1 WO9517845 A1 WO 9517845A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
filter
light source
light
illuminating
light guide
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/DE1995/000001
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Klaus-Martin Irion
Original Assignee
Karl Storz Gmbh & Co.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Family has litigation
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Application filed by Karl Storz Gmbh & Co. filed Critical Karl Storz Gmbh & Co.
Priority to DE19580002T priority Critical patent/DE19580002D2/en
Publication of WO1995017845A1 publication Critical patent/WO1995017845A1/en

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
    • A61B1/06—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor with illuminating arrangements
    • A61B1/07—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor with illuminating arrangements using light-conductive means, e.g. optical fibres
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
    • A61B1/00112—Connection or coupling means
    • A61B1/00117—Optical cables in or with an endoscope
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
    • A61B1/04—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor combined with photographic or television appliances
    • A61B1/05—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor combined with photographic or television appliances characterised by the image sensor, e.g. camera, being in the distal end portion
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
    • A61B1/06—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor with illuminating arrangements
    • A61B1/0638—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor with illuminating arrangements providing two or more wavelengths
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
    • A61B1/06—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor with illuminating arrangements
    • A61B1/0646—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor with illuminating arrangements with illumination filters

Definitions

  • the invention relates to an endoscopic video system.
  • video systems In endoscopy and especially in minimally invasive therapy, video systems have been used increasingly for some time in order to display the recorded image on a TV monitor and / or to record it by means of a video recorder and, if necessary, to further process it with an image processing system.
  • the known endoscopic video systems have an illuminating light source, a light guide system that guides the light to at least one distal light outlet, and at least one video color image sensor with an associated optical system and a downstream electronic processing system.
  • illuminating light sources are still used as illuminating light sources, which have the same spectral course as the illuminating light sources. have light sources that are used to illuminate a visually observed object.
  • the spectral profile of these conventional illuminating light sources is chosen so that a "natural" color impression is produced when viewed visually.
  • the conversion filter Because of the very high red sensitivity of the image sensor, the conversion filter has a very high attenuation, especially in this area.
  • the main disadvantage is that at least 30% of the light output falling on the color image sensor is not used because of the conversion filter in front of the image sensor and is not required because of the spectral characteristics of the image sensor, but is nevertheless coupled into the body and converted into heat. Since the light output falling from the object (tissue) onto the color image sensor is at least one order of magnitude lower than the light output coupled into the body, it is advisable to avoid unnecessary heat by inserting the conversion filter into the light guide system or to integrate the illuminating light source, ie to place it outside the body.
  • At least one spectral filter is arranged in the illuminating light source or in the light guide system, which is designed in such a way that it adjusts the spectral distribution of the visible light from the light source to the spectral sensitivity of the color image sensor.
  • the arrangement of the conversion or. Spectral filters in the illumination beam path have the advantage over the arrangement of the filter in the observation beam path that the light output required to illuminate the object to be observed is at least 30% less than when the filter is arranged in the observation beam path.
  • the possibly still necessary infrared cut filter (claim 12) for suppressing the quality-impairing infrared radiation can simply be applied to the cover glass of the CCD sensor if the conversion filter is omitted.
  • the invention can be used both with color image recorders arranged distally, ie in the endoscope or instrument without an image relay, and with video cameras arranged proximally, which are flanged onto the eyepiece of the endoscope, for example, or in front of the eyepiece or without the eyepiece directly capture the image of the image relay, such as a rod lens system.
  • the filter can be assembled in such a way that at least 25% of the light output in this range is blocked in the wave range from 400 to 700 nm.
  • the filter can have the following transmission values:
  • any filter but preferably dichroic filter, can be used as the filter.
  • Claims 5 to 7 specify various options for the arrangement of the filter:
  • the arrangement of the filter on the proximal entry surface of the light guide system has the advantage that the light guide system is acted upon with the lowest possible light output without any intervention in the illuminating light source.
  • Endoscopic video systems generally have an instrument and in particular an endoscope that is inserted into a hollow rough, for example, can be used in a human body, and in which a light guide for the illuminating light is integrated.
  • a coupling element - for example a light standard plug - is provided, by means of which the light guide of the instrument can be connected to a light guide cable, which in turn is connected to the illuminating light source.
  • This embodiment is i.a. preferred if a video camera is used which is coupled proximally to an endoscope, since then both commercially available endoscopes and illuminating light sources can be used.
  • the filter can be placed on the light entry surface of the coupling element on the instrument or endoscope or, according to claim 6, on the distal exit surface of the instrument and thus of the light guide system are applied. This possibility has the advantage that it is structurally particularly easy to implement. In addition, it allows the separation of light guide cable and endoscope.
  • the filter can also be arranged in the illuminating light source (claim 7). If the illuminating light source is designed in such a way that the filter can be removed from the illuminating beam path, the illuminating light source can be used both for visual observation and for pure video detection.
  • a simple technical configuration for the arrangement of the filter in the illuminating light source is characterized in claim 9, according to which the filter can be automatically or manually pivoted in or out of the illuminating beam path.
  • the plug of the light guide cable can, for example, be provided with a code which indicates whether visual observation or image acquisition is carried out with a color image sensor.
  • the filter can in particular in front of the light guide entry surface in the illuminating light source, i.e. be arranged the surface by means of which the light is coupled into the light guide cable (claim 10).
  • FIG. 1 shows an embodiment for an endoscopic video system according to the invention
  • the video system has an endoscope 1, in which a color image pickup 4 is arranged distally.
  • the invention can also be used for proximally arranged color image recorders.
  • the color image pickup 4 is, for example, a charged coupled device (CCD).
  • CCD charged coupled device
  • the image of an endoscopic scene recorded by the CCD 4 by means of a lens 7 is further processed by a downstream processing circuit 3, which can be a hybrid circuit, for example. With 6 a low-pass filter or an infrared cut filter is designated.
  • the circuit 3 is connected via electrical lines 2 in the endoscope 1 and a cable 10 removably connected to the endoscope 1 with a plug 11 to a conventional video unit (not shown) so that the object, i.e. the endoscopic scene can be viewed on a monitor, for example.
  • the endoscope 1 has a light guide 5, which can be arranged in the shape of a hollow cylinder, in particular, on the outer region of the interior of the endoscope shaft.
  • a light guide cable 9 is provided, which is provided with known and not further designated plugs and which has a light guide 5 1 contains, which is connected on the light entry side with the illuminating light source and on the light exit side with the light guide 5.
  • the cables 9 and 10 are partially combined to form a cable 12.
  • the light of the illumination light source 9 is coupled via a conversion filter 8 in the light guide 5 of the cable 1 at the source for connection to theestablishedsander ⁇ provided Lichteinkoppelstutzen.
  • the transmission curve can vary depending on the image pickup unit 4 used, to which the filter 8 is to be adapted.
  • the invention has been described above on the basis of an exemplary embodiment without restricting the general applicability.
  • the invention can be used both with rigid and with flexible endoscopes with proximally or distally arranged image recorders.

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  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Surgery (AREA)
  • Nuclear Medicine, Radiotherapy & Molecular Imaging (AREA)
  • Biomedical Technology (AREA)
  • Optics & Photonics (AREA)
  • Pathology (AREA)
  • Radiology & Medical Imaging (AREA)
  • Biophysics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
  • Medical Informatics (AREA)
  • Molecular Biology (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
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Abstract

Described is an endoscopic video system with an illuminating light source, a fibre-optic waveguide (5, 5') which transmits the light to at least one distal light exit and, at least one colour-image video recorder (4) with its associated optical system (7). The invention is characterized in that at least one spectral filter (8) is located in the illuminating light source or in the fibre-optic waveguide, the filter being designed in such a way that it adapts the spectral distribution of the visible light from the light source to the spectral sensitivity of the colour-image recorder (4).

Description

Endoskopisches Videosystem Endoscopic video system
B e s c h r e i b u n gDescription
Technisches GebietTechnical field
Die Erfindung bezieht sich auf ein endoskopisches Vi¬ deosystem.The invention relates to an endoscopic video system.
In der Endoskopie und speziell in der minimal invasiven Therapie werden seit einiger Zeit verstärkt Videosysteme benutzt, um das aufgenommene Bild auf einem TV-Monitor darzustellen und/oder mittels eines Videorecorders aufzu¬ zeichnen sowie gegebenenfalls mit einem Bildverarbeitungs- System weiterzuverarbeiten.In endoscopy and especially in minimally invasive therapy, video systems have been used increasingly for some time in order to display the recorded image on a TV monitor and / or to record it by means of a video recorder and, if necessary, to further process it with an image processing system.
Stand der TechnikState of the art
Die bekannten endoskopischen Videosysteme weisen eine Beleuchtungslichtquelle, ein Lichtleitsystem, das das Licht zu wenigstens einem distalem Lichtaustritt leitet, und wenigstens einen Video-Farbbildaufnehmer mit zugeord¬ netem optischen System und nachgeschaltetem elektronischem VerarbeitungsSystem auf.The known endoscopic video systems have an illuminating light source, a light guide system that guides the light to at least one distal light outlet, and at least one video color image sensor with an associated optical system and a downstream electronic processing system.
Während früher Videosysteme in der Regel nur zur Mitbe¬ obachtung eingesetzt worden sind, wird gegenwärtig immer öfter auf die direkte visuelle Beobachtung verzichtet und das zu beobachtende Objekt ausschließlich mit dem Video¬ system erfaßt und dargestellt. Als Beleuchtungslichtquel¬ len werden jedoch weiterhin Beleuchtungslichtquellen ver¬ wendet, die den gleichen Spektralverlauf wie die Beleuch- tungslichtquellen haben, die zur Beleuchtung eines visuell beobachteten Objekts eingesetzt werden. Der Spektralver¬ lauf dieser herkömmlichen Beleuchtungslichtquellen ist dabei so gewählt, daß bei visueller Beobachtung ein "natürlicher" Farbeindruck entsteht.Whereas in the past video systems were generally only used for co-observation, direct visual observation is currently being dispensed with more and more and the object to be observed is only recorded and displayed with the video system. However, illuminating light sources are still used as illuminating light sources, which have the same spectral course as the illuminating light sources. have light sources that are used to illuminate a visually observed object. The spectral profile of these conventional illuminating light sources is chosen so that a "natural" color impression is produced when viewed visually.
Da die bekannten Bildaufnehmer und insbesondere Farb-CCD- Bildaufnehmer eine Spektralempfindlichkeit haben, die von der des menschlichen Auges abweicht, ist es erforderlich und allgemein Stand der Technik, im Beobachtungsstrahlen¬ gang des Videosystems vor dem Bildaufnehmer ein Tagelicht- Korrektur-bzw. Konversions-Filter anzubringen. Ein derar¬ tiges Konversions-Filter reduziert die auf den Bildaufneh¬ mer auftreffende Lichtleistung im sichtbaren Bereich um wenigstens 30 %.Since the known image recorders and, in particular, color CCD image recorders have a spectral sensitivity that differs from that of the human eye, it is necessary and generally state of the art to correct daylight in the observation beam path of the video system in front of the image pickup. Attach conversion filters. Such a conversion filter reduces the light output striking the image sensor in the visible range by at least 30%.
Wegen der sehr hohen Rotempfindlichkeit des Bildaufnehmers besitzt das Konversions-Filter vor allem in diesem Bereich eine sehr hohe Dämpfung.Because of the very high red sensitivity of the image sensor, the conversion filter has a very high attenuation, especially in this area.
Beschreibung der ErfindungDescription of the invention
Erfindungsgemäß ist nun erkannt worden, daß die Anordnung des Konversions-Filters direkt vor dem Bildaufnehmer bei endoskopischen Videosystemen eine Reihe von Nachteilen hat:According to the invention, it has now been recognized that the arrangement of the conversion filter directly in front of the image sensor has a number of disadvantages in endoscopic video systems:
Der Hauptnachteil besteht darin, daß zumindest 30% der auf den Farbbildaufnehmer fallende Lichtleistung wegen des Konversions-Filters vor dem Bildaufnehmer nicht genutzt und wegen der spektralen Charakteristik des Bildsensors auch nicht benötigt wird, aber trotzdem in den Körper eingekoppelt und in Wärme umgesetzt wird. Da die vom Objekt (Gewebe) auf den Farbbildaufnehmer fal¬ lende Lichtleistung um mindestens eine Größenordnung ge¬ ringer ist als die in den Körper eingekoppelte Licht- leistung, bietet es sich zur der Vermeidung unnötiger Wärme an, das Konversions-Filter in das Lichtleitersystem bzw. die Beleuchtungslichtquelle zu integrieren, d.h. außerhalb des Körpers abzuordnen.The main disadvantage is that at least 30% of the light output falling on the color image sensor is not used because of the conversion filter in front of the image sensor and is not required because of the spectral characteristics of the image sensor, but is nevertheless coupled into the body and converted into heat. Since the light output falling from the object (tissue) onto the color image sensor is at least one order of magnitude lower than the light output coupled into the body, it is advisable to avoid unnecessary heat by inserting the conversion filter into the light guide system or to integrate the illuminating light source, ie to place it outside the body.
Deshalb wird erfindungsgemäß in der Beleuchtungslichtquel¬ le oder in dem LichtleitSystem wenigstens ein Spektral- Filter angeordnet, das derart ausgebildet ist, daß es die spektrale Verteilung des sichtbaren Lichts der Lichtquelle an die spektrale Empfindlichkeit des Farbbildaufnehmers anpaßt. Die Anordnung des Konversions-bzw. Spektral-Flters im Beleuchtungsstrahlengang hat gegenüber der Anordnung des Filters im Beobachtungsstrahlengang den Vorteil, daß die zur Beleuchtung des zu beobachtenden Objekts erforder¬ liche Lichtleistung um wenigstens 30% geringer als bei der Anordnung des Filters im Beobachtungsstrahlengang ist.For this reason, according to the invention, at least one spectral filter is arranged in the illuminating light source or in the light guide system, which is designed in such a way that it adjusts the spectral distribution of the visible light from the light source to the spectral sensitivity of the color image sensor. The arrangement of the conversion or. Spectral filters in the illumination beam path have the advantage over the arrangement of the filter in the observation beam path that the light output required to illuminate the object to be observed is at least 30% less than when the filter is arranged in the observation beam path.
Das gegebenenfalls weiterhin erforderliche Infrarotsperr¬ filter (Anspruch 12) zur Unterdrückung der qualitätsbeein- trächtigenden Infrarotstrahlung kann bei Verzicht auf den Konversions-Filter einfach auf das Deckglas des CCD-Auf¬ nehmers aufgebracht werden.The possibly still necessary infrared cut filter (claim 12) for suppressing the quality-impairing infrared radiation can simply be applied to the cover glass of the CCD sensor if the conversion filter is omitted.
Die Erfindung kann sowohl bei distal, d.h. im Endoskop bzw. Instrument ohne Bildweiterleiter angeordneten Farb¬ bildaufnehmern als auch bei proximal angeordneten Video¬ kameras eingesetzt werden, die beispielsweise an das Oku- lar des Endoskops angeflanscht werden oder vor dem Okular bzw. unter Verzicht auf das Okular direkt das Bild des Bildweiterleiters, wie beispielsweise eines Stablinsen¬ systems erfassen. Gemäß der im Anspruch 2 angegebenen Weiterbildung kann das Filter so konfektioniert sein, daß im Wellenbereich von 400 bis 700nm wenigstens 25% der Lichtleistung in diesem Bereich abgeblockt werden.The invention can be used both with color image recorders arranged distally, ie in the endoscope or instrument without an image relay, and with video cameras arranged proximally, which are flanged onto the eyepiece of the endoscope, for example, or in front of the eyepiece or without the eyepiece directly capture the image of the image relay, such as a rod lens system. According to the development specified in claim 2, the filter can be assembled in such a way that at least 25% of the light output in this range is blocked in the wave range from 400 to 700 nm.
Hierzu kann das Filter folgende Transmissionswerte auf¬ weisen:For this purpose, the filter can have the following transmission values:
T( = 600 nm) < 80 %T (= 600 nm) <80%
T( % = 650 nm) < 40 %T (% = 650 nm) <40%
T( % = 675 nm) < 30 %T (% = 675 nm) <30%
T( /l = 700 nm) < 10 %.T ( / l = 700 nm) <10%.
Als Filter können im Prinzip beliebige Filter, bevorzugt jedoch dichroitische Filter verwendet werden.In principle, any filter, but preferably dichroic filter, can be used as the filter.
In den Ansprüchen 5 bis 7 sind verschiedene Möglichkeiten für die Anordnung des Filters angegeben:Claims 5 to 7 specify various options for the arrangement of the filter:
Die im Anspruch 5 angegebene Anordnung des Filters auf der proximalen Eintrittsfläche des Lichtleitsystems hat den Vorteil, daß das Lichtleitsystem mit der geringst- möglichen Lichtleistung beaufschlagt wird, ohne daß es eines Eingriffs in die Beleuchtungslichtquelle bedarf.The arrangement of the filter on the proximal entry surface of the light guide system has the advantage that the light guide system is acted upon with the lowest possible light output without any intervention in the illuminating light source.
Damit können bei dieser Anordnung - wie auch bei der im Anspruch 6 angegebenen Anordnung - vorhandene, auf die visuelle Beobachtung abgestimmte Beleuchtungslichtquellen ohne Änderung bzw. Eingriff in die Lichtquelle weiter verwendet werden.Thus, in this arrangement, as in the arrangement specified in claim 6, existing illumination light sources that are matched to the visual observation can continue to be used without modification or intervention in the light source.
Endoskopische Videosysteme weisen in der Regel ein Instru¬ ment und inbesondere ein Endoskop auf, das in einen Hohl- rau , beispielsweise in einem menschlichen Körper einsetz¬ bar ist, und in das ein Lichtleiter für das Beleuchtungs- licht integriert ist. Auf der proximalen Seite des Instru¬ ments ist ein Kupplungselement - beispielsweise ein Licht- normstecker - vorgesehen, mittels dem der Lichtleiter des Instruments mit einem Lichtleitkabel verbunden werden kann, das seinerseits mit der Beleuchtungslichtquelle verbunden ist.Endoscopic video systems generally have an instrument and in particular an endoscope that is inserted into a hollow rough, for example, can be used in a human body, and in which a light guide for the illuminating light is integrated. On the proximal side of the instrument, a coupling element - for example a light standard plug - is provided, by means of which the light guide of the instrument can be connected to a light guide cable, which in turn is connected to the illuminating light source.
Diese Ausführungsform ist u.a. dann bevorzugt, wenn eine Videokamera verwendet wird, die proximal an ein Endoskop angekuppelt wird, da dann sowohl handelsübliche Endoskope als auch Beleuchtungslichtquellen verwendet werden können.This embodiment is i.a. preferred if a video camera is used which is coupled proximally to an endoscope, since then both commercially available endoscopes and illuminating light sources can be used.
Um weiterhin handelsübliche Lichtleitkabel für den An¬ schluß des Instruments bzw. Endoskops an die Beleuchtungs- lichtquelle verwenden zu können, kann das Filter auf die Lichteintrittsfläche des Kupplungselements am Instrument bzw. Endoskop oder gemäß Anspruch 6 auf die distale Aus- trittsfläche des Instruments und damit des Lichtleit¬ systems aufgebracht werden. Diese Möglichkeit hat den Vorteil, daß sie baulich besonders einfach zu realisieren ist. Darüberhinaus erlaubt sie die Trennung von Lichtleit¬ kabel und Endoskop.In order to be able to continue to use commercially available light guide cables for connecting the instrument or endoscope to the illuminating light source, the filter can be placed on the light entry surface of the coupling element on the instrument or endoscope or, according to claim 6, on the distal exit surface of the instrument and thus of the light guide system are applied. This possibility has the advantage that it is structurally particularly easy to implement. In addition, it allows the separation of light guide cable and endoscope.
Selbstverständlich kann aber auch das Filter in der Be¬ leuchtungslichtquelle angeordnet werden (Anspruch 7) . Wird die Beleuchtungslichtquelle gemäß Anspruch 8 so ausgebil¬ det, daß das Filter aus dem Beleuchtungsstrahlengang ent¬ fernbar ist, kann die Beleuchtungslichtquelle sowohl für die visuelle Beobachtung als auch für die reine Videoer¬ fassung verwendet werden. Eine einfache technische Ausgestaltung für die Anordnung des Filters in der Beleuchtungslichtquelle ist im Anspruch 9 gekennzeichnet, gemäß dem das Filter in bzw. aus dem Beleuchtungsstrahlengang automatisch oder manuell ein- bzw. ausschwenkbar ist. Für die automatische Ein- bzw. Aus- schwenkung kann der Stecker des Lichtleitkabels beispiels¬ weise mit einer Codierung versehen sein, die anzeigt, ob eine visuelle Beobachtung oder eine Bilderfassung mit einem Farbbildaufnehmer erfolgt.Of course, the filter can also be arranged in the illuminating light source (claim 7). If the illuminating light source is designed in such a way that the filter can be removed from the illuminating beam path, the illuminating light source can be used both for visual observation and for pure video detection. A simple technical configuration for the arrangement of the filter in the illuminating light source is characterized in claim 9, according to which the filter can be automatically or manually pivoted in or out of the illuminating beam path. For the automatic swiveling in and out, the plug of the light guide cable can, for example, be provided with a code which indicates whether visual observation or image acquisition is carried out with a color image sensor.
Das Filter kann dabei insbesondere vor der Lichtleiterein¬ trittsfläche in der Beleuchtungslichtquelle, d.h. der FLäche angeordnet sein, mittels der die Einkoppelung des Lichts in das Lichtleitkabel erfolgt (Anspruch 10) .The filter can in particular in front of the light guide entry surface in the illuminating light source, i.e. be arranged the surface by means of which the light is coupled into the light guide cable (claim 10).
Im Anspruch 11 sind - nicht abschließend - verschiedene, bei einem erfindungsgemäßen Videosystem einsetzbare Licht¬ quellen angegeben.In claim 11 - not conclusively - various light sources that can be used in a video system according to the invention are specified.
Kurze Beschreibung der ZeichnungenBrief description of the drawings
Die Erfindung wird nachstehend ohne Beschränkung des allgemeinen Erfindungsgedankens anhand eines Ausführungs- beispiels unter Bezugnahme auf die Zeichnung exemplarisch beschrieben, auf die im übrigen bezüglich der Offenbarung aller im Text nicht näher erläuterten erfindungsgemäßen Einzelheiten ausdrücklich verwiesen wird. Es zeigen:The invention is described below by way of example without limitation of the general inventive concept on the basis of an exemplary embodiment with reference to the drawing, to which reference is expressly made with regard to the disclosure of all details according to the invention not explained in detail in the text. Show it:
Fig. 1 ein Ausführungsbeispiel für ein erfindungsgemäßes endoskopisches Videosystem,1 shows an embodiment for an endoscopic video system according to the invention,
Fig. 2 eine Transmissionskurve eines erfindungsgemäß ein¬ gesetzten Konversionsfilters. Beschreibung eines Ausführungsbeispiels2 shows a transmission curve of a conversion filter used according to the invention. Description of an embodiment
Fig. 1 zeigt in einer teilweise geschnittenen Seitenan¬ sicht sowie in einer Frontalansicht ein Ausführungsbei- spiel für ein endoskopisches Videosystem. Das Videosystem weist ohne Beschränkung der allgemeinen Anwendbarkeit der Erfindung ein Endoskop 1 auf, in dem ein Farbbildaufnehmer 4 distal angeordnet ist. Selbstverständlich ist die Erfin¬ dung aber auch für proximal angeordnete Farbbildaufnehmer einsetzbar.1 shows a partially sectioned side view and a front view of an embodiment for an endoscopic video system. Without restricting the general applicability of the invention, the video system has an endoscope 1, in which a color image pickup 4 is arranged distally. Of course, the invention can also be used for proximally arranged color image recorders.
Der Farbbildaufnehmer 4 ist beispielsweise ein Charged Coupled Device (CCD) . Das von dem CCD 4 mittels eines Objektivs 7 aufgenommene Bild einer endoskopisehen Szene wird durch einen nachgeschalteten Verarbeitungsschaltkreis 3, der beispielsweise ein Hybrid-Schaltkreis sein kann, weiterverarbeitet. Mit 6 ist ein Tiefpaßfilter bzw. ein Infrarotsperrfilter bezeichnet.The color image pickup 4 is, for example, a charged coupled device (CCD). The image of an endoscopic scene recorded by the CCD 4 by means of a lens 7 is further processed by a downstream processing circuit 3, which can be a hybrid circuit, for example. With 6 a low-pass filter or an infrared cut filter is designated.
Der Schaltkreis 3 ist über elektrische Leitungen 2 in dem Endoskop 1 und ein mit dem Endoskop 1 abnehmbar verbunde¬ nes Kabel 10 mit einem Stecker 11 mit einer herkömmlichen - nicht dargestellten - Videoeinheit verbunden, so daß das Objekt, d.h. die endoskpische Szene beispielsweise auf einem Monitor betrachtet werden kann.The circuit 3 is connected via electrical lines 2 in the endoscope 1 and a cable 10 removably connected to the endoscope 1 with a plug 11 to a conventional video unit (not shown) so that the object, i.e. the endoscopic scene can be viewed on a monitor, for example.
Zur Beleuchtung der endoskopisehen Szene weist das Endos¬ kop 1 einen Lichtleiter 5 auf, der insbesondere hohlzylin- derförmig am äußeren Bereich des Innenraumes des Endoskop- Schaftes angeordnet sein kann.To illuminate the endoscopic scene, the endoscope 1 has a light guide 5, which can be arranged in the shape of a hollow cylinder, in particular, on the outer region of the interior of the endoscope shaft.
Zur Einkoppelung des Lichts einer nicht dargestellten Beleuchtungslichtquelle in den Lichtleiter 5 ist ein mit bekannten und nicht weiter bezeichneten Steckern versehe¬ nes Lichtleitkabel 9 vorgesehen, das einen Lichtleiter 51 enthält, der lichteintrittsseitig mit der Beleuchtungs¬ lichtquelle und lichtaustrittsseitig mit dem Lichtleiter 5 verbunden ist.To couple the light from an illuminating light source, not shown, into the light guide 5, a light guide cable 9 is provided, which is provided with known and not further designated plugs and which has a light guide 5 1 contains, which is connected on the light entry side with the illuminating light source and on the light exit side with the light guide 5.
Die Kabel 9 und 10 sind bei dem gezeigten Ausführungsbei- spiel teilweise zu einem Kabel 12 zusammengefaßt.In the exemplary embodiment shown, the cables 9 and 10 are partially combined to form a cable 12.
Erfindungsgemäß wird das Licht der Beleuchtungslichtquelle über ein Konversions-Filter 8 in den Lichtleiter 51 des Kabels 9 an dem zur Verbindung mit der Beleuchtungslicht¬ quelle vorgesehenen Lichteinkoppelstutzen eingekoppelt.According to the invention the light of the illumination light source 9 is coupled via a conversion filter 8 in the light guide 5 of the cable 1 at the source for connection to the Beleuchtungslicht¬ provided Lichteinkoppelstutzen.
Fig. 2 zeigt exemplarisch die Transmission dieses Konver¬ sions-Filters 8 für verschiedene Wellenlängen X . Die Transmissionskurve kann je nach verwendeter Bildaufnehmer¬ einheit 4 variieren, an die das Filter 8 anzupassen ist.2 shows an example of the transmission of this conversion filter 8 for different wavelengths X. The transmission curve can vary depending on the image pickup unit 4 used, to which the filter 8 is to be adapted.
Vorstehend ist die Erfindung anhand eines Ausführungsbei- spiels ohne Beschränkung der allgemeinen Anwendbarkeit beschrieben worden. Insbesondere ist die Erfindung sowohl bei starren als auch bei flexiblen Endoskopen mit proximal oder distal angeordnetem Bildaufnehmer einsetzbar. The invention has been described above on the basis of an exemplary embodiment without restricting the general applicability. In particular, the invention can be used both with rigid and with flexible endoscopes with proximally or distally arranged image recorders.

Claims

P a t e n t a n s p r ü c h e Patent claims
1. Endoskopisches Videosystem mit einer Beleuchtungslichtquelle einem Lichtleitsystem (5, 5'), das das Licht zu wenig¬ stens einem distalem Lichtaustritt leitet, und wenigstens einem Video-Farbbildaufnehmer (4) mit einem zugeordneten optischen System (7) , dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß in der Beleuchtungslichtquelle oder in dem Lichtleitsystem wenigstens ein Spektralfilter (8) angeordnet ist, das derart ausgebildet ist, daß es die spektrale Verteilung des sichtbaren Lichts der Lichtquelle an die spektrale Empfindlichkeit des Farbbildaufnehmers anpaßt.1. Endoscopic video system with an illuminating light source, a light guide system (5, 5 ') which guides the light to at least one distal light exit, and at least one video color image sensor (4) with an associated optical system (7), characterized in that at least one spectral filter (8) is arranged in the illuminating light source or in the light guide system and is designed in such a way that it adjusts the spectral distribution of the visible light from the light source to the spectral sensitivity of the color image sensor.
2. System nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das Filter (8) so konfektio¬ niert ist, daß im Wellenbereich von 400 bis 700nm wenig¬ stens 20% der Lichtleistung in diesem Bereich abgeblockt werden.2. System according to claim 1, characterized in that the filter (8) is so confectioned that in the wave range of 400 to 700nm at least 20% of the light output in this range are blocked.
3. System nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das Filter (8) folgende Trans- missionswerte aufweist:3. System according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the filter (8) has the following transmission values:
T( = 600 nm) < 80T (= 600 nm) <80
T( ^ = 650 nm) < 40T (^ = 650 nm) <40
T( . = 675 nm) < 30T (. = 675 nm) <30
T( ^ = 700 nm) < 10 T (^ = 700 nm) <10
4. System nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 3, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das Filter (8) ein dichroiti- sches Filter ist.4. System according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the filter (8) is a dichroic filter.
5. System nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis , dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das Filter (8) auf die proxi- male Eintrittsfläche des Lichtleitsystems (5') aufgebracht ist.5. System according to one of claims 1 to, characterized in that the filter (8) is applied to the proximal entry surface of the light guide system (5 ').
6. System nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 4, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das Filter auf die distale Austrittsfläche des Endoskops aufgebracht ist.6. System according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the filter is applied to the distal exit surface of the endoscope.
7. System nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 4, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das Filter in der Beleuch¬ tungslichtquelle angeordnet ist.7. System according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the filter is arranged in the lighting light source.
8. System nach Anspruch 7, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das Filter aus dem Beleuch¬ tungsstrahlengang entfernbar ist.8. System according to claim 7, characterized in that the filter can be removed from the lighting beam path.
9. System nach Anspruch 8, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das Filter in bzw. aus dem Beleuchtungsstrahlengang automatisch oder manuell ein-bzw. ausschwenkbar ist.9. System according to claim 8, characterized in that the filter in or out of the illuminating beam path automatically or manually on or. can be swung out.
10. System nach einem der Ansprüche 7 bis 9, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das Filter vor der Lichtlei¬ tereintrittsfläche in der Beleuchtungslichtquelle angeord¬ net ist.10. System according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the filter is arranged in front of the Lichtlei¬ ter entry surface in the illuminating light source.
11. System nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 10, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Beleuchtungslichtquelle wenigstens eine Halogen-, Xenon-, Halid- oder sonstige Metall-Dampflampe aufweist.11. System according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the illuminating light source has at least one halogen, xenon, halide or other metal vapor lamp.
12. System nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 11, dadurch gekennzeichnet, auf den Bildaufnehmer (5) ein Infrarotsperrfilter (6) aufgebracht ist. 12. System according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that an infrared cut filter (6) is applied to the image sensor (5).
PCT/DE1995/000001 1993-12-31 1995-01-02 Endoscopic video system WO1995017845A1 (en)

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EP1600101A3 (en) * 2004-05-25 2006-02-01 Fujinon Corporation Endoscope connector device, endoscope cable lead-out unit and endoscope device
CN100438818C (en) * 2004-05-25 2008-12-03 富士能株式会社 Endoscope connector device, endoscope cable lead-out unit and endoscope device
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DE102020202687A1 (en) 2020-03-03 2021-09-09 Richard Wolf Gmbh Medical endoscopic instrument
DE102020202686A1 (en) 2020-03-03 2021-09-09 Richard Wolf Gmbh Medical endoscopic instrument
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WO2021175386A1 (en) 2020-03-03 2021-09-10 Richard Wolf Gmbh Medical endoscopic instrument

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