Light source equipment and object observation system

Abstract

A light source device 6 includes: a first light source 461 for emitting laser light; a second light source 462 for emitting light; and a light source control unit 472 for controlling operations of the first light source 461 and the second light source 462. The light source control unit 472 performs each of a first switching control for switching an illumination state from the first light source 461 to the second light source 462 and a second switching control for switching an illumination state from the second light source 462 to the first light source 461 on the laser light irradiated to the object after being emitted from the first light source 461 based on a time reference corresponding to a category specified by a laser standard indicating a safety standard for laser products.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a light source device and a subject observation system. Background Art

[0002] There is known a laser product that observes a subject by applying laser light to the subject (for example, see Patent Document 1).

[0003] In the laser product described in Patent Document 1, in order to meet the requirements stipulated by the laser standard indicating the safety standard of laser products and to ensure safety, the amount of laser light emitted in a certain period is limited to a reference value or less.

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 6392887 Summary of the invention

[0007] Technical issues

[0008] Incidentally, laser products that observe an object by irradiating the object with laser light require as high a light amount as possible. However, when protective glasses are required to protect the eyes from the laser, the protective glasses make the colors look different from the actual colors, thereby reducing the observation performance. That is, as high a light amount as possible is required within the range of ensuring safety without wearing protective glasses.

[0009] Here, a laser product that can switch between laser and, for example, a light emitting diode (LED) is assumed. If the laser and LED light are mixed within a time base according to the category specified by the laser standard of the laser, the exposure emission (AE) at the time of switching between the laser and the LED light is greater than the exposure emission in the illumination state of the laser alone, which may cause the laser product to be classified as requiring the wearing of protective glasses.

[0010] Therefore, in laser products, a technology is required that can ensure the amount of emitted light while ensuring safety.

[0011] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above-described situation, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide a light source device and a subject observation system capable of ensuring the light amount of emitted light while ensuring safety.

[0012] Solution to the problem

[0013] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the purpose, a light source device according to the present disclosure includes: a first light source, configured to emit laser; a second light source, configured to emit light; and a light source control unit, configured to control the operation of the first light source and the second light source; wherein the light source control unit is configured to perform each of a first switching control and a second switching control on the laser light after being emitted from the first light source and irradiated to the subject based on a time reference of a category specified by a laser standard indicating the safety standard for laser products, the first switching control refers to switching the illumination state from the first light source to the second light source, and the second switching control refers to switching the illumination state from the second light source to the first light source.

[0014] Moreover, in the above-mentioned light source device according to the present disclosure, in the first switching control, the second light source is turned on after a time longer than the time base has passed after the first light source is turned off; and in the second switching control, the first light source is turned on after a time longer than the time base has passed after the second light source is turned off.

[0015] Moreover, according to the above-mentioned light source device of the present disclosure, it further includes: a light quantity detection unit, which is configured to detect the light quantity of the laser emitted from the first light source and the light quantity of the light emitted from the second light source; and in the first switching control, during a period after a time reference has passed since the first light source was turned off, the light quantity of the second light source is adjusted based on the total amount of light detected by the light quantity detection unit from a time point earlier than the current time by the time reference to the current time and the exposure emission limit set according to the category; and in the second switching control, during a period after a time reference has passed since the second light source was turned off, the light quantity of the first light source is adjusted based on the total amount of light detected by the light quantity detection unit from a time point earlier than the current time by the time reference to the current time and the exposure emission limit.

[0016] A light source device according to the present disclosure includes: a first light source configured to emit laser; a second light source configured to emit light; and a light source control unit configured to control the operation of the first light source and the second light source; wherein the light source control unit is configured to perform switching control of switching the illumination state from the first light source to the second light source for the laser irradiated on the object after being emitted from the first light source based on a time reference according to a category specified by a laser standard indicating the safety standard for laser products.

[0017] In the above-mentioned light source device according to the present disclosure, in the switching control, after a time equal to or longer than the time reference has elapsed after the first light source is turned off, the second light source is turned on.

[0018] The above-mentioned light source device according to the present disclosure further includes: a light quantity detection unit, which is configured to detect the light quantity of the laser emitted from the first light source and the light quantity of the light emitted from the second light source; and in switching control, during a period after a time reference has passed since the first light source was turned off, the light quantity of the second light source is adjusted based on the total amount of light detected by the light quantity detection unit from a time point earlier than the current time by the time reference to the current time and the exposure emission limit set according to the category.

[0019] According to the present disclosure, a light source device includes: a first light source configured to emit laser; a second light source configured to emit light; and a light source control unit configured to control the operation of the first light source and the second light source; wherein the light source control unit is configured to perform switching control of switching the illumination state from the second light source to the first light source for the laser irradiated on the object after being emitted from the first light source based on a time reference according to a category specified by a laser standard indicating the safety standard for laser products.

[0020] In the above-mentioned light source device according to the present disclosure, in the switching control, after a time equal to or longer than the time reference has elapsed after the second light source is turned off, the first light source is turned on.

[0021] The above-mentioned light source device according to the present disclosure further includes: a light quantity detection unit, which is configured to detect the light quantity of the laser emitted from the first light source and the light quantity of the light emitted from the second light source; and in switching control, during a period after a time reference has passed since the second light source was turned off, the light quantity of the first light source is adjusted based on the total amount of light detected by the light quantity detection unit from a time point earlier than the current time by the time reference to the current time and the exposure emission limit set according to the category.

[0022] In the above-mentioned light source apparatus according to the present disclosure, the class refers to class 2 or class 2M specified by the laser standard or class 3R in the wavelength range of 400 nm to 700 nm.

[0023] In the above-mentioned light source apparatus according to the present disclosure, the light source control unit is configured to emit laser light from the first light source in a pulse form.

[0024] A subject observation system according to the present disclosure includes: the light source device described above; and an imaging device configured to capture an image of the subject illuminated with light from the light source device.

[0025] Advantageous Effects of the Invention

[0026] According to the light source device and the subject observation system of the present disclosure, it is possible to ensure the light quantity of the emitted light while ensuring safety. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Figure 1is a block diagram showing a subject observation system according to the first embodiment.

[0028] Figure 2 is a flow chart illustrating a light source control method performed by a control device.

[0029] Figure 3 A second switching control is shown.

[0030] Figure 4 A first switching control is shown.

[0031] Figure 5 is a block diagram showing a subject observation system according to the second embodiment.

[0032] Figure 6 is a flow chart illustrating a light source control method performed by a control device.

[0033] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the second switching control.

[0034] Figure 8 A second switching control is shown.

[0035] Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing the first switching control.

[0036] Fig.10 A first switching control is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] Embodiments for completing the present disclosure (hereinafter referred to as embodiments) will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described below. Moreover, in the accompanying drawings, the same components are given the same reference numerals.

[0038] (First Embodiment)

[0039] [Schematic Configuration of Subject Observation System]

[0040] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing a subject observation system 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0041] The subject observation system 1 refers to a strobe endoscope system used to observe the vocal cords of a subject (object) in the medical field. Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 8 , the subject observation system 1 includes an endoscope 2 , a voice input device 3 , a control device 4 , and a display device 5 .

[0042] The endoscope 2 captures a subject image from the subject. Figure 1As shown in FIG. 1 , the endoscope 2 includes an insertion portion 21 , an operation unit 22 , and a universal cord 23 .

[0043] The insertion portion 21 has an elongated shape. Figure 1 , the light guide 24, that is, the illumination optical fiber, is inserted through the insertion portion 21. Further, the illumination lens 25 is provided at the distal end of the insertion portion 21 to face the exit end of the light guide 24. Therefore, the light emitted from the light guide 24 is emitted from the distal end of the insertion portion 21 via the illumination lens 25.

[0044] Furthermore, if Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 2 , the imaging unit 26 is provided at a distal end portion of the insertion portion 21 .

[0045] The imaging unit 26 captures light (subject image) that is irradiated to the subject via the illumination lens 25 and reflected by the subject into the insertion portion 21 and captures the subject image. Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 2 , the imaging unit 26 includes an optical system 261 and an imaging element 262 .

[0046] The optical system 261 includes one or more lenses. The optical system 261 captures a subject image from the subject to the insertion section 21, and forms an image on a light receiving surface of the imaging element 262 (light receiving unit 263).

[0047] Under the control of the control device 4, the imaging element 262 sequentially captures the subject images formed by the optical system 261 at a specific frame rate. Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 2 , the imaging element 262 includes a light receiving unit 263 and a reading unit 264 .

[0048] A plurality of pixels are arranged on a light receiving surface of the light receiving unit 263. The plurality of pixels receive a subject image formed by the optical system 261 and generate pixel signals by performing photoelectric conversion on the received subject image. The plurality of pixels are arranged in a matrix so that a plurality of pixel rows (horizontal lines) are arranged in a vertical direction. The plurality of pixel rows (horizontal lines) include two or more pixels arranged in a horizontal direction. Therefore, the light receiving unit 263 generates a pixel signal representing a subject from the subject image formed on the light receiving surface.

[0049] The reading unit 264 exposes a plurality of pixels in the light receiving unit 263 and reads pixel signals from the plurality of pixels.

[0050] The imaging element 262 may include a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) imaging element or a charge coupled device (CCD) imaging element. The CMOS imaging element generates pixel signals by a rolling shutter method. The CCD imaging element generates pixel signals by a global shutter method.

[0051] Furthermore, if Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 2 , the cable 27 is inserted into the insertion portion 21. For example, the cable 27 transmits a pixel signal and a control signal. That is, the imaging unit 26 generates a pixel signal by a rolling shutter method or a global shutter method according to a control signal transmitted from the control device 4 via the cable 27, and outputs the pixel signal to the control device 4 via the cable 27.

[0052] The operating unit 22 is connected to one side of the proximal end of the insertion portion 21 and is provided with various switches (not shown) for receiving user operations of a user such as a doctor. In a first embodiment, the operating unit 22 is provided with a switch for receiving a first user operation and a second user operation. The subject observation system 1 is set to a stroboscopic observation mode by a first user operation. The subject observation system 1 is set to a normal observation mode by a second user operation. Here, in the stroboscopic observation mode, pulsed light, i.e., laser, is irradiated to the vocal cords to observe the vocal cords. In contrast, in the normal observation mode, white light, i.e., LED light, is irradiated to the subject to observe the subject. Then, the operating unit 22 outputs an operation signal to the control device 4 via the cable 27 in response to the user operation.

[0053] The universal cord 23 extends from the operation unit 22 and is provided with a light guide 24, a cable 27, etc. Then, the proximal end of the universal cord 23 is connected to the control device 4 through a connector 23a.

[0054] like Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1 , the voice input device 3 is connected to the voice input terminal 4 a of the control device 4 via the cord 31 . The voice input device 3 inputs voice and outputs a voice signal. Then, the voice signal is output to the control device 4 via the cord 31 .

[0055] It should be noted that the voice input device 3 can be configured to operate only when the subject observation system 1 is in the stroboscopic observation mode under the control of the control device 4. Alternatively, the voice input device 3 can be configured to operate even if the subject observation system 1 is in any observation mode of the stroboscopic observation mode and the normal observation mode.

[0056] The control device 4 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), etc., and completely controls the operations of the imaging unit 26 and the display device 5. It should be noted that the detailed configuration of the control device 4 will be described in "Configuration of Control Device" described later.

[0057] The display device 5 includes a display composed of a liquid crystal organic EL (Electro Luminescence), etc. The display device 5 displays an image based on a display image signal from the control device 4 under the control of the control device 4 .

[0058] [Configuration of control equipment]

[0059] Next, the configuration of the control device 4 will be described.

[0060] like Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1 , the control device 4 includes an input unit 41 , a vibration frequency detection unit 42 , a memory 43 , an image processing unit 44 , a display control unit 45 , a light source device main body 46 , and a control unit 47 .

[0061] The input unit 41 includes an operation device such as a mouse, a keyboard, and a touch panel, and receives a user operation from a user such as a doctor. Then, the input unit 41 outputs an operation signal to the control unit 47 in response to the user operation.

[0062] The vibration frequency detection unit 42 detects the frequency of the voice input to the voice input device 3 (the vibration frequency of the vocal cords) based on the voice signal output from the voice input device 3. Then, the vibration frequency detection unit 42 outputs the detected voice frequency to the control unit 47.

[0063] It should be noted that the vibration frequency detection unit 42 may be configured to operate only when the subject observation system 1 is in the stroboscopic observation mode under the control of the control unit 47. Alternatively, the vibration frequency detection unit 42 may be configured to operate even if the subject observation system 1 is in any observation mode of the stroboscopic observation mode and the normal observation mode.

[0064] For example, the memory 43 includes a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory). The memory 43 temporarily stores a plurality of frames of pixel signals sequentially read from the reading unit 264. Further, the memory 43 temporarily stores a plurality of frames of pseudo pixel signals generated by the image processing unit 44 to be described below.

[0065] When the subject observation system 1 is in the stroboscopic observation mode, the image processing unit 44 performs the following processing under the control of the control unit 47 .

[0066] That is, the image processing unit 44 generates a pseudo pixel signal from the pixel signals of the plurality of consecutive frames stored in the memory 43. The pseudo pixel signal corresponds to a pixel signal in the case where all the pixels of the light receiving unit 263 are exposed during the irradiation period of the pulse light (laser) performed by the light source device main body 46. It should be noted that a known generation method (for example, see Japanese Patent No. 5948512) can be adopted as a method of generating a pseudo pixel signal (pixel signal at the time of irradiation).

[0067] Further, even if the subject observation system 1 is in any observation mode of the stroboscopic observation mode and the normal observation mode, the image processing unit 44 executes the following processing under the control of the control unit 47 .

[0068] That is, the image processing unit 44 performs predetermined image processing on the pixel signals of the plurality of pixels read by the reading unit 264. For example, the image processing unit 44 performs image processing on the pixel signals. The image processing includes optical black subtraction processing, white balance (WB) adjustment processing, demosaic processing (in the case where the imaging element 262 includes a Bayer array color filter (not shown)), color matrix calculation processing, gamma correction processing, color reproduction processing, edge enhancement processing, and the like.

[0069] As shown below, when the subject observation system 1 is in the stroboscopic observation mode, the display control unit 45 generates a display image signal under the control of the control unit 47 .

[0070] That is, the display control unit 45 generates a display image signal displayed on the display device 5 from each pseudo pixel signal by pulse light (laser) included in the display cycle of the display device 5. It should be noted that a known generation method (for example, see Japanese Patent No. 5948512) can be adopted as a method of generating the display image signal.

[0071] Further, when the subject observation system 1 is in the normal observation mode, the display control unit 45 generates a display image signal displayed on the display device 5 from the pixel signal under the control of the control unit 47 , and the image processing unit 44 performs image processing on the pixel signal.

[0072] like Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 4 , the light source device body 46 includes a first light source 461 and a second light source 462, a first light guide path 463 and a second light guide path 464, a first light source driver 465 and a second light source driver 466, and a first light quantity detection unit 467. It should be noted that in the first embodiment, although the light source device body 46 is built into the control device 4, it is not limited to this. The light source device body 46 may be independent of the control device 4.

[0073] The first light source 461 includes a semiconductor laser and emits pulse light (laser light) in response to a supplied drive current (pulse current).

[0074] In the first embodiment, a semiconductor laser is used in the first light source 461. Among semiconductor lasers, the object observation system 1 is a laser product of category 2, category 2M, or category 3R. Category 2 and category 2M are specified by the laser standard (e.g., IEC60825-1:2014) indicating "safety standards for laser products". Category 3R has a wavelength range of 400nm to 700nm. Here, the category of the laser product is judged based on the laser emitted from the first light source 461 and then emitted from the distal end of the insertion portion 21. It should be noted that for laser products of category 2, category 2M, and category 3R in the wavelength range of 400nm to 700nm, it is not necessary to wear protective glasses.

[0075] The second light source 462 includes an LED that emits white light and emits white light (LED light) in response to a supplied driving current.

[0076] For example, the first light guide path 463 includes an optical fiber or the like and guides the pulse light (laser) emitted from the first light source 461 to the incident end of the light guide 24. Then, the pulse light (laser) is emitted from the distal end of the insertion portion 21 via the light guide 24 and the illumination lens 25.

[0077] For example, the second light guide path 464 includes an optical fiber or the like, and guides white light (LED light) emitted from the second light source 462 to the incident end of the light guide 24. Then, the white light (LED light) is emitted from the distal end of the insertion portion 21 via the light guide 24 and the illumination lens 25.

[0078] The first light source driver 465 supplies a driving current (pulse current) to the first light source 461 under the control of the control unit 47. It should be noted that the first light source driver 465 operates only when the subject observation system 1 is in the stroboscopic observation mode under the control of the control unit 47. That is, the first light source 461 emits pulse light (laser) only when the subject observation system 1 is in the stroboscopic observation mode.

[0079] The second light source driver 466 supplies a driving current to the second light source 462 under the control of the control unit 47. It should be noted that the second light source driver 466 operates only when the subject observation system 1 is in the normal observation mode under the control of the control unit 47. That is, the second light source 462 emits white light (LED light) only when the subject observation system 1 is in the normal observation mode.

[0080] The first light amount detection unit 467 corresponds to the light amount detection unit according to the present disclosure. For example, the first light amount detection unit 467 includes a photodiode, etc., and is installed in the first light guide path 463. Then, the first light amount detection unit 467 receives a part of the pulse light (laser) emitted from the first light source 461 and following the first light guide path 463, and detects the light amount of the pulse light (laser) under the control of the control unit 47.

[0081] For example, the control unit 47 includes a CPU, an FPGA, etc. The control unit 47 controls the operation of the imaging unit 26 and the display device 5 while controlling the operation of the entire control device 4. Further, the control unit 47 sets the subject observation system 1 to one of the stroboscopic observation mode and the normal observation mode in response to the first user operation and the second user operation performed on the operation unit 22 by a user such as a doctor. Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 4 , the control unit 47 includes an imaging control unit 471 and a light source control unit 472 .

[0082] The imaging control unit 471 performs exposure control on the imaging element 262 at a specific frame rate by a rolling shutter method or a global shutter method.

[0083] When the subject observation system 1 is in the normal observation mode, the light source control unit 472 controls the operation of the second light source driver 466 and causes the second light source 462 to emit white light (LED light). Conversely, when the subject observation system 1 is in the stroboscopic observation mode, the light source control unit 472 controls the operation of the first light source driver 465 and causes the first light source 461 to emit pulsed light (laser) in synchronization with the frequency of the voice emitted from the vocal cords detected by the vibration frequency detection unit 42.

[0084] The light source device body 46 and the light source control unit 472 described above are similar to the light source device 6 ( Figure 1 )correspond.

[0085] [Control device operation]

[0086] Next, refer to Figure 2 The operation of the control device 4 described above will be described. It should be noted that, for ease of explanation, the light source control method for controlling the operation of the first light source 461 and the second light source 462 will be mainly described below.

[0087] Figure 2 is a flowchart showing a light source control method executed by the control device 4 .

[0088] First, after activating the subject observation system 1, the control unit 47 sets the subject observation system 1 to the normal observation mode (step S1). Then, at the same time, the subject observation system 1 is set to the normal observation mode, and the light source control unit 472 controls the operation of the second light source driver 466 and causes the second light source 462 to emit white light (LED light) (step S2).

[0089] In the normal observation mode, a user such as a doctor brings the distal end of the insertion portion 21 close to the vocal cords while checking a captured image obtained by capturing an object image from the subject to which white light is applied on the screen of the display device 5. Then, after bringing the distal end of the insertion portion 21 close to the vocal cords, the user such as a doctor performs a first user operation on the operation unit 22.

[0090] In step S2, the control unit 47 constantly monitors whether a first user operation has been performed (step S3).

[0091] When it is judged that the first user operation has been performed (step S3: Yes), the control unit 47 sets the subject observation system 1 to the stroboscopic observation mode (step S5). Then, while the subject observation system 1 is set to the stroboscopic observation mode, the light source control unit 472 controls the operation of the first light source driver 465 and causes the first light source 461 to emit pulsed light (laser) in synchronization with the frequency of the speech emitted from the vocal cords detected by the vibration frequency detection unit 42 (step S6).

[0092] Here, when the control unit 47 switches the subject observation system 1 from the normal observation mode to the stroboscopic observation mode, the light source control unit 472 executes a second switching mode of switching the illumination state from the second light source 462 to the first light source 461 (step S4 ).

[0093] Figure 3 The second switching control is shown. Specifically, Figure 3 , the vertical axis represents the light amount of light emitted from the first light source 461 and the second light source 462, and the horizontal axis represents time.

[0094] like Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1 , in the second switching control according to the first embodiment, the first light source 461 is turned on after the time reference has elapsed after the second light source 462 is turned off. The time reference is specified by the laser standard (e.g., IEC60825-1: 2014) of the "Safety Standard for Laser Products" indicating the category 2 or category 2M of the subject observation system 1 (laser product) or the category 3R of the wavelength range of 400 nm to 700 nm. The time reference is 0.25 [s].

[0095] Further, while emitting pulse light (laser) from the first light source 461 , the light source control unit 472 controls the operation of the first light amount detection unit 467 (step S6 ) to start detecting the light amount of the pulse light (laser) (step S7 ).

[0096] After step S7, the light source control unit 472 converts the total amount of light detected by the first light amount detection unit 467 from the time point earlier than the current time by the above-mentioned time reference (0.25 [s]) to the current time into the light amount of light emitted from the distal end of the insertion portion 21 (hereinafter referred to as the distal emission light amount). Further, the light source control unit 472 calculates the exposure emission amount (AE) specified by the laser standard indicating "safety standards for laser products" (e.g., IEC60825-1: 2014) by using the distal emission light amount, beam divergence (design value), etc. based on the measurement conditions (e.g., measurement distance) described in the later standard (step S8).

[0097] After step S8, the light source control unit 472 compares the exposure emission (AE) calculated in step S8 with a specific threshold value (step S9). The light source control unit 472 adjusts the light amount of the pulse light (laser) emitted from the first light source 461 at the current time so that the exposure emission does not exceed the specific threshold value (step S10).

[0098] Here, the specific threshold is calculated by “AEL single ”, “AEL s.p.train ” and “AEL s.p.T ”, that is, the exposure emission limit (AEL) specified by the laser standard indicating “Safety standards for laser products” (e.g., IEC60825-1:2014).

[0099] It should be noted that the "AEL" can be calculated by using the wavelength of the pulse light (laser), the emission duration, the light source size, the frequency of the pulse light (laser), the time base, etc. single ”, “AEL s.p.train ” and “AEL s.p.T ”.

[0100] After step S10, the control unit 47 continuously monitors whether a second user operation has been performed (step S11).

[0101] If it is determined that the second user operation has not been performed (step S11: No), the control unit 47 returns to step S8.

[0102] In contrast, if it is determined that the second user operation has been performed (step S11: Yes), the control unit 47 returns to step S1. That is, steps S8 to S10 are repeatedly performed at specific time intervals.

[0103] Here, when the control unit 47 switches the subject observation system 1 from the stroboscopic observation mode to the normal observation mode, the light source control unit 472 performs a first switching control to switch the illumination state from the first light source 461 to the second light source 462 (step S12 ).

[0104] Figure 4 The first switching control is shown. Specifically, Figure 4 , the vertical axis represents the light amount of light emitted from the first light source 461 and the second light source 462, and the horizontal axis represents time.

[0105] like Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 1 , in the first switching control according to the first embodiment, the second light source 462 is turned on after the time reference elapses after the first light source 461 is turned off. The time reference is the same as the time reference used in the second switching control and is 0.25 [s].

[0106] According to the above-described first embodiment, the following effects are exhibited.

[0107] The object observation system 1 (light source device 6) according to the first embodiment performs a first switching control, wherein the second light source 462 is turned on after a time reference (0.25 [s]) has passed after the first light source 461 is turned off. Further, the object observation system 1 (light source device 6) performs a second switching control, wherein the first light source 461 is turned on after a time reference (0.25 [s]) has passed after the second light source 462 is turned off. That is, when switching between pulsed light (laser) and white light (LED light), the pulsed light (laser) and the white light (LED) are not mixed at the time reference (0.25 [s]). Thus, the object observation system 1 does not move from category 2, category 2M, or category 3R in the wavelength range of 400nm to 700nm, which does not require wearing protective glasses, to a category (e.g., category 3B and category 4) in which protective glasses are required.

[0108] Therefore, the subject observation system 1 (light source device 6 ) according to the first embodiment can ensure the light amount of emitted light while ensuring safety.

[0109] (Second Embodiment)

[0110] Next, a second embodiment will be described.

[0111] In the following description, the same reference numerals are attached to configurations similar to those of the first embodiment described above, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted or simplified.

[0112] Figure 5 is a block diagram showing a subject observation system 1A according to the second embodiment. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing a light source control method executed by the control device 4 .

[0113] like Figure 5 As shown in , the subject observation system 1A according to the second embodiment is obtained by adding a second light amount detection unit 468 to the light source device main body 46 of the subject observation system 1 described in the first embodiment described above.

[0114] The second light quantity detection unit 468 corresponds to the light quantity detection unit according to the present disclosure. For example, the second light quantity detection unit 468 includes a photodiode or the like, and is installed in the second light guide path 464. Then, the second light quantity detection unit 468 receives a part of the white light (LED light) emitted from the second light source 462 and following the second light guide path 464, and detects the light quantity of the white light (LED light) under the control of the control unit 47.

[0115] Then, if Figure 6 As shown in FIG. 1 , the control device 4 according to the second embodiment performs a light source control method different from the light source control method described in the first embodiment described above.

[0116] like Figure 6 As shown in FIG. 1 , in the light source control method according to the second embodiment ( Figure 2 ), steps S4A, S7A, and S12A are used to replace steps S4, S7, and S12, and step S1A is added to the light source control method described in the first embodiment. Therefore, only steps S1A, S4A, S7A, and S12A are mainly described below.

[0117] Step S7A is performed simultaneously with step S1.

[0118] Specifically, in step S7A, the light source control unit 472 controls each operation of the first light amount detection unit 467 and the second light amount detection unit 468 and starts detecting each light amount of the pulse light (laser) and the white light (LED light). Then, the control unit 47 proceeds to step S2.

[0119] In the second embodiment, when determining that the first user operation has been performed (step S3: Yes), the control unit 47 proceeds to step S5. Then, simultaneously with step S5, the light source control unit 472 performs a second switching control to switch the lighting state from the second light source 462 to the first light source 461 (step S4A).

[0120] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the second switching control. Figure 8 The second switching control is shown. Specifically, Figure 8, the horizontal axis represents the light amount of light emitted from the first light source 461 and the second light source 462, and the horizontal axis represents time.

[0121] First, as in step S8, the light source control unit 472 converts the total amount of light detected by the first light amount detection unit 467 and the second light amount detection unit 468 from a time point earlier than the current time by the time reference (0.25 [s]) to the current time into a far-end emission light amount. Further, the light source control unit 472 calculates the exposure emission amount (AE) by using the far-end emission light amount, the beam divergence (design value), etc. (step S41).

[0122] As in step S9, after step S41, the light source control unit 472 compares the exposure emission amount (AE) calculated in step S41 with a specific threshold value (step S42). As in step S10, the light source control unit 472 adjusts the light amount of the pulse light (laser) emitted from the first light source 461 at the current time so that the exposure emission amount does not exceed the specific threshold value (step S43).

[0123] The above-mentioned steps S41 to S43 are repeatedly performed at specific time intervals during the period of time reference (0.25 [s]) after the second light source 462 is turned off. Figure 8 As shown in , during the above period, the light amount of the pulse light (laser) emitted from the first light source 461 gradually increases.

[0124] Then, after step S4A, the control unit 47 proceeds to step S6. Figure 7 and Figure 8 In the embodiment, the lighting state of the first light source 461 in step S6 is described as “normal” to distinguish this state from the lighting state of the first light source 461 in step S4A.

[0125] Further, after step S6, the control unit 47 proceeds to step S8.

[0126] When it is judged that the second user operation has been performed (step S11: Yes), step S1A is performed.

[0127] Specifically, like step S1, in step S1A, the control unit 47 sets the subject observation system 1A to the normal observation mode. Then, simultaneously with step S1A, the light source control unit 472 performs a first switching control to switch the illumination state from the first light source 461 to the second light source 462 (step S12A).

[0128] Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing the first switching control. Fig.10 The first switching control is shown. Specifically, Fig.10, the horizontal axis represents the light amount of light emitted from the first light source 461 and the second light source 462, and the horizontal axis represents time.

[0129] First, as in step S41, the light source control unit 472 converts the total amount of light detected by the first light amount detection unit 467 and the second light amount detection unit 468 from the time point earlier than the current time by the time reference (0.25 [s]) to the current time into the far-end emission light amount. Further, the light source control unit 472 calculates the exposure emission amount (AE) by using the far-end emission light amount, the beam divergence (design value), etc. (step S121).

[0130] As in step S42, after step S121, the light source control unit 472 compares the exposure emission amount (AE) calculated in step S121 with a specific threshold value (step S122). As in step S43, the light source control unit 472 adjusts the light amount of white light (LED light) emitted from the second light source 462 at the current time so that the exposure emission amount does not exceed the specific threshold value (step S123).

[0131] The above steps S121 to S123 are repeatedly performed at specific time intervals during the period of time reference (0.25 [s]) after the first light source 461 is turned off. Fig.10 As shown in FIG. 4 , during the above-described period, the light amount of the white light (LED light) emitted from the second light source 462 gradually increases.

[0132] Then, after step S12A, the control unit 47 returns to step S2. Figure 7 and Fig.10 In the embodiment, the lighting state of the second light source 462 in step S2 is described as “normal” to distinguish this state from the lighting state of the second light source 462 in step S12A.

[0133] According to the above-described second embodiment, the following effects are exhibited.

[0134] The subject observation system 1A (light source device 6) according to the first embodiment performs the first switching control. In the first switching control, the light amount of the second light source 462 is adjusted based on the total amount of light detected by the first light amount detection unit 467 and the second light amount detection unit 468 from the time point earlier than the current time by the time reference (0.25 [s]) to the current time and the exposure emission limit (AEL) set according to the category of the subject observation system 1A during the period when the time reference elapses from the time when the first light source 461 is turned off, and the exposure emission limit (AEL) set according to the category of the subject observation system 1A. Further, the subject observation system 1A (light source device 6) performs the second switching control. In the second switching control, the light amount of the first light source 461 is adjusted based on the total amount of light detected by the first light amount detection unit 467 and the second light amount detection unit 468 from the time point earlier than the current time by the time reference (0.25 [s]) to the current time and the exposure emission limit (AEL) set according to the category of the subject observation system 1A during the period when the time reference elapses from the time when the second light source 462 is turned off. That is, when switching between pulse light (laser) and white light (LED light), even if the pulse light (laser) and white light (LED light) are not mixed at the time reference (0.25 [s]), the exposure emission amount (AE) does not exceed the specific exposure emission limit (AEL). Therefore, the subject observation system 1A does not move from category 2, category 2M, or category 3R in the wavelength range of 400 nm to 700 nm, which does not require wearing of protective glasses, to a category (for example, category 3B and category 4) that requires wearing of protective glasses.

[0135] Therefore, the subject observation system 1A (light source device 6 ) according to the second embodiment can ensure the light amount of emitted light while ensuring safety.

[0136] Specifically, unlike the first embodiment described above, in the second embodiment, when switching between pulse light (laser) and white light (LED light), the pulse light (laser) and the white light (LED light) are mixed during the time reference (0.25 [s]) without providing an on period of the time reference. Thus, the emitted light can be irradiated to the subject at an early stage at the time of switching, and a user such as a doctor can check the captured image on the screen of the display device 5 based on the emitted light, thereby improving convenience.

[0137] (Other embodiments)

[0138] Although the embodiments for completing the present disclosure have been described so far, the present disclosure should not be limited to only the first and second embodiments described above.

[0139] In the first and second embodiments described above, although the light source device 6 according to the present disclosure is installed in the subject observation system 1 and 1A in which the endoscope 2 is composed of a flexible endoscope, it is not limited to this. For example, the light source device 6 according to the present disclosure can be installed in the subject observation system in which the endoscope 2 is composed of a rigid endoscope. Further, the light source device 6 according to the present disclosure can be installed in the subject observation system, such as a surgical microscope for magnifying and observing a predetermined field of view area in a subject (living body), or installed in the subject (living body surface) (for example, see JP2016-42981 A).

[0140] Although the light source apparatus 6 according to the first embodiment described above is provided with the first light amount detection unit 467 , the light source apparatus 6 may have a configuration without the first light amount detection unit 467 .

[0141] Although the light source device 6 according to the second embodiment described above is provided with the first light amount detection unit 467 and the second light amount detection unit 468 (two), it is not limited thereto. The light source device 6 may adopt a configuration in which only one light amount detection unit is installed in the optical path after the first light guide path 463 and the second light guide path 464 are joined together. That is, a configuration in which one light amount detection unit detects the light amounts of pulse light (laser) and white light (LED light) may be adopted.

[0142] In the first and second embodiments described above, although the second light source 462 includes an LED, it is not limited thereto. Like the first light source 461, the second light source 462 may include a semiconductor laser. Further, although light is continuously emitted from the second light source 462, it is not limited thereto. Like the first light source 461, pulsed light may be emitted.

[0143] In the first and second embodiments described above, although the subject observation systems 1 and 1A observe the vocal cords by stroboscopy, they are not limited thereto. The subject observation systems 1 and 1A may observe the subject by special light. Examples of observation by special light include NBI, IRI, AFI, PDD, etc.

[0144] NBI is a method of observing the state of blood vessels in the surface layer and deeper layer of the mucosa. In the method, narrow-band illumination light having central wavelengths of 415 nm and 540 nm is applied, and the difference in absorption of hemoglobin by light of each wavelength is used.

[0145] IRI is a method for diagnosing the presence or absence of blood flow. In the method, a medical agent called indocyanine green (ICG) having an absorption peak in near-infrared light at a wavelength of about 805 nm in the blood is intravenously injected as a contrast medium, and excitation light having a central wavelength of about 805 nm is applied, and fluorescence from ICG is observed.

[0146] AFI is a method of diagnosing a tumor portion. In the method, a fluorescent agent is preliminarily administered to a subject, a fluorescent image emitted from the subject is observed by applying excitation light, and the presence or absence of the fluorescent image or its shape is observed.

[0147] PDD is a method of acquiring images by using specific properties, in which cancer cells are easily distinguished from normal cells. In nature, although the solution of aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) taken by the patient is metabolized into blood raw materials (heme) in normal tissues in the body, the solution is not metabolized in cancer cells and accumulates into an intermediate substance called PpIX. When blue light (central wavelength of 410nm) is applied to PpIX, PpIX emits red fluorescence (peak wavelength of 630nm).

[0148] In the light source device 6 according to the first and second embodiments described above, the lighting state can be switched from the first light source 461 to the second light source 462, and at the same time, the lighting state can be switched from the second light source 462 to the first light source 461, but it is not limited to this. For example, a light source device that can only switch the lighting state from the first light source 461 to the second light source 462 can be used. In this case, only the first switching control of the first switching control and the second switching control needs to be executed. Further, for example, a light source device that can only switch the lighting state from the second light source 462 to the first light source 461 can be used. In this case, only the second switching control of the first switching control and the second switching control needs to be executed.

[0149] In the first switching control according to the first embodiment described above, the second light source 462 may be turned on after a time greater than the time reference (0.25 [s]) has passed since the first light source 461 was turned off. Similarly, in the second switching control according to the second embodiment described above, the first light source 461 may be turned on after a time greater than the time reference (0.25 [s]) has passed since the second light source 462 was turned off.

[0150] It should be noted that the following configurations also belong to the technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0151] (1) A light source device according to the present disclosure includes: a first light source configured to emit laser light; a second light source configured to emit light; and a light source control unit configured to control operations of the first light source and the second light source; wherein the light source control unit is configured to perform each of a first switching control and a second switching control on the laser light emitted from the first light source and irradiated to a subject based on a time reference according to a category specified by a laser standard indicating a safety standard for laser products, the first switching control refers to switching the illumination state from the first light source to the second light source, and the second switching control refers to switching the illumination state from the second light source to the first light source.

[0152] (2) A light source device according to (1), wherein, in a first switching control, the second light source is turned on after a time greater than a time reference has elapsed after the first light source is turned off; and in a second switching control, the first light source is turned on after a time greater than a time reference has elapsed after the second light source is turned off.

[0153] (3) The light source device according to (1) further includes: a light quantity detection unit, which is configured to detect the light quantity of the laser emitted from the first light source and the light quantity of the light emitted from the second light source; wherein, in a first switching control, during a period after a time reference has passed since the first light source was turned off, the light quantity of the second light source is adjusted based on the total amount of light detected by the light quantity detection unit from a time point earlier than the current time by the time reference to the current time and an exposure emission limit set according to a category; and in a second switching control, during a period after a time reference has passed since the second light source was turned off, the light quantity of the first light source is adjusted based on the total amount of light detected by the light quantity detection unit from a time point earlier than the current time by the time reference to the current time and the exposure emission limit.

[0154] (4) A light source device comprising: a first light source configured to emit laser light; a second light source configured to emit light; and a light source control unit configured to control operations of the first light source and the second light source; wherein the light source control unit is configured to perform switching control of switching an illumination state from the first light source to the second light source for the laser light irradiated on a subject after being emitted from the first light source based on a time reference according to a category specified by a laser standard indicating a safety standard for laser products.

[0155] (5) The light source apparatus according to (4), wherein in the switching control, the second light source is turned on after a time equal to or longer than the time reference has elapsed after the first light source is turned off.

[0156] (6) The light source device according to (4) further includes: a light quantity detection unit, configured to detect the light quantity of the laser emitted from the first light source and the light quantity of the light emitted from the second light source; wherein, in switching control, during a period after a time reference has passed since the first light source was turned off, the light quantity of the second light source is adjusted based on the total amount of light detected by the light quantity detection unit from a time point earlier than the current time by the time reference to the current time and an exposure emission limit set according to the category.

[0157] (7) A light source device, comprising: a first light source configured to emit laser light; a second light source configured to emit light; and a light source control unit configured to control the operation of the first light source and the second light source; wherein the light source control unit is configured to perform switching control of switching the illumination state from the second light source to the first light source for the laser light emitted from the first light source and irradiated on the subject based on a time reference according to a category specified by a laser standard indicating a safety standard for laser products.

[0158] (8) The light source apparatus according to (7), wherein in the switching control, the first light source is turned on after a time equal to or longer than the time reference has elapsed after the second light source is turned off.

[0159] (9) The light source device according to (7) further includes: a light quantity detection unit, configured to detect the light quantity of the laser emitted from the first light source and the light quantity of the light emitted from the second light source; wherein, in switching control, during a period after a time reference has passed since the second light source was turned off, the light quantity of the first light source is adjusted based on the total amount of light detected by the light quantity detection unit from a time point earlier than the current time by the time reference to the current time and an exposure emission limit set according to the category.

[0160] (10) The light source apparatus according to any one of (1) to (9), wherein the class refers to class 2 or class 2M specified by a laser standard or class 3R in a wavelength range of 400 nm to 700 nm.

[0161] (11) The light source apparatus according to any one of (1) to (10), wherein the light source control unit is configured to emit laser light from the first light source in a pulse form.

[0162] (12) A subject observation system including: the light source device according to any one of (1) to (11); and an imaging device configured to capture an image of the subject illuminated with light from the light source device.

[0163] Explanation of symbols

[0164] 1,1A Subject observation system

[0165] 2 Endoscope

[0166] 3 Voice input devices

[0167] 4 Control Equipment

[0168] 4a Voice input terminal

[0169] 5 Display Devices

[0170] 6 Light source equipment

[0171] 21 Insertion

[0172] 22 Operating units

[0173] 23 Universal cord

[0174] 23a Connector

[0175] 24 Light Guide

[0176] 25 Illumination lens

[0177] 26 Imaging Unit

[0178] 27 Cable

[0179] 31 Soft cord

[0180] 41 Input unit

[0181] 42. Vibration frequency detection unit

[0182] 43 Storage

[0183] 44 Image Processing Unit

[0184] 45 Display control unit

[0185] 46 Light source equipment body

[0186] 47 Control Unit

[0187] 261 Optical System

[0188] 262 Imaging Components

[0189] 263 Light receiving unit

[0190] 264 Read Unit

[0191] 461 First Light Source

[0192] 462 Second Light Source

[0193] 463 First light guide path

[0194] 464 Second light guide path

[0195] 465 First Light Source Driver

[0196] 466 Second light source driver

[0197] 467 First light detection unit

[0198] 468 Second light detection unit

[0199] 471 Imaging Control Unit

[0200] 472 Light source control unit.

Claims

1. A light source device, comprising: A first light source configured to emit laser light; a second light source configured to emit light; as well as a light source control unit configured to control operations of the first light source and the second light source; wherein the light source control unit is configured to perform each of a first switching control and a second switching control on the laser light irradiated to the object after being emitted from the first light source based on a time reference according to a category specified by a laser standard indicating a safety standard for laser products, the first switching control being to switch the illumination state from the first light source to the second light source, and the second switching control being to switch the illumination state from the second light source to the first light source, in, In the first switching control, after the first light source is turned off and a time equal to or longer than the time reference has passed, the second light source is turned on; and In the second switching control, the first light source is turned on after a time equal to or longer than the time reference has elapsed after the second light source is turned off.

2. The light source device according to claim 1, further comprising: a light amount detection unit configured to detect a light amount of the laser light emitted from the first light source and a light amount of the light emitted from the second light source; wherein, in the first switching control, during a period during which the time reference has elapsed since the first light source was turned off, the light amount of the second light source is adjusted based on a total amount of light detected by the light amount detection unit from a time point earlier than the current time by the time reference to the current time and an exposure emission limit set according to the category; and In the second switching control, during the period after the time reference has passed since the second light source was turned off, the light amount of the first light source is adjusted based on the total amount of light detected by the light amount detection unit from a time point earlier than the current time by the time reference to the current time and the exposure emission limit.

3. The light source device according to claim 1, wherein: The class refers to class 2 or class 2M specified by the laser standard or class 3R in the wavelength range of 400 nm to 700 nm.

4. The light source device according to claim 1, wherein: The light source control unit is configured to emit laser light from the first light source in a pulsed form.

5. A light source device, comprising: A first light source configured to emit laser light; a second light source configured to emit light; as well as a light source control unit configured to control operations of the first light source and the second light source; wherein the light source control unit is configured to perform switching control of switching the illumination state from the first light source to the second light source based on a time reference according to a category specified by a laser standard indicating a safety standard for laser products, wherein the category of the laser product is determined based on laser light irradiated to a subject after being emitted from the first light source, Here, in the switching control, the second light source is turned on after a time equal to or longer than the time reference has passed since the first light source was turned off.

6. The light source device according to claim 5, further comprising: a light amount detection unit configured to detect a light amount of the laser light emitted from the first light source and a light amount of the light emitted from the second light source; Wherein, in the switching control, during the period after the time reference has passed since the first light source was turned off, the light amount of the second light source is adjusted based on the total amount of light detected by the light amount detection unit from a time point earlier than the current time by the time reference to the current time and the exposure emission limit set according to the category.

7. A light source device, comprising: A first light source configured to emit laser light; a second light source configured to emit light; as well as a light source control unit configured to control operations of the first light source and the second light source; wherein the light source control unit is configured to perform switching control of switching the illumination state from the second light source to the first light source based on a time reference according to a category specified by a laser standard indicating a safety standard for laser products, wherein the category of the laser product is determined based on laser light irradiated to a subject after being emitted from the first light source, Here, in the switching control, the first light source is turned on after a time equal to or longer than the time reference has passed since the second light source was turned off.

8. The light source device according to claim 7, further comprising: a light amount detection unit configured to detect a light amount of the laser light emitted from the first light source and a light amount of the light emitted from the second light source; Wherein, in the switching control, during the period from when the second light source is turned off to when the time reference has passed, the light amount of the first light source is adjusted based on the total amount of light detected by the light amount detection unit from a time point earlier than the current time by the time reference to the current time and the exposure emission limit set according to the category.

9. A subject observation system, comprising: The light source device according to claim 1; as well as An imaging device is configured to capture an image of a subject illuminated with light from the light source device.

Images