Endoscope system

Abstract

Endoscope system (100, 200), including: a video processing device (120) that performs signal processing on an image; and an external device that can be detachably connected to the video processor device (120) and can store light source correspondence information corresponding to multiple light sources, wherein the video processor device (120) obtains the light source correspondence information from the external device and performs the signal processing corresponding to the light source correspondence information, and wherein the external device is a data storage device (140) which includes a data storage unit (145) in which the light source correspondence information is stored.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to an endoscope system in which various combinations of light sources and endoscopes can be used. State of the art

[0002] In order to easily perform a suitable white balance setting in a video processor for an electronic endoscope equipped with numerous lamps, which is related to individual lamps intended for use, a configuration was proposed in which the video processor is provided with a memory that stores white balance setting data corresponding to the lamps (see patent document 1).

[0003] Document WO 2012 / 121127 A1 discloses an endoscope system comprising an electronic endoscope and a processor. This endoscope system also includes an external light source device that can be connected to the processor. The electronic endoscope has a memory in which white balance parameters are stored. The white balance parameters are assigned to different types of light sources.

[0004] A corresponding endoscope system is described in publication WO 2015 / 194 422 A1. This system also includes a portable memory unit that stores correction data for white balance parameters and can be connected to a video processor. Brief description of the invention

[0005] However, according to the configuration described in document JP 2011-110104A, video processors used in the same environment must each be equipped with a new memory to store the data for their respective light source, and it is difficult to apply this configuration to existing systems. Furthermore, in cases where a light source other than the video processor's lamp is used, such as in stroboscopic imaging, it is not possible to apply the same configuration and perform the white balance adjustment.

[0006] One problem addressed by the present invention is to enable centralized management of information relating to light sources and to improve operational efficiency in an endoscope system in which various combinations of numerous types of light sources, video processors and endoscopes are used.

[0007] To solve this problem, an endoscope system according to claim 1 is provided.

[0008] An endoscope system of the present invention comprises: a video processor device that performs signal processing on an image; and an external device that is detachably connectable to the video processor device and can store light source correspondence information corresponding to multiple light sources, wherein the video processor device obtains the light source correspondence information from the external device and performs the signal processing corresponding to the light source correspondence information.

[0009] It is advantageous that the external device includes an input means for setting an examination mode, and the video processor receives light source correspondence information from the external device corresponding to a set examination mode. The light source correspondence information includes a white balance parameter, and the signal processing includes white balance adjustment processing. The endoscope system further comprises a light source device that is independent of the video processor device, wherein the external device can record light source correspondence information corresponding to the light source device, and the video processor can perform signal processing corresponding to a light source of the light source device.The video processing device can contain one or more light sources, and signal processing is performed based on the light source correspondence information corresponding to the light source used. The external device is, for example, a data storage device. Furthermore, the video processing device can display a message corresponding to a selected examination type.

[0010] The present invention makes it possible to carry out central management of information relating to light sources and to improve the operational efficiency in an endoscope system in which various combinations of numerous types of light sources, video processors and endoscopes are used. Brief description of the characters Fig. Figure 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an electronic endoscope system that represents an embodiment of the present invention in which a process light source is used for illumination. Fig. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an electronic endoscope system that represents an embodiment of the present invention in which a stroboscopic light source is used for illumination. Fig. Figure 3 is a flowchart of processes that are performed by a data storage device at the time the data storage device is put into operation. Fig. 4 is a flowchart of data input (during plan generation) in step S100 in Fig. 3. Fig. Figure 5 shows a flow of processes that are performed in a video processor device to establish data communication with the data storage device. Fig. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing a flow of processes that are performed in the data storage device to establish data communication with the video processor device. Fig. Figure 7 is a flowchart of operating processes for white balance adjustment that are performed in the video processor device. Fig. Figure 8 is a flowchart of processes that take place in a stroboscope device according to the processes in steps S504 and D506. Fig. 7 will be executed. Fig. 9 is a flowchart of processes that occur in the data storage device according to the processes in step S508 in Fig. 7 will be executed. Description of the exemplary implementations

[0011] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 are block diagrams showing the configurations of endoscope systems that are embodiments of the present invention. Fig. Figure 1 shows a configuration for the case where endoscope observation is performed using a light source provided in the video processor device, and Fig. Figure 2 shows a configuration for the case where endoscope observation is performed using a light source other than the light source provided in the video processor device.

[0012] An endoscope system 100, which is in Fig. Figure 1 shows a system configuration for when an upper endoscope is used to observe a stomach, duodenum, or the like. The endoscope system 100 includes an endoscope 110, a video processor 120 connected to the endoscope 110, a data storage device 140 detachably connected to the video processor 120 via a network, e.g., a LAN, and a monitor 150 connected to the video processor 120. The endoscope 110 is detachable from the video processor 120, and a suitable endoscope, appropriate to the type of examination and treatment to be performed, is attached. An image captured by the endoscope 110 is processed in the video processor 120 and then displayed on the monitor 150 and also recorded in the data storage device 140, as required, along with various additional information.

[0013] The endoscope 110 contains an image generation element 111, an analog signal processing circuit 112, a driver circuit 113, an endoscope timer 114, an endoscope CPU 115, an endoscope memory 116, a light guide 117 and endoscope buttons 118a to 118c.

[0014] The image generation element 111 is controlled by the driver circuit 113. A captured image is converted into a digital signal in the analog signal processing circuit 112 and output to the video processor device 120. The analog signal processing circuit 112 and the driver circuit 113 are subject to driver clock control by the endoscope timing controller 114, and the overall operation of the endoscope 110 is controlled by the endoscope CPU 115.

[0015] The endoscope CPU 115 is connected to the endoscope memory 116, which stores the device name, production number and the like of the endoscope 110, various types of setting information and the like.

[0016] In the endoscope 110 after Fig. 1. The optical fiber 117 is connected to the video processor device 120. Light from a light source 124 provided in the video processor device 120 is transmitted as illumination light and emitted from the leading end of the endoscope onto an object being observed.

[0017] Endoscope buttons 118a to 118c are switches operated by a person (i.e., a physician), and various functions of the endoscope 110 and the video processor 120 are assigned to these buttons. When endoscope buttons 118a to 118c are pressed, signals are transmitted to the endoscope CPU 115. If the functions assigned to the pressed endoscope buttons 118a to 118c are functions of the endoscope 110, the endoscope CPU 115 performs processing corresponding to these functions. If the assigned function is a function performed by the video processor 120, the endoscope CPU 115 sends a signal to the video processor 120 requesting the execution of that function.The endoscope CPU 115 can also receive data from the video processor device 120 and perform signal processing as well as various types of operating settings based on the received data.

[0018] One of the endoscope buttons 118a to 118c is assigned to a capture operation. When the endoscope button assigned to the capture operation is pressed, a still image is captured by the endoscope 110, which until then had been capturing a moving image for display on the monitor 150. The still image passes through the video processor 120 and is sent to the data storage device 140, where it is recorded in the memory of the data storage device 140, as described later. It should be noted that a configuration can be used in the image capture processing in which a moving image of a predetermined duration is recorded in the data storage device 140 instead of a still image.

[0019] The video processing device 120 includes a processor CPU 121, an internal storage unit 122, a processor memory 123, a light source 124, a signal processing unit 125, a processor timing unit 127 and the like.

[0020] The processor CPU 121 performs overall control of the video processor device 120 and is also connected via interfaces to the endoscope CPU 115, a data storage CPU 144 of the data storage device 140, and the like, and performs data communication with these CPUs. The processor memory 123 stores the device name, serial number, and similar information of the video processor device 120. The signal processing unit 125 receives image data output by the analog signal processing circuit 112 of the endoscope 110, performs predetermined image processing, including white balance adjustment, and outputs the processed image to the monitor 150. The operating clock control of units provided in the video processor device 120 and synchronization with the endoscope 110 are controlled based on signals originating from the processor timing controller 127.

[0021] The light source 124 is a halogen lamp, a xenon lamp, an LED lamp, or the like, and the light emitted from it passes through a condenser lens 128 and an aperture 129 and enters the light guide 117, which is attached to the video processor device 120. The aperture 129 is designed as a rotating aperture or the like and adjusts the amount and emission rate of the illumination light. The opening / closing and the driver timing of the aperture 129 are controlled by a motor 130, which is connected to the processor CPU 121.

[0022] Furthermore, a control panel 126, which serves as an input device, is connected to the processor CPU 121. The control panel 126 is equipped with numerous operating buttons and a display unit, such as an LCD, which shows setting menus and various types of information that the user needs to be aware of. By pressing the operating buttons, the user can operate the endoscope system 100 and supply the video processor device 120 with the necessary information, e.g., information about the object being observed.

[0023] The data storage device 140 comprises a main unit 141, a data storage monitor 142, and a keyboard and mouse 143, which represent data input units, and is connected to the video processor 120. The main unit 141 is equipped with a data storage CPU 144 and a data storage storage unit 145, and the data storage CPU 144 is connected to the processor CPU 121, the data storage storage unit 145, the data storage monitor 142, and an input unit 143, such as a keyboard / mouse. The data storage storage unit 145 is a non-volatile memory and provides storage for captured images and various types of data related to endoscopic observation. These various types of data include white balance data corresponding to the types of examination and a database containing this data.This white balance data (light source correspondence information) is stored in correspondence with numerous types of light sources, e.g., the light source provided in the video processor device and the light source unit of a stroboscope device. The data storage monitor 142 displays menus and lists of stored data, and the user enters various types of data and makes adjustments by operating the input unit 143. Before using the endoscope, the user enters the type of examination and various types of patient- and consultation-related data into the data storage device 140.

[0024] The video processor device 120 is used with a bronchoscope, laryngoscope, capsule endoscope, colonoscope, upper endoscope, nasal endoscope, duodenoscope, and the like. The following examination types can be set in the endoscope 100 (200) in correspondence with the aforementioned endoscopes. A bronchoscope is used in bronchoscopy (hereinafter abbreviated as BRO) for observing the interior of the bronchi, and a laryngoscope is used in stroboscopic observation. A capsule endoscope is used in capsule endoscopy, and a colonoscope is used in colonoscopy for observing the interior of the intestine. An upper endoscope is used in upper endoscopy for observing the interior of the gastrointestinal tract (esophagus, stomach, etc.).) used; a nasal endoscope is used in ear, nose and throat endoscopy to observe the ears, nose and throat; and a duodenoscope is used in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP).

[0025] In these examination procedures, the Signal Processing Unit 125 performs image processing, such as pixel enhancement, tailored to the specific examination procedure to enable the physician to obtain a more precise image of the affected body part. The endoscopes can also be used in examination methods that employ other endoscopes. In this case, the Signal Processing Unit 125 performs image processing, such as pixel enhancement, adapted to the object being observed and the examination objective.

[0026] This image processing includes, for example, gain adjustment, white balance adjustment, edge enhancement, and pixel enhancement. Gain adjustment is used to set the amplification of image data and adjust the signal level to a level suitable for observation. White balance adjustment is used to adjust the white balance of image data to improve color accuracy. Edge enhancement is used to enhance edges in the image, such as the edges of an affected body part, to clarify the area of ​​the affected body part and thus facilitate observation and detection.Pixel enhancement is a processing technique used to amplify only reflected light of a specific wavelength, in order to simplify the viewing of an affected body part that reflects light of that particular wavelength.

[0027] In the Fig. In the endoscope system 200 shown in Figure 2, an endoscope 210 is attached to the video processor device 120 instead of the endoscope 110. Furthermore, a light source device 220, which is different from the video processor device 120, is used as the light source. It should be noted that in Fig. 2 the configurations of the video processor device 120, the data storage device 140 and the monitor 150 similar to those in Fig. 1 are.

[0028] In the endoscope system 200 after Fig. In Figure 2, the endoscope 210 is, for example, a laryngoscope, and the light source device 220 is, for example, a stroboscope device (stroboscopic light source device). A light guide 217 of the endoscope 210 is attached to the light source device 220 and connected to a light source unit 221 in the light source device 220. The light source unit 221 is controlled by a stroboscope CPU 222 and supplies illumination light to the light guide 217 according to a voice frequency, which originates, for example, from a microscope 223. The stroboscope CPU 222 is connected to and exchanges data with the video processor device 120 and a stroboscope memory unit 224. The stroboscope memory unit 224 is a non-volatile memory that stores the model name, serial number, and the like.

[0029] It should be noted that the functions of an image generation element 211, an analog signal processing circuit 212, a driver circuit 213, a timer 214, an endoscope CPU 215, a memory 216 and endoscope buttons 218a to 218c in the endoscope 210 are similar to those of the image generation element 111, the analog signal processing circuit 112, the driver circuit 113, the timer 114, the endoscope CPU 115, the memory 116 and the endoscope buttons 118a to 118c of the endoscope 110.

[0030] Fig. Figure 3 is a flowchart of processes that are performed in the data storage device 140 when an investigation is to be started (at the time of commissioning the data storage device 140).

[0031] When the data storage device 140 is switched on and the processes are started, for example, a folder assigned to the respective patient is selected, or a new folder is created for a new patient (step S100). Next, it is determined whether the selected examination type is, for example, bronchoscopy (BRO) or not (step S102). If the examination type is bronchoscopy (BRO), a command for bronchoscopy (BRO) is sent to the video processor device 120 (step S104), whereupon the processing ends.

[0032] If the selected examination type is not bronchoscopy (BRO) (step S102), it is determined whether the examination type is stroboscopic observation (step S106). If it is determined that the examination type is stroboscopic observation, a command for stroboscopic observation is sent to the video processor unit 120 (step S108), whereupon this processing ends. If it is determined that the examination type is not stroboscopic observation (step S106), it is then similarly determined successively whether the examination type is one that can be set in the data storage unit 140 (represented by step S110). Once the examination type is identified, a command corresponding to this examination type is sent to the video processor unit 120 (represented by step S112), and then this processing ends.

[0033] After this processing is complete, the data storage device 140, for example, performs an interrupt processing operation, repeatedly executing a data communication processing operation and an image acquisition readiness operation described later. If the examination type has not been set, the user is notified, the procedure returns to step S110, and the examination type is set. The command sent to the video processor device 120 (S104, S108, S112) includes a command to change the endoscope connected to the video processor device 120, as described later.

[0034] Fig. Figure 4 is a flowchart of a data input (during plan generation) that is performed in step S100.

[0035] Is this done in step S100? Fig. 3. Once a plan generation process has been initiated, the user first enters data such as the examination room, the examination date, and the examination time (step S200), and then enters the name of the examining physician (step S201) and patient information (patient name, age, gender, etc.) (step S202). The user also selects the type of examination to be performed (step S203). Finally, the user enters any other comments (step S204), and then the plan generation process ends in step S100.

[0036] Fig. Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of processes performed in the video processor device 120 to establish data communication with the data storage device 140. It should be noted that this processing is performed periodically, for example, as interrupt processing in the processor CPU 121.

[0037] In this processing step, it is first determined whether a command has been received from the data storage device 140 (step S300). If no command has been received, this processing ends, and another processing step is performed that is required for the video processor device 120. If a command is received from the data storage device 140, the settings of the video processor device 120 are changed according to the received command (step S302), and it is determined whether the examination type is "stroboscopic observation" or not (step S304).

[0038] If the examination type is "stroboscopic observation", a warning message (contained in the command originating from the data storage device 140) such as "Connect light source insertion part to stroboscopic device" is displayed on the monitor 150 and the display of the control panel 126, prompting the user to use a stroboscopic light source (step S306). If the examination type is not "stroboscopic observation", a warning message (contained in the command originating from the data storage device 140) such as "Connect light source insertion part to processor" is displayed on the monitor 150 and the display of the control panel 126, prompting the user to use the light source of the video processor device (step S308).

[0039] Once the processing of step S306 or step S308 is complete, it is determined whether an endoscope is connected or not (step S310). If an endoscope is not connected, this processing ends, and a warning is displayed, for example, instructing the connection of an endoscope. It is then determined again whether the examination type is "stroboscopic observation" or not (step S312). If the examination type is "stroboscopic observation," a transmission request, requesting the model name and serial number, is issued to the stroboscope CPU 222 of the connected stroboscope device (light source device) 220 (step S314), and this data (model name and serial number) is received by the stroboscope device (light source device) 220 (step S316).

[0040] Based on the model name and serial number received from the stroboscope (light source device) 220, the processor CPU 121 sends a request command to the data storage device 140 to transmit stroboscope light source white balance data (white balance parameters) corresponding to the model name, serial number, and inspection type (step S318). It then determines whether white balance data has been received from the data storage device 140 (step S320). If no white balance data has been received, this process terminates. If, however, white balance data has been received from the data storage device 140 (step S320), an RGB gain adjustment for the white balance (white balance adjustment) is performed in the signal processing unit 125 based on the received data (step S322), and then this processing terminates.

[0041] If, however, step S312 determines that the examination type is not "stroboscopic observation", the model name and serial number of the video processor device 120 and the examination type are transmitted to the data storage device 140, and a request command requesting white balance data corresponding to the examination type and the processor light source 124 is sent to the data storage device 140 (step S324). It is then determined whether the white balance data has been received from the data storage device 140, and the system waits for the received data (step S320). If white balance data is received from the data storage device 140, an RGB gain adjustment for white balance (white balance adjustment) is performed in the signal processing unit 125 based on the received data (step S322), and then this process ends.

[0042] Fig. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing a flow of processes performed in the data storage device 140 to establish data communication with the video processing device 120 according to processes in the video processing device 120. Fig. 5. This processing is executed repeatedly, for example as interrupt processing in processor CPU 121.

[0043] The data storage CPU 144 determines whether a request command for white balance data transfer has been received from the video processing device 120 (step S400). If received, the processor model name and serial number, as well as the examination type contained in the transmitted command, are read from the database in the data storage unit 145 according to the white balance data and transferred to the video processing device 120 (step S402), whereupon this processing ends. If no request command for white balance data transfer has been received from the video processing device 120, this processing ends immediately.

[0044] Fig. Figure 7 is a flowchart of white balance adjustment operational processes performed in the video processor device 120. This processing is performed while the user, for example, uses an adjustment device that has a whiteboard, and is repeated as interrupt processing in the processor CPU 121.

[0045] In this process, it is determined whether a stroboscopic light source white balance button, such as that provided on the control panel 126, has been pressed or not (step S500), and if it is determined that the stroboscopic light source white balance button has been pressed, the white balance adjustment operation is carried out (step S502). In other words, as is known per se, the leading end of the endoscope is inserted by the user into an adjustment device, an image of a white reference plate is taken, and the RGB gain ratio is adjusted to obtain a predetermined white balance in the image in the video processor device 120.

[0046] A request to transmit the model name and serial number is then sent to the strobe device 220 (step S504), and the model name and serial number are received by the strobe device 220 (step S506). The received model name and serial number of the strobe device 220, along with the RGB gain ratio (white balance data) obtained in step S502, are transmitted to the data storage device 140 (step S508), at which point this processing ends.

[0047] If, however, step S500 determines that the stroboscopic light source white balance button has not been pressed, then it is determined whether a processor light source white balance button has been pressed or not (step S510). If it is determined that the processor light source white balance button has been pressed, the white balance adjustment operation is performed similarly to step S502 (step S512). The model name and serial number of the processor device, along with the white balance data obtained in step S512, are transferred to data storage device 140 (step S514), at which point this processing ends. If step S510 determines that the video processor device white balance button has not been pressed, i.e., neither the stroboscopic light source white balance button nor the processor light source white balance button has been pressed, this processing ends immediately.

[0048] Fig. Figure 8 is a flowchart of processes that are performed in the stroboscopic device 220, and this flowchart includes processing that corresponds to the processes of steps S504 and 506 in Fig. 7 corresponds to. The one in Fig. The sequence shown in Figure 8 is, for example, repeatedly executed as an interrupt process in the stroboscope CPU 222. This sequence consists of a process to determine whether a request to transmit a model name and serial number has been received from the video processor device 120 (step S600), and a process to, if such a transmission request has been received, read the model name and serial number from the stroboscope storage unit 224 and transmit them to the video processor device 120 (step S602).

[0049] Fig. Figure 9 is a flowchart of processes executed in data storage device 140, which correspond to processing according to the process of step S508 in Fig. 7, and this process is repeatedly executed, for example, as interrupt processing in the data storage CPU 144. In the process after Fig. Step 9 determines whether a model name, serial number and corresponding white balance data have been received from the video processor device 120 (step S700), and if such data have been received, the database in the data storage unit 145 is accessed and the white balance data corresponding to the model name and serial number is updated or regenerated (step S702).

[0050] As the above description of the endoscope systems of the present embodiment shows, in an endoscope system using various combinations of numerous types of light sources (e.g., a processor light source or a stroboscopic light source), video processors, or endoscopes, light source-related information such as white balance data can be managed centrally by a data storage device shared by numerous video processors. This eliminates the need to store the same information in each video processor, thus improving operational efficiency. This system can also be easily applied to conventional video processors, and data exchange with this system is straightforward.

[0051] It is possible to use an externally connected device designed for the central management of information related to light sources. The present embodiment is also applicable to the case where a video processor device contains numerous light sources. Reference symbol list 100 Electronic Endoscope System 110, 210 Endoscope 117, 217 Fiber optic cable 120 video processor device 121 Processor CPO 123 storage 124 Processor light source 125 Signal processing unit 126 Control panel 140 Data storage device 144 Data storage CPU 145 Data storage unit 150 Monitor 220 Stroboscope device 221 Light source unit 222 Strobe CPU 223 Microphone 224 Stroboscope storage unit

Claims

[1] Endoscope system (100, 200), comprising: a video processing device (120) that performs signal processing on an image; and an external device that can be detachably connected to the video processor device (120) and can store light source correspondence information corresponding to multiple light sources, wherein the video processor device (120) obtains the light source correspondence information from the external device and performs the signal processing corresponding to the light source correspondence information, and wherein the external device is a data storage device (140) which includes a data storage unit (145) in which the light source correspondence information is stored. [2] Endoscope system (100, 200) according to claim 1, wherein the external device includes an input means (126) for setting an examination type, and the video processor device (120) obtains light source correspondence information from the external device that corresponds to a set examination type. [3] Endoscope system (100, 200) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the light source correspondence information includes a white balance parameter and the signal processing includes a white balance adjustment processing. [4] Endoscope system (200) according to one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a light source device (221) that is independent of the video processor device (120), wherein the external device can record light source correspondence information corresponding to the light source device (221), and the video processor device (120) can perform signal processing corresponding to a light source of the light source device (221). [5] Endoscope system (100, 200) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the video processor device (120) includes one or more light sources (124, 221) and the signal processing is carried out on the basis of the light source correspondence information corresponding to a light source (124, 221) used. [6] Endoscope system according to claim 2, wherein the video processor device (120) displays a message corresponding to a selected examination type.

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