Light source device and system

Abstract

The utility model provides a light source device and system of an endoscope, which can control light emitted from the endoscope with high precision. A control device (11) is provided with: five light sources (80) that generate light of different colors; and an optical member (60) configured so as to be able to introduce light generated by the five light sources (80) into a light guide beam (41) of the endoscope (10), in the five light sources (80), the wavelength of light generated by an IR light source (85), which is a specific light source other than the four light sources (80), is longer than the wavelength of light generated by the four light sources (80), the IR light source (85) being provided with: an IR light detection element (75) that detects light emitted by the light guide beam (41); detecting a portion of the light generated by the IR light source (85) and consisting of silicon; and a dimming member (90) that dims the light incident on the IR light detection element (75).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a light source device and system. Background Technology

[0002] Patent documents 1-4 describe a light source device for an endoscope.

[0003] Patent documents 5-7 describe a technique for connecting an endoscope and a control device.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Description of Chinese Patent Application Publication No. 112904549

[0005] Patent Document 2: Chinese Patent Application Publication No. 115227188

[0006] Patent Document 3: Description of Chinese Patent Application Publication No. 115227187

[0007] Patent Document 4: Chinese Patent Application Publication No. 115200703

[0008] Patent Document 5: Chinese Patent No. 115296744

[0009] Patent Document 6: Chinese Utility Model No. 218899384

[0010] Patent Document 7: Chinese Utility Model No. 215838929 Specification Utility Model Content

[0011] In this invention, a light source device and system for an endoscope is provided, which can control the light emitted from the endoscope with high precision.

[0012] One aspect of the present invention provides a light source device comprising: five or more light sources generating light of different colors; and an optical component configured to guide the light generated by the five or more light sources into a beam guide of an endoscope, wherein, among the five or more light sources, the wavelength of light generated by a specific light source other than four light sources is longer than the wavelength of light generated by the four light sources. The light source device further comprises: a first light detection element that detects a portion of the light generated by the specific light source and is made of silicon; and a light reduction component that reduces the light incident on the first light detection element.

[0013] One aspect of the present invention provides a system comprising the aforementioned light source device and a processor, wherein the processor controls the amount of light generated by at least two of the five or more light sources.

[0014] Utility Model Effect

[0015] According to the technology of this invention, the light emitted from the endoscope can be controlled with high precision. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is an external view of an endoscope device that is one aspect of the technology of this utility model.

[0017] Figure 2 It means Figure 1 A block diagram of the structure of the endoscope device 2.

[0018] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the appearance of the endoscope connector 18.

[0019] Figure 4 It means Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the internal structure of the light source unit 59 shown.

[0020] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the first modified example of the light source unit 59.

[0021] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing the second variation of the light source unit 59.

[0022] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of the beam-splitting filter 92 and the dual-color light detection element 76 of the light source unit 59 shown.

[0023] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the hardware structure used for communication between the endoscope 10 and the control device 11.

[0024] Symbol Explanation

[0025] IL, CL1, CL2 - Light, 2 - Endoscope device, 10 - Endoscope, 11 - Control device, 12 - Connector, 13 - Insertion part, 14 - Front end, 15 - Operating part, 17 - Universal plug cord, 18 - Endoscope connector, 18A - First connector housing, 18B - Second connector housing, 18C - Third connector housing, 19 - Monitor, 20 - Light guide rod, 21 - Gas supply metal cap, 22 - Connector for image signal transmission, 22A, 23-Window, 24-Air / Water Supply Connector, 25-Airbag Connector, 26-Ventilation Connector, 30-Camera Unit, 31-Power Generation Unit, 32-A / D Converter, 33-DSP, 34-Image Signal Modulation Unit, 35-Image Signal Transmission Unit, 36-Power Receiving Unit, 37-Timing Signal Generation Circuit, 38-CPU, 39, 57-Signal Conversion Unit, 40, 56-Signal Transceiver Unit, 40A, 56B-Light Emitting Device, 40B, 56A - Light receiving device, 41- Beam guide, 51- Power supply unit, 52- Power supply circuit, 53- Image signal receiving unit, 54- Image signal demodulation unit, 55- Signal processing circuit, 58- Control unit, 59- Light source unit, 60- Optical components, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 67, 94, 95, 96, 97- Dichroic mirror, 66- Condensing lens, 70- Photodetector element, 71- A-photodetector element, 72- G-photodetector element, 73- V Optical detection element, 74-B optical detection element, 75-IR optical detection element, 76-dual-color optical detection element, 76A-first light-receiving area, 76B-second light-receiving area, 80-light source, 81-A light source, 82-G light source, 83-V light source, 84-B light source, 85-IR light source, 90-light reduction component, 91-limiting component, 92-spectral splitting filter, 92A-first filter, 92B-second filter, 93-optical path, 100-power supply. Detailed Implementation

[0026] Figure 1 This is an external view of an endoscope device that is one aspect of the technology of this utility model. Figure 2 It means Figure 1 A block diagram of the structure of the endoscope device 2.

[0027] like Figure 1 As shown, the endoscope device 2 includes an endoscope 10, a control device 11, and a monitor 19. The control device 11 centrally controls the entire endoscope device 2 according to the operation input by the operator through an input device (operation switch, keyboard, mouse, etc.) not shown in the figure.

[0028] Endoscope 10 illustrates a flexible endoscope, comprising: a flexible insertion portion 13 inserted into a patient's body cavity; an operating portion 15 disposed at the base of the insertion portion 13; a universal plug 17 disposed at the operating portion 15; and an endoscope connector 18 disposed at the end of the universal plug 17 and connected to the connector 12 of the control device 11. Endoscope 10 is not limited to a flexible endoscope, but may also be other types of endoscopes such as rigid endoscopes.

[0029] An observation window and a lighting window are provided on the front end face of the insertion part 13. A camera part 30 (see reference) is provided on the front end portion 14 constituting the front end of the insertion part 13. Figure 2 The imaging unit 30 includes: an objective lens optical system that images the subject captured by the free viewing window into an optical image; and an imaging element that converts the optical image formed by the objective lens optical system into an image signal. The imaging element may be, for example, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensor, a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) image sensor, etc.

[0030] The image signal output from the camera unit 30 is transmitted to the endoscope connector 18 via a transmission cable configured to pass through the interior of the insertion unit 13, the operation unit 15 and the universal plug 17.

[0031] The front end 14 is provided with a light emitting part of a beam guide 41 for transmitting light from the illumination window to the area being observed. The beam guide 41 is configured to pass through the insertion part 13, the operation part 15 and the interior of the universal plug cord 17 to the endoscope connector 18. The light guide rod 20 connected to the beam guide 41 is configured to protrude from the endoscope connector 18.

[0032] The operating unit 15 includes: a bend button for adjusting the orientation of the front end face of the insertion part 13 to the up, down, left, or right direction; an air supply and water supply button for spraying air and water from the front end face of the insertion part 13; and a release button for recording the camera image as a still image; etc. The orientation of the front end face of the insertion part 13 is adjusted by bending a bend provided near the base end side of the front end portion 14.

[0033] The universal plug rope 17 is covered by a tubular and slender flexible outer wall. The aforementioned transmission cable, beam guide 41, and air supply / water supply hoses, etc., which are arranged to be inserted into the cavity of the insertion part 13 and the operation part 15, are arranged to be inserted into the inner side of the outer wall.

[0034] Endoscope connector 18 is connected to connector 12 of control device 11. Through endoscope connector 18 and connector 12, power supply from control device 11 to endoscope 10, transmission of image signals from endoscope 10 to control device 11, and transmission and reception of control signals between endoscope 10 and control device 11 can be carried out in a non-contact manner without the need for physical wire connection.

[0035] like Figure 2 As shown, the endoscope 10 includes a power receiving section 36 provided on the endoscope connector 18. The control device 11 includes a power supply section 51 provided on the connector 12. The power required to drive the internal circuitry of the endoscope 10 is supplied from the control device 11 through a non-contact power supply mechanism consisting of the power supply section 51 of the control device 11 and the power receiving section 36 of the endoscope 10.

[0036] This non-contact power supply mechanism utilizes electromagnetic coupling to generate and receive power non-contactly. When the endoscope connector 18 is mounted on the connector 12, the power supply unit 51 and the power receiving unit 36 ​​are configured at a distance close to where electromagnetic coupling can occur, and are set to enable non-contact power transmission from the power supply unit 51 to the power receiving unit 36. The power supply unit 51 is connected to an external commercial power supply 100 of the control device 11 via a power circuit 52. Power supplied by the commercial power supply 100 and generated in the power circuit 52 is supplied to the power supply unit 51. Power is supplied from the power supply unit 51 to the power receiving unit 36 ​​non-contactly using the power supplied from the power circuit 52. The power receiving unit 36 ​​receives power from the power supply unit 51 non-contactly.

[0037] Preferably, the power supply unit 51 is a primary coil connected to the power supply circuit 52, and the power receiving unit 36 ​​is a secondary coil electromagnetically coupled to the primary coil. As a structure of the primary and secondary coils, a structure having a planar substrate and a coil wound in a spiral shape on the planar surface can be cited.

[0038] The endoscope 10 includes: an image signal transmitting unit 35, which is provided in the endoscope connector 18; a signal transceiver unit 40, which is provided in the endoscope connector 18; a power generation unit 31, which generates power supply voltage to each part of the endoscope 10 based on the power received by the power receiving unit 36; an A / D converter (Analog / Digital converter) 32; a DSP (Digital Signal Processor) 33; an image signal modulation unit 34; a timing signal generation circuit (TSG: Timing Signal Generator) 37; a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 38 that controls each part of the endoscope 10; and a signal conversion unit 39.

[0039] The image signal output from the camera unit 30 is converted from an analog signal to a digital signal by the A / D converter 32. The image signal output from the A / D converter 32 is then transmitted to the DSP 33. The DSP 33 performs necessary processing on the image signal from the A / D converter 32, including amplification, gamma correction, and white balance processing.

[0040] In order to transmit the image signal from the DSP33 to the control device 11 via optical communication, the image signal modulation unit 34 performs optical modulation based on the image signal to generate an image light signal.

[0041] The image signal transmitting unit 35 illuminates the control device 11 with light (light based on the image signal) generated by the image signal modulation unit 34. The image signal transmitting unit 35 can be any light-emitting device capable of illuminating light used for optical communication; for example, a laser light-emitting element or a light-emitting diode (LED) can be used. A laser light-emitting element refers to a device that illuminates a laser beam as coherent light; examples include gas lasers, solid-state lasers, or semiconductor lasers.

[0042] The signal conversion unit 39 performs optical modulation and demodulation of control signals that need to be transmitted and received between the endoscope 10 and the control device 11 via optical communication. The control signals include a first control signal sent from the control device 11 to the endoscope 10 for controlling the camera unit 30, etc., and a second control signal sent from the endoscope 10 to the control device 11.

[0043] The signal conversion unit 39 performs optical modulation based on the second control signal output from the CPU 38 to generate a second control optical signal. The signal conversion unit 39 demodulates the electrical signal output from the signal transceiver unit 40 to obtain the first control signal.

[0044] The signal transceiver unit 40 includes: a light-emitting device that illuminates the control device 11 with light (light based on the second control signal) according to the second control light signal generated by the signal conversion unit 39; and a light-receiving device that receives light (light based on the first control signal) according to the first control light signal modulated by the control device 11 based on the first control signal.

[0045] The light-emitting device of the signal transceiver unit 40 can be, for example, a laser light-emitting element or a light-emitting diode. The light-receiving device of the signal transceiver unit 40 can be a light-receiving element such as a photodiode or a phototransistor or other semiconductor device.

[0046] The control device 11 includes an image signal receiving unit 53, a signal transceiver unit 56, an image signal demodulation unit 54, a signal processing circuit 55, a signal conversion unit 57, and a control unit 58, all provided on the connector 12.

[0047] The image signal receiving unit 53 is a light-receiving device that receives light emitted from the image signal transmitting unit 35 and converts it into an electrical signal. For example, light-receiving elements such as photodiodes or phototransistors can be included.

[0048] The image signal demodulation unit 54 demodulates the image signal transmitted from the endoscope 10 based on the electrical signal output from the image signal receiving unit 53. This image signal is processed by the signal processing circuit 55 and output to the monitor 19. Furthermore, the image signal is sent to the control unit 58, which generates a control signal for adjusting the amount of light using a function such as Auto Exposure (AE), or processes the signal to generate an endoscopic image, which is then recorded in a memory or similar storage device.

[0049] The signal conversion unit 57 performs optical modulation based on the first control signal output from the control unit 58 to generate a first control optical signal. The signal conversion unit 57 demodulates the electrical signal output from the signal transceiver unit 56 to obtain a second control signal.

[0050] The signal transceiver unit 56 includes: a light-emitting device that illuminates light (light based on the first control signal) toward the light-receiving device of the signal transceiver unit 40 of the endoscope 10 according to the first control light signal generated by the signal conversion unit 57; and a light-receiving device that receives the light illuminated by the light-emitting device of the signal transceiver unit 40 of the endoscope 10.

[0051] The light-emitting device of the signal transceiver unit 56 can be, for example, a laser light-emitting element or a light-emitting diode. The light-receiving device of the signal transceiver unit 56 can be a light-receiving element such as a photodiode or a phototransistor or other semiconductor device.

[0052] If the endoscope connector 18 is installed on the connector 12 of the control device 11, the image signal transmitting unit 35 and the image signal receiving unit 53 are configured at a distance close to where optical communication is possible, and are set to enable non-contact optical communication from the image signal transmitting unit 35 to the image signal receiving unit 53. Furthermore, the signal transceiver unit 40 and the signal transceiver unit 56 are configured at a distance close to where optical communication is possible, and are set to enable non-contact optical communication between the signal transceiver unit 40 and the signal transceiver unit 56. Thus, in this embodiment, communication of image signals and control signals between the endoscope 10 and the control device 11 is performed using a non-contact optical communication mechanism. Furthermore, the method of optical communication is not particularly limited, and various methods can be used. Wireless communication or magnetic communication can also be used instead of optical communication.

[0053] The control device 11 includes a light source unit 59. The light source unit 59 may include, for example, a semiconductor device such as a xenon lamp, a laser diode, or a light-emitting diode. When the endoscope connector 18 is mounted to the connector 12 of the control device 11, the light guide rod 20 of the endoscope 10 is connected to the connector 12, and the light emitting portion of the light source unit 59 is aligned with the light guide rod 20. Thus, light from the light source unit 59 is transmitted to the front end portion 14 via the light guide rod 20 and the beam guide 41.

[0054] The control unit 58 is mainly composed of a processor, which controls each part of the control device 11 and sends control signals to the CPU 38 and other components that constitute the internal circuit of the endoscope 10 to control the entire endoscope device 2.

[0055] The control unit 58 can be a general-purpose processor that performs various functions by executing software, namely a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a processor whose circuit structure can be changed after manufacturing an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), namely a Programmable Logic Device (PLD), or a processor with a circuit structure specially designed for performing specific processes such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), namely a dedicated circuit.

[0056] The processor can consist of a single processor or a combination of two or more processors of the same or different types (e.g., multiple FPGAs or a combination of a CPU and an FPGA). More specifically, the processor's hardware structure is a circuit composed of combined semiconductor components and other circuit elements. The control unit 58 can include a separate processor for controlling the light source unit 59 and a processor for controlling the control unit comprised of all components except the light source unit 59.

[0057] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the appearance of the endoscope connector 18. The endoscope connector 18 includes a light guide 20 protruding from the endoscope connector 18 toward the connector 12 (not shown) and an image signal transmission connector 22.

[0058] The endoscope connector 18, for example, is composed of a first connector housing 18A, a second connector housing 18B, and a third connector housing 18C, sequentially connected from the side that connects to the connector 12 of the control device 11.

[0059] The light guide rod 20 protrudes from the first connector housing 18A, which has a connection surface with the connector 12, toward the connector 12. Below the light guide rod 20, an air supply metal cap 21 is disposed almost parallel to the light guide rod 20. The air supply metal cap 21 is connected to the air and water supply lines disposed on the endoscope 10 to supply air and water to the front end portion 14 of the endoscope 10.

[0060] The image signal transmitting connector 22 protrudes from the connection surface of the first connector housing 18A with the connector 12 along the insertion direction toward the connector 12. The image signal transmitting connector 22 is used to align the image signal transmitting section 35 of the endoscope 10 with the image signal receiving section 53 of the control device 11. Specifically, the image signal transmitting section 35 is arranged in the extension direction of the central axis of the image signal transmitting connector 22. A window 22A is provided at the front end of the image signal transmitting connector 22 to allow light to pass through. Light passes through this window 22A, and image signal-based light transmission and reception occur between the image signal transmitting section 35 and the image signal receiving section 53 via this window 22A.

[0061] A window 23 is provided on the connection surface of the first connector housing 18A with the connector 12, corresponding to the position of the signal transceiver 40. Light based on control signals is transmitted and received between the signal transceiver 40 and the signal transceiver 56 via this window 23.

[0062] A power receiving part 36 is disposed inside the first connector housing 18A and near the contact surface with the connector 12 in the first connector housing 18A. Since the power receiving part 36 is disposed inside the first connector housing 18A, it is not exposed to the outside.

[0063] An air supply and water supply connector 24 is provided on the side of the first connector housing 18A. The air supply and water supply connector 24 is connected to a water tank (not shown). By operating the air supply and water supply buttons on the operating unit 15, air and water can be supplied to the front end 14. Water supplied to the front end 14 is used to remove dirt from the lens surface of the front end 14. Furthermore, air supplied to the front end 14 is used to dilate the patient's lumen or remove water droplets from the lens.

[0064] An airbag connector 25 is provided, for example, on the side of the second connector housing 18B. By connecting the tubing to the airbag connector 25, the airbag (not shown) provided in the insertion part 13 can be inflated and deflated. In the case of an endoscope 10 that does not have an airbag in the insertion part 13, it is not necessary to provide the airbag connector 25 on the endoscope connector 18.

[0065] A vent connector 26 is provided on the side of the third connector housing 18C. The vent connector 26 allows for a leak test to check for air leakage in the insertion part 13. The vent connector 26 communicates with the interior of the endoscope connector 18. Since the interior of the endoscope connector 18 communicates with the interior of the universal plug cord 17, the operating part 15, and the insertion part 13, the vent connector 26 also communicates with the interior of the insertion part 13.

[0066] The universal plug cord 17 protrudes from the end of the third connector housing 18C.

[0067] Figure 4 It means Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the internal structure of the light source unit 59 shown.

[0068] The light source unit 59 is one type of light source device, comprising: five light sources 80 generating light of different colors; an optical component 60 configured to guide the light generated by the five light sources 80 into the beam guide 41 of the endoscope 10; five light detection elements 70 configured to detect a portion of the light generated by each of the five light sources 80; and a light reduction component 90. The five light sources 80 are controlled by a control unit 58. The control unit 58 controls the light intensity of at least one of the five light sources 80 based on the light detected by the light detection elements 70.

[0069] Five light sources 80 generate light in five wavelength bands with different center wavelengths (the wavelengths with the highest intensity). The five light sources 80 include, for example: a B light source 84, generating light in a blue wavelength band (hereinafter referred to as B light); a V light source 83, generating light in a violet wavelength band (hereinafter referred to as V light); a G light source 82, generating light in a green wavelength band (hereinafter referred to as G light); an A light source 81, generating light in an amber (or red) wavelength band (hereinafter referred to as A light); and an IR light source 85, generating light in a wavelength band (infrared wavelength band; infrared region) with a center wavelength longer than the visible light region formed by combining these four wavelength bands (hereinafter referred to as IR light).

[0070] exist Figure 4 In this design, B-beam is denoted as BL, V-beam as VL, G-beam as GL, A-beam as AL, and IR-beam as IRL. Each light source 80 includes light-emitting elements such as light-emitting diodes or laser diodes, and may be configured with phosphors or excitation light cutoff filters as needed. Figure 4In the diagram, thick dashed lines represent the paths of light generated by each light source 80 and incident on the light guide rod 20. Of the five light sources 80, the light generated by the remaining IR light source 85 (excluding light sources A 81, G 82, B 84, and V 83) has a longer center wavelength than the light generated by the other four light sources 80. The IR light source 85 constitutes a specific light source. For example, in endoscopy, infrared light is used when observing the submucosa of the subject using pigments such as ICG (indocyanine green). In infrared imaging (IRI) using ICG, infrared light in the wavelength regions around 805 nm and 940 nm is used, depending on the absorption characteristics of ICG. To achieve IRI observation, the IR light source 85 can be configured with two types of light sources: one that generates light in a wavelength band centered at 805 nm, and another that generates light in a wavelength band centered at 940 nm.

[0071] The light detection element 70 is composed of a light-receiving element such as a photodiode or a photoresistor. The five light detection elements 70 include: a B light detection element 74, capable of detecting a portion of the B light generated by the B light source 84; a V light detection element 73, capable of detecting a portion of the V light generated by the V light source 83; a G light detection element 72, capable of detecting a portion of the G light generated by the G light source 82; an A light detection element 71, capable of detecting a portion of the A light generated by the A light source 81; and an IR light detection element 75, capable of detecting a portion of the IR light generated by the IR light source 85. The IR light detection element 75 constitutes the first light detection element. The B light detection element 74, V light detection element 73, G light detection element 72, and A light detection element 71 each constitute a second light detection element.

[0072] By using the same semiconductor material for each of the five photodetector elements 70, the manufacturing cost of the light source unit 59 can be reduced. Silicon is preferably the semiconductor material used to construct the photoelectric conversion element included in the photodetector element 70. The IR photodetector element 75 for detecting IR light can also be made of semiconductor materials other than silicon, such as InGaAs (indium gallium arsenide). However, InGaAs has high sensitivity in the wavelength band of 950 nm to 1700 nm. In contrast, by using silicon, sensitivity in the infrared region, specifically the wavelength range of 700 nm to 950 nm required for IRI observation, can also be improved.

[0073] The optical component 60 includes, for example, dichroic mirrors 65, 64, 63, 62 and 61, which are arranged sequentially from the light guide rod 20 side along the aforementioned path; and a condenser lens 66, which is disposed between the dichroic mirrors 65 and the light guide rod 20.

[0074] B light generated by B light source 84 is incident on dichroic mirror 61. The B light incident on dichroic mirror 61 passes through dichroic mirror 61 and is incident on dichroic mirror 62, and a portion of it is reflected and incident on B light detection element 74. The B light incident on dichroic mirror 62 passes through dichroic mirror 62, is reflected by dichroic mirror 63 and is incident on dichroic mirror 64, is reflected by dichroic mirror 64 and is incident on dichroic mirror 65, and passes through dichroic mirror 65, then reaches light guide rod 20 via condenser lens 66.

[0075] IR light generated by IR light source 85 is incident on dichroic mirror 62. The IR light incident on dichroic mirror 62 is reflected by dichroic mirror 62 and incident on dichroic mirror 63, and a portion of it is transmitted and incident on IR light detection element 75. The IR light incident on dichroic mirror 63 is reflected by dichroic mirror 63 and incident on dichroic mirror 64, and then reflected by dichroic mirror 64 and incident on dichroic mirror 65, and then passes through dichroic mirror 65, and reaches light guide rod 20 via condenser lens 66.

[0076] A-beams generated by light source A 81 are incident on dichroic mirror 63. The A-beams incident on dichroic mirror 63 pass through dichroic mirror 63, and a portion of them are reflected and incident on A-beam detection element 71. The A-beams that have passed through dichroic mirror 63 are incident on dichroic mirror 64, and are reflected by dichroic mirror 64 and incident on dichroic mirror 65, and then pass through dichroic mirror 65, and reach light guide rod 20 via condenser lens 66.

[0077] The V light generated by the V light source 83 is incident on the dichroic mirror 64. The V light incident on the dichroic mirror 64 passes through the dichroic mirror 64, and a portion of it is reflected and incident on the V light detection element 73. The V light that has passed through the dichroic mirror 64 is incident on the dichroic mirror 65, and passes through the dichroic mirror 65, and reaches the light guide rod 20 via the condenser lens 66.

[0078] The G light generated by the G light source 82 is incident on the dichroic mirror 65. The G light incident on the dichroic mirror 65 is reflected by the dichroic mirror 65 and reaches the light guide rod 20 through the condenser lens 66, and a portion of it passes through the dichroic mirror 65 and is incident on the G light detection element 72.

[0079] In addition, the positions of each light source 80 are not limited to Figure 4 The position shown can be arbitrarily determined. Furthermore, the structure of the optical component 60 is not limited to... Figure 4 The structure shown. The optical component 60 can also adopt other structures as long as it is configured to guide A light into the guide beam 41, guide B light into the guide beam 41, guide V light into the guide beam 41, guide G light into the guide beam 41, and guide IR light into the guide beam 41.

[0080] Furthermore, the light detection element 70 is positioned at the location where light reflected from or transmitted through the dichroic mirror constituting the optical component 60 is incident, but is not limited thereto. For example, the light detection element 70 may be positioned to detect light that is reflected by another dichroic mirror disposed between the light source 80 and the dichroic mirror constituting the optical component 60.

[0081] The light-reducing component 90 is a component capable of reducing the amount of light incident on it, and is, for example, made of an ND (Neutral Density) filter. The light-reducing component 90 is disposed between the IR light detection element 75 and the dichroic mirror 62. Therefore, the IR light generated by the IR light source 85 and transmitted through the dichroic mirror 62 has its amount reduced in the light-reducing component 90 and is then incident on the IR light detection element 75.

[0082] When the photoelectric conversion element included in the IR light detection element 75 is made of silicon, the photosensitive sensitivity of the IR light detection element 75 to the wavelength range of IR light becomes higher. In this manner, a portion of the IR light is incident on the IR light detection element 75 after its intensity is reduced by the light reduction member 90. Therefore, in the IR light detection element 75 with high photosensitive sensitivity to IR light, its output saturation can be prevented. As a result, the amount of light generated from the IR light source 85 can be detected with high precision.

[0083] The light source unit 59 can operate in multiple modes with different amounts of light introduced into the beam guide 41 of the endoscope 10. These multiple modes are selected according to the purpose of the endoscopic examination, such as a first mode that combines A-ray, B-ray, G-ray and V-ray and introduces them into the beam guide 41, a second mode that only introduces IR light into the beam guide 41, and a third mode that combines G-ray and V-ray and introduces them into the beam guide 41.

[0084] The control unit 58 controls the amount of light generated by at least two of the five or more light sources 80 based on the light detected by the light detection element 70. For example, in the first mode, the control unit 58 controls the amount of light A, light B, light G, and light V to a target value. Furthermore, based on the light detected by the light detection element 72 and the light detection element 73, the control unit 58 controls the light intensity ratio of light G to light V in the third mode to be different from that in the first mode.

[0085] In addition, Figure 4In the example, a light detection element 70 is provided, corresponding to each of the five light sources 80, and detecting a portion of the light generated by the light source 80. However, the number of light detection elements 70 may be less than the number of light sources 80. Alternatively, the structure may be configured to only provide the light detection element 70 for light sources 80 requiring variable control of light intensity. For example, if light A is always controlled at a predetermined light intensity, the light detection element 71 for light A can be omitted. Thus, depending on the control pattern of the light source 80, at least one of the light detection elements 74 for light B, 73 for light V, 72 for light G, and 71 for light A can be omitted.

[0086] The light source unit 59 is configured to have five light sources 80, but it can also be configured to have six or more light sources 80 that generate light of different colors. In this case, the light source unit 59 can have six or more light sources 80, as long as it has four light sources 80 that generate light in the visible light region and two or more light sources 80 that generate light in the infrared region (e.g., a light source that generates light with a center wavelength of 805 nm and a light source that generates light with a center wavelength of 940 nm). This allows for imaging using infrared light of different wavelength bands. When two or more light sources 80 are provided that generate light in the infrared region, it is preferable to provide a light detection element 70 (the photoelectric conversion element is a silicon element) that detects a portion of the light generated by each of the two or more light sources 80, and a light reduction member 90 is provided on the light incident side of the light detection element 70.

[0087] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the first modified example of the light source unit 59. Figure 5 In the light source unit 59 shown, a limiting member 91 is provided between the IR light detection element 75 and the light reduction member 90 to limit the incident range of light towards the IR light detection element 75. Apart from this, [the following is also present]. Figure 4 The light source unit 59 shown is the same.

[0088] The limiting member 91 is composed of a slit or hole, etc. By providing the limiting member 91, the amount of light incident on the IR light detection element 75 is further reduced, thus further preventing the output saturation of the IR light detection element 75. Because of the presence of the light-reducing member 90, it is not necessary to make the size of the slit or hole constituting the limiting member 91 extremely small. Therefore, the manufacturing cost of the light source unit 59 can be reduced. Furthermore, the limiting member 91 can also be provided on the light incident side for other light detection elements 70 besides the IR light detection element 75.

[0089] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing the second variation of the light source unit 59. Figure 6 In the light source unit 59 shown, except for the following aspects, it is similar to... Figure 4 The light source unit 59 shown is the same, except that the dichroic mirror 61 and the B-light detection element 74 are deleted, the dichroic mirror 62 is replaced with the dichroic mirror 67, the IR light detection element 75 is replaced with the dichroic light detection element 76, and a beam-splitting filter 92 is added.

[0090] Dichroic mirror 67 reflects a portion of the B light generated by B light source 84, allowing it to reach the dichroic light detection element 76, and allows the remaining portion of the B light to pass through, reaching dichroic mirror 63. Dichroic mirror 67 allows a portion of the IR light generated by IR light source 85 to pass through, reaching the dichroic light detection element 76, and reflects the remaining portion of the IR light, allowing it to reach dichroic mirror 63.

[0091] The light-receiving area of ​​the dual-color light detection element 76 is divided into multiple regions, and each light-receiving region outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the amount of light received. The dual-color light detection element 76 may be, for example, a segmented silicon photodiode manufactured by Hamamatsu Photonics KK.

[0092] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the beam-splitting filter 92 and the dual-color light detection element 76 of the light source unit 59. The dual-color light detection element 76 has a first light-receiving region 76A made of silicon and a second light-receiving region 76B made of silicon, and is capable of detecting light separately for the first light-receiving region 76A and the second light-receiving region 76B. The beam-splitting filter 92 has a first filter 92A disposed on the light-incident side of the first light-receiving region 76A and a second filter 92B disposed on the light-incident side of the second light-receiving region 76B.

[0093] The first filter 92A allows IR light generated by the IR light source 85 to pass through, and absorbs or reflects B light generated by the B light source 84. Therefore, only the IR light from the IR light and the IR light from the B light that have passed through the light-reducing component 90 can be incident on the first light-receiving area 76A.

[0094] The second filter 92B allows B light generated by the B light source 84 to pass through, and absorbs or reflects IR light generated by the IR light source 85. Therefore, only the IR light and the B light in the B light that have passed through the light-reducing component 90 can be incident on the second light-receiving area 76B.

[0095] like Figure 6As shown, by using a light-detecting element 70 that divides the light-receiving area, miniaturization or cost reduction of the light source unit 59 can be achieved. Regarding other light-detecting elements 70 besides the dual-color light-detecting element 76, they can also be composed of segmented light-receiving devices comprising multiple light-receiving areas. Furthermore, the segmented light-receiving device is not limited to a light-receiving device with the light-receiving area divided into two areas; a light-receiving device with the light-receiving area divided into three or more areas can also be used. Figure 6 In the variant examples shown, it is also possible to Figure 5 The limiting component 91 shown is disposed between the beam-splitting filter 92 and the light-reducing component 90.

[0096] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the hardware structure used for communication between the endoscope 10 and the control device 11. An optical path 93 is provided in both the endoscope 10 and the control device 11 to allow light used for communication to pass through. The optical path 93 can be provided in separate optical paths for communication of image signals and for communication of control signals, but... Figure 8 In this example, the two optical paths with different uses are unified into one structure. That is, optical path 93 serves as both an optical path for image signals and an optical path for control signals (first control signal and second control signal).

[0097] A dichroic mirror 94 and a dichroic mirror 95 are provided on the optical path 93 in the endoscope 10. A dichroic mirror 96 and a dichroic mirror 97 are provided on the optical path 93 in the control device 11.

[0098] The signal transceiver unit 40 of the endoscope 10 includes a light-emitting device 40A and a light-receiving device 40B. Light IL based on the image signal emitted from the image signal transmitting unit 35 is incident on the dichroic mirror 94, passes through the dichroic mirror 94 and then passes through the dichroic mirror 95, and enters the control device 11 through the dichroic mirror 95.

[0099] Light CL2, based on the second control signal emitted from the light-emitting device 40A, is incident on the dichroic mirror 94, reflected by the dichroic mirror 94 and incident on the dichroic mirror 95, and enters the control device 11 through the dichroic mirror 95.

[0100] The signal transceiver unit 56 of the control device 11 includes a light-emitting device 56B and a light-receiving device 56A. Light IL based on the image signal passing through the dichroic mirror 95 of the endoscope 10 is incident on the dichroic mirror 96, passes through the dichroic mirror 96, and then passes through the dichroic mirror 97 to the image signal receiving unit 53.

[0101] Light CL2, based on the second control signal that has passed through the dichroic mirror 95 of the endoscope 10, is incident on the dichroic mirror 96 and is reflected by the dichroic mirror 96 and incident on the light receiving device 56A.

[0102] Light CL1, based on the first control signal emitted from the light-emitting device 56B, is incident on the dichroic mirror 97, reflected by the dichroic mirror 97, and then incident on the dichroic mirror 96, and finally incident on the dichroic mirror 95 of the endoscope 10. Light CL1, based on the first control signal incident on the dichroic mirror 95, is reflected by the dichroic mirror 95 and incident on the light-receiving device 40B.

[0103] The communication unit, consisting of optical path 93, dichroic mirror 94, dichroic mirror 95, light-emitting device 40A, light-receiving device 40B, image signal transmitting unit 35, image signal modulation unit 34, signal conversion unit 39, dichroic mirror 96, dichroic mirror 97, light-receiving device 56A, light-emitting device 56B, image signal receiving unit 53, image signal demodulation unit 54, and signal conversion unit 57, constitutes an optical communication unit for optical communication of image signals and control signals between endoscope 10 and control device 11.

[0104] Compared to control signals, image signals have a larger data volume and require a higher transmission speed. Therefore, the communication frequency (modulation frequency) of the image signal is set to a higher frequency than that of the first and second control signals. Considering this difference in communication frequency, it is preferable to use different types of light-emitting devices for the image signal transmitting unit 35 used in image signal communication and for the light-emitting devices 40A and 56B used in control signal communication.

[0105] For example, by using a laser diode as an example of a first-type light-emitting element, the light-emitting device included in the image signal transmitting unit 35, high-speed data transmission is easily achieved. Furthermore, by using light-emitting devices 40A and 56B as examples of second-type light-emitting elements, light-emitting diodes, manufacturing costs can be reduced. The ability to transmit image signals at high speed improves the responsiveness of the AE function based on high-speed image signal transmission. As a result, through light quantity control of the light source 80 based on the output of the light detection element 70 and the AE function, light quantity control can be further improved with high precision.

[0106] In this embodiment, the endoscope device 2 is a system comprising an endoscope 10 and a control device 11 including a light source device. Furthermore, the control device 11 is a system comprising a light source unit 59 and a processor (control unit 58).

[0107] As explained above, at least the following items are described in this specification. The components corresponding to the above embodiments are shown in parentheses below, but this is not a limitation. (1)

[0109] A light source device comprising:

[0110] Five or more light sources generate light of different colors;

[0111] The optical components are configured to guide light generated by the aforementioned five or more light sources into the beam guide of the endoscope.

[0112] Of the five or more light sources mentioned above, the wavelength of light generated by a specific light source other than the four light sources is longer than the wavelength of light generated by the four light sources mentioned above.

[0113] The light source device includes: a first light detection element that detects a portion of the light generated by the aforementioned specific light source and is made of silicon;

[0114] The light-reducing component reduces the light incident on the first light detection element. (2)

[0115] According to the light source device described in (1), wherein,

[0116] The aforementioned specific light source is the light source that generates light in the infrared wavelength band. (3)

[0118] According to the light source device described in (2), wherein,

[0119] The aforementioned light-reducing component is a Neutral Density filter. (4)

[0121] The light source device according to any one of (1) to (3) further comprises:

[0122] A limiting component is disposed between the light-reducing component and the first light-detecting element, and limits the incident range of light toward the first light-detecting element. (5)

[0124] According to any one of (1) to (4) the light source device, wherein,

[0125] The first optical detection element mentioned above is an optical detection element whose light-receiving area is divided into multiple regions. (6)

[0127] The light source device according to any one of (1) to (5) further comprises:

[0128] The second light detection element detects a portion of the light generated by at least one of the four light sources mentioned above. (7)

[0130] A system that possesses:

[0131] The light source device comprising any one of (1) to (6); and

[0132] The endoscope is connected to the aforementioned control device;

[0133] The communication unit is installed on the endoscope and the control device, and performs optical communication of image signals and control signals between the control device and the endoscope.

[0134] The aforementioned communication unit has an optical path through which light used for communication can pass.

[0135] The aforementioned optical path serves as both an optical path based on image signals and an optical path based on control signals.

[0136] The communication frequency of the aforementioned image signal is higher than the communication frequency of the aforementioned control signal. (8)

[0137] According to the system described in (7), wherein,

[0138] The aforementioned communication unit uses light generated by a first-type light-emitting element to communicate the aforementioned image signal, and uses light generated by a second-type light-emitting element, which is different from the first type, to communicate the aforementioned control signal. (9)

[0140] According to the system described in (8), wherein,

[0141] The first type of light-emitting element mentioned above is a laser diode.

[0142] The light-emitting element of the second type mentioned above is a light-emitting diode (LED). (10)

[0144] A system that possesses:

[0145] The light source device as described in any one of (1) to (6); and

[0146] processor,

[0147] The processor controls the amount of light generated by at least two of the five or more light sources.

Claims

1. A light source device, characterized in that, have: Five or more light sources produce light of different colors; and The optical components are configured to guide light generated by the five or more light sources into the beam guide of the endoscope. Of the five or more light sources, the wavelength of light generated by a specific light source other than the four light sources is longer than the wavelength of light generated by the four light sources. The light source device includes: a first light detection element, which detects a portion of the light generated by the specific light source and is made of silicon; and The light reduction component reduces the light incident on the first light detection element.

2. The light source device according to claim 1, characterized in that, in, The specific light source is a light source that generates light in the infrared wavelength band.

3. The light source device according to claim 2, characterized in that, in, The light-reducing component is a neutral density filter.

4. The light source device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, It also has: A limiting component is disposed between the light-reducing component and the first light-detecting element, and limits the incident range of light onto the first light-detecting element.

5. The light source device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, in, The first optical detection element is an optical detection element whose light-receiving area is divided into multiple regions.

6. The light source device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, It also has: The second light detection element detects a portion of the light generated by at least one of the four light sources.

7. A system, characterized in that, have: The control device includes the light source device according to any one of claims 1 to 3; An endoscope, connected to the control device; and A communication unit is provided on the endoscope and the control device, and performs optical communication of image signals and control signals between the control device and the endoscope. The communication unit has an optical path through which light used for communication can pass. The optical path serves as both an optical path based on image signals and an optical path based on control signals. The communication frequency of the image signal is higher than the communication frequency of the control signal.

8. The system according to claim 7, characterized in that, in, The communication unit uses light generated by a first-type light-emitting element to communicate the image signal, and uses light generated by a second-type light-emitting element, which is different from the first type, to communicate the control signal.

9. The system according to claim 8, characterized in that, in, The first type of light-emitting element is a laser diode. The second type of light-emitting element is a light-emitting diode.

10. A system, characterized in that, have: The light source device according to any one of claims 1 to 3; and processor, The processor controls the amount of light generated by at least two of the five or more light sources.

Images