Endoscope system

Abstract

The present invention provides an endoscope system having multiple observation modes and capable of flexibly and easily switching between multiple observation modes including associated observation modes. The endoscope system (10) is provided with a processor. The processor has multiple observation modes including a main observation mode and a sub-observation mode, and performs a main switching process of switching multiple main observation modes in a predetermined order according to a first operation, and performs a sub-switching process of switching between a specific main observation mode and a sub-observation mode according to a second operation different from the first operation, and controls the display mode in each observation mode. The observation image displayed in the specific main observation mode has the same base color tone as the observation image displayed in the sub-observation mode.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an endoscope system with multiple observation modes. Background Art

[0002] In the medical field, diagnosis is typically performed using an endoscope system equipped with a light source, an endoscope, and a processor. In recent years, endoscope systems have become increasingly popular, offering both normal observation modes and special observation modes. The normal observation mode uses white light as illumination to capture and display images of the subject in natural colors. Special observation modes take into account the wavelength of the illumination light illuminating the subject or perform signal processing, such as spectral estimation, on the image signal obtained by capturing the subject. This allows for images that emphasize subtle changes in the mucosal surface or specific tissues and structures, such as blood vessels and glandular ducts. By switching between these multiple observation modes and displaying and comparing different types of images, the observer can more reliably screen for or diagnose lesions. For example, by comparing images in multiple special observation modes with varying tones, it is possible to distinguish between cancer and other lesions in a lesion, such as the stomach, based on the color of the displayed image.

[0003] Typically, switching between observation modes, including normal and special observation modes, is performed using a momentary, self-resetting switch in the form of a button attached to the endoscope. Each time the observer presses this button, the observation mode transitions in a specific order, and the image displayed on the monitor also transitions accordingly. This allows the observer to switch between displayed images based on multiple observation modes in a specific order, even while operating the endoscope. This allows for comparison of different types of images.

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses an endoscope system having multiple observation modes, which can easily switch between different observation modes and return to the original observation mode with a single switch operation. Thus, it is possible to switch between the three observation modes with a single operation.

[0005] Previous technical literature

[0006] Patent Literature

[0007] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2019 / 163471 Summary of the Invention

[0008] Technical issues to be solved by the invention

[0009] In an endoscope system with multiple observation modes, information useful for screening or diagnosis can be obtained by switching between observation modes and comparing displayed images. To achieve higher-level and more accurate screening or diagnosis, it is sometimes desirable to compare multiple observation images selected from observation images in multiple observation modes, depending on the purpose of observation. Furthermore, it is desirable to easily identify different or distinctive features in the compared observation images. Therefore, an endoscope system is desired that allows for flexible and easy switching between multiple observation modes, including related observation modes.

[0010] An object of the present invention is to provide an endoscope system that has a plurality of observation modes and can flexibly and easily switch between the plurality of observation modes including related observation modes.

[0011] Means for solving technical problems

[0012] The endoscope system of the present invention includes a processor. When the system has multiple observation modes, including multiple main observation modes and auxiliary observation modes, the processor displays observation images on a display in a specific display mode in each observation mode. The processor performs a main switching process for switching between the multiple main observation modes in a predetermined order according to a first operation, and performs a secondary switching process for switching between a specific main observation mode and the auxiliary observation mode among the multiple main observation modes according to a second operation different from the first operation. The specific display modes include an automatic switching display mode for automatically switching and displaying multiple observation images on the display, and a continuous display mode for continuously displaying observation images on the display. The observation images displayed in the specific main observation mode and the observation images displayed in the auxiliary observation mode have the same base color tone.

[0013] Preferably, in a specific main observation mode, the observation image is displayed on the monitor in an automatically switched display mode, and in a sub-observation mode, the observation image is displayed on the monitor in a continuous display mode.

[0014] The preferred specific main observation mode is the 1ab observation mode in which two 1a images and 1b images of the first primary tone are displayed on the display in an automatically switching display manner, and the secondary observation mode is the 1a observation mode in which the 1a image of the first primary tone is displayed on the display in a continuous display manner or the 1b observation mode in which the 1b image of the first primary tone is displayed on the display in a continuous display manner.

[0015] The preferred specific main observation mode is the 2ab observation mode in which two 2a images and 2b images of the second primary tone are displayed on the display in an automatically switching display manner, and the secondary observation mode is the 2a observation mode in which the 2a image of the second primary tone is displayed on the display in a continuous display manner or the 2b observation mode in which the 2b image of the second primary tone is displayed on the display in a continuous display manner.

[0016] Preferably, in a specific main observation mode, the observation image is displayed on the monitor in a continuous display mode, and in a sub-observation mode, the observation image is displayed on the monitor in an automatically switched display mode.

[0017] The preferred specific main observation mode is the 1a observation mode in which the 1a image of the first primary tone is displayed continuously on the display, or the 1b observation mode in which the 1b image of the first primary tone is displayed continuously on the display, and the secondary observation mode is the 1ab observation mode in which the two 1a images and 1b images of the first primary tone are displayed on the display in an automatically switching display manner.

[0018] Preferably, the specific main observation mode is the first observation mode in which the first image of the first primary tone is displayed continuously on the display, and the auxiliary observation mode is the 1ab observation mode in which the two images 1a and 1b of the first primary tone are displayed on the display in an automatically switching display manner.

[0019] The preferred specific main observation mode is the 2a observation mode in which the 2a image of the second primary tone is displayed continuously on the display, or the 2b observation mode in which the 2b image of the second primary tone is displayed continuously on the display, and the secondary observation mode is the 2ab observation mode in which the two 2a images and 2b images of the second primary tone are displayed on the display in an automatically switching display manner.

[0020] Preferably, there are a plurality of specific main observation modes.

[0021] Preferably, the specific main observation modes each include at least one specific main observation mode in which an image of a first primary color tone is displayed on the display, and at least one specific main observation mode in which an image of a second primary color tone is displayed on the display.

[0022] It is preferable to include a specific operation unit for performing both the first operation and the second operation.

[0023] Preferably, the first operation is a single press operation of pressing the specific operation portion for less than a predetermined time, and the second operation is a long press operation of pressing the specific operation portion for more than a predetermined time or a long press release operation of releasing the pressing of the specific operation portion.

[0024] It is preferable to include a first operating unit for performing a first operation and a second operating unit for performing a second operation.

[0025] Effects of the Invention

[0026] According to the endoscope system of the present invention, a plurality of observation modes are provided, and the plurality of observation modes including related observation modes can be switched flexibly and easily. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Figure 1 This is an external view of the endoscope system.

[0028] Figure 2 This is an external view of the endoscope operating unit.

[0029] Figure 3 This is a block diagram showing the functions of an endoscope system.

[0030] Figure 4 This is a graph showing the spectrum of ordinary light.

[0031] Figure 5 This is a graph showing the spectrum of the first illumination light.

[0032] Figure 6 It is a graph showing the spectrum of the second illumination light.

[0033] Figure 7 This is an explanatory diagram for explaining a frame and light emission periods of the first illumination light and the second illumination light.

[0034] Figure 8 This is a graph showing the spectrum of the third illumination light.

[0035] Figure 9 This is a graph showing the spectrum of the fourth illumination light.

[0036] Figure 10 It is an explanatory diagram for explaining a frame and light emission periods of the third illumination light and the fourth illumination light.

[0037] Figure 11 This is an explanatory diagram for explaining a color filter included in an imaging sensor.

[0038] Figure 12 This is a block diagram showing the functions of the central control unit.

[0039] Figure 13 This is a block diagram showing the functions of the mode switching control unit.

[0040] Figure 14 This is an explanatory diagram for explaining a first pattern of the flow of the observation mode.

[0041] Figure 15 This is an explanatory diagram for explaining the relationship between the operation and the observation mode in the first pattern.

[0042] Figure 16 middle, Figure 16 (A) is an explanatory diagram illustrating a second pattern of the flow of the observation mode. Figure 16 (B) is an explanatory diagram explaining the relationship between the operation and the observation mode in the second pattern.

[0043] Figure 17 This is an explanatory diagram for explaining the third pattern of the flow of the observation mode.

[0044] Figure 18 This is an explanatory diagram for explaining the relationship between the operation and the observation mode in the third pattern.

[0045] Figure 19 middle, Figure 19 (A) is an explanatory diagram illustrating the fourth pattern of the flow of the observation mode. Figure 19 (B) is an explanatory diagram illustrating the relationship between the operation and the observation mode in the fourth pattern.

[0046] Figure 20 middle, Figure 20 (A) is an explanatory diagram illustrating the fifth pattern of the flow of the observation mode. Figure 20 (B) is an explanatory diagram illustrating the relationship between the operation and the observation mode in the fifth pattern.

[0047] Figure 21 This is an explanatory diagram for explaining the sixth pattern of the flow of the observation mode.

[0048] Figure 22 This is an explanatory diagram for explaining the relationship between the operation and the observation mode in the sixth pattern.

[0049] Figure 23 middle, Figure 23 (A) is an explanatory diagram illustrating the seventh pattern of the flow of the observation mode. Figure 23 (B) is an explanatory diagram explaining the relationship between the operation and the observation mode in the seventh pattern.

[0050] Figure 24 middle, Figure 24 (A) is an explanatory diagram illustrating the eighth pattern of the flow of the observation mode. Figure 24 (B) is an explanatory diagram explaining the relationship between the operation and the observation mode in the eighth pattern.

[0051] Figure 25 middle, Figure 25 (A) is an explanatory diagram illustrating the ninth pattern of the flow of the observation mode. Figure 25 (B) is an explanatory diagram illustrating the relationship between the operation and the observation mode in the ninth pattern.

[0052] Figure 26 This is an explanatory diagram for explaining the tenth pattern of the flow of the observation mode.

[0053] Figure 27 This is an explanatory diagram for explaining the relationship between the operation and the observation mode in the tenth pattern.

[0054] Figure 28 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the eleventh pattern of the flow of the observation mode.

[0055] Figure 29 This is an explanatory diagram for explaining the relationship between the operation and the observation mode in the eleventh pattern. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0056] exist Figure 1 In the embodiment, the endoscope system 10 includes an endoscope 12, a light source device 14, a processor device 16, a display 18, and a console 19. The endoscope 12 is optically connected to the light source device 14 and electrically connected to the processor device 16. The endoscope 12 includes an insertion portion 12a to be inserted into the body of an observed object, an operating portion 12b provided at the base end of the insertion portion 12a, and a bending portion 12c and a front end portion 12d provided at the front end side of the insertion portion 12a. By operating the angle button 12e (refer to Figure 2 ), the bending portion 12c performs a bending operation. The distal end portion 12d is directed toward a desired direction by the bending operation of the bending portion 12c.

[0057] like Figure 2 As shown, the operating unit 12b includes, in addition to the angle knob 12e, a mode switch 12g for switching between observation modes and a zoom control unit 12h for instructing zooming in and out of the endoscopic image. A mode switching auxiliary switch 12f is sometimes used to switch between observation modes. Furthermore, the observation mode switching operation may utilize the console 19 or a foot switch (not shown) in addition to the range switch of the mode switching switch 12g or the mode switching auxiliary switch 12f.

[0058] The endoscope system 10 has multiple observation modes. Each of the multiple observation modes displays a specific type of observation image on the display 18. Each observation mode is switched using a mode switching switch 12g or a mode switching auxiliary switch 12f, for example, through a first operation and a second operation different from the first operation. The switching process differs between the first operation and the second operation. Therefore, when observing in a certain observation mode, the observation mode after switching may differ depending on whether the first operation is performed or the second operation is performed. The switching process will be described later.

[0059] Each observation mode is composed of an observation mode group consisting of the base color tone of a specific type of observation image displayed. The endoscope system 10 has a first observation mode group and a second observation mode group. That is, the base color tone of each observation image under the multiple observation modes included in the first observation mode group is the same, and this base color tone is set as the first base color tone. Furthermore, the base color tone of each observation image under the multiple observation modes included in the second observation mode group is the same, and this base color tone is set as the second base color tone. The base color tone refers to the color tone that serves as the base color in the observation image. When the base color tone is the same even for different observation images, the overall color tone will not be significantly different when compared, and the difference in parts other than the base color tone is easy to identify. The base color tone is, for example, a color tone that occupies a large proportion of the area in the observation image.

[0060] In the endoscope system 10, the first observation mode group includes the first observation mode, the first a observation mode, the first b observation mode, and the first ab observation mode. In the first observation mode, the first a observation mode, and the first b observation mode, the observation image is displayed on the display 18 in a continuous display mode in which the observation image is displayed continuously. The first ab observation mode is an observation mode that automatically switches between the first a observation mode and the first b observation mode. In the first ab observation mode, the observation image is displayed on the display 18 in an automatic switching display mode in which the observation image is automatically switched and displayed on the display 18. These observation modes all have the first base color as the base color of the observation image. Therefore, the base color of the observation image in the first observation mode, the first a observation mode, the first b observation mode, and the first ab observation mode are all the same base color, which is the first base color. The observation modes classified into the first observation mode group display the observation image in natural color on the display 18.

[0061] Furthermore, the second observation mode group includes the 2a observation mode, the 2b observation mode, and the 2ab observation mode. In the 2a observation mode and the 2b observation mode, the observation image is displayed on the display 18 in a continuous display mode in which the observation image is continuously displayed. The 2ab observation mode is an observation mode that automatically switches between the 2a observation mode and the 2b observation mode. In the 2ab observation mode, the observation image is displayed on the display 18 in an automatic switching display mode in which the observation image is automatically switched and displayed on the display 18. These observation modes all have the second base color tone as the base color tone of the observation image. Therefore, the base color tone of the observation images in the 2a observation mode, the 2b observation mode, and the 2ab observation mode are all the second base color tone, and have the same base color tone. The observation modes classified into the second observation mode group display the observation image that emphasizes a specific structure on the display 18.

[0062] The processor device 16 is electrically connected to a display 18 and a console 19. The display 18 is an example of a display unit that outputs and displays observation images or information accompanying the observation images. The console 19 functions as a user interface for receiving input operations such as function settings. Furthermore, an external recording unit (not shown) that records images or image information may also be connected to the processor device 16.

[0063] like Figure 3 As shown, the light source device 14 includes a light source unit 20, a light source control unit 22, an optical path coupling unit 24, and a light emission period setting unit 26. The light source unit 20 includes four color LEDs 20a to 20d: a V-LED (Violet Light Emitting Diode) 20a, a B-LED (Blue Light Emitting Diode) 20b, a G-LED (Green Light Emitting Diode) 20c, and an R-LED (Red Light Emitting Diode) 20d. The light source control unit 22 controls the driving of the LEDs 20a to 20d. The optical path coupling unit 24 couples the optical paths of the four colors of light emitted from the four color LEDs 20a to 20d. The light coupled by the optical path coupling unit 24 is irradiated into the subject via a light guide 41 and an illumination lens 45 inserted through the insertion portion 12a. Alternatively, an LD (Laser Diode) may be used instead of an LED. The light emission period setting section 26 sets the light emission period of each of the plurality of illumination lights.

[0064] like Figure 4 As shown, the V-LED 20a generates violet light V with a central wavelength of 405±10 nm and a wavelength range of 380-420 nm. The B-LED 20b generates blue light B with a central wavelength of 460±10 nm and a wavelength range of 420-500 nm. The G-LED 20c generates green light G with a wavelength range of 480-600 nm. The R-LED 20d generates red light R with a central wavelength of 620-630 nm and a wavelength range of 600-650 nm.

[0065] The light source control unit 22 controls the V-LED 20a, B-LED 20b, G-LED 20c, and R-LED 20d. Furthermore, when the first observation mode is selected, the light source control unit 22 controls each LED 20a to 20d so that a normal light is emitted, where the light intensity ratio of violet light V, blue light B, green light G, and red light R is Vc:Bc:Gc:Rc.

[0066] Furthermore, when the observation mode 1a is set, the light source control unit 22 controls each LED 20a to 20d so as to emit the first illumination light in which the light intensity ratio of the purple light V, blue light B, green light G, and red light R is Vs1:Bs1:Gs1:Rs1. The light intensity ratio Vs1:Bs1:Gs1:Rs1 corresponds to the light quantity condition of the first illumination light. The first illumination light preferably emphasizes the superficial blood vessels. Therefore, the first illumination light preferably makes the light intensity of the purple light V greater than the light intensity of the blue light B. For example, Figure 5 As shown, the ratio of the light intensity Vs1 of the purple light V to the light intensity Bs1 of the blue light B is set to "4:1".

[0067] In this specification, the term "light intensity ratio" includes the case where the ratio of at least one semiconductor light source is 0 (zero). Therefore, it also includes the case where one or more of the semiconductor light sources are not illuminated. For example, if the light intensity ratio of violet light V, blue light B, green light G, and red light R is 1:0:0:0, even if only one of the semiconductor light sources is illuminated and the other three are not illuminated, the light intensity ratio still exists.

[0068] Furthermore, when the observation mode 1b is set, the light source control unit 22 controls each LED 20a to 20d so as to emit the second illumination light in which the light intensity ratio of the purple light V, blue light B, green light G, and red light R is Vs2:Bs2:Gs2:Rs2. The light intensity ratio Vs2:Bs2:Gs2:Rs2 corresponds to the light quantity condition of the second illumination light. The second illumination light preferably emphasizes deep blood vessels. Therefore, the second illumination light preferably makes the light intensity of the blue light B greater than the light intensity of the purple light V. For example, Figure 6 As shown, the ratio of the light intensity Vs2 of the purple light V to the light intensity Bs2 of the blue light B is set to "1:3".

[0069] Furthermore, when the 1ab observation mode is set, the light source control unit 22 emits the first illumination light and the second illumination light in the first and second illumination periods, respectively, according to the setting of the illumination period setting unit 26, and automatically switches between the first illumination light and the second illumination light for emission. The first and second illumination periods each have an illumination period of at least one frame.

[0070] like Figure 7 As shown, the light source control unit 22 sets the lighting 71 of the illumination light as the unit of shooting, i.e., frame 73, and according to the setting of the lighting period setting unit 26, for example, when the first period 75 is set to 4 frames and the second period 76 is set to 4 frames, after the first illumination light continues to emit light for 4 frames, the second illumination light continues to emit light for 4 frames. Then, this lighting pattern is repeated. Figure 7 In order to avoid making the figure complicated, only the luminous energy 71 of the illumination light is marked with a symbol.

[0071] In addition, "frame" refers to the image sensor 48 (refer to Figure 3 ) units. For example, "one frame" refers to a period that includes at least the exposure period for exposing the imaging sensor 48 to light from the observation object and the readout period for reading out the image signal. A first period or a second period is set corresponding to the "frame," which is the unit of imaging. The first period, which is the emission period of the first illumination light, and the second period, which is the emission period of the second illumination light, can be appropriately changed, for example, by operating the console 19 via the emission period setting unit 26 connected to the light source control unit 22.

[0072] Furthermore, the base color tone of the observation images displayed in the observation modes included in the first observation mode group, which includes the first observation mode, the observation mode 1a, the observation mode 1b, and the observation mode 1ab, is the same first base color tone. Methods for making the base color tone the same in these observation modes include adjusting the illumination light in each observation mode or performing image processing on the obtained images.

[0073] For example, in the observation modes included in the first observation mode group, the base color tone is set to the first base color tone by performing image processing on the obtained images. For example, in each of the observation modes 1a, 1b, and 1ab, white balance processing is performed on images 1a and 1b using a specific gain factor, resulting in observation images with the same natural colors as in the first observation mode. In this case, the specific gain factor is a gain factor corrected using previously acquired observation images. For example, in image 1a, the gain factor is corrected using image 1b for the subsequent image 1a. Furthermore, in image 1b, the gain factor is corrected using image 1a for the subsequent image 1b. Using this method, observation images obtained using the observation modes included in the first observation mode group can be set to natural colors with the first base color tone.

[0074] Furthermore, when the 2a observation mode is set, the light source control unit 22 controls each LED 20a to 20d so as to emit a third illumination light having a light intensity ratio of Vs3:Bs3:Gs3:Rs3 among the purple light V, blue light B, green light G, and red light R. The light intensity ratio Vs3:Bs3:Gs3:Rs3 corresponds to the light quantity condition of the third illumination light. The third illumination light preferably emphasizes the superficial blood vessels. Therefore, the third illumination light preferably makes the light intensity of the purple light V greater than the light intensity of the blue light B. For example, Figure 8 As shown, the ratio of the light intensity Vs3 of the purple light V and the light intensity Bs3 of the blue light B is set so that the light intensity Vs3 of the purple light V becomes higher.

[0075] Furthermore, when the 2b observation mode is set, the light source control unit 22 controls each LED 20a to 20d in such a manner that the fourth illumination light is emitted in which the light intensity ratio of the purple light V, the blue light B, the green light G, and the red light R becomes Vs4:Bs4:Gs4:Rs4. The light intensity ratio Vs4:Bs4:Gs4:Rs4 corresponds to the light quantity condition of the fourth illumination light. The fourth illumination light preferably emphasizes the surface blood vessels and sets a bright image even in the distant view. Therefore, the fourth illumination light preferably makes the light intensity of the blue light B, the green light G, and the red light R slightly greater than the light intensity of each light in the third illumination light. For example, Figure 9 As shown, the light intensity Bs4 of the blue light B, the light intensity Gs4 of the green light G, and the light intensity Rs4 of the red light R are set slightly higher than the respective light intensities of the third illumination light.

[0076] Furthermore, when the second ab observation mode is set, the light source control unit 22 controls the emission of the third illumination light and the fourth illumination light in the third and fourth illumination periods, respectively, according to the setting of the emission period setting unit 26, and automatically switches between the third illumination light and the fourth illumination light. The third and fourth illumination periods have an emission period of at least one frame.

[0077] like Figure 10 As shown, the light source control unit 22 sets the illumination light emission 71 as the unit of shooting, i.e., frame 73, and according to the setting of the illumination period setting unit 26, for example, when the third period 77 is set to 4 frames and the fourth period 78 is set to 4 frames, after the third illumination light continues to emit light for 4 frames, the fourth illumination light continues to emit light for 4 frames. Then, this illumination pattern is repeated. In addition, Figure 10 In order to avoid making the figure complicated, only the luminous energy 71 of the illumination light is marked with a symbol.

[0078] The third period or the fourth period is set corresponding to the unit of imaging, i.e., the frame. The third period, i.e., the emission period of the third illumination light, and the fourth period, i.e., the emission period of the fourth illumination light, can be appropriately changed by, for example, the emission period setting unit 26 connected to the light source control unit 22 by operating the console 19.

[0079] Furthermore, the base color tone of the observation images displayed in the observation modes included in the second observation mode group, which includes the 2a observation mode, the 2b observation mode, and the 2ab observation mode, is the same as the second base color tone. For example, in the observation modes included in the second observation mode group, the base color tone is set to the second base color tone by adjusting the illumination light.

[0080] As a method for adjusting illumination light, for example, observation images obtained in the observation modes included in the second observation mode group, which includes observation mode 2a, observation mode 2b, and observation mode 2ab, use illumination light whose base hue is the second base hue. Therefore, observation images obtained in the observation modes included in the second observation mode group are observation images having a hue with a low red component, with the structures of the mucosal surface layer, such as microvessels, emphasized.

[0081] like Figure 3 As shown, the light guide 41 is built into the endoscope 12 and the universal cord (cord connecting the endoscope 12 with the light source device 14 and the processor device 16 ), and transmits the light combined by the optical path combination portion 24 to the distal end portion 12 d of the endoscope 12 .

[0082] The distal end portion 12 d of the endoscope 12 is provided with an illumination optical system 30 a and an imaging optical system 30 b .

[0083] The illumination optical system 30a includes an illumination lens 45, and light from the light guide 41 is irradiated onto the observation object via the illumination lens 45. The imaging optical system 30b includes an objective lens 46 and an imaging sensor 48. Reflected light from the observation object enters the imaging sensor 48 via the objective lens 46. As a result, a reflected image of the observation object is formed on the imaging sensor 48.

[0084] The imaging sensor 48 is a color imaging sensor that captures a reflected image of the subject and outputs an image signal. The imaging sensor 48 is preferably a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) imaging sensor or a CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor) imaging sensor. The imaging sensor 48 used in the present invention is a color imaging sensor for obtaining RGB image signals for the three colors R (red), G (green), and B (blue). Specifically, it is a so-called RGB imaging sensor that includes R pixels equipped with R filters, G pixels equipped with G filters, and B pixels equipped with B filters.

[0085] like Figure 11 As shown, B filter 48b transmits light on the short-wavelength side of the violet, blue, and green bands. G filter 48g transmits light in the green band, light on the long-wavelength side of the blue band, and light on the short-wavelength side of the red band. R filter 48r transmits light in the red band and light on the long-wavelength side of the green band. Therefore, in imaging sensor 48, B pixels are sensitive to violet light V and blue light B, G pixels are sensitive to blue light B, green light G, and red light R, and R pixels are sensitive to green light G and red light R.

[0086] Alternatively, the imaging sensor 48 may be a so-called complementary color imaging sensor equipped with complementary color filters for C (cyan), M (magenta), Y (yellow), and G (green), instead of an RGB color imaging sensor. When a complementary color imaging sensor is used, image signals for the four colors CMYG are output. Therefore, it is necessary to convert the image signals for the four colors CMYG into image signals for the three colors RGB through complementary color-primary color conversion. Furthermore, the imaging sensor 48 may be a monochrome imaging sensor without color filters. In this case, the light source control unit 22 needs to illuminate the blue light B, green light G, and red light R in a time-sharing manner and add synchronization processing to the processing of the imaging signals.

[0087] like Figure 3 As shown, the image signal output from the imaging sensor 48 is sent to a CDS / AGC circuit 50. The CDS / AGC circuit 50 performs correlated double sampling (CDS) or automatic gain control (AGC) on the analog image signal. The image signal that has passed through the CDS / AGC circuit 50 is converted into a digital image signal by an A / D converter (A / D (Analog / Digital) converter) 51.

[0088] The A / D-converted digital image signal is input to the processor device 16 .

[0089] The processor device 16 includes an image acquisition unit 52, a DSP (Digital Signal Processor) 54, a noise removal unit 57, a central control unit 58, an image processing unit 61, and a display control unit 65. The image acquisition unit 52 acquires an observation image obtained by imaging an observation object in the endoscope 12. Specifically, a digital color image signal from the endoscope 12 is input to the image acquisition unit 52 as the observation image. The color image signal is composed of a red signal output from the R pixel of the imaging sensor 48, a green signal output from the G pixel of the imaging sensor 48, and a blue signal output from the B pixel of the imaging sensor 48.

[0090] The DSP 54 performs various signal processing such as defect correction processing, offset processing, white balance processing, linear matrix processing, gamma conversion processing, and demosaicing processing on the received image signal.

[0091] In the defect correction process, the signal of the defective pixel of the imaging sensor 48 is corrected. In the offset process, the dark current component is removed from the image signal subjected to the defect correction process, and an accurate zero level is set.

[0092] The image signal after white balancing is subjected to linear matrix processing to improve color reproducibility. Then, brightness and chroma are adjusted through gamma conversion. De-mosaicing (also known as isotropy or synchronization) is performed on the image signal after linear matrix processing, and signals for the missing colors in each pixel are generated through interpolation. This demosaicing ensures that all pixels have signals for each color.

[0093] The denoising unit 57 removes noise from the image signal by performing denoising processing (eg, moving average or median filtering) on the image signal subjected to gamma correction or the like by the DSP 54. After the noise is removed, the image signal is sent to the image processing unit 61.

[0094] The central control unit 58 receives information from the endoscope 12 or the console 19, and controls the processor device 16 and the light source device 14 according to the received information. Figure 12 As shown, the central control unit 58 includes a mode switching control unit 59. The mode switching control unit 59 controls switching of the observation mode according to the first operation or the second operation performed by the mode switching switch 12g or the mode switching auxiliary switch 12f.

[0095] like Figure 13 As shown, the mode switching control unit 59 includes an observation mode setting unit 66, an operation recognition unit 67, and an instruction unit 69. During observation, the observation mode setting unit 66 sets the selected observation mode from among multiple observation modes, the order in which the selected observation modes are switched, how the selected observation mode is displayed on the display 18, or switches between the first and second operations. The settings of the observation mode setting unit 66 are shared by the operation recognition unit 67 and the instruction unit 69 through the mode switching control unit 59. The operation recognition unit 67 recognizes operations performed using the mode switching switch 12g or the mode switching auxiliary switch 12f used for mode switching. The instruction unit 69 instructs the various components of the endoscope system 10 to appropriately switch the observation mode via the central control unit 58.

[0096] When switching between multiple observation modes during observation in the endoscope system 10, the observation mode setting unit 66 sets each of the multiple observation modes as a primary observation mode and / or a secondary observation mode. Therefore, the multiple observation modes used for observation include multiple primary observation modes and at least one secondary observation mode.

[0097] Multiple main observation modes are switched in a pre-set order. The multiple main observation modes are switched by the main switching process. The sub-switching process switches between at least one sub-observation mode and a specific main observation mode among the multiple main observation modes. The observation mode setting unit 66 sets any one of the multiple main observation modes as the specific main observation mode. Furthermore, the observation mode setting unit 66 pre-sets the combination of the specific main observation mode and the sub-observation mode to be switched by the sub-switching process.

[0098] like Figure 14 As shown, for example, as the main observation mode, in the first pattern 101 that alternately switches between the first observation mode 81 and the 2a observation mode, the first observation mode 81 and the 2a observation mode 82 are set as the main observation mode. The first pattern 101 is an example of the type of observation mode switching process. Among them, the 2a observation mode 82 is set as a specific main observation mode, and the 2ab observation mode 84 is set as the auxiliary observation mode. Figure 14 In the figure, thick arrows indicate the main switching process for switching the main observation mode, and thin arrows indicate the secondary switching process for switching between a specific main observation mode and a secondary observation mode. Furthermore, to avoid cumbersome diagrams, the following diagrams will denote the first observation mode 81 as 1, the firstab observation mode 85 as 1ab, the firsta observation mode 86 as 1a, the firstb observation mode 87 as 1b, the seconda observation mode 82 as 2a, and the secondab observation mode 84 as 2ab. Similarly, regarding the observation images obtained in each observation mode, in the observation image column of the figure, 1 denotes the first image as 1, 1a denotes the firsta image as 1a, 1b denotes the firstb image as 1b, 2a denotes the seconda image as 2a, and 2b denotes the secondb image as 2b.

[0099] exist Figure 14 In the example, as the first pattern 101, a sequence is pre-set to alternately switch between the first observation mode 81 and the 2a observation mode 82 in the main observation mode. The main switching process is performed according to the first operation, so the first observation mode 81 and the 2a observation mode 82 are alternately switched by the first operation. Since the specific main observation mode is set to the 2a observation mode 82, when observing in the 2a observation mode 82, the second operation switches between the 2a observation mode 82 and the 2ab observation mode 84.

[0100] In a specific combination of a primary observation mode and a secondary observation mode, the observation image displayed in the specific primary observation mode and the observation image displayed in the secondary observation mode with which the observation image is combined have the same base color tone. Base colors include a first base color tone and a second base color tone. Therefore, when the observation image displayed in the specific primary observation mode has the first base color tone, the observation image displayed in the combination has the secondary observation mode with the first base color tone. Furthermore, when the observation image displayed in the specific primary observation mode has the second base color tone, the observation image displayed in the combination has the secondary observation mode with the second base color tone. That is, a specific primary observation mode and a secondary observation mode are selected and combined from each observation mode included in the first observation mode group, and a specific primary observation mode and a secondary observation mode are selected and combined from each observation mode included in the second observation mode group.

[0101] exist Figure 14 In the 2a observation mode 82 and the 2ab observation mode 84, the observation images displayed are observation modes having the same second primary color tone.

[0102] The operation recognition unit 67 recognizes the first operation or the second operation performed by the mode switching switch 12g or the mode switching auxiliary switch 12f. When there are multiple types of operations for each of the first operation and the second operation, at least one of them is pre-set. The operation recognition unit 67 recognizes the set operation and sends the execution of the first operation or the second operation to the instruction unit 69. Examples of the first operation or the second operation using a range switch such as the mode switching switch 12g include a single press operation of pressing the mode switching switch 12g for less than a specified time, a long press operation of pressing the mode switching switch 12g for more than a specified time, or a long press release operation of releasing the mode switching switch 12g from a long press during a long press operation. In addition, when a series of operations of pressing and releasing the mode switching switch 12g is detected at least twice, and the multiple series of operations are double-click operations performed within a specific pre-set click determination time or the mode switching switch 12g is a switch that can be pressed in stages, a half-press operation can be mentioned.

[0103] The specific operating unit preferably performs both the first operation and the second operation. For example, if the specific operating unit is the mode switch 12g, the first operation is set to a single press operation of pressing the mode switch 12g for less than a predetermined time, and the second operation is set to a long press operation of pressing the mode switch 12g for a predetermined time or longer, or a long press release operation of releasing the long press of the mode switch 12g. This predetermined time is the long press determination time and is pre-set. Therefore, a single operating unit can easily perform the first operation of switching the display of observation images with different base colors and the second operation of switching the display of related observation images with the same base color.

[0104] exist Figure 14 In the embodiment, when a single-press operation 91 of pressing the mode switch 12g for less than a predetermined time is set as the first operation, and a long-press operation 92 of pressing the mode switch 12g for more than a predetermined time or a long-press release operation 93 of releasing the long-press of the mode switch 12g is set as the second operation, the main switching process is performed by the single-press operation of the mode switch 12g, and the first observation mode 81 and the 2a observation mode 82 are switched. Furthermore, during observation in the 2a observation mode 82, while the mode switch 12g is pressed continuously for more than a predetermined time, an observation image is displayed in the 2ab observation mode 84. Then, the secondary switching process is performed by the long-press release operation 93 of releasing the pressed mode switch 12g, and the observation mode 84 is switched to the 2a observation mode 82 from the 2ab observation mode 84.

[0105] like Figure 15 As shown in the first pattern 101, in the first observation mode 81, a single press operation 91 of the mode switching switch 12g for a period shorter than the long press determination time 95 performs a main switching process, switching to the 2a observation mode 82. Since the 2a observation mode 82 is set as a specific main observation mode, a long press operation 92 of the mode switching switch 12g for a period longer than the long press determination time 95 in the 2a observation mode 82 performs a sub-switching process, switching to the 2ab observation mode 84. While the mode switching switch 12g is pressed, the 2ab observation mode 84 continues. However, a long press release operation 93, releasing the mode switching switch 12g, switches to the 2a observation mode 82, the specific main observation mode. In the 2a observation mode 82, a single press operation 91 performs a main switching process, switching to the first observation mode 81. As described above, in the specific main observation mode, both the first and second operations can be performed using only a single operating unit, such as the mode switching switch 12g. Therefore, it is possible to easily transition to an observation mode that meets the observer's requirements.

[0106] The instruction unit 69 instructs each unit of the endoscope system 10, via the central control unit 58, to execute a switching process that has been pre-set as the first operation or the second operation. For example, if the main switching process is set for the first operation and the sub-switching process is set for the second operation, the operation recognition unit 67 recognizes the first operation and instructs each unit to execute the main switching process. Furthermore, the operation recognition unit 67 recognizes the second operation and instructs each unit to execute the sub-switching process. As described above, the mode switching control unit 59 executes the main switching process in accordance with the first operation and the sub-switching process in accordance with the second operation.

[0107] like Figure 3 As shown, the image processing unit 61 generates an observation image by performing color conversion processing, color emphasis processing, and / or structure emphasis processing according to each observation mode in accordance with the instructions of the central control unit 58. The central control unit 58 instructs the image processing unit 61 on whether image processing is required, etc., through control related to the observation mode performed by the mode switching control unit 59.

[0108] The display control unit 65 displays a specific observation image in a specific display format on the display 18. Following instructions from the central control unit 58, the display control unit 65 converts the observation image generated by the image processing unit 61 into a signal in a display format according to each observation mode and displays it on the display 18. The central control unit 58, through control related to the observation mode by the mode switching control unit 59, issues various instructions to the display control unit 65 to display the specific observation image and specific display format corresponding to each observation mode on the display 18.

[0109] The display mode includes an automatic switching display mode and a continuous display mode. The automatic switching display mode automatically switches multiple observation images and displays them on the display 18. The switching order or switching speed is pre-set. For example, Figure 7 or Figure 10 As shown, switching is performed every four frames from observation mode 1a or observation mode 2a. The switching order can, for example, start from observation mode 1b or observation mode 2b, or from the point where the previous one ended. That is, when observation mode 1a ends in the previous observation mode 1ab, observation mode 1b can be started in the next observation mode 1ab. Furthermore, the number of frames displayed in one observation mode can be changed by setting. For example, observation mode 1a and observation mode 1b can be set to switch according to different numbers of frames. The continuous display mode continuously displays the observation image on the display 18.

[0110] exist Figure 14In the 1st observation mode 81 and the 2nd a observation mode 82, the observation image is displayed in a continuous display mode, and the 2nd ab observation mode 84 is displayed in an automatic switching display mode. Figure 14 , the continuous display mode, i.e., the first observation mode 81 and the 2a observation mode 82, are represented by rectangles, and the automatically switching display mode, i.e., the 2ab observation mode 84, is represented by an ellipse. In the following figures, the continuous display mode, i.e., the observation mode, is represented by a rectangle, and the automatically switching display mode, i.e., the observation mode, is represented by an ellipse.

[0111] As described above, when the endoscope system 10 has multiple observation modes including multiple main observation modes and sub-observation modes, the mode switching control unit 59 performs a main switching process of switching the multiple main observation modes in a predetermined order according to a first operation, and performs a sub-switching process of switching between a specific main observation mode and a sub-observation mode among the multiple main observation modes according to a second operation different from the first operation. The specific display mode includes an automatic switching display mode of automatically switching and displaying multiple observation images on the display 18 and a continuous display mode of continuously displaying the observation images on the display 18. The base color tone of the observation image displayed in the specific main observation mode and the observation image displayed in the sub-observation mode is the same.

[0112] Therefore, the endoscope system 10 performs main and sub-switching processing according to the first and second operations, enabling flexible switching between multiple observation modes, including related observation modes. Furthermore, in addition to the main and sub-switching processing, the system also offers automatic switching and continuous display modes, enabling targeted observation, such as screening or detailed observation. Furthermore, by setting the observation image displayed in a specific main observation mode and the observation image displayed in the sub-observation mode to have the same base color tone, the automatic switching display mode can also display, for example, an observation image emphasizing the surface structure of the mucosa under observation and an observation image emphasizing the mid- to deep-layer structure. This makes it easier to identify the different parts of the two observation images. Furthermore, in the automatic switching display mode, when the display is switched at a relatively high speed, the different parts of the two observation images are displayed in three dimensions, similar to an animation, allowing for three-dimensional identification of the surface and mid- to deep-layer structures of the observation object. As described above, the endoscope system 10 enables a higher-level understanding of the observation object, facilitating detailed and accurate diagnosis.

[0113] Next, an example of an observation mode pattern of the endoscope system 10 is described. In the observation mode pattern, preferably, in a specific main observation mode, the observation image is displayed on the display unit in an automatically switched display mode, and in the auxiliary observation mode, the observation image is displayed on the display unit in a continuous display mode.

[0114] For example, the specific main observation mode is the 1ab observation mode in which two 1a images and 1b images of the first primary tone are displayed on the display 18 in an automatically switching display manner, and the auxiliary observation mode is the 1a observation mode in which the 1a image of the first primary tone is displayed on the display 18 in a continuous display manner or the 1b observation mode in which the 1b image of the first primary tone is displayed on the display 18 in a continuous display manner.

[0115] exist Figure 16 (A) and Figure 16 In the second pattern 102 shown in (B), in a specific main observation mode, the observation image of the 1a observation mode 86 and the observation image of the 1b observation mode 87 are displayed on the display 18 in the 1ab observation mode 85 and in an automatic switching display mode, and in the auxiliary observation mode, the observation image is displayed on the display 18 in the 1a observation mode 86 and in a continuous display mode. Figure 16 (A) and Figure 16 As shown in (B), the main observation mode is switched by a single press operation 91 of the mode switch 12g, and the sub observation mode is switched by a long press operation 92 and a long press release operation 93 of the mode switch 12g. Figure 16 (A) and Figure 16 The 1a-th observation mode 86 , which is the secondary observation mode shown in (B), may also be the 1b-th observation mode 87 .

[0116] Furthermore, for example, the specific main observation mode is a 2ab observation mode in which two images 2a and 2b of the second primary tone are displayed on the display 18 in an automatically switched display mode, and the auxiliary observation mode is a 2a observation mode in which the image 2a of the second primary tone is displayed continuously on the display 18, or a 2b observation mode in which the image 2b of the second primary tone is displayed continuously on the display 18. Furthermore, it is preferable that there be multiple specific main observation modes.

[0117] exist Figure 17 and Figure 18 The third pattern 103 shown includes three specific main observation modes. The three specific main observation modes are the 2a observation mode 82, the 2b observation mode 83, and the 2ab observation mode 84. The 2a observation mode 82 and the 2b observation mode 83 display the observation images in a continuous display mode on the display 18. In addition, in the 2ab observation mode 84, the 2a image and the 2b image are displayed in an automatic switching display mode on the display 18. Figure 18As shown in the upper section of the figure, the first observation mode 81 is switched to the second a observation mode 82 by a main switching process based on a single press operation 91, and the second a observation mode 82 is switched to the second b observation mode 83 by a main switching process based on a single press operation 91. In the second b observation mode 83, the main switching process based on a single press operation 91 switches to the second ab observation mode 84. In the second ab observation mode 84, the main switching process based on a single press operation returns to the first observation mode 81. Then, in the two specific main observation modes, the second ab observation mode 84 and the second b observation mode 83, each includes a second ab observation mode 84 as a secondary observation mode. Furthermore, in the specific main observation mode of the second ab observation mode 84, the second ab observation mode 82 is included as a secondary observation mode. Furthermore, in addition to the second a observation mode 82, the second b observation mode 83 may be used as a secondary observation mode in combination with the second ab observation mode 84.

[0118] Furthermore, in the observation mode pattern, it is preferable that the observation image is displayed on the display 18 in a continuous display mode in a specific main observation mode, and that the observation image is displayed on the display 18 in an automatic switching display mode in the auxiliary observation mode.

[0119] For example, the specific main observation mode is the 1a observation mode in which the 1a image of the first primary tone is displayed continuously on the display 18, or the 1b observation mode in which the 1b image is displayed continuously on the display 18, and the secondary observation mode is the 1ab observation mode in which the two 1a images and 1b images of the first primary tone are displayed on the display 18 in an automatically switching display manner.

[0120] exist Figure 19 (A) and Figure 19 In the fourth pattern 104 shown in (B), in a specific main observation mode, the 1a image is displayed on the display 18 in the 1a observation mode 86 and in a continuous display mode, and in the auxiliary observation mode, the 1a image and the 1b image are automatically switched and displayed on the display 18 in the 1ab observation mode 85 and in an automatic switching display mode. Figure 19 (A) and Figure 19 As shown in (B), the main observation mode is switched by a single press operation 91 of the mode switch 12g, and the sub observation mode is switched by a long press operation 92 and a long press release operation 93 of the mode switch 12g. Figure 19 (A) and Figure 19 The specific main observation mode shown in (B), that is, the 1a-th observation mode 86 , may be the 1b-th observation mode 87 .

[0121] Furthermore, for example, the specific main observation mode is the first observation mode in which the first image of the first primary tone is displayed continuously on the display 18, and the sub-observation mode is the 1ab observation mode in which two images 1a and 1b of the first primary tone are displayed on the display 18 in an automatically switching display manner.

[0122] exist Figure 20 (A) and Figure 20 In the fifth pattern 105 shown in (B), in a specific main observation mode, the first image is displayed on the display 18 in the first observation mode 81 and in a continuous display mode, and in the auxiliary observation mode, the 1a image and the 1b image are automatically switched and displayed on the display 18 in the 1ab observation mode 85 and in an automatic switching display mode. Figure 20 (A) and Figure 20 As shown in (B), the main observation mode is switched by a single press operation 91 of the mode switch 12g, and the sub observation mode is switched by a long press operation 92 and a long press release operation 93 of the mode switch 12g. Figure 20 (A) and Figure 20 The 2a observation mode 82 , which is a main observation mode other than the specific main observation mode shown in (B), may be the 2b observation mode 83 .

[0123] Figure 21 and Figure 22 The sixth pattern 106 shown is a pattern obtained by adding the fourth pattern including a combination of a specific main observation mode of the first observation mode 81 and a sub-observation mode of the first ab observation mode 85 to the fifth pattern including a combination of a specific main observation mode of the first observation mode 81 and a sub-observation mode of the first ab observation mode 85. Therefore, the sixth pattern 106 has four main observation modes, three of which are specific main observation modes. The specific main observation modes are the first observation mode 81, the first a observation mode 86, and the first b observation mode 87, and the sub-observation modes are the first ab observation mode 85. In addition, Figure 21 and Figure 22 In the embodiment, the main observation mode is the order of the first observation mode 81, the firsta observation mode 86, the firstb observation mode 87, and the seconda observation mode 82. However, for example, the order may be the first observation mode 81 followed by the firstb observation mode 87. Furthermore, the secondb observation mode 83 may be provided instead of the seconda observation mode 82.

[0124] Furthermore, for example, the specific main observation mode is the 2a observation mode in which the 2a image of the second primary tone is displayed continuously on the display 18, or the 2b observation mode in which the 2b image of the second primary tone is displayed continuously on the display 18, and the sub-observation mode is the 2ab observation mode in which the two 2a images and 2b images of the second primary tone are displayed on the display 18 in an automatically switching display manner.

[0125] exist Figure 23 (A) and Figure 23 The seventh pattern 107 shown in (B) has three main observation modes, two of which are specific main observation modes. The specific main observation modes are the 2a observation mode 82 and the 2b observation mode 83, and the 2ab observation modes 84 are provided as auxiliary observation modes. Figure 21 and Figure 22 In the embodiment, the main observation mode is the order of the first observation mode 81 , the 2a observation mode 82 , and the 2b observation mode 83 . However, for example, the order may be the first observation mode 81 , the 2b observation mode 83 , and the 2a observation mode 82 .

[0126] Furthermore, for example, a specific main observation mode is the 1st observation mode in which the 1st image of the 1st primary tone is displayed continuously on the display 18, and the 2a observation mode or the 2b observation mode in which the 2a image or the 2b image of the second primary tone is displayed continuously on the display 18, and the auxiliary observation mode is the 1ab observation mode in which the 1a image and the 1b image are displayed on the display 18 in an automatically switching display mode relative to the 1st observation mode, and is the 2ab observation mode in which the 2a image and the 2b image are displayed on the display 18 in an automatically switching display mode relative to the 2a observation mode or the 2b observation mode.

[0127] exist Figure 24 (A) and Figure 24 In the eighth pattern 108 shown in (B), there are two main observation modes, and all the main observation modes are specific main observation modes. The specific main observation modes are the first observation mode 81 and the seconda observation mode 82. As auxiliary observation modes, there is a first ab observation mode 85 relative to the first observation mode 81, and a second ab observation mode relative to the seconda observation mode 82. In addition, in Figure 24 (A) and Figure 24 In (B), the main observation mode is the order of the first observation mode 81 and the 2a observation mode 82 , but for example, the 2b observation mode 83 may be provided instead of the 2a observation mode 82 .

[0128] As described above, the endoscope system 10 has multiple observation modes, and multiple observation modes, including related observation modes, can be switched flexibly and easily through multiple operations on a single operating unit. Therefore, there is no need to change the operating unit, and various switching of multiple observation modes can be performed by a simple operation such as pressing a button.

[0129] Next, we will explain the case where there are multiple operating units. When there are multiple operating units, the first and second operations are assigned to different operating units, namely the first and second operating units. For example, the first operating unit is assigned to a single press of the mode switching switch 12g, while the second operation is assigned to a single press of the mode switching auxiliary switch 12f. Using multiple operating units allows for a wider range of observation mode transitions. Furthermore, for example, a long press operation can be eliminated.

[0130] exist Figure 25 (A) and Figure 25 The ninth pattern 109 shown in (B) has two main observation modes: the first observation mode 81 is the specific main observation mode, and the 1ab observation mode 85 is the secondary observation mode. The endoscope system 10 in the ninth pattern 109 uses the mode switching switch 12g and the mode switching auxiliary switch 12f as the first and second operating units, respectively. Instead of determining whether a single press or a long press is performed, the system determines that an operation has been performed by pressing the switches. When a first pressing operation 96 of the mode switching switch 12g is set as the first operation, and a second pressing operation 97 of the mode switching auxiliary switch 12f is set as the second operation, the first pressing operation 96 initiates the main switching process, switching between the first observation mode 81 and the 2a observation mode 82. Then, during observation in the first observation mode 81, the specific main observation mode, the second pressing operation 97 initiates the secondary switching process, switching between the first observation mode 81 and the 1ab observation mode 85.

[0131] like Figure 25 (A) and Figure 25 As shown in (B), even during observation in the 1ab observation mode 85, a transition to the next main observation mode, the 2a observation mode 82, is performed by performing the first press operation 96. Therefore, in this case, in addition to the main switching process of switching between multiple main observation modes in a pre-set order, the first press operation 96 also performs the main transition process of switching from the secondary observation mode to the next main observation mode. Therefore, in the ninth pattern 109, there are multiple methods for transitioning to the main observation mode, the 2a observation mode 82. One method is to transition from a specific main observation mode, the first observation mode 81, through the first press operation 96, and another method is to transition from the secondary observation mode, the 1ab observation mode 85, through the second press operation 97.

[0132] exist Figure 26 and Figure 27 The tenth pattern 110 shown is a pattern for when multiple secondary observation modes are present. The tenth pattern 110 includes three main observation modes: the first observation mode 81, the firstab observation mode 85, and the seconda observation mode 82. The specific main observation mode is the firstab observation mode 85. The two secondary observation modes are the firsta observation mode 86 and the firstb observation mode 87. The seconda observation mode 82 can be replaced with the secondb observation mode 83.

[0133] The first pressing operation 96 of the mode switching switch 12g is set as the first operation, and the second pressing operation 97 of the mode switching auxiliary switch 12f is set as the second operation. The first pressing operation 96 performs the main switching process, sequentially switching between the first observation mode 81, the 1ab observation mode 85, and the 2a observation mode 82. During observation in the specific main observation mode, the 1ab observation mode 85, the second pressing operation 97 performs the sub-switching process. The specific main observation mode, the 1ab observation mode 85, sets both the 1a observation mode 86 and the 1b observation mode 87 as the sub-observation mode. Therefore, regarding the sub-switching processing, in the observation based on the 1ab observation mode 85, by performing the second press operation 97, switching to one of the sub-observation modes, namely the 1a observation mode 86, in the observation based on the 1a observation mode 86, by performing the second press operation 97, switching to the 1b observation mode 87, and in the observation based on the 1b observation mode 87, by performing the second press operation 97, switching to the 1ab observation mode 85.

[0134] Furthermore, in the tenth pattern 110, similarly to the ninth pattern 109, the first pressing operation 96 performs not only the main switching process of switching the plurality of main observation modes in a predetermined order, but also the main transition process of switching from the secondary observation mode to the next main observation mode. Figure 26 and Figure 27 As shown, the first pressing operation 96 is performed during observation in the 1a observation mode 86 or the 1b observation mode 87 which is the secondary observation mode, thereby transitioning to the 2a observation mode 82 which is the next main observation mode.

[0135] exist Figure 28 and Figure 29The eleventh pattern 111 shown includes a first operating unit and a second operating unit, and at least one of the first and second operating units has a long-press operation pattern. The eleventh pattern 111 includes three main observation modes: a first observation mode 81, a first-ab observation mode 85, and a second-a observation mode 82. The first-ab observation mode 85 is the specific main observation mode. Two secondary observation modes are provided: a first-a observation mode 86 and a first-b observation mode 87. A second-b observation mode 83 may be provided in place of the second-a observation mode 82.

[0136] The mode switching auxiliary switch 12f has a push operation. A first push operation 96 of pressing the mode switching auxiliary switch 12g is set as the first operation. The mode switching auxiliary switch 12f has a single push operation and a long push operation. The determination of whether a single push operation is a long push operation is the same as described above. A second single push operation 98 of pressing the mode switching auxiliary switch 12f for less than a predetermined time is set as the second operation, and a second long push operation 99 of pressing the mode switching auxiliary switch 12f for a predetermined time or longer is set as the third operation. The third operation performs processing different from the first and second operations.

[0137] The main switching process is performed by performing a first press operation 96, sequentially switching between the first observation mode 81, the 1ab observation mode 85, and the 2a observation mode 82. During observation in the specific main observation mode, the 1ab observation mode 85, a secondary switching process is performed by performing a second press operation 97. The specific main observation mode, the 1ab observation mode 85, initially sets the 1a observation mode 86 as the secondary observation mode. Therefore, by repeating the secondary switching process based on the second press operation 97, a transition is made between the 1ab observation mode 85 and the 1a observation mode 86. However, while observation is being performed in the specific main observation mode, the 1ab observation mode 85, a second long press operation 99 changes the secondary observation mode combined with the specific main observation mode, the 1ab observation mode 85, from the 1a observation mode 86 to the 1b observation mode 87. The secondary switching process based on the second press operation 97 then transitions between the 1ab observation mode 85 and the 1b observation mode 87.

[0138] Furthermore, similarly to the ninth pattern 109 and the tenth pattern 110, the first pressing operation 96 performs a main switching process of switching between a plurality of main observation modes in a predetermined order, and also performs a main transition process of switching from a secondary observation mode to the next main observation mode. Figure 28 and Figure 29 As shown, the first pressing operation 96 is performed during observation in the 1a observation mode 86 or the 1b observation mode 87 which is the secondary observation mode, thereby transitioning to the 2a observation mode 82 which is the next main observation mode.

[0139] As described above, the endoscope system 10 has multiple observation modes. Multiple operation units are used to more flexibly and easily switch between the multiple observation modes, including related observation modes. In particular, multiple operation modes, such as single-press and long-press operations, can be set for each of the multiple operation units, thereby enabling switching between the multiple observation modes in a wider variety of patterns.

[0140] In the above-described embodiment, the hardware configuration of the processing units included in the processor device 16, such as the image acquisition unit 52, DSP 54, noise removal unit 57, central control unit 58, image processing unit 61, and display control unit 65, is composed of various processors as shown below. These various processors include general-purpose processors such as CPUs (Central Processing Units) that execute software (programs) and function as various processing units; processors such as FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays) whose circuit configuration can be modified after manufacture, such as programmable logic devices (PLDs); and processors with circuit configurations specifically designed to execute various processes, such as dedicated electrical circuits.

[0141] A processing unit may be composed of one of these various processors, or may be composed of a combination of two or more processors of the same or different types (for example, a combination of multiple FPGAs or a CPU and an FPGA). Furthermore, multiple processing units may be composed of one processor. As an example of a plurality of processing units being composed of one processor, first, there is a method in which a processor is composed of a combination of one or more CPUs and software, such as represented by a computer such as a client or a server, and the processor functions as multiple processing units. Second, there is a method in which a processor is used to implement the functions of the entire system including multiple processing units by one IC (Integrated Circuit) chip, such as represented by a System On Chip (SoC). In this way, various processing units are composed of one or more of the above-mentioned various processors as a hardware structure.

[0142] Furthermore, more specifically, the hardware structure of these various processors is an electric circuit (circuitry) in which circuit elements such as semiconductor elements are combined.

[0143] The present invention can also be implemented in another embodiment described below.

[0144] In the processor device of the endoscope system,

[0145] In the case of having multiple observation modes including multiple main observation modes and auxiliary observation modes, the observation image is displayed on the monitor in a specific display method in each observation mode.

[0146] The processor performs a main switching process of switching a plurality of main observation modes in a predetermined order according to a first operation, and performs a sub-switching process of switching between a specific main observation mode and a sub-observation mode among the plurality of main observation modes according to a second operation different from the first operation.

[0147] The specific display mode includes an automatic switching display mode in which a plurality of observation images are automatically switched and displayed on a display, and a continuous display mode in which observation images are continuously displayed on a display.

[0148] The observation image displayed in the specific main observation mode and the observation image displayed in the sub-observation mode have the same base color tone.

[0149] Explanation of symbols

[0150] 10-Endoscope system, 12-Endoscope, 12a-Insertion portion, 12b-Operation portion, 12c-Bending portion, 12d-Front end portion, 12e-Angle knob, 12f-Mode switching auxiliary switch, 12g-Mode switching switch, 12h-Zoom operation portion, 14-Light source device, 16-Processor device, 18-Display, 19-Console, 20-Light source portion, 20a-V-LED, 20b-B-LED, 20c-G-LED, 20d-R-LED, 22-Light Source control unit, 24-optical path coupling unit, 26-lighting period setting unit, 30a-illumination optical system, 30b-imaging optical system, 41-light guide, 45-illumination lens, 46-objective lens, 48-imaging sensor, 48b-B filter, 48g-G filter, 48r-R filter, 50-CDS / AGC circuit, 51-A / D converter, 52-image acquisition unit, 54-DSP, 57-noise removal unit, 58-central control unit, 59-mode switching control unit, 61 - Image processing unit, 65- Display control unit, 66- Observation mode setting unit, 67- Operation recognition unit, 69- Instruction unit, 71- Illumination of illumination light, 73- Frame, 75- 1st period, 76- 2nd period, 77- 3rd period, 78- 4th period, 81- 1st observation mode, 82- 2a observation mode, 83- 2b observation mode, 84- 2ab observation mode, 85- 1ab observation mode, 86- 1a observation mode, 87- 1b observation mode, 91- Single Press operation, 92-long press operation, 93-long press to release operation, 95-long press judgment time, 96-1st press operation, 97-2nd press operation, 98-2nd single press operation, 99-2nd long press operation, 101-1st pattern, 102-2nd pattern, 103-3rd pattern, 104-4th pattern, 105-5th pattern, 106-6th pattern, 107-7th pattern, 108-8th pattern, 109-9th pattern, 110-10th pattern, 111-11th pattern.

Claims

1. An endoscope system comprising a processor, The processor performs the following processing: In the case of a plurality of observation modes including a plurality of main observation modes and auxiliary observation modes, the observation image is displayed on the display in a specific display format in each observation mode; and A main switching process of switching the plurality of main observation modes in a predetermined order is performed according to a first operation, and a secondary switching process of switching between a specific main observation mode among the plurality of main observation modes and the secondary observation mode is performed according to a second operation different from the first operation. The specific display mode includes an automatic switching display mode in which a plurality of observation images are automatically switched and displayed on the display, and a continuous display mode in which the observation images are continuously displayed on the display. The observation image displayed in the specific main observation mode and the observation image displayed in the sub-observation mode have the same base color tone, In the specific main observation mode, the observation image is displayed on the display in the automatic switching display mode. In the secondary observation mode, the observation image is displayed on the display in the continuous display manner. The specific main observation mode is a 1ab observation mode in which two images 1a and 1b of the first primary tone are displayed on the display in the automatic switching display mode. The auxiliary observation mode is the 1a observation mode in which the 1a image of the first primary tone is displayed on the display in the continuous display mode, or the 1b observation mode in which the 1b image of the first primary tone is displayed on the display in the continuous display mode.

2. An endoscope system comprising a processor, The processor performs the following processing: In the case of a plurality of observation modes including a plurality of main observation modes and auxiliary observation modes, the observation image is displayed on the display in a specific display format in each observation mode; and A main switching process of switching the plurality of main observation modes in a predetermined order is performed according to a first operation, and a secondary switching process of switching between a specific main observation mode among the plurality of main observation modes and the secondary observation mode is performed according to a second operation different from the first operation. The specific display mode includes an automatic switching display mode in which a plurality of observation images are automatically switched and displayed on the display, and a continuous display mode in which the observation images are continuously displayed on the display. The observation image displayed in the specific main observation mode and the observation image displayed in the sub-observation mode have the same base color tone, In the specific main observation mode, the observation image is displayed on the display in the continuous display manner, In the secondary observation mode, the observation image is displayed on the display in the automatic switching display mode. The specific main observation mode is the 1a observation mode in which the 1a image of the first primary tone is displayed on the display in the continuous display mode, or the 1b observation mode in which the 1b image of the first primary tone is displayed on the display in the continuous display mode. The auxiliary observation mode is a 1ab observation mode in which two images 1a and 1b of the first primary tone are displayed on the display in the automatic switching display method.

3. An endoscope system comprising a processor, The processor performs the following processing: In the case of a plurality of observation modes including a plurality of main observation modes and auxiliary observation modes, the observation image is displayed on the display in a specific display format in each observation mode; and A main switching process of switching the plurality of main observation modes in a predetermined order is performed according to a first operation, and a secondary switching process of switching between a specific main observation mode among the plurality of main observation modes and the secondary observation mode is performed according to a second operation different from the first operation. The specific display mode includes an automatic switching display mode in which a plurality of observation images are automatically switched and displayed on the display, and a continuous display mode in which the observation images are continuously displayed on the display. The observation image displayed in the specific main observation mode and the observation image displayed in the sub-observation mode have the same base color tone, In the specific main observation mode, the observation image is displayed on the display in the continuous display manner, In the secondary observation mode, the observation image is displayed on the display in the automatic switching display mode. The specific main observation mode is a first observation mode in which the first image of the first primary tone is displayed on the display in the continuous display mode. The auxiliary observation mode is a 1ab observation mode in which two images 1a and 1b of the first primary tone are displayed on the display in the automatic switching display method.

4. The endoscope system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: There are multiple specific main observation modes.

5. The endoscope system according to claim 4, wherein: The specific main observation modes each include at least one of the specific main observation mode in which the image of the first primary color tone is displayed on the display and the specific main observation mode in which the image of the second primary color tone is displayed on the display.

6. The endoscope system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The endoscope system comprises: The specific operation unit performs both the first operation and the second operation.

7. The endoscope system according to claim 4, wherein: The endoscope system comprises: The specific operation unit performs both the first operation and the second operation.

8. The endoscope system according to claim 5, wherein: The endoscope system comprises: The specific operation unit performs both the first operation and the second operation.

9. The endoscope system according to claim 6, wherein: The first operation is a single press operation of pressing the specific operation portion for a shorter time than a predetermined time, and the second operation is a long press operation of pressing the specific operation portion for a longer time than the predetermined time or a long press release operation of releasing the pressing of the specific operation portion.

10. The endoscope system according to claim 7 or 8, wherein: The first operation is a single press operation of pressing the specific operation portion for a shorter time than a predetermined time, and the second operation is a long press operation of pressing the specific operation portion for a longer time than the predetermined time or a long press release operation of releasing the pressing of the specific operation portion.

11. The endoscope system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The endoscope system comprises: A first operating unit for performing the first operation and a second operating unit for performing the second operation.

12. The endoscope system according to claim 4, wherein: The endoscope system comprises: A first operating unit for performing the first operation and a second operating unit for performing the second operation.

13. The endoscope system according to claim 5, wherein: The endoscope system comprises: A first operating unit for performing the first operation and a second operating unit for performing the second operation.

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