Endoscope system and parameter control device

Abstract

An endoscope system (1) includes an endoscope (2), a video processor (3), a power supply unit (25), and a parameter control device (5). The endoscope (2) includes an imaging unit (21) and an illumination unit (22). The power supply unit (25) supplies power to the imaging unit (21) and the illumination unit (22). The video processor (3) includes an image processing unit (32) for generating an endoscopic image. The parameter control device (5) includes a data collection unit (51), a determination unit (52), and a parameter determination unit (53). During the execution of a power consumption reduction process, when the data collection unit (51) obtains one or more start information, the determination unit (52) determines to stop the power consumption reduction process and execute a high image quality process.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an endoscope system and a parameter control device capable of executing power consumption reduction processing and high image quality processing. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, endoscopes have been widely used in the medical field and the industrial field. In particular, endoscopes used in the medical field are widely used for observing organs in body cavities, performing treatment measures using treatment instruments, and performing surgical operations under endoscopic observation.

[0003] In recent years, due to the progress of semiconductor technology and the power saving achieved by using LED as a light source for illumination, battery-driven wireless endoscopes equipped with rechargeable batteries have begun to be put into practical use. The wireless endoscope is configured to have a wireless communication unit that performs wireless communication with a video processor to compress the image data captured by the imaging element and transmit it wirelessly.

[0004] In a wireless endoscope, it is desirable to be able to perform power consumption reduction processing to reduce the power consumption of the endoscope as needed, so as to suppress the internal temperature rise to prevent the degradation of functions such as battery degradation or to suppress the battery consumption to extend the operating time. In addition, in a wireless endoscope, it is desirable to increase the compression rate of image data in a situation where the wireless environment is deteriorated to prevent the interruption of wireless communication, and on the other hand, it is desirable to be able to perform compression rate change processing such as reducing the compression rate of image data in important scenes to obtain an endoscopic image with high image quality.

[0005] International Publication No. 2017 / 029839 discloses a wireless endoscope that performs a power-saving operation of increasing the image compression rate or reducing the amount of illumination light when replacing the battery. Japanese Patent Gazette No. 4800695 discloses an endoscope device that reduces power consumption by controlling the operation of each part of the main body according to the internal temperature of the main body of the endoscope device and the actual inspection status. International Publication No. 2016 / 052175 discloses a portable endoscope system that calculates the compression rate of an endoscopic image based on the judgment result of the category of the surgical technical scene.

[0006] In addition, regardless of whether the power consumption reduction process is being executed, there is a demand from users for high-quality endoscopic images. However, conventionally, it has not been considered to execute the process of acquiring high-quality endoscopic images during the execution of the power consumption reduction process.

[0007] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an endoscope system and a parameter control device capable of executing a process of acquiring an endoscopic image with high image quality during execution of a power consumption reduction process. Summary of the invention

[0008] An endoscope system according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: an endoscope; a video processor; a power supply unit; and a parameter control device, which controls a plurality of parameters used in the endoscope and the video processor to cause the endoscope and the video processor to perform prescribed processing, wherein the endoscope comprises: an imaging unit that captures an image of a subject to generate image data; and an illumination unit that illuminates the subject, the power supply unit supplies power to the imaging unit and the illumination unit, the video processor comprises an image processing unit that performs prescribed image processing on the image data to generate an endoscopic image, and the parameter control device comprises: a data collection unit that obtains information for starting to record the endoscopic image and for starting to record the endoscopic image. at least one of the information for performing automatic diagnosis auxiliary processing using the endoscopic image is used as one or more start information; a determination unit that determines the execution and stop of a power consumption reduction process for reducing the power supplied by the power supply unit, and the execution and stop of a high image quality process for improving the image quality of the endoscopic image; and a parameter determination unit that determines one or more parameters used in a process determined to be executed by the determination unit, wherein, during the execution of the power consumption reduction process, when the data collection unit obtains one or more start information, the determination unit determines to stop the power consumption reduction process and execute the high image quality process.

[0009] A parameter control device in one embodiment of the present invention is used in an endoscope system, wherein the endoscope system includes an endoscope, a video processor and a power supply unit, and the parameter control device causes the endoscope and the video processor to perform specified processing by controlling multiple parameters used in the endoscope and the video processor, wherein the endoscope includes: an imaging unit that captures a subject to generate image data; and an illumination unit that illuminates the subject, the power supply unit supplies power to the imaging unit and the illumination unit, the video processor includes a processor image processing unit that performs specified image processing on the image data to generate an endoscopic image, and the parameter control device includes: a data collection unit that obtains and starts recording the endoscopic image at least one of information of an image and information of starting automatic diagnosis auxiliary processing using the endoscopic image as one or more start information; a determination unit, which determines the execution and stop of a power consumption reduction process for reducing the power supplied by the power supply unit, and the execution and stop of a high image quality process for improving the image quality of the endoscopic image; and a parameter determination unit, which determines one or more parameters used in a process determined to be executed by the determination unit, wherein, during the execution of the power consumption reduction process, when the data collection unit obtains the one or more start information, the determination unit determines to stop the power consumption reduction process and execute the high image quality process. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1 It is an explanatory diagram showing the overall configuration of an endoscope system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] Figure 2 This is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of an endoscope and a parameter control device in the endoscope system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] Figure 3 This is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of a video processor and a display unit of the endoscope system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] Figure 4 It is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the endoscope system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 5 This is a flowchart showing a part of the operation of the endoscope system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 6 This is a flowchart showing another part of the operation of the endoscope system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 7 This is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of a first portion of an endoscope and a parameter control device of an endoscope system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 8 1 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of a second portion of a video processor and a parameter control device of an endoscope system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Fig. 9 This is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of an endoscope system according to a third embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0020] [First embodiment]

[0021] (Structure of endoscope system)

[0022] First, a schematic configuration of an endoscope system according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 1 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the overall configuration of an endoscope system 1 according to the present embodiment. The endoscope system 1 according to the present embodiment is a wireless endoscope system including a wireless endoscope 2 which is a battery-driven portable endoscope. The wireless endoscope 2 is hereinafter simply referred to as the endoscope 2.

[0023] The endoscope system 1 is configured to have a function for displaying an endoscopic image captured by the endoscope 2. Specifically, the endoscope system 1 further includes a video processor 3 physically separated from the endoscope 2, and a display unit 4 connected to the video processor 3. The video processor 3 is wirelessly connected to the endoscope 2, and the video processor 3 is used to perform a predetermined image processing described later to generate an endoscopic image. The display unit 4 is composed of a monitor device and the like, and is used to display the endoscopic image and the like.

[0024] like Figure 1 As shown, in the operating room, a video processor 3, a display unit 4, and various medical devices are placed on a cart 6. The medical devices placed on the cart 6 include, for example, an electric scalpel device, a pneumoperitoneum device, a video recorder, and a gas tank filled with carbon dioxide.

[0025] In addition, the configurations of the video processor 3 and the display unit 4 are not limited to Figure 1 For example, the endoscope system 1 may include a video processor integrated with a display unit instead of the video processor 3 and the display unit 4 .

[0026] The endoscope 2 includes an elongated insertion portion 2A to be inserted into a body cavity, and an operation portion 2B having a grip portion 2Ba to be gripped by a user. The operation portion 2B is provided at the proximal end portion of the insertion portion 2A.

[0027] The endoscope 2 further includes an imaging unit 21 for capturing an image of a subject to generate image data, and an illumination unit 22 for illuminating the subject. The subject is, for example, an affected part in the subject. The imaging unit 21 includes an imaging element (not shown) such as a CCD or CMOS provided at the distal end of the insertion portion 2A.

[0028] The lighting unit 22 is composed of a light source for lighting, which includes a light-emitting diode or other light-emitting element not shown in the figure, and a lens not shown in the figure. The lens not shown in the figure is arranged at the front end of the insertion unit 2A. The illumination light generated by the illumination light source is irradiated to the subject through the lens. The return light from the subject obtained by the above-mentioned illumination light is imaged on the imaging surface of the imaging element of the imaging unit 21. In addition, the illumination light source can also be arranged in the operating unit 2B. In this case, the illumination light generated by the illumination light source is guided to the front end of the insertion unit 2A by a light guide not shown in the figure.

[0029] The endoscope system 1 further includes a power supply unit 25 and a parameter control device 5 according to the present embodiment. Figure 2 2 shows a power supply unit 25 and a parameter control device 5. The parameter control device 5 is a device that controls a plurality of parameters used in the endoscope 2 and the video processor 3 to cause the endoscope 2 and the video processor 3 to execute predetermined processing.

[0030] (Structure of endoscope and parameter control device)

[0031] Next, refer to Figure 2 The structures of the endoscope 2 and the parameter control device 5 will be described in detail. Figure 2 2 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the endoscope 2 and the parameter control device 5. In the present embodiment, the entire parameter control device 5 is provided in the endoscope 2.

[0032] like Figure 2 As shown, the endoscope 2 includes an endoscope image processing unit (hereinafter simply referred to as an image processing unit) 23, a first wireless communication unit 24A, an antenna 24B, and a temperature sensor 26 in addition to the gripping unit 2Ba, the imaging unit 21, and the lighting unit 22. The imaging unit 21 generates image data based on the optical image of the object by photoelectric conversion, and outputs the image data to the image processing unit 23.

[0033] The image processing unit 23 includes a compression processing unit 23A. The compression processing unit 23A performs compression processing to compress the image data generated by the camera unit 21 to generate compressed data. A compression parameter for specifying the data amount of the compressed data is used in the compression processing. The compression parameter has a corresponding relationship with the compression rate of the compressed data. The image processing unit 23 outputs the generated compressed data to the first wireless communication unit 24A, and outputs the current compression parameter to the parameter control device 5. In addition, the image processing unit 23 outputs the image data for detecting the endoscope scene to the parameter control device 5 as information related to the endoscope scene.

[0034] The first wireless communication unit 24A includes a wireless transmission circuit (not shown) for generating a signal to be transmitted wirelessly and a wireless reception circuit (not shown) for demodulating a signal received wirelessly, and the first wireless communication unit 24A transmits and receives a predetermined signal wirelessly between the first wireless communication unit 24A and the video processor 3 via the antenna 24B. The predetermined signal includes compressed data, parameters described later, and start information.

[0035] In addition, the first wireless communication unit 24A and the second wireless communication unit described later may also be configured to be able to use multiple bandwidths, such as the 60 GHz band and the 5 GHz band for wireless communication. In this case, the 60 GHz band is used, for example, to send and receive compressed data. The 5 GHz band is used, for example, to send and receive multiple parameters.

[0036] The power supply unit 25 is provided in the endoscope 2. The power supply unit 25 includes a battery 25A provided in the endoscope 2, and the power supply unit 25 is used to supply power of the battery 25A to each part of the endoscope 2 including the imaging unit 21, the lighting unit 22, the image processing unit 23, and the first wireless communication unit 24A. The battery 25A is configured to be mounted on the operation unit 2B (see Figure 1 ). In addition, the power supply unit 25 includes a battery remaining amount detection circuit (not shown) for detecting the remaining amount of the battery 25A. The power supply unit 25 outputs information on the detected remaining amount of the battery 25A to the parameter control device 5.

[0037] The temperature sensor 26 is configured to measure the temperature of the grip portion 2Ba (see Figure 1 ) and outputs the measurement result of the temperature of the holding portion 2Ba to the parameter control device 5. In addition, the endoscope 2 may include one or more temperature sensors for measuring the temperature of each part in the endoscope 2 except the holding portion 2Ba and the temperature sensor 26 in addition to the temperature sensor 26.

[0038] like Figure 2As shown, the parameter control device 5 includes a data collection unit 51, a determination unit 52, a parameter determination unit 53, and a parameter sending unit 54. The determination unit 52, the parameter determination unit 53, and the parameter sending unit 54 constitute the control unit 5A, which is the main part of the parameter control device 5. The determination unit 52 and the parameter determination unit 53 can also be said to be provided in the endoscope 2. The data collection unit 51 acquires a plurality of information related to the endoscope system 1. The structure of the data collection unit 51 will be described later.

[0039] Here, the process of reducing the power supplied by the power supply unit 25 is referred to as power consumption reduction processing. In the present embodiment, in particular, the power consumption reduction processing is a process of reducing the power of the battery 25A supplied by the power supply unit 25. In addition, the process of improving the image quality of the endoscopic image generated by the video processor 3 is referred to as high image quality processing. The determination unit 52 determines the execution and stop of the power consumption reduction processing and the execution and stop of the high image quality processing by determining the multiple information acquired by the data collection unit 51. The parameter determination unit 53 determines one or more parameters used in the processing determined by the determination unit 52 to be executed.

[0040] The parameter transmission unit 54 transmits one or more parameters determined by the parameter determination unit 53 to each unit of the endoscope 2 and the video processor 3. In the endoscope 2, the illumination unit 22 and the compression processing unit 23A receive the parameters transmitted from the parameter transmission unit 54. In the video processor 3, the main control unit described later receives the parameters transmitted from the parameter transmission unit 54.

[0041] The endoscope 2 further includes a main control unit (not shown). The main control unit controls each unit in the endoscope 2 including the parameter control device 5 and controls the power supply unit 25 to supply power to each unit in the endoscope 2 including the parameter control device 5.

[0042] (Structure of video processor)

[0043] Next, refer to Figure 3 The structure of the video processor 3 will be described. Figure 3 4 is a functional block diagram showing the structure of the video processor 3 and the display unit 4. Figure 3 As shown, the video processor 3 includes a second wireless communication unit 31A, an antenna 31B, a processor image processing unit (hereinafter simply recorded as the image processing unit) 32, a video recording processing unit 36, an automatic diagnosis auxiliary processing unit 37, a main control unit 38 and a user interface unit (hereinafter recorded as the user IF unit) 39.

[0044] The second wireless communication unit 31A and the antenna 31B may be built into the main body of the video processor 3, or may be built into a wireless receiver 30 that is separate from the main body of the video processor 3. Figure 12 shows a wireless receiver 30. The wireless receiver 30 is configured to be connected to the main body of the video processor 3 via a connector (not shown).

[0045] The second wireless communication unit 31A includes a wireless transmission circuit (not shown) for generating a signal to be transmitted wirelessly, and a wireless reception circuit (not shown) for demodulating a signal received wirelessly, and the second wireless communication unit 31A transmits and receives a predetermined signal wirelessly between the second wireless communication unit 31A and the endoscope 2 via the antenna 31B. The predetermined signal includes compressed data transmitted from the first wireless communication unit 24A, one or more parameters transmitted from the parameter transmission unit 54, and start information described later. The second wireless communication unit 31A outputs the compressed data to the image processing unit 32, and outputs one or more parameters to the main control unit 38.

[0046] The image processing unit 32 generates an endoscopic image by decompressing the compressed data to generate image data and performing a predetermined image processing on the image data generated by decompressing the compressed data. Hereinafter, the image data generated by decompressing the compressed data is referred to as decompressed image data. The decompressed image data is data corresponding to the image data generated by the imaging unit 21. In the present embodiment, the image processing unit 32 includes a decompression processing unit 33 that generates the decompressed image data, a restoration processing unit 34, and a development unit 35.

[0047] The restoration processing unit 34 performs at least one image restoration process on the decompressed image data to improve the image quality of the endoscopic image. In the present embodiment, in particular, the restoration processing unit 34 is configured to be able to perform a brightness correction process for correcting the brightness of the decompressed image data as at least one image restoration process. Specifically, the restoration processing unit 34 includes a filter processing unit 34A that performs the brightness correction process and a multiplication processing unit 34B.

[0048] The filter processing unit 34A performs a filter process for correcting the brightness of an arbitrary pixel using a plurality of pixel values ​​in a predetermined area including an arbitrary pixel in the decompressed image data and a plurality of pixels surrounding the pixel and a first brightness parameter. The filter process may be, for example, a process of multiplying the brightness values ​​of a plurality of pixels surrounding the pixel by a coefficient (weight) for each RGB channel and adding the result to the brightness value of the arbitrary pixel. In this case, the first brightness parameter may be a coefficient (weight) multiplied by the brightness values ​​of the plurality of pixels.

[0049] The multiplication processing unit 34B performs a multiplication process for correcting the brightness of any one pixel using the pixel value of any one pixel and the second brightness parameter. The multiplication process may also be a process of multiplying the brightness value of any one pixel by the second brightness parameter as a multiplier. In this case, the second brightness parameter may be a constant or a value that changes according to the brightness value as in gamma correction. In the latter case, the multiplication process is performed using a table indicating the relationship between the brightness value and the second brightness parameter.

[0050] In addition, as the effect of the filtering process increases, the corrected decompressed image data becomes brighter, but the resolution of the corrected decompressed image data decreases. In addition, as the effect of the multiplication process increases, the corrected decompressed image data becomes brighter, but the noise of the corrected decompressed image data increases. Therefore, it is necessary to set the first brightness parameter so that the resolution of the corrected decompressed image data does not decrease excessively and set the second brightness parameter so that the noise of the corrected decompressed image data does not increase excessively while performing the filtering process and the multiplication process to brighten the endoscopic image, so as to obtain an endoscopic image with high image quality and high resolution.

[0051] The developing unit 35 performs a developing process for converting the decompressed image data into a format displayable on the display unit 4 to generate an endoscopic image. The image processing unit 32 outputs the generated endoscopic image to the recording processing unit 36 ​​, the automatic diagnosis support processing unit 37 , and the display unit 4 .

[0052] The user IF unit 39 is an interface for accepting user operations. Specifically, the user IF unit 39 is composed of, for example, a front panel and various switches of a control system, and the user IF unit 39 outputs an operation signal based on the user operation to the main control unit 38. The user operation includes, for example, starting the endoscope system 1, disconnecting the power of the endoscope system 1, starting and stopping the recording of the endoscope image, starting and stopping the automatic diagnosis auxiliary processing, specifying the observation mode of the endoscope 2, settings related to image display, and setting the action mode of the endoscope 2.

[0053] In this embodiment, in particular, the user IF unit 39 includes a first switch 39A for instructing the start and stop of recording the endoscopic image, and a second switch 39B for instructing the start and stop of the automatic diagnosis auxiliary process. The user operates the first switch 39A to generate an operation signal for instructing the start or stop of recording the endoscopic image. In addition, the user operates the second switch 39B to generate an operation signal for instructing the start or stop of the automatic diagnosis auxiliary process.

[0054] The main control unit 38 controls each unit in the video processor 3 and controls a power supply unit (not shown) provided in the video processor 3 to supply power to each unit in the video processor 3. In addition, the main control unit 38 receives the parameters sent from the parameter sending unit 54, and outputs the received parameters to the restoration processing unit 34. In addition, the main control unit 38 outputs information based on the operation signal input from the user IF unit 39 to each unit of the video processor 3, and outputs it to the main control unit (not shown) of the endoscope 2 and the parameter control device 5 via wireless communication between the endoscope 2 and the video processor 3. Thus, the main control unit 38 can provide various instructions based on the operation signal to each unit of the endoscope 2, the video processor 3, and the parameter control device 5.

[0055] In the present embodiment, in particular, the main control unit 38 generates information for starting and stopping the recording of the endoscopic image based on the operation signal indicating the start or stop of the recording of the endoscopic image, and outputs the information to the recording processing unit 36 ​​and the parameter control device 5. In addition, the main control unit 38 generates information for starting and stopping the automatic diagnosis auxiliary processing based on the operation signal indicating the start or stop of the automatic diagnosis auxiliary processing, and outputs the information to the automatic diagnosis auxiliary processing unit 37 and the parameter control device 5.

[0056] The video recording processing unit 36 ​​performs a video recording process for recording the endoscopic image generated by the developing unit 35. In the present embodiment, the video recording processing unit 36 ​​starts the video recording process when information for starting to record the endoscopic image is input, and stops the video recording process when information for stopping to record the endoscopic image is input. In addition, the main control unit 38 controls the developing unit 35 so that if information for starting to record the endoscopic image is output to the video recording processing unit 36, the developing unit 35 outputs the endoscopic image to the video recording processing unit 36. The video recording processing unit 36 ​​includes a storage unit (not shown) that stores the endoscopic image recorded by the video recording process. The video recording processing unit 36 ​​can also be configured to be able to output the endoscopic image stored in the storage unit to the display unit 4 or to a storage device (not shown) composed of a non-volatile memory.

[0057] The endoscopic images recorded by the video recording process are used, for example, to prepare a diagnosis report or to be used for a precise diagnosis to be performed later. The endoscopic images recorded by the video recording process are required to be high-quality images to improve the accuracy of the precise diagnosis.

[0058] The automatic diagnosis auxiliary processing unit 37 performs automatic diagnosis auxiliary processing using the endoscopic image. In the present embodiment, the automatic diagnosis auxiliary processing unit 37 starts the automatic diagnosis auxiliary processing when information for starting the automatic diagnosis auxiliary processing is input, and stops the automatic diagnosis auxiliary processing when information for stopping the automatic diagnosis auxiliary processing is input. In addition, the main control unit 38 controls the developing unit 35 so that if the information for starting the automatic diagnosis auxiliary processing is output to the video processing unit 36, the developing unit 35 outputs the endoscopic image to the automatic diagnosis auxiliary processing unit 37. The automatic diagnosis auxiliary processing unit 37 may also be configured to output the result of the automatic diagnosis auxiliary processing to the display unit 4.

[0059] For example, an automatic diagnosis auxiliary process is performed by analyzing the endoscopic image generated by the developing unit 35 through image processing to automatically detect the presence or absence of abnormalities. For example, the endoscopic image is analyzed by image processing using artificial intelligence. The endoscopic image used for the automatic diagnosis auxiliary process is required to be an image of high image quality to improve the accuracy of the automatic diagnosis.

[0060] (Hardware Structure)

[0061] Here, refer to Figure 4 The hardware configuration of the endoscope system 1 will be described. Figure 4 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the endoscope system 1. Figure 4 In the example shown, the endoscope 2 includes a processor 20A, a memory 20B, and an input / output unit 20C. In addition, the video processor 3 includes a processor 30A, a memory 30B, and an input / output unit 30C.

[0062] The processor 20A is used to execute the functions of the image processing unit 23, the first wireless communication unit 24A, the power supply unit 25, and the main control unit (not shown) as the components of the endoscope 2, and the functions of the data collection unit 51, the determination unit 52, the parameter determination unit 53, and the parameter transmission unit 54 as the components of the parameter control device 5. The processor 30A is used to execute the functions of the second wireless communication unit 31A, the image processing unit 32, the video processing unit 36, the automatic diagnosis auxiliary processing unit 37, and the main control unit 38 as the components of the video processor 3. The processors 20A and 30A are each composed of, for example, FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). At least a part of the multiple components of the endoscope 2, the video processor 3, and the parameter control device 5 can be configured as a circuit block in the FPGA.

[0063] The memories 20B and 30B are each composed of a rewritable storage element such as a RAM. The input / output unit 20C is used to send and receive signals between the endoscope 2 and the outside. The input / output unit 30C is used to send and receive signals between the video processor 3 and the outside. In this embodiment, the input / output units 20C and 30C are used to send and receive signals between the endoscope 2 and the video processor 3 using wireless communication.

[0064] In addition, the processors 20A and 30A may also be respectively constituted by a central processing unit (hereinafter referred to as a CPU). In this case, the functions of the components of the endoscope 2 and the parameter control device 5 may also be realized by the CPU reading a program from the memory 20B or a storage device not shown and executing the program. Similarly, the functions of the components of the video processor 3 may also be realized by the CPU reading a program from the memory 30B or a storage device not shown and executing the program.

[0065] In addition, the hardware structure of the endoscope system 1 is not limited to Figure 4 For example, the plurality of components of the endoscope 2, the video processor 3, and the parameter control device 5 may be configured as separate electronic circuits.

[0066] (Parameter control device operation)

[0067] Next, the operation of the parameter control device 5 will be described.

[0068] (Structure and operation of data collection unit)

[0069] First, refer to Figure 2 The structure and operation of the data collection unit 51 are described. The data collection unit 51 acquires one or more start information as a plurality of information. In the present embodiment, the data collection unit 51 acquires at least one of information for starting to record an endoscopic image and information for starting to perform automatic diagnosis support processing as one or more start information.

[0070] The data collection unit 51 also acquires one or more pieces of environmental information as a plurality of pieces of information. In the present embodiment, the data collection unit 51 acquires at least one of information on the temperature of the grip 2Ba and information on the remaining amount of the battery 25A as one or more pieces of environmental information.

[0071] In addition, the data collection unit 51 also acquires information for stopping the recording of the endoscopic image and information for stopping the automatic diagnosis support processing as a plurality of information.

[0072] In this embodiment, the data collection unit 51 includes a video information acquisition unit 51A, an automatic diagnosis auxiliary processing information acquisition unit 51B, a temperature information acquisition unit 51C, and a battery remaining amount information acquisition unit 51D. The video information acquisition unit 51A, the automatic diagnosis auxiliary processing information acquisition unit 51B, the temperature information acquisition unit 51C, and the battery remaining amount information acquisition unit 51D can also be said to be provided in the endoscope 2.

[0073] The image information acquisition unit 51A acquires information for starting to record an endoscopic image and information for stopping to record an endoscopic image. In the present embodiment, the main control unit 38 (see FIG. 1 ) of the video processor 3 is input to the image information acquisition unit 51A. Figure 3 ) outputs information for starting to record endoscopic images and information for stopping to record endoscopic images.

[0074] The automatic diagnosis auxiliary processing information acquisition unit 51B acquires information for starting the automatic diagnosis auxiliary processing and information for stopping the automatic diagnosis auxiliary processing. In the present embodiment, the main control unit 38 (refer to FIG. 1 ) of the video processor 3 is input to the automatic diagnosis auxiliary processing information acquisition unit 51B. Figure 3 ) outputs information on starting automatic diagnosis auxiliary processing and information on stopping automatic diagnosis auxiliary processing.

[0075] The temperature information acquisition unit 51C acquires information on the temperature of the gripping portion 2Ba. In the present embodiment, the temperature information acquisition unit 51C is configured to receive the measurement result of the temperature of the gripping portion 2Ba output by the temperature sensor 26 .

[0076] The battery remaining amount information acquisition unit 51D acquires information on the remaining amount of the battery 25A. In the present embodiment, the battery remaining amount information acquisition unit 51D is configured to receive information on the remaining amount of the battery 25A output from the power supply unit 25.

[0077] The data collection unit 51 further includes a compression information acquisition unit 51E and a scene detection unit 51F. The compression information acquisition unit 51E acquires information related to compression processing. In the present embodiment, the compression parameter output by the image processing unit 23 is input to the compression information acquisition unit 51E.

[0078] The scene detection unit 51F obtains information related to the endoscope scene. In the present embodiment, the image processing unit 23 is configured to output image data for detecting the endoscope scene, and the image data is input to the scene detection unit 51F. The scene detection unit 51F detects the endoscope scene by analyzing the image data. As the endoscope scene, for example, there are a detailed inspection scene performed in the case of fine observation of blood vessels, a screening scene performed in the case of moving the insertion unit 2A while exploring whether there is an abnormal part, and an extracorporeal scene in which the insertion unit 2A is located outside the body.

[0079] (Operation of the Judgment Unit)

[0080] Next, refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 The operation of the control unit 5A of the parameter control device 5, that is, the operation of the determination unit 52, the parameter determination unit 53, and the parameter transmission unit 54 will be described. First, the operation of the determination unit 52 will be described. The determination unit 52 determines whether to execute or stop the high image quality processing by confirming that the data collection unit 51 has acquired information on starting or stopping the recording of the endoscopic image and information on starting or stopping the automatic diagnosis auxiliary processing. Specifically, when it is confirmed that at least one of the recording information acquisition unit 51A has acquired information on starting the recording of the endoscopic image and the automatic diagnosis auxiliary processing information acquisition unit 51B has acquired information on starting the automatic diagnosis auxiliary processing, the determination unit 52 determines to execute the high image quality processing.

[0081] Furthermore, during the execution of the recording process, when it is confirmed that the recording information acquisition unit 51A acquires information to stop recording the endoscopic image, the determination unit 52 determines to stop the high image quality processing. Furthermore, during the execution of the automatic diagnosis auxiliary processing, when it is confirmed that the automatic diagnosis auxiliary processing information acquisition unit 51B acquires information to stop the automatic diagnosis auxiliary processing, the determination unit 52 determines to stop the high image quality processing.

[0082] In addition, the determination unit 52 may be configured to input information on whether the video recording process is being executed and information on whether the automatic diagnosis auxiliary process is being executed. Such information may be output by the main control unit 38 of the video processor 3, for example. Alternatively, the determination unit 52 may determine whether the video recording process is being executed based on the information on starting or stopping the video recording of the endoscopic image acquired by the video recording information acquisition unit 51A. Similarly, the determination unit 52 may determine whether the automatic diagnosis auxiliary process is being executed based on the information on starting or stopping the automatic diagnosis auxiliary process acquired by the automatic diagnosis auxiliary process information acquisition unit 51B.

[0083] The high image quality improvement process is a process for improving the image quality of the endoscopic image compared to the case where the high image quality improvement process is not performed. In the present embodiment, the high image quality improvement process includes an illumination light quantity change process for changing the illumination light quantity of the illumination unit 22, a compression quantity change process for changing the data quantity of the compressed data, and a brightness correction process performed in the restoration processing unit 34. The illumination light quantity change process is a process using an illumination parameter for specifying the illumination light quantity of the illumination unit 22. The compression quantity change process is a process using a compression parameter for specifying the data quantity of the compressed data. The brightness correction process is a process using a brightness parameter for specifying the relationship between the brightness before correction and the brightness after correction of the decompressed image data.

[0084] In addition, the determination unit 52 determines whether to execute the power consumption reduction process by determining the information related to the temperature of the grip 2Ba acquired by the temperature information acquisition unit 51C and the information related to the remaining amount of the battery 25A acquired by the battery remaining amount information acquisition unit 51D. Specifically, the determination unit 52 determines whether the temperature of the grip 2Ba is above a predetermined temperature threshold and whether the remaining amount of the battery 25A is less than a predetermined battery threshold. Furthermore, when at least one of the conditions that the temperature of the grip 2Ba is above a predetermined temperature threshold and the remaining amount of the battery 25A is less than a predetermined battery threshold is satisfied, the determination unit 52 determines to execute the power consumption reduction process.

[0085] The power consumption reduction process is a process for operating the endoscope 2 so as to reduce the power consumption of the battery 25A compared to when the power consumption reduction process is not executed. The power consumption reduction process includes at least the illumination light amount change process and the brightness correction process among the illumination light amount change process, the compression amount change process, and the brightness correction process.

[0086] In addition, when the determination unit 52 confirms during the execution of the power consumption reduction processing that the recording information acquisition unit 51A has acquired at least one of the information for starting to record the endoscopic image and the automatic diagnosis auxiliary processing information acquisition unit 51B has acquired the information for starting to perform automatic diagnosis auxiliary processing, the determination unit 52 determines to stop the power consumption reduction processing and perform high image quality processing.

[0087] In addition, the determination unit 52 may be configured to input information on whether the power consumption reduction process is being executed. This information may be output by, for example, the main control unit of the endoscope 2. Alternatively, the determination unit 52 may determine whether the power consumption reduction process is being executed based on its own determination of whether the power consumption reduction process is being executed.

[0088] (Operation of parameter determination unit)

[0089] Next, the operation of the parameter determination unit 53 will be described. The operation of the parameter determination unit 53 related to the high image quality processing is as follows. When the determination unit 52 determines that the high image quality processing is to be performed, the parameter determination unit 53 determines the illumination parameter so as to increase the amount of illumination light compared to the case where the high image quality processing is not performed, determines the compression parameter so as to reduce the compression rate compared to the case where the high image quality processing is not performed, even if the amount of compressed data is increased, and determines the brightness parameter so as to weaken the effect of the brightness correction processing for brightening the endoscopic image compared to the case where the high image quality processing is not performed.

[0090] In the present embodiment, the parameter determination unit 53 determines the first brightness parameter used in the filtering process and the second brightness parameter used in the multiplication process as brightness parameters. When the determination unit 52 determines that the high image quality process is to be performed, the parameter determination unit 53 determines the first brightness parameter so as to weaken the effect of the filtering process compared to the case where the high image quality process is not performed, and determines the second brightness parameter so as to weaken the effect of the multiplication process compared to the case where the high image quality process is not performed.

[0091] The operation of the parameter determination unit 53 related to the power consumption reduction process is as follows. When the determination unit 52 determines that the illumination light amount change process is to be performed as the power consumption reduction process, the parameter determination unit 53 determines the illumination parameter so as to reduce the illumination light amount compared to the case where the power consumption reduction process is not performed. When the determination unit 52 determines that the compression amount change process is to be performed as the power consumption reduction process, the parameter determination unit 53 determines the compression parameter so as to increase the compression rate compared to the case where the power consumption reduction process is not performed, that is, to reduce the data amount of the compressed data. When the determination unit 52 determines that the brightness correction process is to be performed as the power consumption reduction process, the parameter determination unit 53 determines the brightness parameter so as to enhance the effect of the brightness correction process for brightening the endoscopic image compared to the case where the power consumption reduction process is not performed.

[0092] As described above, in the present embodiment, the parameter determination unit 53 determines the first brightness parameter used in the filtering process and the second brightness parameter used in the multiplication process as brightness parameters. When the determination unit 52 determines that the power consumption reduction process is to be performed, the first brightness parameter is determined so that the effect of the filtering process is enhanced compared to the case where the power consumption reduction process is not performed, and the second brightness parameter is determined so that the effect of the multiplication process is enhanced compared to the case where the power consumption reduction process is not performed.

[0093] In addition, the compression parameter can be changed according to the content of the image data. In the present embodiment, the compression parameter acquired by the compression information acquisition unit 51E may be input to the parameter determination unit 53. In this case, the parameter determination unit 53 may determine the compression parameter used in the next compression process based on the determination result of the determination unit 52 and the compression parameter used in the compression process just performed.

[0094] Parameters other than the compression parameter may be fixed values ​​or values ​​that vary according to the content of the image data. In addition, each parameter may be stored in a storage device (not shown) provided in the endoscope 2 or the parameter control device 5 .

[0095] (Operation of parameter sending unit)

[0096] Next, the operation of the parameter transmission unit 54 will be described. The parameter transmission unit 54 transmits the lighting parameter to the lighting unit 22, transmits the compression parameter to the compression processing unit 23A, and transmits the first and second brightness parameters to the main control unit 38 of the video processor 3. The lighting unit 22 changes the lighting light amount of the lighting unit 22 based on the received lighting parameter. The compression processing unit 23A performs compression processing using the received compression parameter.

[0097] The main control unit 38 outputs the received first brightness parameter to the filter processing unit 34A of the restoration processing unit 34, and outputs the received second brightness parameter to the multiplication processing unit 34B of the restoration processing unit 34. The filter processing unit 34A performs a filter process using the first brightness parameter, and the multiplication processing unit 34B performs a multiplication process using the second brightness parameter.

[0098] (Standard Processing)

[0099] Here, the process that the parameter control device 5 causes the endoscope 2 and the video processor 3 to execute when the power consumption reduction process and the high image quality process are not executed is called the standard process. When the determination unit 52 determines that the power consumption reduction process is not executed and the high image quality process is not executed, the determination unit 52 decides to execute the standard process. In this case, the determination unit 52 may also determine the content of the standard process by determining the information related to the endoscope scene acquired by the scene detection unit 51F. In addition, the parameter determination unit 53 determines the illumination parameter, the compression parameter, the first brightness parameter, and the second brightness parameter used in the standard process of the content determined by the determination unit 52.

[0100] (A series of actions related to the parameter control device)

[0101] Next, refer to Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 5 as well as Figure 6A specific example of a series of operations related to the parameter control device 5 among the operations of the endoscope system 1 will be described. Figure 5 It is a flowchart showing a part of the operation of the endoscope system 1 . Figure 6 It is a flowchart showing another part of the operation of the endoscope system 1 .

[0102] like Figure 5 As shown, in a series of actions, first, for example, the user operates a switch for activating the endoscope system 1, and an operation signal for activating the endoscope system 1 is input from the user IF unit 39 to the main control unit 38. The main control unit 38 activates the endoscope system 1 based on the input operation signal (step S11). Next, the main control unit of the endoscope 2 controls the first wireless communication unit 24A, and the main control unit 38 of the video processor 3 controls the second wireless communication unit 31A, thereby establishing a wireless communication connection between the endoscope 2 and the video processor 3 (step S12).

[0103] Next, the main control unit of the endoscope 2 controls the lighting unit 22 to turn on the power of the lighting light source (step S13), and at the same time, the endoscope 2 and the video processor 3 start to execute standard processing. Next, the user starts the insertion operation of inserting the insertion portion 2A of the endoscope 2 into the patient's body (step S14).

[0104] Next, the data collection unit 51 of the parameter control device 5 acquires a plurality of information related to the endoscope system 1 (step S15). Next, the determination unit 52 of the parameter control device 5 determines information related to the remaining amount of the battery 25A (step S16). When the determination unit 52 determines that the remaining amount of the battery 25A is less than a predetermined battery threshold value ("Yes"), the process proceeds to step S17. Figure 6 Step S24.

[0105] If the determination unit 52 determines in step S16 that the remaining amount of the battery 25A is not less than the predetermined battery threshold value ("No"), that is, if the remaining amount of the battery 25A is greater than the predetermined battery threshold value, then the determination unit 52 determines information related to the temperature of the gripping portion 2Ba (step S17). If the determination unit 52 determines that the temperature of the gripping portion 2Ba is greater than the predetermined temperature threshold value ("Yes"), the process proceeds to step S18. Figure 6 Step S24.

[0106] In step S17, when the determination unit 52 determines that the temperature of the holding portion 2Ba is not above the prescribed temperature threshold ("No"), that is, when the temperature of the holding portion 2Ba is less than the prescribed temperature threshold, then the determination unit 52 determines whether to start recording the endoscopic image or start automatic diagnosis auxiliary processing (step S18). When the determination unit 52 determines that the endoscopic image is to be recorded or the automatic diagnosis auxiliary processing is to be started ("Yes"), the determination unit 52 determines to perform high image quality processing. Thus, high image quality processing is performed (step S19). The execution of high image quality processing is achieved by executing the following processing: After the determination unit 52 determines to perform high image quality processing, the parameter determination unit 53 of the parameter control device 5 determines the illumination parameters, compression parameters, and first and second brightness parameters for performing high image quality processing as described above, and the parameter sending unit 54 of the parameter control device 5 sends these parameters. The setting examples of each parameter are described later.

[0107] In a series of actions, the determination unit 52 then determines whether to stop recording the endoscopic image or stop the automatic diagnosis auxiliary processing (step S20). This determination can also be made, for example, based on the following first to fourth conditions. The first condition is to obtain information to stop recording the endoscopic image or to stop the automatic diagnosis auxiliary processing. The second condition is that the execution time of the recording of the endoscopic image or the automatic diagnosis auxiliary processing exceeds the specified time. The third condition is that the remaining amount of the battery 25A is less than the specified battery threshold. The fourth condition is that the temperature of the holding part 2Ba is above the specified temperature threshold. It can also be that when at least one of the first to fourth conditions is met, the determination unit 52 determines to stop recording the endoscopic image or stop the automatic diagnosis auxiliary processing.

[0108] In addition, the battery threshold in the third condition may be the same as or different from the battery threshold in step S16. Similarly, the temperature threshold in the fourth condition may be the same as or different from the temperature threshold in step S17.

[0109] In step S20, when the determination unit 52 determines that the recording of the endoscopic image or the automatic diagnosis auxiliary processing is not stopped ("No"), the process returns to step S19 and the high image quality processing is continued. In step S20, when the determination unit 52 determines that the recording of the endoscopic image or the automatic diagnosis auxiliary processing is stopped ("Yes"), the determination unit 52 determines that the high image quality processing is stopped. Thus, the high image quality processing is stopped (step S21). The stopping of the high image quality processing is achieved by executing the following processing: after the determination unit 52 determines that the high image quality processing is stopped, the parameter determination unit 53 restores each parameter to the parameters used in the standard processing, and the parameter sending unit 54 sends each parameter.

[0110] In a series of actions, for example, the main control unit 38 determines whether to turn off the power of the endoscope system 1 (step S22). Specifically, the main control unit 38 determines whether an operation signal for turning off the power of the endoscope system 1 is input. The operation signal is input to the main control unit 38 from the user IF unit 39, for example, by the user operating a switch for turning off the power of the endoscope system 1. In a case where the operation signal is not input to the main control unit 38, the main control unit 38 determines that the power of the endoscope system 1 is not turned off ("No"), and returns to step S15. In a case where the operation signal is input to the main control unit 38, the main control unit 38 determines that the power of the endoscope system 1 is turned off ("Yes"), and the series of actions are terminated.

[0111] In step S18, when the determination unit 52 determines that the endoscope image recording or automatic diagnosis auxiliary processing is not started ("No"), then, for example, the main control unit 38 determines whether to turn off the power of the endoscope system 1 (step S23). The content of step S23 is the same as the content of step S22. When the main control unit 38 determines that the power of the endoscope system 1 is not turned off ("No"), the process returns to step S15. When the main control unit 38 determines that the power of the endoscope system 1 is turned off ("Yes"), the series of actions are terminated.

[0112] In addition, when returning from step S23 to step S15, when it is determined by the determination unit 52 through the steps described later that the power consumption reduction processing is to be performed and each parameter is a parameter used in the power consumption reduction processing, it returns to step S15 after performing the following processing: the parameter determination unit 53 restores each parameter to the parameter used in the standard processing, and the parameter sending unit 54 sends each parameter.

[0113] like Figure 6 As shown, in Figure 5 If the remaining amount of battery 25A is less than a predetermined battery threshold in step S16 or Figure 5 When the temperature of the gripping portion 2Ba is above the predetermined temperature threshold in step S17, the determination unit 52 then determines the information related to the endoscope scene (step S24). When the determination unit 52 determines that it is an important endoscope scene that requires a high-resolution endoscope image, such as a detailed examination scene ("Yes"), the determination unit 52 then determines to execute the power consumption reduction process (step S25). The execution of the power consumption reduction process is achieved by executing the following process: After the determination unit 52 determines to execute the power consumption reduction process, the parameter determination unit 53 determines the illumination parameter, the compression parameter, and the first and second brightness parameters as described above, and the parameter sending unit 54 sends these parameters. The setting examples of each parameter are described below.

[0114] In the series of actions, the determination unit 52 then determines whether to start recording the endoscopic image or to start the automatic diagnosis support process (step S26). If the determination unit 52 determines that the endoscopic image is to be recorded or the automatic diagnosis support process is to be started ("Yes"), the determination unit 52 determines to stop the power consumption reduction process and to perform the high image quality process. Thus, the high image quality process is performed (step S27). The content of step S27 is basically the same as Figure 5 The content of step S19 is the same as that of step S19. In addition, the stopping of the power consumption reduction processing and the execution of the high image quality processing are realized by executing the following processing: the parameter determination unit 53 determines the lighting parameters, compression parameters, and first and second brightness parameters for executing the high image quality processing, and the parameter sending unit 54 sends these parameters.

[0115] In the series of operations, the determination unit 52 then determines whether to stop recording the endoscopic image or to stop the automatic diagnosis support processing (step S28). Figure 5 The content of step S20 is the same as that of step S29. When the determination unit 52 determines that the recording of the endoscopic image or the automatic diagnosis auxiliary processing will not be stopped ("No"), the process returns to step S27 and the high image quality processing is continued. When the determination unit 52 determines that the recording of the endoscopic image or the automatic diagnosis auxiliary processing will be stopped ("Yes"), the determination unit 52 determines that the high image quality processing will be stopped. Thus, the high image quality processing is stopped (step S29). The stopping of the high image quality processing is achieved by executing the following processing: After the determination unit 52 determines that the high image quality processing is stopped, the parameter determination unit 53 restores each parameter to the parameter before the high image quality processing is performed, and the parameter sending unit 54 sends each parameter. Then, the process returns to step S27. Figure 5 Step S15.

[0116] If the determination unit 52 determines in step S26 that the endoscope image recording or the automatic diagnosis support processing is not started ("No"), then, for example, the main control unit 38 determines whether to turn off the power of the endoscope system 1 (step S30). The content of step S30 is the same as that of step S31. Figure 5 The content of step S22 is the same as that of step S23. If the main control unit 38 determines that the power of the endoscope system 1 is not to be turned off ("No"), the control returns to step S24. Figure 5 Step S15. When the main control unit 38 determines that the power of the endoscope system 1 is to be turned off ("Yes"), a series of operations are terminated.

[0117] When the determination unit 52 determines that the endoscope scene is not an important one in step S24 ("No"), the determination unit 52 then determines to execute the power consumption reduction processing with greatly enhanced effect. Thus, the power consumption reduction processing with greatly enhanced effect is executed (step S31). The execution of the power consumption reduction processing with greatly enhanced effect is achieved by executing the following processing: the parameter determination unit 53 determines the illumination parameter in a manner that reduces the amount of illumination light compared with the usual power consumption reduction processing, determines the compression parameter in a manner that reduces the amount of compressed data compared with the usual power consumption reduction processing, determines the first brightness parameter in a manner that enhances the effect of the filtering processing compared with the usual power consumption reduction processing, and determines the second brightness parameter in a manner that enhances the effect of the multiplication processing compared with the usual power consumption reduction processing, and the parameter sending unit 54 sends these parameters.

[0118] In the series of operations, the main control unit 38 determines whether to turn off the power of the endoscope system 1 (step S32). Figure 5 The content of step S22 is the same as that of step S23. If the main control unit 38 determines that the power of the endoscope system 1 is not to be turned off ("No"), the control returns to step S24. Figure 5 Step S15. When the main control unit 38 determines that the power of the endoscope system 1 is to be turned off ("Yes"), a series of operations are terminated.

[0119] (Parameter setting example)

[0120] Next, an example of setting each parameter is described. Here, the lighting parameter, the compression parameter, the first brightness parameter, and the second brightness parameter are represented by values ​​greater than 1 and less than 5. The lighting parameter is set so that the lighting light amount is the largest when the value is 1, and the lighting light amount is the smallest when the value is 5. In other words, the effect of the power consumption reduction processing is the smallest when the value of the lighting parameter is 1, and the effect of the power consumption reduction processing is the largest when the value of the lighting parameter is 5.

[0121] The compression parameter has the lowest compression rate when the value is 1 and the highest compression rate when the value is 5. In other words, the effect of the power consumption reduction process is the smallest when the value of the compression parameter is 1, and the effect of the power consumption reduction process is the largest when the value of the compression parameter is 5.

[0122] The first brightness parameter is set so that the effect of the filtering process is the weakest when the value is 1, and the effect of the filtering process is the strongest when the value is 5. The second brightness parameter is set so that the effect of the multiplication process is the weakest when the value is 1, and the effect of the multiplication process is the strongest when the value is 5. The brightness of the pixel to be corrected is the darkest when the effect of the filtering process or the multiplication process is the weakest, and is the brightest when the effect of the filtering process or the multiplication process is the strongest.

[0123] In the following, the values ​​of the parameters when neither the power consumption reduction processing nor the high image quality processing is performed and the endoscope scene is the detailed examination scene are set to default values. In addition, 3 is used as the default value. First, referring to Table 1, the setting examples of the parameters when neither the power consumption reduction processing nor the high image quality processing is performed, that is, the standard processing is performed are described. Table 1 shows the setting examples of the parameters when the standard processing is performed and the endoscope scene is the detailed examination scene, the screening scene, and the in vitro scene.

[0124] [Table 1]

[0125] parameter Detailed inspection scene Screening scenarios In vitro scene Lighting parameters 3 4 5 Compression parameters 3 4 5 First brightness parameter 3 4 5 Second brightness parameter 3 4 5

[0126] When the standard processing is performed and the endoscope scene is a detailed examination scene, the illumination parameter, the compression parameter, the first brightness parameter, and the second brightness parameter are set so that the image quality and resolution of the endoscope image are at a predetermined level. On the other hand, in an in vitro scene, the image quality and resolution of the endoscope image may be low. Therefore, in the in vitro scene, the illumination parameter and the compression parameter are set in such a way that the power consumption of the battery 25A is minimized, and the first and second brightness parameters are set to match the settings of the illumination parameter and the compression parameter. In the screening scene, the illumination parameter, the compression parameter, the first brightness parameter, and the second brightness parameter are set in such a way that the image quality and resolution of the endoscope image are higher than those of the in vitro scene but the power consumption of the battery 25A is less than that of the detailed examination scene.

[0127] Next, an example of setting each parameter when executing the power consumption reduction process and the high image quality process is described with reference to Table 2. In this embodiment, the normal power consumption reduction process (step S25) and the power consumption reduction process with a greatly enhanced effect (step S31) are executed as the power consumption reduction process. Table 2 shows an example of setting each parameter when executing the above two power consumption reduction processes and the high image quality process.

[0128] [Table 2]

[0129]

[0130] When the determination unit 52 determines that the endoscope scene is an important scene, the usual power consumption reduction process is performed (step S25). In this case, each parameter is set so that an endoscopic image with high image quality and high resolution can be obtained while the power consumption reduction process is performed. Specifically, the illumination parameter is set to a value that reduces the amount of illumination light of the illumination unit 22 compared to the case where the power consumption reduction process is not performed (3.5 in Table 2). In addition, the compression parameter is set to a value that increases the compression rate compared to the case where the power consumption reduction process is not performed, even if the amount of compressed data is reduced (3.5 in Table 2). In addition, the first brightness parameter is set to a value that enhances the effect of the filtering process compared to the case where the power consumption reduction process is not performed (3.5 in Table 2). In addition, the second brightness parameter is set to a value that enhances the effect of the multiplication process compared to the case where the power consumption reduction process is not performed (3.5 in Table 2).

[0131] When the determination unit 52 determines that the endoscope scene is not an important scene, a power consumption reduction process with a greatly enhanced effect is performed (step S31). In this case, each parameter is set to increase the effect of the power consumption reduction process while obtaining an endoscope image with a minimum image quality and resolution that can, for example, withdraw the insertion portion 2A outside the body. Specifically, the illumination parameter is set to a value that greatly reduces the amount of illumination light of the illumination unit 22 compared to the case where the power consumption reduction process is not performed (4 in Table 2). In addition, the compression parameter is set to a value that greatly improves the compression rate compared to the case where the power consumption reduction process is not performed, even if the amount of compressed data is greatly reduced (4 in Table 2). In addition, the first brightness parameter is set to a value that slightly enhances the effect of the filtering process compared to the case where the power consumption reduction process is not performed (3.25 in Table 2). In addition, the second brightness parameter is set to a value that greatly enhances the effect of the multiplication process compared to the case where the power consumption reduction process is not performed (4 in Table 2).

[0132] When high image quality processing is performed, each parameter is set so that an endoscopic image with high image quality can be obtained compared with a case where high image quality processing is not performed. Specifically, the illumination parameter is set to a value that increases the amount of illumination light of the illumination unit 22 compared with a case where high image quality processing is not performed (2 in Table 2). In addition, the compression parameter is set to a value that reduces the compression rate even if the amount of compressed data increases compared with a case where high image quality processing is not performed (2 in Table 2). In addition, the first brightness parameter is set to a value that weakens the effect of the filtering process compared with a case where high image quality processing is not performed (2 in Table 2). In addition, the second brightness parameter is set to a value that weakens the effect of the multiplication process compared with a case where the power consumption reduction process is not performed (2 in Table 2).

[0133] (Function and Effect)

[0134] Next, the functions and effects of the endoscope system 1 and the parameter control device 5 according to the present embodiment will be described. In the present embodiment, during the execution of the power consumption reduction process, when the data collection unit 51 obtains at least one of the information for starting to record the endoscopic image and the information for starting to perform the automatic diagnosis auxiliary process, the determination unit 52 determines to stop the power consumption reduction process and perform the high image quality process. That is, in the present embodiment, during the execution of the power consumption reduction process, when it is necessary to perform the high image quality process, the high image quality process is performed while temporarily allowing the power consumption of the battery 25A to increase or the temperature of the gripping portion 2Ba to continue to be high. Thus, according to the present embodiment, even when the power consumption reduction process is performed, the endoscopic image recorded by the recording process or the endoscopic image used in the automatic diagnosis auxiliary process can be made high in image quality, thereby improving the accuracy of the automatic diagnosis.

[0135] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, when the high image quality processing is performed, the compression parameter is set to a value that reduces the compression rate compared to the case where the high image quality processing is not performed, even if the amount of compressed data increases, the first brightness parameter is set to a value that weakens the effect of the filtering processing compared to the case where the high image quality processing is not performed, and the second brightness parameter is set to a value that weakens the effect of the multiplication processing compared to the case where the power consumption reduction processing is not performed. Thus, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to prevent a decrease in resolution and an increase in noise, thereby further improving the image quality of the endoscopic image.

[0136] [Second Embodiment]

[0137] Next, refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8 An endoscope system according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 7 1 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of a first portion of an endoscope and a parameter control device of the endoscope system according to the present embodiment. Figure 8 1 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the second part of the video processor and the parameter control device of the endoscope system according to the present embodiment.

[0138] The structure of the endoscope system according to the present embodiment is different from that of the endoscope system 1 according to the first embodiment in the following points. Figure 7 and Figure 8As shown, the endoscope system according to this embodiment includes a parameter control device according to this embodiment, replacing the parameter control device 5 according to the first embodiment. The parameter control device according to this embodiment includes a first part 105 provided in the endoscope 2 and a second part 205 provided in the video processor 3.

[0139] like Figure 7 As shown, the first part 105 of the parameter control device includes a data collection unit 151 and a control unit 105A. The data collection unit 151 includes a temperature information acquisition unit 151C, a battery remaining amount information acquisition unit 151D, and a compression information acquisition unit 151E. The temperature information acquisition unit 151C and the battery remaining amount information acquisition unit 151D can also be said to be provided in the endoscope 2. The functions of the temperature information acquisition unit 151C, the battery remaining amount information acquisition unit 151D, and the compression information acquisition unit 151E are respectively the same as the functions of the temperature information acquisition unit 51C, the battery remaining amount information acquisition unit 51D, and the compression information acquisition unit 51E in the first embodiment.

[0140] The data collection unit 151 outputs the information on the temperature of the gripping portion 2Ba acquired by the temperature information acquisition unit 151C, the information on the remaining amount of the battery 25A acquired by the battery remaining amount information acquisition unit 151D, and the information on the compression processing acquired by the compression information acquisition unit 151E to the control unit 105A. The control unit 105A outputs the plurality of information acquired by the data collection unit 151 to the second part 205 of the parameter control device via the wireless communication between the endoscope 2 and the video processor 3.

[0141] like Figure 8 As shown, the second part 205 of the parameter control device includes a data collection unit 251, a determination unit 252, a parameter determination unit 253, and a parameter sending unit 254. The determination unit 252, the parameter determination unit 253, and the parameter sending unit 254 constitute the control unit 205A, which is the main part of the parameter control device. The determination unit 252 and the parameter determination unit 253 can also be said to be set in the video processor 3.

[0142] The data collection unit 251 includes a video information acquisition unit 251A, an automatic diagnosis support processing information acquisition unit 251B, and a scene detection unit 251F. The video information acquisition unit 251A and the automatic diagnosis support processing information acquisition unit 251B can also be said to be provided in the video processor 3.

[0143] The functions of the video recording information acquisition unit 251A and the automatic diagnosis auxiliary processing information acquisition unit 251B are basically the same as those of the video recording information acquisition unit 51A and the automatic diagnosis auxiliary processing information acquisition unit 51B in the first embodiment. In addition, in the present embodiment, the main control unit 38 of the video processor 3 outputs information on starting or stopping the video recording of the endoscopic image and information on starting or stopping the automatic diagnosis auxiliary processing to the data collection unit 251. Thus, the video recording information acquisition unit 251A can acquire information on starting or stopping the video recording of the endoscopic image, and the automatic diagnosis auxiliary processing information acquisition unit 251B can acquire information on starting or stopping the automatic diagnosis auxiliary processing.

[0144] The function of the scene detection unit 251F is basically the same as that of the scene detection unit 51F in the first embodiment. In addition, in the present embodiment, the image processing unit 32 outputs the image data used to detect the endoscope scene as information related to the endoscope scene to the second part 205 of the parameter control device. Figure 8 In the illustrated example, the scene detection unit 251F is configured to receive an endoscopic image output from the development unit 35 of the image processing unit 32. The scene detection unit 251F detects an endoscopic scene by analyzing the acquired image data, that is, the endoscopic image.

[0145] In addition, the plurality of information collected by the data collection unit 151 and output by the control unit 105A is input to the data collection unit 251. Thus, the data collection unit 251 also substantially acquires the plurality of information acquired by the data collection unit 151.

[0146] The determination unit 252 determines whether to execute or stop the power consumption reduction process and the high image quality process based on the multiple information acquired by the data collection unit 251 (including the multiple information acquired by the data collection unit 151). The method for determining whether to execute or stop the power consumption reduction process and the method for determining whether to execute or stop the high image quality process are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0147] The parameter determination unit 253 determines one or more parameters used in the process determined to be executed by the determination unit 252. The method of determining the parameters is the same as that of the first embodiment.

[0148] The parameter sending unit 254 sends the plurality of parameters determined by the parameter determining unit 253 to each unit of the endoscope 2 and the video processor 3. Specifically, the parameter sending unit 254 sends the illumination parameter and the compression parameter to the control unit 105A, sends the first brightness parameter to the filter processing unit 34A of the restoration processing unit 34, and sends the second brightness parameter to the multiplication processing unit 34B of the restoration processing unit 34. The control unit 105A outputs the received illumination parameter to the illumination unit 22, and outputs the received compression parameter to the compression processing unit 23A.

[0149] In this embodiment, the control unit 205A, which is a main part of the parameter control device, is provided in the video processor 3. Therefore, according to this embodiment, compared with the case where the main part of the parameter control device is provided in the endoscope 2, the power consumption of the battery 25A can be reduced.

[0150] The other structures, functions and effects in this embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0151] [Third Embodiment]

[0152] Next, refer to Fig. 9 An endoscope system according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. Fig. 9 301 is a functional block diagram showing the structure of the endoscope system involved in this embodiment. The endoscope system 301 involved in this embodiment includes an endoscope 302, a video processor 303, a universal cable 304 connecting the endoscope 302 and the video processor 303, and a display unit 4 connected to the video processor 303. The structure of the display unit 4 is the same as that of the first embodiment.

[0153] Although not shown, the endoscope 302 includes an elongated insertion portion to be inserted into a body cavity and an operation portion having a grip portion for a user to grip. The operation portion is provided at a base end portion of the insertion portion. A universal cable 304 extends from the operation portion.

[0154] The endoscope 302 further includes an imaging unit 321 for capturing an object to generate image data and an illumination unit 322 for illuminating the object. The imaging unit 321 includes an imaging element disposed at the front end of the insertion unit, similarly to the imaging unit 21 of the first embodiment. The illumination unit 322 includes an illumination light source and a lens disposed at the front end of the insertion unit, similarly to the illumination unit 22 of the first embodiment.

[0155] The endoscope system 301 further includes a power supply unit 340 and a parameter control device according to the present embodiment. The parameter control device is a device that controls a plurality of parameters used in the endoscope 302 and the video processor 303 to cause the endoscope 302 and the video processor 303 to perform a predetermined process. The parameter control device includes a first portion 305 provided in the endoscope 302 and a second portion 405 provided in the video processor 303.

[0156] The endoscope 302 further includes a temperature sensor 326. The temperature sensor 326 is configured to be able to measure the temperature of the grasping portion and output the measurement result of the temperature of the grasping portion to the first part 305 of the parameter control device.

[0157] The first part 305 of the parameter control device includes a data collection unit 351 and a control unit 305A. The data collection unit 351 includes a temperature information acquisition unit 351C. The function of the temperature information acquisition unit 351C is the same as that of the temperature information acquisition unit 51C in the first embodiment.

[0158] The data collection unit 351 outputs the information on the temperature of the gripping portion acquired by the temperature information acquisition unit 351C to the control unit 305A. The control unit 305A outputs the plurality of pieces of information acquired by the data collection unit 351 to the second part 405 of the parameter control device.

[0159] The endoscope 302 further includes a main control unit (not shown). The main control unit controls each unit in the endoscope 302 including the first portion 305 of the parameter control device.

[0160] The video processor 303 includes a processor image processing unit (hereinafter simply referred to as an image processing unit) 332, a video processing unit 336, an automatic diagnosis auxiliary processing unit 337, a main control unit 338, and a user IF unit 339. The functions of the video processing unit 336 and the automatic diagnosis auxiliary processing unit 337 are respectively the same as those of the video processing unit 36 ​​and the automatic diagnosis auxiliary processing unit 37 in the first embodiment.

[0161] The image processing unit 332 generates an endoscopic image by performing a predetermined image processing on the image data generated by the imaging unit 321. In the present embodiment, the image processing unit 332 includes a restoration processing unit 334 and a development unit 335. The functions of the restoration processing unit 334 and the development unit 335 are respectively the same as those of the restoration processing unit 34 and the development unit 35 in the first embodiment. The image processing unit 332 outputs the endoscopic image generated by the development unit 335 to the video recording processing unit 336, the automatic diagnosis auxiliary processing unit 337, and the display unit 4.

[0162] In addition, the structure of the restoration processing unit 334 is the same as that of the restoration processing unit 34 in the first embodiment. That is, the restoration processing unit 334 includes a filter processing unit 334A and a multiplication processing unit 334B. The functions of the filter processing unit 334A and the multiplication processing unit 334B are respectively the same as those of the filter processing unit 34A and the multiplication processing unit 34B in the first embodiment.

[0163] The structure and function of the user IF unit 339 are basically the same as those of the user IF unit 39 in the first embodiment. In addition, in this embodiment, the user IF unit 339 includes a first switch 339A and a second switch 339B. The functions of the first switch 339A and the second switch 339B are respectively the same as those of the first switch 39A and the second switch 39B in the first embodiment.

[0164] The power supply unit 340 is provided in the video processor 303 , and supplies power to each unit of the endoscope 302 including the imaging unit 321 and the illumination unit 322 of the endoscope 302 and the video processor 303 .

[0165] The main control unit 338 controls each unit in the video processor 303 and controls the power supply unit 340 to supply power to each unit in the endoscope 302 and the video processor 303. In addition, the main control unit 338 outputs information based on the operation signal input from the user IF unit 339 to each unit of the endoscope 302 and the video processor 303 and the second part 405 of the parameter control device. Thus, the main control unit 338 can provide various instructions based on the operation signal to each unit of the endoscope 302, the video processor 303, and the second part 405 of the parameter control device.

[0166] In addition, similar to the main control unit 38 in the first embodiment, the main control unit 338 generates information for starting and stopping the recording of the endoscopic image based on the operation signal indicating the start or stop of the recording of the endoscopic image, and outputs these information to the recording processing unit 336 and the second part 405 of the parameter control device. In addition, the main control unit 338 generates information for starting and stopping the automatic diagnosis auxiliary processing based on the operation signal indicating the start or stop of the automatic diagnosis auxiliary processing, and outputs these information to the automatic diagnosis auxiliary processing unit 337 and the second part 405 of the parameter control device.

[0167] The second part 405 of the parameter control device includes a data collection unit 451, a determination unit 452, a parameter determination unit 453, and a parameter transmission unit 454. The determination unit 452, the parameter determination unit 453, and the parameter transmission unit 454 constitute a control unit 405A which is a main part of the parameter control device.

[0168] The data collection unit 451 includes a video information acquisition unit 451A, an automatic diagnosis auxiliary processing information acquisition unit 451B, and a scene detection unit 451F. The functions of the video information acquisition unit 451A and the automatic diagnosis auxiliary processing information acquisition unit 451B are basically the same as those of the video information acquisition unit 51A and the automatic diagnosis auxiliary processing information acquisition unit 51B in the first embodiment.

[0169] The function of the scene detection unit 451F is basically the same as that of the scene detection unit 51F in the first embodiment. In addition, in this embodiment, the image processing unit 332 outputs the image data used to detect the endoscope scene to the second part 405 of the parameter control device as information related to the endoscope scene. Fig. 9In the illustrated example, the scene detection unit 451F is configured to receive an endoscopic image output from the development unit 335 of the image processing unit 332. The scene detection unit 451F detects an endoscopic scene by analyzing the acquired image data, that is, the endoscopic image.

[0170] In addition, the information output by the data collection unit 351 collection control unit 305A is input to the data collection unit 451. Thus, the data collection unit 451 also substantially acquires the information acquired by the data collection unit 351.

[0171] The determination unit 452 determines whether to execute or stop the power consumption reduction process and the high image quality process based on the multiple information (including the information acquired by the data collection unit 351) acquired by the data collection unit 451. The determination method for executing or stopping the power consumption reduction process and the determination method for executing or stopping the high image quality process are basically the same as those in the first embodiment. In addition, in the present embodiment, the determination of whether to execute the power consumption reduction process is performed only using the information related to the temperature of the holding portion acquired by the temperature information acquisition unit 351C. When the temperature of the holding portion is above the predetermined temperature threshold, the determination unit 452 determines to execute the power consumption reduction process.

[0172] The parameter determination unit 453 determines one or more parameters used in the process determined to be executed by the determination unit 452. The method of determining the parameters is the same as that of the first embodiment.

[0173] The parameter transmission unit 454 transmits the plurality of parameters determined by the parameter determination unit 453 to each unit of the endoscope 302 and the video processor 303. Specifically, the parameter transmission unit 454 transmits the illumination parameter to the control unit 305A, transmits the first brightness parameter to the filter processing unit 334A of the restoration processing unit 334, and transmits the second brightness parameter to the multiplication processing unit 334B of the restoration processing unit 334. The control unit 305A outputs the received illumination parameter to the illumination unit 322.

[0174] The hardware configuration of the endoscope system 301 may be the same as that of the endoscope system 1 according to the first embodiment. In the present embodiment, in particular, the universal cable 304 is used to transmit and receive signals between the endoscope 302 and the video processor 303 .

[0175] In this embodiment, the image quality improvement process includes an illumination light quantity change process for changing the illumination light quantity of the illumination unit 322 and a brightness correction process performed in the restoration process unit 334. The contents of the illumination light quantity change process and the brightness correction process for the image quality improvement process are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0176] In this embodiment, the power consumption reduction process is a process for reducing the power supplied by the power supply unit 340. The power consumption reduction process includes an illumination light quantity change process and a brightness correction process. The contents of the illumination light quantity change process and the brightness correction process of the power consumption reduction process are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0177] The other structures, functions and effects in this embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0178] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various changes and modifications can be made without changing the gist of the present invention. For example, the parameter control device of the present invention may be a device separate from the endoscope and the video processor.

[0179] In the first and second embodiments, the recording information acquisition unit, the automatic diagnosis support processing information acquisition unit, and the scene detection unit of the data acquisition unit may be provided in both the endoscope 2 and the video processor 3 .

[0180] In addition, in the power consumption reduction processing in the first and second embodiments, the illumination light quantity change processing in the illumination light quantity change processing and the compression quantity change processing may be preferentially executed to prevent the resolution from decreasing when the prescribed conditions are met. Specifically, only the illumination light quantity change processing may be executed. Alternatively, the illumination light quantity change processing and the compression quantity change processing may be executed so that the reduction in power consumption of the battery 25A obtained by the illumination light quantity change processing is greater than the reduction in power consumption of the battery 25A obtained by the compression quantity change processing. The prescribed conditions may be, for example, conditions such that the remaining amount of the battery 25A is less than the battery threshold but close to the battery threshold, and the temperature of the gripping portion 2Ba is higher than the temperature threshold but close to the temperature threshold, and there is no risk that the endoscope 2 stops abnormally or the user cannot hold the gripping portion 2Ba.

[0181] In addition to the illumination light quantity change process, the compression quantity change process, and the brightness correction process, the power consumption reduction process may also include a warning process to warn the user that the power consumption reduction process is being executed. The warning process may be, for example, a process of causing the display unit 4 to display a text indicating that the power consumption reduction process is being executed.

Claims

1. A video processor, characterized in that: have: an image processing unit that generates an endoscopic image by performing predetermined image processing on image data obtained by the battery-driven wireless endoscope; a data collection unit that acquires at least one of information for starting recording of the endoscopic image and information for starting automatic diagnosis support processing using the endoscopic image as one or more start information after the wireless endoscope is inserted; as well as a control unit that processes the endoscopic image, wherein the control unit determines whether to execute and stop a power consumption reduction process for reducing power supplied by a power source, and determines whether to execute and stop a high image quality process for improving the image quality of the endoscopic image, During execution of the power consumption reduction process, when the data collection unit acquires the one or more start information, the control unit determines to stop the power consumption reduction process and execute the image quality improvement process.

2. The video processor according to claim 1, characterized in that The predetermined image processing includes brightness correction processing for correcting the brightness of the image data, The power consumption reduction process and the image quality improvement process include an illumination light quantity change process for changing the illumination light quantity of an illumination unit for illuminating a subject, and the brightness correction process, respectively. The illumination light quantity change process is a process using an illumination parameter for defining the illumination light quantity of the illumination unit. The brightness correction process is a process using a brightness parameter for defining a relationship between brightness before correction and brightness after correction of the image data.

3. The video processor according to claim 2, characterized in that: The control unit has: a determination unit that determines whether to execute or stop the power consumption reduction process and determines whether to execute or stop the image quality improvement process; as well as a parameter determination unit that determines one or more parameters used in the process determined to be executed by the determination unit, In which, when the determination unit determines that the power consumption reduction processing is to be performed, the parameter determination unit determines the lighting parameter in a manner that reduces the amount of illumination light compared to a case where the power consumption reduction processing is not performed, and determines the brightness parameter in a manner that enhances the effect of the brightness correction processing for brightening the endoscopic image compared to a case where the power consumption reduction processing is not performed.

4. The video processor according to claim 3, characterized in that: The data collection unit further acquires information related to the temperature of the grip of the wireless endoscope. The determination unit determines whether to execute the power consumption reduction process by determining information related to the temperature of the grip unit. The determination unit determines to execute the power consumption reduction process when the temperature of the grip portion is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature threshold.

5. An endoscope system, characterized in that: have: Endoscope; Video processor; as well as Power Supply Department, The endoscope includes: an imaging unit that captures an object to generate image data; and an illumination unit that illuminates the object. The power supply unit supplies power to the imaging unit and the lighting unit. The video processor comprises: an image processing unit that performs predetermined image processing on the image data to generate an endoscopic image; a data collection unit that acquires, as one or more start information, at least one of information for starting recording of the endoscopic image and information for starting automatic diagnosis support processing using the endoscopic image; a determination unit that determines whether to execute and stop a power consumption reduction process for reducing the power supplied by the power supply unit, and determines whether to execute and stop an image quality improvement process for improving the image quality of the endoscopic image; and a parameter determination unit that determines one or more parameters used in the process determined to be executed by the determination unit, When the data collection unit acquires the one or more start information during execution of the power consumption reduction process, the determination unit determines to stop the power consumption reduction process and execute the image quality improvement process.

6. The endoscope system according to claim 5, characterized in that: The endoscope further includes: a gripping unit for a user to grip; an endoscope image processing unit for compressing the image data to generate compressed data; and a first wireless communication unit for transmitting the compressed data wirelessly. The power supply unit includes a battery provided in the endoscope, and the power supply unit is used to supply power of the battery to the imaging unit, the lighting unit, the endoscope image processing unit, and the first wireless communication unit. The video processor further includes a second wireless communication unit that receives the transmitted compressed data. The image processing unit decompresses the compressed data to generate the image data and performs the predetermined image processing on the image data generated by decompressing the compressed data. The data collection unit further acquires at least one of information on the temperature of the grip unit and information on the remaining amount of the battery as one or more pieces of environmental information. The determination unit determines whether to execute the power consumption reduction process by determining the one or more pieces of environmental information.

7. The endoscope system according to claim 6, characterized in that: The determination unit determines to execute the power consumption reduction process when at least one of the temperature of the grip portion is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature threshold and the remaining battery power is less than a predetermined battery threshold is satisfied.

8. The endoscope system according to claim 6, characterized in that: The predetermined image processing includes brightness correction processing for correcting the brightness of the image data, The power consumption reduction process includes at least the illumination light amount change process of changing the illumination light amount of the illumination unit, the compression amount change process of changing the data amount of the compressed data, and the brightness correction process. The image quality improvement process includes the illumination light quantity change process, the compression quantity change process, and the brightness correction process. The illumination light quantity change process is a process using an illumination parameter for defining the illumination light quantity of the illumination unit. The compression amount change process is a process using a compression parameter for defining the data amount of the compressed data. The brightness correction process is a process using a brightness parameter for defining a relationship between brightness before correction and brightness after correction of the image data.

9. The endoscope system according to claim 8, characterized in that: When the determination unit determines that the illumination light amount change process is to be performed as the power consumption reduction process, the parameter determination unit determines the illumination parameter so as to reduce the illumination light amount compared to a case where the power consumption reduction process is not performed. When the determination unit determines that the compression amount change process is to be performed as the power consumption reduction process, the parameter determination unit determines the compression parameter so as to reduce the data amount of the compressed data compared to a case where the power consumption reduction process is not performed. When the determination unit determines that the brightness correction processing is to be performed as the power consumption reduction processing, the parameter determination unit determines the brightness parameter in a manner that enhances the effect of the brightness correction processing for brightening the endoscopic image compared to a case where the power consumption reduction processing is not performed.

10. The endoscope system according to claim 8, characterized in that: When the determination unit determines that the high image quality processing is to be performed, the parameter determination unit determines the illumination parameter in a manner that increases the amount of illumination light compared to a case where the high image quality processing is not performed, determines the compression parameter in a manner that increases the amount of compressed data compared to a case where the high image quality processing is not performed, and determines the brightness parameter in a manner that weakens the effect of the brightness correction processing for brightening the endoscopic image compared to a case where the high image quality processing is not performed.

11. The endoscope system according to claim 6, characterized in that: The data collection unit includes: a video information acquisition unit that acquires information for starting to record the endoscopic image; an automatic diagnosis auxiliary processing information acquisition unit that acquires information for starting the automatic diagnosis auxiliary processing; a temperature information acquisition unit that acquires information related to the temperature of the gripping unit; and a battery remaining amount information acquisition unit that acquires information related to the remaining amount of the battery. The video recording information acquisition unit and the automatic diagnosis auxiliary processing information acquisition unit are provided in at least one of the endoscope and the video processor. The temperature information acquisition unit and the battery remaining amount information acquisition unit are provided in the endoscope.

12. The endoscope system according to claim 5, characterized in that: The determination unit and the parameter determination unit are provided in the endoscope.

13. The endoscope system according to claim 5, characterized in that: The determination unit and the parameter determination unit are provided in the video processor.

14. An image processing method for generating an endoscopic image based on image data acquired by an imaging unit of a wireless endoscope, acquiring at least one of information for starting recording of the endoscopic image and information for starting automatic diagnosis support processing using the endoscopic image as one or more start information after the wireless endoscope is inserted; Based on the one or more start information, determining whether to execute or stop a power consumption reduction process for reducing power supplied by a power source, and determining whether to execute or stop an image quality improvement process for improving the image quality of the endoscopic image; as well as During execution of the power consumption reduction process, when the one or more start information is acquired, the power consumption reduction process is stopped and the image quality improvement process is executed.

Images