Observation system and light emitting method

Abstract

To provide an observation system and a light emission method that prevent incorrect selection of illumination light used in an illumination device for image observation and illumination light used in an illumination device for open field.SOLUTION: An aspect of the present disclosure relates to an observation system including a control device that controls irradiation light with which different irradiation environments are irradiated, in which the control device includes a control unit that controls a light source device that generates the irradiation light, and an acquisition unit that acquires irradiation environment information regarding an irradiation environment of the irradiation light, and the control unit causes a display unit to display a first software key in a case where the irradiation environment information acquired by the acquisition unit includes an open field, and causes the display unit to display a second software key in a case where the irradiation environment information does not include an open field, a function corresponding to predetermined light emission is disabled in the first software key, and the function corresponding to the predetermined light emission is enabled in the second software key.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an observation system and a light emission method. [Background technology]

[0002] It is generally known that when an optical image through an endoscope such as a rigid scope is captured by an image sensor, the time for storing electric charges is shortened and the transfer rate of the image signal is increased. For this purpose, a blinking light may be used as the illumination light supplied to the endoscope from the light source device. In addition, when the blinking light is used as the illumination light, if the blinking light is received by the eyes of the surgeon, the frequency band is switched to one in which flicker is not felt. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2009-268617 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, a light source device used in an illumination device for image observation such as a rigid endoscope may be provided so as to be connectable to other medical observation devices. For example, when performing an abdominal surgery, the light source device may be connected to a medical illumination device such as a ring light. In this case, a common user interface may be used for the illumination device for image observation and the medical illumination device to control the light emission of the light source device.

[0005] In addition, due to differences in their applications, the characteristics of the illumination light may be changed when the light source device is connected to an illumination device for image observation and when it is connected to a medical illumination device. However, since the light source device can be connected to both an illumination device for image observation and a medical illumination device, there is a risk that the illumination light to be selected may be mistakenly selected on the user interface.

[0006] The present disclosure provides an observation system and a light emission method that prevent erroneous selection of illumination light used in an illumination device for image observation and illumination light used in a medical illumination device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to an observation system including a control device that controls irradiation light to be irradiated into different irradiation environments, the control device having a control unit that controls a light source device that generates the irradiation light, and an acquisition unit that acquires irradiation environment information related to the environment of irradiation of the irradiation light, the control unit causes a first software key to be displayed on the display unit when the irradiation environment information acquired by the acquisition unit includes an open field, and causes a second software key to be displayed on the display unit when the irradiation environment information does not include an open field, the first software key having a function corresponding to a predetermined light emission disabled, and the second software key having a function corresponding to the predetermined light emission enabled.

[0008] The predetermined light emission may be a light emission that produces a flicker that is perceptible to the human eye.

[0009] The predetermined light emission may be light emission that switches over time between a plurality of light emission states that differ in at least one of brightness and wavelength at a frequency of 3 Hz or more and less than 65 Hz.

[0010] The predetermined light emission includes periodically repeating at least a first state and a second state having a higher light emission intensity in the visible light band than the first state, and the second state may have a period longer than 7.7 ms.

[0011] The software key to be disabled and the software key to be enabled may be displayed in different manners on the display unit.

[0012] The first software key and the second software key are software keys related to brightness control, and may be associated with a target value of brightness.

[0013] The range of brightness selectable with the second software key may be wider than the range of brightness selectable with the first software key.

[0014] The range of target brightness values ​​selectable by the user may be different between the first software key and the second software key.

[0015] The first software key and the second software key may be associated with a viewing mode selection function.

[0016] The first software key and the second software key may be a function for selecting a fluorescence wavelength or an excitation wavelength.

[0017] The first software key may have a function corresponding to the emission of visible light disabled, and the second software key may have a function corresponding to the emission of visible light enabled.

[0018] The acquisition unit acquires a type of the light guiding unit connected to the light source device as irradiation environment information, and determines that a case where the light source device is connected via a first type of light guiding unit includes an open field; A case where the light source device is connected via a second type of light guiding section different from the first type may be determined to not include an open field.

[0019] The acquisition section may acquire, as the illumination environment information, a captured image output from an imaging device that captures light from a subject, and determine whether or not the captured image includes an open field based on the captured image.

[0020] The acquisition unit has a recognition function for recognizing a category of a captured image, The acquisition unit may determine whether or not an open field is included based on the category.

[0021] The illumination device for image observation attached to the imaging device blocks part of the light from the subject in a form different from that of the illumination device for an open field attached to the imaging device, while allowing the imaging device to receive the light. The acquisition unit acquires information on the light-blocked parts in the captured image output from the imaging device as illumination environment information, and may determine whether or not an open field is included based on the information on the light-blocked parts.

[0022] The acquisition unit may acquire information as illumination environment information as to whether or not the image observation illumination device has passed through the trocar, and may determine whether or not an open field is included based on the information as to whether or not the trocar has passed through.

[0023] When the control device is started up, the first software key may be displayed on the display unit.

[0024] The illumination device may further include a light source device connectable to the illumination device for image observation and the illumination device for open field use, and an imaging device connectable to the illumination device for image observation and the illumination device for open field use.

[0025] The control device may have a mode that, when the imaging device connected to the control device has a first imaging element that receives white light and a second imaging element that receives fluorescence generated by excitation light, controls the light source device to periodically emit excitation light and white light at a predetermined interval, and to emit light of at least a portion of the wavelength band of the white light even during the emission period of the excitation light.

[0026] The predetermined light emission may be a light emission that causes flicker that is detectable by the human eye, and a light emission that causes flicker that is not detectable by the human eye but that affects humans.

[0027] The predetermined light emission is light emission that switches between a plurality of light emission states having different brightness and / or wavelength over time at a frequency of 3 Hz or more and less than a predetermined value, X Hz. XHz may be a frequency that can be determined based on the region of use.

[0028] The predetermined light emission is a periodic repetition of at least a first state and a second state having a higher light emission intensity in the visible light band than the first state, and the second state is maintained for a period longer than Yms. Yms may be 500 divided by XHz.

[0029] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method for emitting irradiation light to be irradiated into different irradiation environments, the method including: an acquisition step of acquiring an information signal including irradiation environment information related to an environment for irradiating the irradiation light; a determination step of determining whether the irradiation environment information includes an open field based on the information signal; and a display step of causing a display unit to display a first software key using a control signal when the irradiation environment information includes an open field, and causing a display unit to display a second software key using a control signal when the irradiation environment information does not include an open field, wherein the first software key has a function corresponding to a predetermined light emission disabled, and the second software key has a function corresponding to the predetermined light emission enabled.

[0030] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to an observation system including a control device that controls irradiation light to be irradiated into different irradiation environments, the control device including a control unit that controls a light source device that generates the irradiation light, and an acquisition unit that acquires irradiation environment information related to the environment of irradiation of the irradiation light, the control unit causes a first software key to be displayed on the display unit when the irradiation environment information acquired by the acquisition unit includes an open field, and causes a second software key to be displayed on the display unit when the irradiation environment information does not include an open field, the first software key corresponding to a function of periodically repeating at least a first state and a second state having a higher emission intensity in the visible light band than the first state, the second state having a restriction that the emission has a period longer than 7.7 ms, and the second software key having no restriction. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0031] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a medical observation system, particularly a diagram showing a case in which the medical observation system is configured as an endoscopic device equipped with a rigid scope (endoscope). [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of use of a medical observation system configured as an endoscopic device (particularly an example of light emission from a rigid endoscope). [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of use of a medical observation system configured as an surgical field illumination observation device in which a ring light (medical lighting device) is connected to a light source device (particularly an example of light emission from the ring light). [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a medical observation system (endoscopic device) equipped with a rigid endoscope. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a medical observation system (surgical field illumination observation device) equipped with a ring light. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration using a liquid crystal touch panel. [Figure 7] 11A and 11B are diagrams showing examples of software keys for a ring light. [Figure 8] 11A to 11C are diagrams showing examples of light emission adjustments ranging from maximum to minimum target light amounts of light emission. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining PWM control in a first example of light emission adjustment. [Figure 10] 11A and 11B are diagrams showing how a display form is changed depending on a determination made by an acquisition unit; [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a captured image acquired by an imaging device via a rigid endoscope. [Figure 12] 1 is a diagram showing an example of a captured image acquired by an imaging device via a ring light; [Figure 13] 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a process for suppressing blinking light emission. [Figure 14] 11 is a flowchart showing an example of processing including a mode change. [Figure 15] A table showing brightness target values ​​associated with software keys. [Figure 16] 11A and 11B are diagrams showing transitions of determinations made by an acquisition unit; [Figure 17] 11A and 11B are diagrams showing a second example of light emission adjustment in which the target light amount ranges from the maximum to the minimum. [Figure 18] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining PWM control in a second example of light emission adjustment. [Figure 19] A table showing the brightness targets associated with the software keys for the ring light. [Figure 20] 4A and 4B are diagrams illustrating the sensitivity of an image sensor according to the embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a captured image acquired by an imaging device via a rigid endoscope. [Figure 22] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a case where light is supplied to a ring light. [Diagram 23] 11A and 11B are diagrams showing how the determination of the acquisition unit changes during fluorescent photography. [Figure 24] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an imaging element of the imaging device. [Diagram 25] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the case where light is supplied to a rigid endoscope. [Figure 26] 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a process at the time of startup. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0032] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0033] (First embodiment) Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of an observation system 10, particularly showing a case where the medical observation system is configured as an endoscope device equipped with a rigid scope (endoscope: an illumination device for image observation for living body observation) 18. Fig. 2 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of use of the observation system 10 configured as an endoscope device (particularly an example of light emission from the rigid scope 18). Fig. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of use of the observation system 10 configured as an operating field illumination observation device in which a ring light (an open field illumination device for living body observation) 19 is connected to a light source device 13 (particularly an example of light emission from the ring light 19).

[0034] The observation system 10 is used to observe a target area of ​​a subject 90, such as a patient, via a captured image or with the naked eye. The observation system 10 shown in FIG. 1 includes an imaging device 11, a control device 12, a light source device 13, and a display device 14.

[0035] The light source device 13 is provided so as to be connectable to a rigid scope 18 (see Figs. 1 and 2) and a ring light 19 (see Fig. 3), and emits light under the control of the control device 12. The light source device 13 can emit light in any wavelength range, and can have any device configuration capable of emitting, for example, white light and / or narrow band light.

[0036] The white light referred to here is light that contains visible light components of various colors, and the specific spectral characteristics (wavelength distribution) are not limited as long as the light is perceivable as white. On the other hand, narrowband light contains light in a specific wavelength range among the visible light wavelength range and the non-visible light wavelength range as a main light component, and has any spectral characteristics based on a central wavelength (peak wavelength). The light source device 13 may emit, as narrowband light, excitation light (e.g., infrared light) for exciting a fluorescent staining reagent used for staining the tissue (cells) of the observation target to emit fluorescence.

[0037] In addition, the light source device 13 may be configured to emit not only light for irradiating the object of observation, but also light for any other purpose (for example, light for checking the connection status between the light guide 16 and the rigid scope 18) as needed.

[0038] The rigid scope 18 of this example is connected to the light source device 13 via a detachable light guide 16 (first type light guiding section). That is, a first light guide end 16a on one end side of the light guide 16 is detachably attached to the light source device 13, and a second light guide end 16b on the other end side is detachably connected to an optical connection section 22 of the rigid scope 18.

[0039] On the other hand, the ring light 19 of this example (see FIG. 3) has a light guide 32 (a second type light guiding section) as a part thereof, and is connected to the light source device 13 via the light guide 32. That is, one end of the light guide 32 is provided integrally with the main body section 30 of the ring light 19 (that is, so as not to be detached from the main body section 30), and the other end of the light guide 32 is connected to the light source device 13 in a detachable manner.

[0040] 1 and 2 has an insertion section 20, and an optical connection section 22 and an imaging connection section 23 provided on the base end side of the insertion section 20. An optical transmission section (light guide) and an objective lens are provided on the end face of an insertion tip section 21 of the insertion section 20 located on the opposite side to the base end side. Light transmitted from the light source device 13 via the light guide 16 is emitted from the optical transmission section on the tip end face of the insertion section 20, and the reflected light (observation light / imaging light) enters the objective lens and is guided to the imaging connection section 23 through the inside of the insertion section 20.

[0041] The imaging connection part 23 is detachably connected to the connection part of the imaging device 11. Observation light transmitted through the objective lens passes through the imaging connection part 23 and enters the imaging device 11, and is received by the imaging device 11. The imaging connection part 23 can also function as an eyepiece. With the imaging connection part 23 detached from the imaging device 11, a user such as an operator can also directly view the observation light through the imaging connection part 23.

[0042] 3 has a main body 30, and a light emitting unit 31, a light guide 32, and an imaging connection unit 33 that are provided integrally with the main body 30. Light transmitted from the light source device 13 via the light guide 32 is emitted from the light emitting unit 31, and the reflected light (observation light / imaging light) is guided to the imaging connection unit 33 via an optical system (not shown) provided inside the main body 30.

[0043] The imaging connection section 33 is detachably connected to the connection section of the imaging device 11, and the observation light transmitted via the optical system passes through the imaging connection section 33 and enters the imaging device 11, and is received by the imaging device 11. The imaging connection section 33 can also function as an eyepiece section. With the imaging connection section 33 detached from the imaging device 11, a user such as an operator can also directly view the observation light via the imaging connection section 33.

[0044] The imaging device 11 is provided so as to be connectable to the rigid scope 18 and the ring light 19, and receives observation light via the connected rigid scope 18 or ring light 19. The imaging device 11 is connected to the control device 12 via a signal transmission cable 15 (see FIG. 1; not shown in FIGS. 2 and 3). A captured image corresponding to the observation light received via the rigid scope 18 or ring light 19 is sent from the imaging device 11 to the control device 12 via the signal transmission cable 15.

[0045] The control device 12 is connected to the imaging device 11, the light source device 13, and the display device 14, and controls the imaging device 11, the light source device 13, and the display device 14. The control device 12 can also control the rigid scope 18 or the ring light 19 connected to the imaging device 11 via the imaging device 11. The control device 12, for example, causes the display device 14 to display the captured image sent from the imaging device 11, and controls the light emission of the light source device 13 as described below.

[0046] When the rigid scope 18 is used in the above-described observation system 10 (see FIG. 2), for example, the insertion tip 21 of the rigid scope 18 is inserted into the abdominal cavity (inside the body) inside the peritoneum 91 of the subject 90, and light is emitted from the insertion tip 21 inside the abdominal cavity. On the other hand, when the ring light 19 is used (see FIG. 3), the ring light 19 emits light from the light emitting unit 31 outside the subject 90 (peritoneum 91).

[0047] Next, an example of the functional configuration of the observation system 10 will be described.

[0048] Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a medical observation system (endoscopic device) 10 equipped with a rigid scope 18. Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a medical observation system (operative field illumination observation device) 10 equipped with a ring light 19.

[0049] 4 and 5 (endoscopic device and surgical field illumination observation device), the imaging device 11, the control device 12, and the light source device 13 have the same configuration. That is, the observation system 10 constitutes an endoscope device (see FIG. 4) by connecting a rigid scope 18 to the imaging device 11 and the light source device 13, and constitutes a surgical field illumination observation device (see FIG. 5) by connecting a ring light 19 to the imaging device 11 and the light source device 13.

[0050] The light source device 13 shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 includes a control unit 40, a storage unit 41, a first light source 42, a second light source 43, a lens unit 44, and a connector 45.

[0051] The control unit 40 of the light source device 13 controls the first light source 42, the second light source 43, and the lens unit 44 under the control of the control device 12 (particularly the control unit 60). In this example, the first light source 42 emits white light, and the second light source 43 emits narrowband light. The light emitted by the first light source 42 and the second light source 43 passes through the lens unit 44 and travels toward the light guide 16 (see FIG. 4) / light guide 32 (see FIG. 5) connected to the connector 45. The emission of white light from the first light source 42 and the emission of narrowband light from the second light source 43 may be performed simultaneously, alternately, or only one of them may be performed. In addition, the control unit 40 accesses the storage unit 41 as necessary, reads out information (which may include data and programs) from the storage unit 41, and stores new information in the storage unit 41.

[0052] The imaging device 11 shown in Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 has a control unit 50, a lens unit 51, an imaging element 52, a signal processing unit 53, and a communication unit 54. Observation light (photographing light) L1 incident on the imaging device 11 is guided by the lens unit 51 and received by the imaging element 52. The imaging element 52 is configured by, for example, a CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor) image sensor or a CCD (Charge-Coupled Device) image sensor. The captured image output from the imaging element 52 that has received the observation light L1 is subjected to image processing (signal processing) in the signal processing unit 53, and then sent to the control device 12 via the communication unit 54.

[0053] The lens unit 51, the image sensor 52, the signal processing unit 53, and the communication unit 54 are driven under the control of the control unit 50. The control unit 50 of the image pickup device 11 is controlled by the control device 12 (particularly the control unit 60).

[0054] 4 and 5 includes a control unit 60, a communication unit 61, an image generating unit 62, a storage unit 63, an acquiring unit 64, and a touch panel 65. The touch panel 65 includes an input unit 65a and an output unit 66b. The touch panel 65 according to the present embodiment corresponds to a display unit.

[0055] The captured image received from the communication unit 54 of the imaging device 11 via the signal transmission cable 15 and the communication unit 61 undergoes various processes in the image generation unit 62. For example, when the captured image is a normal image based on white light, the captured image undergoes arbitrary image processing by the normal light processing unit 62a of the image generation unit 62, and is then processed into a display image by the display control unit 62c, and the display image is output to the display device 14 and the acquisition unit 64. When the captured image is an excited luminescence image (fluorescence image) of a fluorescent staining reagent, the captured image undergoes arbitrary image processing by the special light processing unit 62b of the image generation unit 62, and is then processed into a display image by the display control unit 62c, and the display image is output to the display device 14 and the acquisition unit 64. The display device 14 displays the display image received from the image generation unit 62. Data used and / or data generated by the image generation unit 62 (each of the normal light processing unit 62a to the display control unit 62c) is sent to the control unit 60 as necessary.

[0056] The control unit 60 controls the image generating unit 62, the storage unit 63, the acquisition unit 64, and the touch panel 65. The control unit 60 also accesses the storage unit 63 as necessary, reads out information (which may include data and programs) from the storage unit 63, and stores new information in the storage unit 63. The acquisition unit 64 acquires an information signal including irradiation environment information related to the irradiation environment. That is, the acquisition unit 64 can determine whether or not the irradiation environment information includes an open field. For example, the acquisition unit 64 determines whether or not the irradiation environment information, which is information on the irradiation environment in which either the rigid scope 18 or the ring light 19 connected to the light source device 13 irradiates, includes an open field. As a result, the acquisition unit 64 can determine whether the irradiation environment is at least one of the rigid scope 18 and the ring light 19 for the medical lighting device connected to the light source device 13. The acquisition unit 64 according to this embodiment has a determination processing function, but is not limited to this. For example, the control unit 60 may be configured to have the determination processing function. The details of the acquisition unit 64 will be described later.

[0057] 6 is a diagram showing an example of the touch panel 65 according to the present embodiment, which is configured, for example, by a liquid crystal touch panel. The touch panel 65 has an input section 65a and an output section 65b. For example, the software keys 500 and 502 correspond to the input section 65a, and the area 504 corresponds to the output section 65b. For example, instructions and information input by the user via the input section 65a are sent to the control section 60 and are appropriately used for control by the control section 60. The output section 65b is driven under the control of the control section 60, and outputs visual information (display information) to present various information to the user.

[0058] FIG. 6 shows an example of the software keys 500, 502 for the rigid scope 18 when the acquisition unit 64 determines that the irradiation environment information does not include an open field. For example, the software keys 500, 502 are input devices (keys) generated on the screen of the touch panel 65 by software under the control unit 60 in response to a control signal. The software keys 500, 502 are displayed on the screen of the touch panel 65, and input is performed by designating the keys on the screen. For example, the software keys 500, 502 are software keys related to brightness control, and are associated with a target value of brightness. As described above, the software keys 500, 502 are regions serving as the input unit 65a.

[0059] As described above, the area 504 is an area serving as the output unit 65b that presents visual information (display information) to the user. The numerical value 504a in the area 504 is associated with a target value of brightness. The display form 504b displays a display form corresponding to the numerical value 504a. For example, the display form 504b increases the light-emitting area as the numerical value 504a increases.

[0060] In the software keys 500 and 502 for the rigid scope 18, the numerical value of the index can be changed, for example, from 1 to 17. As described later, for example, the indexes 1 to 8 are the range of light emission that causes flickering that can be detected by the human eye. More specifically, the indexes 1 to 8 are the range in which a first light emission state and a second light emission state having a higher light emission intensity in the visible light band than the first state are periodically repeated, for example, at a frequency of 50 to 60 Hz. Note that the software keys 500 and 502 for the rigid scope 18 according to this embodiment correspond to the second software key. In addition, the range of light emission that causes flickering that can be detected by the human eye is light emission that switches over time between a plurality of light emission states that are different in at least one of brightness and wavelength, for example, at a frequency of 3 Hz or more and less than 65 Hz. In addition, the range of light emission that causes flickering that can be detected by the human eye is light emission that periodically repeats at least the first state and the second state having a higher light emission intensity in the visible light band than the first state, and the second state is a period longer than 7.7 ms. That is, the second state is maintained for a period longer than 7.7 ms. The first and second states include both a state in which white light is emitted and a state in which it is turned off, and a state in which the brightness of the white light is increased and decreased. The first and second states also include a state in which white light is emitted and a state in which some wavelengths are not present or are at a very low output.

[0061] When software key 500 is designated, numeric value 504a associated with the target value of brightness increases, for example, to 17. On the other hand, when software key 502 is designated, numeric value 504a associated with the target value of brightness decreases to 1. At this time, the light-emitting area of ​​display form 504b also changes according to the increase or decrease in numeric value 504a. In this way, software keys 500 and 502 are software keys related to brightness control, and are associated with target values ​​of brightness.

[0062] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the software keys 500, 502 for the ring light 19 when the acquisition unit 64 determines that the irradiation environment information includes an open field. In the software keys 500, 502 for the ring light 19, the numerical value as the index can be changed, for example, from 9 to 17. In other words, in the software keys 500, 502 for the ring light 19, the function corresponding to the predetermined light emission corresponding to the numerical values ​​1 to 8 as the index is disabled, and in the software keys 500, 502 for the rigid scope 18, the function corresponding to the predetermined light emission corresponding to the numerical values ​​1 to 8 as the index is enabled. The function corresponding to the predetermined light emission is a range of light emission that causes flicker that can be sensed by the human eye. Note that the software keys 500, 502 for the ring light 19 according to this embodiment correspond to the first software key. In this way, the range of the target value of brightness that can be selected by the user is different between the software keys 500, 502 for the rigid scope 18 and the software keys 500, 502 for the ring light 19. That is, the range of brightness selectable by the software keys 500, 502 for the ring light 19 is narrower than the range of brightness selectable by the software keys 500, 502 for the rigid scope 18. In other words, the range of brightness selectable by the software keys 500, 502 for the rigid scope 18 is wider than the range of brightness selectable by the software keys 500, 502 for the ring light 19.

[0063] Furthermore, the control unit 60, as described below, can control the light source device 13 (control unit 40) in response to instructions via the software keys 500 and 502 to control the light emission of the light source device 13. Furthermore, although not shown, the control unit 60 may control the communication unit 61 and other devices.

[0064] The rigid scope 18 shown in Fig. 4 has a lens unit 70 and a light transmitting section (light guide) 71 in addition to the above-mentioned optical connection section 22 and imaging connection section 23. Illumination light L0 (white light and / or narrow band light) sent from the light source device 13 via the light guide 16 passes through the optical connection section 22, is guided by the light transmitting section 71, and is emitted from the end face of the insertion tip section 21 (see Fig. 2) of the insertion section 20. On the other hand, observation light L1, which is reflected light from the observation object and enters the rigid scope 18, is guided by the lens unit 70 and passes through the imaging connection section 23, and then is guided by the lens unit 51 of the imaging device 11 and is received by the imaging element 52.

[0065] 5 has a lens unit 75 and a light transmission unit (light guide) 76 in addition to the above-mentioned light-emitting unit 31, light guide 32, and imaging connection unit 33. Illumination light L0 (white light and / or narrow band light) sent from the light source device 13 via the light guide 32 is guided by the light transmission unit 76 and emitted from the light-emitting unit 31. On the other hand, observation light L1, which is reflected light from the observation object and enters the ring light 19, is guided by the lens unit 75 and passes through the imaging connection unit 33, and then is guided by the lens unit 51 of the imaging device 11 and received by the imaging element 52.

[0066] [Light emission control of light source device] As described above, the control device 12 includes the control unit 60 that controls the light emission of the light source device 13 connectable to the rigid scope 18 and the ring light 19. In the image observation mode in which image observation is performed, the control unit 60 controls the light emission of the light source device 13 in a first mode (closed field mode), and in the visual observation mode in which visual observation is performed, the control unit 60 controls the light emission of the light source device 13 in a second mode different from the first mode. That is, in the first mode, the software keys 500, 502 for the rigid scope 18 are used (see FIG. 6), and in the second mode (open field mode), the software keys 500, 502 for the ring light 19 are used (see FIG. 7).

[0067] 2 and 3 again, in this embodiment, a rigid scope (rigid endoscope) 18 is used as an endoscope, but a lighting device that emits light inside a body, such as a flexible scope (flexible endoscope), or another lighting device for image observation may be used instead. The lighting device for image observation referred to here is intended to mainly receive light from a subject 90 (subject) to be observed by an imaging device 11 and output an image for observing the subject 90 from the imaging device 11.

[0068] In the above embodiment, the ring light 19 is used as the medical illumination device, but any other illumination device that emits light outside the body of the subject 90 or other open field illumination device (for example, a laparotomy light, an operating field light, an endoscope illumination device, a microscope illumination device, an open surgery illumination device, etc.) may be used instead. The open field illumination device referred to here may be, for example, an illumination device that can be used to illuminate a desired area (field of view) in an open environment where there is nothing between the observer (particularly the eyes) and the subject 90 (observation target), and is at least an illumination device that can be used when observing the subject 90 with a direct view. In this way, the open field illumination device can be used as an illumination device when performing observation that involves at least viewing the light from the subject 90 with the naked eye (observation of the observation target with a direct view). The open field illumination device can also be used in combination with image observation, and can also be used as an illumination device when observing the observation target (subject) with an image by receiving the light from the subject 90 with the imaging device 11.

[0069] In this way, the imaging connection section 23 of the rigid scope (endoscope) 18 functions as a connection section to which the imaging device 11 that images the observation target is connected, and also functions as an eyepiece (ocular section) through which the user observes the observation target with the naked eye. Therefore, the rigid scope 18 functions as an illumination device for image observation when the imaging device 11 is connected, and can function as an illumination device for open field when the imaging device 11 is not connected.

[0070] Therefore, when the light source device 13 is connected to a rigid scope 18 for image observation, the control unit 60 controls the light emission of the light source device 13 in a first mode, which is an observation mode mainly using captured images, and when the light source device 13 is connected to a ring light 19, the control unit 60 controls the light emission of the light source device 13 in a second mode, which is an observation mode mainly using direct vision. In this way, in the "light emission method including a step of causing the light source device 13 to emit light" performed under the control of the control unit 60 of the control device 12, when the light source device 13 is connected to an illumination device for image observation (rigid scope 18), the light source device 13 emits light in the first mode. On the other hand, when the light source device 13 is connected to an illumination device for visual observation (for example, when the ring light 19 is used for observation using direct vision), the light source device 13 emits light in the second mode.

[0071] More specifically, the control device 12 (particularly the control unit 60) that controls the light emission of the light source device 13 makes the range of light intensity adjustment of the illumination light L0 sent from the light source device 13 to the ring light 19 different from the range of light intensity adjustment of the illumination light L0 sent from the light source device 13 to the rigid scope 18. Therefore, in the ring light 19, the illumination light L0 having a frequency characteristic optimized for the rigid scope 18 can be supplied from the light source device 13 to the rigid scope 18 without supplying from the light source device 13 the illumination light L0 that causes flickering that can be detected by the human eye. Note that an open field illumination device such as the ring light 19 may be used for observation using a captured image, for example, in a situation where the illumination light L0 does not directly enter the eyes of the surgeon, etc. In such a case, it is also possible to make the wavelength component and period of the light emitted by the light source device 13 different from those in the second mode according to the purpose of observing the image.

[0072] A specific example of the light emission adjustment of the light source device 13 will be described later (see FIG. 8 and FIG. 9).

[0073] [Light intensity adjustment] Regarding the illumination light L0 (visible light (white light)) sent from the light source device 13 to the rigid scope 18, the emission intensity (amount of light emission) of the illumination light L0 in the light source device 13 may be adjusted manually or automatically by the operator (user) via the software keys 500, 502. On the other hand, regarding the illumination light L0 sent from the light source device 13 to the ring light 19, it is preferable that the emission intensity (amount of light emission) of the illumination light L0 in the light source device 13 be adjusted manually by the operator (user) via the software keys 500, 502 (see FIG. 6).

[0074] Basically, no or almost no disturbance light enters the body (abdominal cavity). Therefore, when imaging an observation site inside the body (abdominal cavity) through the rigid scope 18, only the reflected light of the illumination light L0 (white light) emitted from the rigid scope 18 is received by the imaging device 11, so that automatic light adjustment can be performed stably and appropriately based on the captured image.

[0075] On the other hand, when capturing an image of the outside of the body (exposed observation site) through the ring light 19, disturbance light with a non-constant intensity may be irregularly irradiated onto the observation site, making it difficult to stably and appropriately perform automatic light adjustment based on the captured image. Therefore, when emitting illumination light L0 from the ring light 19, in order to irradiate the observation subject with illumination light L0 of an appropriate intensity (brightness), it is preferable that the emission intensity of the illumination light L0 from the light source device 13 is manually adjusted via software keys 500, 502 (see FIG. 7).

[0076] In this way, in the first mode in which illumination light L0 is sent from the light source device 13 to the rigid scope 18, the control device 12 may automatically adjust the intensity of light emitted from the light source device 13 based on the captured image acquired by the imaging device 11 connected to the rigid scope 18. However, even in this case, in the second mode in which light is sent from the light source device 13 to the ring light 19, it is preferable that the control device 12 controls the light source device 13 so that the intensity of light emitted from the light source device 13 is manually adjusted.

[0077] When the illumination light L0 is excitation light (narrowband light) for exciting a phosphor (fluorescent staining reagent), the intensity of the light emitted by the light source device 13 is preferably adjusted manually by the operator (user) via the software keys 500, 502 (see FIG. 6). A specific tissue stained with a fluorescent staining reagent is not necessarily present in the observation target site, and the amount of fluorescent emission is not necessarily constant depending on the state. For this reason, it is difficult to stably and appropriately adjust the intensity (light amount) of the excitation light (narrowband light) based on the captured image (fluorescent image) acquired by the imaging device 11, and manual adjustment is preferable.

[0078] When visible light is sent from the light source device 13 to the ring light 19, the visible light may include white light or may include narrowband light having a central wavelength included in the visible light wavelength range. In other words, whether the illumination light L0 emitted from the ring light 19 is white light or narrowband light (visible light), flicker can be reduced by adjusting the emission frequency as described above.

[0079] Here, a specific example of light emission adjustment of the light source device 13 will be described. The light emission adjustment example described below is realized by the control device 12 (particularly the control unit 60) appropriately controlling the light source device 13 (particularly the control unit 40).

[0080] [First example of light emission adjustment] 8 and 9 show a case where light (e.g., white light) is supplied from the light source device 13 to the rigid scope 18. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing a first example of light emission adjustment ranging from the maximum target light amount of the light emitted by the light source device 13 (INDEX 17) to the minimum target light amount (INDEX 1). Fig. 9 is a diagram for explaining PWM control (INDEX 5) of the first example of light emission adjustment.

[0081] Figures 8 and 9(a) show the exposure state of the image sensor 52 (see Figures 4 and 5), with the vertical axis showing horizontal lines of the image sensor 52 and the horizontal axis showing time. The top rows of Figures 8 and 9(a) show the topmost horizontal line (i.e., the first line), and the bottom rows show the bottommost horizontal line (i.e., the last line). The line marked with the symbol "ts" (diagonal line) shows the timing at which pixel data readout starts for each horizontal line for each captured image.

[0082] (b) of Figures 8 and 9 show the timing and amount of light emitted by the light source (first light source 42 and / or second light source 43 (see Figures 4 and 5)). The vertical axis of (b) of Figures 8 and 9 shows the amount of light emitted by the light source (i.e., the intensity of the illumination light L0 sent from the light source device 13 to the rigid scope 18 or ring light 19). The horizontal axis of (b) of Figures 8 and 9 shows time, indicating the continuous light emission time (i.e., the time for one pulse light emission), and further indicates the applied pulse of current (current drive pulse) supplied to the light source.

[0083] The value m of "INDEX" (where "m" is an integer between 1 and 17) represents the target light intensity of the light emitted by the light source device 13; the larger "m" (closer to "17"), the greater the target light intensity; and the smaller "m" (closer to "1"), the smaller the target light intensity.

[0084] Furthermore, "TR" indicates the exposure period of each horizontal line of the imaging element 52, and "TL" indicates the light emission period of the light source device 13. Furthermore, "tw" indicates the pulse width of the light emission of the light source device 13 (i.e., the pulse width of the current drive pulse supplied to the light source device 13). Furthermore, "tp" indicates the interval between adjacent light emission pulses of the light source device 13 (i.e., the time interval between adjacent drive pulses of the current supplied to the light source device 13). If the light emission frequency of the pulse modulation control is 50 Hz or 60 Hz, there is a risk that flickering will be perceived by the human eye. In other words, if the value m of "INDEX" is 1 to 8, there is a risk that flickering will be perceived when the light emission of the light source device 13 is seen directly or indirectly with the naked eye.

[0085] <Light emission control for rigid endoscopes> When the target light emission amount of the light source device 13 is relatively large (for example, when INDEX is "17" to "9"), the current value (magnitude of current) supplied to the light source is adjusted to adjust the amount of light emitted from the light source. That is, while the target light emission amount is relatively large, as the target light emission amount of the light source device 13 decreases, the amount of light emitted from the light source itself is gradually reduced from the maximum light amount (Max) to the minimum light amount (Min) (see FIG. 8(b)).

[0086] On the other hand, when the target light emission amount of the light source device 13 is relatively small (for example, when INDEX is "8" to "1"), the amount of light emitted from the light source is adjusted by pulse modulation control of the current drive pulse supplied to the light source. Specifically, while the amount of light emitted from the light source is maintained at the minimum light amount (Min), the pulse width tw (and hence the duty ratio) of the current drive pulse supplied to the light source is adjusted by PWM control (see FIG. 8(b)). Also, when the amount of light emitted from the light source is manually adjusted by the operator (user) via the software keys 500, 502 (see FIG. 6), the amount of light emitted from the light source is adjusted, for example, in the range of INDEX "17" to "1".

[0087] In the PWM control of the emission of light sent to the rigid scope 18, the emission cycle TL of the light source (first light source 42 and / or second light source 43) of the light source device 13 is constant regardless of the target light emission amount (i.e., the value of INDEX) of the light source device 13. In other words, regardless of the pulse width tw of the current drive pulse of the PWM control, the emission cycle TL of the light source device 13 matches the exposure cycle TR of each horizontal line of the imaging device 11, and the light source device 13 emits one pulse of light in response to one vertical synchronization signal in the imaging device 11 (imaging element 52).

[0088] <Light emission control for ring light> Next, the light emission control of the light source device 13 for the light (for example, visible light such as white light) sent to the ring light 19 will be described using Fig. 10 with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 10 is a diagram showing a state in which the display form transitions depending on the determination of the acquisition unit 64. Fig. 10(a) and (c) are diagrams showing an example in which the acquisition unit 64 has determined that the irradiation environment information does not include an open field, and Fig. 10(b) is a diagram showing an example in which the acquisition unit 64 has determined that the irradiation environment information includes an open field.

[0089] As described above, when the operator (user) manually adjusts the range via the software keys 500, 502 (see FIG. 7), the range is limited to, for example, INDEX "17" to "9." This disables the light emission range (INDEX "8" to "1") that causes flickering to the human eye.

[0090] In (a) of FIG. 10, the acquiring unit 64 determines that the irradiation environment information does not include an open field, so that INDEX "1" may be set. In this state, when the connection to the light source device 13 is changed from the rigid scope 18 to the ring light 19, the acquiring unit 64 determines that the irradiation environment information includes an open field. As a result, the control unit 60 (see FIGS. 4 and 5) changes the software keys 500 and 502 (see FIG. 6) for the rigid scope 18 to the software keys 500 and 502 (see FIG. 7) for the ring light 19. By this change process, the software keys 500 and 502 (see FIG. 7) for the ring light 19 set INDEX "9". In this way, when the software keys 500 and 502 (see FIG. 6) for the rigid scope 18 set INDEX "1" to "8", the software keys 500 and 502 (see FIG. 7) for the ring light 19 set INDEX "9". As a result, even if the INDEX of the software keys 500, 502 (see Figure 6) for the rigid endoscope 18 is set to the light emission range (INDEX "8" to "1") that causes flickering to the human eye, the software keys 500, 502 (see Figure 7) for the ring light 19 are set to INDEX "9", so that the light emission range (INDEX "8" to "1") that causes flickering to the human eye is disabled, and there is no opportunity for the human eye to perceive flickering.

[0091] Furthermore, the control unit 60 (see FIGS. 4 and 5) can also display an error code 506 on the touch panel 65 when setting INDEX "9" of the software keys 500 and 502 (see FIG. 7) for the ring light 19. This allows the user to know that the setting range is invalid.

[0092] Next, as shown in Fig. 10(c), when the connection to the light source device 13 is changed from the ring light 19 to the rigid scope 18, the INDEX of the software keys 500, 502 (see Fig. 7) for the ring light 19, for example "9", is taken over to the INDEX of the software keys 500, 502 (see Fig. 6) for the rigid scope 18. In this way, when the INDEX is manually adjusted by the operator (user) via the software keys 500, 502 (see Fig. 7), it is limited to a range of, for example, INDEX "17" to "9". As a result, the light emission range (INDEX "8" to "1") that causes flickering to the human eye is disabled.

[0093] [Focus position adjustment] When a rigid scope 18 is connected to the imaging device 11, the control unit 50 of the imaging device 11 may perform automatic adjustment (autofocus) of the imaging focal position, or may perform manual adjustment (manual focus) of the imaging focal position.

[0094] On the other hand, when the ring light 19 is connected to the imaging device 11, it is difficult to perform autofocusing stably and accurately based on the captured image, so it is preferable that the imaging device 11 captures images in manual focus mode.

[0095] In this way, in the first mode, the control device 12 can control the imaging device 11 (control unit 40) so that the focal position of the imaging device 11 is adjusted by autofocus based on the captured image acquired by the imaging device 11 connected to the rigid scope 18. However, even in such a case, it is preferable that the control device 12 (control unit 60) controls the imaging device 11 (control unit 40) in the second mode so that the focal position of the imaging device 11 connected to the ring light 19 is manually adjusted.

[0096] When the illumination light L0 is excitation light (narrow band light) for exciting a phosphor (fluorescent dye reagent), it is difficult to perform autofocus based on contrast stably and accurately. Therefore, in this case, it is preferable that the control device 12 (control unit 60) controls the imaging device 11 (control unit 40) to capture an image in manual focus mode.

[0097] <Acquisition unit judgment example 1> The acquisition unit 64 may also acquire input information from a user (such as an operator) and determine whether the device connected to the light source device 13 is the rigid scope 18 or the ring light 19. That is, the acquisition unit 64 determines whether the acquired input information from the user (such as an operator) is included as irradiation environment information.

[0098] In this case, the control device 12 has an instruction receiving unit that receives an instruction for at least one of the first and second illumination modes. Specifically, the instruction receiving unit receives an instruction from a user indicating which illumination mode is to be selected from the first mode in which light is sent from the light source device 13 to the rigid scope 18 and the second mode in which light is sent from the light source device 13 to the ring light 19. The acquisition unit 64 controls the light emission of the light source device 13 based on the illumination mode indicated by the instruction from the user received by the instruction receiving unit.

[0099] The "instruction receiving unit that receives an instruction from a user" referred to here may take any form. For example, the input unit 65 such as a touch panel or input buttons of the control device 12 may function as the "instruction receiving unit" referred to here. In this case, the user operates the input unit 65 to manually input information that directly or indirectly indicates the lighting mode (for example, a device that is actually connected to the light source device 13).

[0100] Alternatively, when information input by a user via an operation unit (not shown) of the rigid scope 18 is sent to the control unit 60 via a communication unit 61 (see Figure 4) of the control device 12, the communication unit 61 functions as an "instruction receiving unit" of the control device 12.

[0101] Alternatively, an instruction for either the first or second lighting mode may be sent from the light source device 13 to an instruction receiving unit of the control device 12. For example, if the light source device 13 includes an information input unit (not shown) that receives information input from a user, the information input to the information input unit may include an instruction for either the first or second lighting mode. In such a case, an instruction for either the first or second lighting mode may be sent from the control unit 40 of the light source device 13 to the control unit 60 of the control device 12. In this case, the control unit 60 substantially functions as an instruction receiving unit.

[0102] <Acquisition unit judgment example 2> The acquisition unit 64 of the control device 12 may determine the illumination mode based on the type of light guide connected to the light source device 13. The acquisition unit 64 is connected to the connector 45 and acquires information indicating the type of light guide connected to the connector 45 from the connector 45. The type of light guide connected to the connector 45 is determined based on the device (rigid scope 18 (see FIG. 4) / ring light 19 (see FIG. 5)) connected to the light source device 13 and indicates the device connected to the light source device 13. That is, the acquisition unit 64 determines whether or not an open field is included using the type of light guide connected to the connector 45 of the light source device 13 as irradiation environment information.

[0103] In this case, the rigid scope 18 is connected to the light source device 13 via a first type of light guiding section (light guide 16; see Figures 1, 2 and 4), and the ring light 19 is connected to the light source device 13 via a second type of light guiding section (light guide 32; see Figures 3 and 5).

[0104] Therefore, which illumination mode is selected from the first mode in which light is sent from light source device 13 to rigid scope 18 and the second mode in which light is sent from light source device 13 to ring light 19 is determined based on the type of light guiding unit connected to light source device 13. Therefore, control device 12 controls the light emission of light source device 13 based on the type of light guiding unit connected to light source device 13.

[0105] The method by which the control device 12 determines the type of light guiding unit connected to the light source device 13 is not limited. For example, the shape of a connection terminal for the connector 45 of the light source device 13 or the connection point in the connector 45 may be different between the first type light guiding unit (light guide 16 (see FIG. 4)) and the second type light guiding unit (light guide 32 (see FIG. 5)). Information indicating the type of light guiding unit connected to the connector 45 may be sent from the connector 45 to the control unit 40 of the light source device 13, and then sent from the control unit 40 to the control unit 60 of the control device 12.

[0106] <Acquisition unit judgment example 3> The acquisition unit 64 of the control device 12 may determine the illumination mode based on a captured image output from the imaging device 11 that captures light from the subject 90 (subject). As an example, the control device 12 (acquisition unit 64) may determine whether the device connected to the light source device 13 is the rigid scope 18 or the ring light 19 based on a mask area in the captured image.

[0107] In this case, the rigid scope 18 attached to the imaging device 11 blocks a part of the observation light L1 (imaging light) from the subject 90 in a form different from that of the ring light 19 attached to the imaging device 11, while allowing the imaging device 11 to receive the observation light L1. The control unit 60 of the control device 12 determines the illumination mode based on the light-blocked portion in the captured image output from the imaging device 11. In this way, which illumination mode is selected from the first mode in which light is sent from the light source device 13 to the rigid scope 18 and the second mode in which light is sent from the light source device 13 to the ring light 19 is determined based on the light-blocked portion in the captured image output from the imaging device 11. Therefore, the control device 12 controls the light emission of the light source device 13 based on the light-blocked portion in the captured image.

[0108] Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a captured image P (particularly, a light-shielded portion P1) acquired by the imaging device 11 via the rigid scope 18. Fig. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a captured image P (particularly, a light-shielded portion P1) acquired by the imaging device 11 via a ring light 19.

[0109] 11 and 12, the captured image P includes an observation image P0 and a light-shielded portion P1. The observation image P0 corresponds to a portion of the imaging element 52 of the imaging device 11 that substantially receives the observation light L1, and is an image representing the observation target. The light-shielded portion P1 corresponds to a portion of the observation light L1 that is blocked by the rigid scope 18 or the ring light 19, and corresponds to a portion of the imaging element 52 that does not substantially receive the observation light L1.

[0110] Each of the rigid scope 18 (e.g., the imaging connection unit 23) and the ring light 19 (e.g., the imaging connection unit 33) has a light-shielding part having a unique shape, and can provide the captured image P with a light-shielding part P1 having a unique shape (see Figs. 10 and 11). The control device 12 (e.g., the normal light processing unit 62a or the special light processing unit 62b of the image generation unit 62) analyzes the captured image P to extract features such as the shape of the light-shielding part P1. The control device 12 can then determine the device connected to the light source device 13 based on the extracted features of the light-shielding part P1, and control the light emission of the light source device 13 based on the determination result. That is, the acquisition unit 64 determines whether or not the light-shielding part P1 includes an open field using the features of the light-shielding part P1 as irradiation environment information.

[0111] <Acquisition unit judgment example 4> The acquisition unit 64 may also determine whether the captured image is an endoscopic image or an operative field image, and determine whether the device connected to the light source device 13 is the rigid scope 18 or the ring light 19. That is, the acquisition unit 64 has a recognition function for recognizing the category of the captured image, and determines whether or not the captured image includes an open field based on the category. This category is an endoscopic image or an operative field image. The recognition function may also be realized by artificial intelligence (AI) or the like. In this way, the acquisition unit 64 can determine whether the captured image is an endoscopic image or an operative field image using an AI capable of object recognition. Alternatively, the acquisition unit 64 may determine whether the captured image is an endoscopic image or an operative field image by, for example, analyzing the frequency distribution of the captured image.

[0112] <Acquisition unit judgment example 5> The acquisition unit 64 also determines whether an open field is included in the captured image, for example, based on a detection signal from the trocar. That is, the acquisition unit 64 determines whether an open field is included using the detection signal from the trocar as irradiation environment information. More specifically, when the acquisition unit 64 receives a signal indicating that an endoscope has been inserted from the trocar, it determines that an open field is not included.

[0113] Fig. 13 is a flowchart showing a process example for suppressing blinking light emission. As shown in Fig. 13, the acquisition unit 64 acquires irradiation environment information and determines whether or not it includes an open field (step S100). When the acquisition unit 64 determines that it does not include an open field (N in step S100), the control unit 60 maintains the INDEX of the software keys 500, 502 (see Fig. 6) for the rigid scope 18 unchanged (step S102), and ends the process.

[0114] On the other hand, if the acquisition unit 64 determines that an open field is included (Y in step S100), the control unit 60 further determines whether or not the INDEX of the software keys 500, 502 (see FIG. 7) is within the change range (step S104). If the control unit 60 determines that the INDEX is within the change range (Y in step S104), the control unit 60 changes the INDEX setting (step S106) and ends the process. On the other hand, if the control unit 60 determines that the INDEX is not within the change range (N in step S104), the control unit 60 maintains the INDEX setting (step S106) and ends the process.

[0115] FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a processing example including a mode change. As shown in FIG. 14, the acquisition unit 64 acquires irradiation environment information and judges whether or not an open field is included (step S100). When the acquisition unit 64 judges that an open field is not included (N in step S100), the control unit 60 judges whether or not the mode is the body cavity observation mode (step S202). When the control unit 60 judges that the mode is not the body cavity observation mode (N in step S202), the control unit 60 changes the mode to the body cavity observation mode. That is, the control unit 60 changes to the software key 500, 502 for the rigid scope 18 (see FIG. 6). On the other hand, when the control unit 60 judges that the mode is the body cavity observation mode (Y in step S202), the control unit 60 maintains the body cavity observation mode and ends the processing.

[0116] On the other hand, when the acquisition unit 64 determines that the open field is included (Y in step S100), the control unit 60 determines whether the mode is the extracorporeal observation mode or not (step S206). When the control unit 60 determines that the mode is not the extracorporeal observation mode (N in step S206), the control unit 60 changes the mode to the extracorporeal observation mode. That is, the control unit 60 changes to the software keys 500, 502 for the ring light 19 (see FIG. 7). On the other hand, when the control unit 60 determines that the mode is the extracorporeal observation mode (Y in step S206), the control unit 60 maintains the intracorporeal observation mode.

[0117] Next, the control unit 60 further judges whether or not the INDEX of the software keys 500, 502 (see FIG. 7) is within the range to be changed (step S210). If the control unit 60 judges that the INDEX is within the range to be changed (Y in step S210), the control unit 60 changes the INDEX setting (step S214) and ends the process. On the other hand, if the control unit 60 judges that the INDEX is not within the range to be changed (N in step S210), the control unit 60 maintains the INDEX setting (step S212) and ends the process.

[0118] As described above, according to this embodiment, the acquisition unit 64 acquires irradiation environment information related to the environment of irradiation of irradiation light, and the control unit 60 displays the software keys 500 and 502 for the ring light 19 on the touch panel 65 when the irradiation environment information acquired by the acquisition unit 64 includes an open field, and displays the software keys 500 and 502 for the rigid scope 18 on the touch panel 65 when the irradiation environment information does not include an open field, and the software keys 500 and 502 for the ring light 19 have a function corresponding to light emission that causes flickering that can be detected by the human eye disabled, and the software keys 500 and 502 for the rigid scope 18 have a function corresponding to light emission that causes flickering that can be detected by the human eye enabled. As a result, the light emitted by the ring light 19 has a flickering that can be detected by the human eye disabled, and flickering is not generated in a situation where the light enters the eyes of the surgeon or the like. On the other hand, the light emitted by the rigid scope 18 can be irradiated at a desired frequency.

[0119] (Modification 1 of the first embodiment) The observation system 10 according to the first modification of the first embodiment differs from the observation system 10 according to the first embodiment in that the target value of brightness associated with INDEX is different between the software keys 500, 502 for the rigid scope 18 (see FIG. 6) and the software keys 500, 502 for the ring light 19 (see FIG. 7). The differences from the observation system 10 according to the first embodiment will be described below.

[0120] Fig. 15 is a table showing target brightness values ​​associated with the INDEXes of the software keys 500, 502 (see Fig. 7) for the ring light 19. As shown in Fig. 15, INDEX[1] to [8] are associated with INDEX[9]. As a result, even if the display INDEX[1] is changed from [1] to [8] using the software keys 500, 502 (see Fig. 6), INDEX[9] is set. As a result, INDEX[1] to [8], which cause flickering to the human eye, are disabled.

[0121] Fig. 16 is a diagram showing a transition of the determination of the acquisition unit 64. Fig. 16(a) is a diagram showing an example in which the acquisition unit 64 has determined that the irradiation environment information does not include an open field, and Fig. 16(b) is a diagram showing an example in which the acquisition unit 64 has determined that the irradiation environment information includes an open field.

[0122] In (a) of FIG. 16, since the acquisition unit 64 has determined that the irradiation environment information does not include an open field, the display INDEX "1" is displayed as the numerical value 504a in the area 504, and the setting INDEX is also set to "1".

[0123] In (b) of Figure 16, the acquisition unit 64 determines that the irradiation environment information includes an open field, so that the display INDEX "9" is displayed as the numerical value 504a in the area 504, and the setting INDEX is set to "9" (see Figure 15).

[0124] As described above, in the software keys 500 and 502 (see FIG. 6) according to this embodiment, even if the display INDEX is changed from [1] to [8], the INDEX is set to [9]. This disables INDEX [1] to [8], which may cause flickering to the human eye.

[0125] Second embodiment The observation system 10 according to the second embodiment differs from the observation system 10 according to the first embodiment in that it irradiates pulsed light that does not flicker to the human eye, even when a ring light 19 is connected to a light source device 13. The differences from the observation system 10 according to the first embodiment will be described below.

[0126] [Second example of adjusting the light emission of a ring light] Fig. 17 and Fig. 18 are diagrams for explaining a second example of light emission adjustment. Fig. 17 and Fig. 18 are diagrams showing a case where light (e.g., white light) is supplied from the light source device 13 to the ring light 19. Fig. 17 is a diagram showing a second example of light emission adjustment ranging from the maximum target light amount of the light emitted by the light source device 13 (INDEX17) to the minimum (INDEX1). Fig. 18 is a diagram for explaining PWM control (INDEX5) of the second example of light emission adjustment.

[0127] Figures 17 and 18(a) show the exposure state of the image sensor 52 (see Figures 4 and 5), with the vertical axis showing horizontal lines of the image sensor 52 and the horizontal axis showing time. The top rows of Figures 17 and 18(a) show the topmost horizontal line (i.e., the first line), and the bottom rows show the bottommost horizontal line (i.e., the last line). The line marked with the symbol "ts" (diagonal line) shows the timing at which pixel data readout starts for each horizontal line for each captured image.

[0128] FIG. 17 and FIG. 18(b) show the timing and light amount of the light emission of the light source (first light source 42 and / or second light source 43 (see FIG. 4 and FIG. 5)). The vertical axis of FIG. 17 and FIG. 18(b) shows the amount of light emitted by the light source (i.e., the intensity of the illumination light L0 sent from the light source device 13 to the rigid scope 18 or ring light 19). The horizontal axis of FIG. 17 and FIG. 18(b) shows time, indicating the continuous light emission time (i.e., the time for one pulse light emission), and further indicating the applied pulse of current (current drive pulse) supplied to the light source.

[0129] The value m of "INDEX" (where "m" is an integer between 1 and 17) represents the target light intensity of the light emitted by the light source device 13; the larger "m" (closer to "17"), the greater the target light intensity; and the smaller "m" (closer to "1"), the smaller the target light intensity.

[0130] Additionally, "TR" indicates the exposure period of each horizontal line of the imaging element 52, and "TL" indicates the light emission period of the light source device 13. Additionally, "tw" indicates the pulse width of the light emission of the light source device 13 (i.e., the pulse width of the current drive pulse supplied to the light source device 13). Additionally, "tp" indicates the interval between adjacent light emission pulses of the light source device 13 (i.e., the time interval between adjacent drive pulses of the current supplied to the light source device 13).

[0131] While the target light emission amount of the light source device 13 is relatively large (for example, when INDEX is "17" to "9"), the current value supplied to the light source is adjusted and the amount of light emitted from the light source itself is adjusted, similar to the light emission control for the rigid scope 18 described above (see Figure 17(b)).

[0132] On the other hand, when the target light emission amount of the light source device 13 is relatively small (for example, when INDEX is "8" to "1"), in addition to pulse modulation control (PWM control) of the current drive pulse supplied to the light source, the light emission period (the period during which the drive pulse is on) is adjusted.

[0133] That is, the light emission control (pulse modulation control) for the ring light 19 periodically repeats light emission (driving pulse-on) and non-light emission (driving pulse-off), similar to the PWM control for the rigid scope 18 described above. However, in the light emission control (pulse modulation control) for the ring light 19, the light emission period TL is set to 1 / 2 and the light emission frequency is set to twice as high as in the PWM control for the rigid scope 18 described above. That is, the light emission period TL of the light source device 13 matches 1 / 2 the exposure period TR of each horizontal line of the imaging device 11, and the light source device 13 emits light two times in response to one vertical synchronization signal in the imaging device 11 (imaging element 52).

[0134] Furthermore, with the amount of light emitted from the light source maintained at the minimum light amount (Min), the pulse width tw of the current drive pulse supplied to the light source is set to 1 / 2 the pulse width tw in the PWM control for the rigid scope 18. Therefore, the duty ratio (=pulse width tw / light emission cycle TL) in the light emission control for the ring light 19 is the same as the duty ratio in the light emission control for the rigid scope 18 described above.

[0135] For example, if the light emission frequency of the pulse modulation control for the rigid scope 18 is 50 Hz, the light emission frequency of the pulse modulation control for the ring light 19 may be set to 100 Hz. Similarly, if the light emission frequency of the pulse modulation control for the rigid scope 18 is 60 Hz, the light emission frequency of the pulse modulation control for the ring light 19 may be set to 120 Hz.

[0136] 8 and 9, the ratio of the light emission frequency of the pulse modulation control for the ring light 19 to the light emission frequency of the pulse modulation control for the rigid scope 18 is set to "2," but it may be, for example, "4." In this case, when the light emission frequency of the pulse modulation control for the rigid scope 18 is 50 Hz or 60 Hz, the light emission frequency of the pulse modulation control for the ring light 19 is set to 200 Hz or 240 Hz.

[0137] FIG. 19 is a table showing target values ​​of brightness associated with the INDEXes of the software keys 500, 502 (see FIG. 7) for the ring light 19 in the second light emission adjustment example. As shown in FIG. 19, the display INDEXes [1] to

[17] are associated with the setting INDEXes [1] to

[17] . As a result, when the display INDEXes [1] to

[17] are changed to the display INDEXes [1] to

[17] for display using the software keys 500, 502 (see FIG. 7), the setting INDEXes [1] to

[17] are set. In other words, the frequency range associated with the INDEXes [8] to [1] of the software keys 500, 502 (see FIG. 7) for the ring light 19 is made different from the frequency range associated with the INDEXes [8] to [1] of the software keys 500, 502 (see FIG. 7) for the rigid scope 18.

[0138] The blinking frequency that humans can perceive is generally said to be 50 to 60 Hz (however, this can vary depending on individual differences and fatigue levels; for example, when you are tired, you may not be able to perceive blinking even at around 30 Hz). As a result, even if the setting INDEX [1] to [8] are set, the light emission frequency of the pulse modulation control is set to 100 Hz, so flickering to the human eye is suppressed. Note that during the tp period, white light with a lower intensity than during the tw period may be emitted. In this case, the difference in luminous intensity between the tp period and the tw period is reduced, and flickering is suppressed.

[0139] Also, ISO9241-391, a standard for video content, specifies that flashes should be avoided at least three times and less than 65 times per second. In this embodiment, the light emission frequency of the pulse modulation control for the ring light 19 is set to 100 Hz or more, so that blinking is not recognized and flickering is not felt. In this embodiment, the light emission frequency of the pulse modulation control is described as 100 Hz or 120 Hz, but is not limited to this. For example, the light emission frequency of the pulse modulation control may be 65 Hz or more. If the light emission frequency of the pulse modulation control is 65 Hz or more, blinking is not recognized and there is no problem of annoyance.

[0140] On the other hand, even if the light emission frequency of the pulse modulation control is less than a predetermined value, the annoyance of blinking is acceptable. For example, if the light emission frequency of the pulse modulation control is blinking at a frequency of less than 3 Hz, the blinking is noticeable but is acceptable as an annoyance. Also, a state of 0 Hz, i.e., no blinking, is not an annoyance.

[0141] As shown in Figure 18(b), when a first state (tp period) and a second state (tw period) having a higher emission intensity in the visible light band than the first state are repeated periodically, the length of the tw period in the second state also becomes a factor that causes flickering to be perceived by the human eye.

[0142] For example, the time for one cycle of a frequency of 65 Hz is approximately 15.4 ms, and the half cycle is approximately 7.7 ms. In visual psychology experiments, if the tw period of the second state is 7.7 ms or less, the state is not recognized, so there is no problem of annoyance. Also, one cycle of 60 Hz is approximately 16.7 ms, and at a duty ratio of 50%, the blinking switches approximately every 8.3 ms, and flickering is recognized. On the other hand, if one cycle of 60 Hz is approximately 16.7 ms and the duty ratio is 40%:60%, the tw period of the second state and the first state (tp period) are 6.7 ms:10 ms, and the 6.7 ms side falls within the range that is not recognized, so even at 60 Hz, the human eye does not perceive flickering.

[0143] As described above, according to this embodiment, when pulse modulation control using pulsed light is used for ring light 19, the range to which the target frequency value is associated is set to a range that does not cause flicker that can be detected by the human eye, even within the same range of INDEX[8] to [1] as for rigid scope 18. This makes it possible to prevent flicker from occurring even in a situation where the light irradiated by ring light 19 enters the eyes of the surgeon, etc.

[0144] Third embodiment The observation system 10 according to the third embodiment differs from the observation system 10 according to the first embodiment in that it is further capable of irradiating fluorescent imaging light. The differences from the observation system 10 according to the first embodiment will be described below.

[0145] FIG. 20 is a diagram for explaining the sensitivity of the imaging element 52 (see FIGS. 4 and 5) according to this embodiment. For example, an observation filter is provided on the light path L1. The white light according to this embodiment is mainly composed of light in the blue wavelength band (B light), light in the green wavelength band (G light), and light in the red wavelength band (R light). On the other hand, the excitation light is light in the near-infrared wavelength band. In FIG. 20, the light has a larger wavelength toward the right. The wavelength band of the light used as the near-infrared excitation light is, for example, 700 nm to 800 nm. Hereinafter, this is referred to as excitation light. The wavelength of the fluorescence is larger than that of the near-infrared light used, and includes fluorescence due to indocyanine green and fluorescence derived from the light source.

[0146] Fig. 21 shows a case where light (particularly white light and excitation light (narrowband light)) is supplied from the light source device 13 to a rigid scope 18, and Fig. 22 is a diagram showing a case where light (excitation light (narrowband light (e.g. visible light))) is supplied from the light source device 13 to a ring light 19. Figs. 21 and 22 show a reference state of light emission control of the light source device 13. By reducing the pulse width, it is possible to reduce the amount of light from the reference state.

[0147] In (a) of Fig. 21, "fluorescence image frame" indicates the range in which one fluorescence image is acquired as a captured image, and "white light image frame" indicates the range in which one reflected light image of white light is acquired as a captured image. In (b) of Fig. 21, "excitation light" indicates a pulse of excitation light, and "white light" indicates a pulse of white light.

[0148] <Light emission control for rigid endoscopes> First, an example of light emission control of the light sent from the light source device 13 to the rigid scope 18 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0149] In this example, the white light and excitation light emitted in a time-division manner by the light source device 13 are sent to the rigid scope 18. That is, in a first mode in which light is sent from the light source device 13 to the rigid scope 18, the control device 12 controls the light emission of the light source device 13 so that the light source device 13 emits white light and excitation light (narrowband light) in a time-division manner.

[0150] By causing the light source device 13 to emit white light and excitation light at different times, it is possible to generate and acquire both a reflected light image of white light and a fluorescent image of excitation light using a single image sensor 52.

[0151] The control device 12 controls the light source device 13 by PWM control to adjust the amount of emitted white light and excitation light in the light source device 13. That is, the pulse widths (tw-w, tw-n) of the current drive pulses supplied to each of the white light source (first light source 42 (see FIG. 4)) and the excitation light source (second light source 43 (see FIG. 4)) are adjusted to adjust the amount of emitted white light and excitation light in the light source device 13. The minimum pulse widths (tw-w, tw-n) can be set to any value (for example, 166 μs (microseconds)). In this case, as shown in FIG. 21(b), the first state (tw-w period) and the second state (tw-n period) having a higher emission intensity in the visible light band than the first state are periodically repeated. As a result, when such pulsed light is mistakenly sent to the ring light 19, the length of the tw period in the second state also becomes a factor that causes flickering to the human eye.

[0152] In this way, the switching between the first state and the second state includes the case where the emission state of white light and the emission of excitation light for fluorescence observation are switched. In addition, the switching between the first state and the second state also includes the case where the emission state of excitation light for fluorescence observation and the emission state of excitation light for fluorescence observation of a different wavelength band are switched. In the case of further switching, the emission state of one wavelength band and the emission state of another wavelength band are switched exclusively, or the emission state of one wavelength band is continued and the emission state of another wavelength band is switched.

[0153] Thus, in the first mode in which light is sent from the light source device 13 to the rigid scope 18, the control unit 60 of the control device 12 controls the light emission of the light source device 13 so that the light source device 13 emits white light and narrowband light in a time-division manner. The control unit 60 also controls the amount of light emitted by the light source device 13 based on a pulse width modulation method.

[0154] As in the first light emission adjustment example described above, the control device 12 may adjust the light emission amount by adjusting the current value supplied to the light source while the target light emission amount is relatively large. After the current value supplied to the light source reaches the minimum light amount (Min), the control device 12 may adjust the pulse width (tw-w, tw-n) of the current drive pulse supplied to the light source by performing PWM control while maintaining the light emission amount from the light source at the minimum light amount (Min).

[0155] <Light emission control for ring light> Next, the light emission control of the light source device 13 for the light (particularly the excitation light) sent to the ring light 19 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0156] In this example, excitation light (narrowband light; sustained light) emitted continuously (continuously) by light source device 13 is sent to ring light 19. That is, in the second mode in which light is sent from light source device 13 to ring light 19, control device 12 controls the emission of light source device 13 so that light source device 13 continuously emits excitation light (narrowband light). Note that in this embodiment, the selection between the time-division emission of white light and narrowband light and the continuous emission of excitation light (narrowband light) is sometimes referred to as the selection of a fluorescent wavelength or an excitation wavelength.

[0157] The control device 12 controls the timing of an electronic shutter in the image sensor 52 of the imaging device 11 to adjust the amount of light actually received by the image sensor 52 .

[0158] 22, the timing of the electronic shutter is controlled by adjusting the pixel data read start timing (exposure start timing) ts of a horizontal line of the image sensor 52 of the imaging device 11. That is, in each exposure cycle TR, the pixel data read start timing ts is delayed from the reference state, thereby reducing the effective exposure amount (fluorescence image frame) of the image sensor 52. By controlling the timing of the electronic shutter of the image sensor 52 in this manner and adjusting the effective exposure time, it is possible to adjust the amount of observation light L1 received by the image sensor 52. Note that the timing of the electronic shutter may also be controlled by adjusting the pixel data read end timing (exposure end timing) of a horizontal line of the image sensor 52.

[0159] In this way, in the second mode in which light is sent from the light source device 13 to the ring light 19, the control device 12 can adjust the amount of light received by the imaging element 52 as follows.

[0160] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a state in which the determination of the acquisition unit 64 transitions during fluorescence photography. FIG. 23(a) is a diagram showing an example in which the acquisition unit 64 determines that the irradiation environment information does not include an open field, and FIG. 23(b) is a diagram showing an example in which the acquisition unit 64 determines that the irradiation environment information includes an open field. The software key 510 and the software key 512 are associated with a selection function of an observation mode. That is, the software key 510 selects a first mode, and the software key 512 selects a second mode. In this way, the software key 510 and the software key 512 are a selection function of a fluorescence wavelength or an excitation wavelength. More specifically, the software key 510 selects an irradiation control in which white light and narrowband light are emitted in a time-division manner as shown in FIG. 21, and the software key 512 selects an irradiation control in which excitation light (narrowband light) is continuously emitted as shown in FIG. 22.

[0161] In this way, the function corresponding to emission of visible light is disabled in software key 512, and the function corresponding to emission of visible light is enabled in software key 510. Note that software key 510 according to the present embodiment corresponds to the first software key, and software key 512 corresponds to the second software key.

[0162] In (a) of FIG. 23, since the acquisition unit 64 determines that the irradiation environment information does not include an open field, the control unit 60 displays the software key 510 for selecting the first mode and grays out the software key 512 for selecting the second mode, making it impossible to select it. When the software key 510 is designated, the control of the fluorescence emission related to the rigid scope is performed. In this case, the software key 512 may not only be made unpressable, but may also be displayed on the touch panel 65 in different colors. For example, the software key 510 may be displayed in blue, and the software key 512 in red. Alternatively, the software key 512 may not be displayed. In this way, by changing the display form, it is possible to know that the software key 512 on the side to be disabled cannot be operated or cannot be set. Alternatively, it is possible to know that the function cannot be used because it is not displayed.

[0163] In (b) of FIG. 23, since the acquisition unit 64 determines that the irradiation environment information includes an open field, the control unit 60 displays the software key 512 for selecting the second mode and grays out the software key 512 for selecting the first mode, making it impossible to select it. When the software key 512 is designated, the control of the fluorescent emission of the ring light 19 is performed. In this case, the software key 510 may not only be made unpressable, but may also be displayed in different colors. For example, the software key 512 may be displayed in blue, and the software key 510 may be displayed in red. Alternatively, the software key 510 may not be displayed. As described above, by changing the display form, it is possible to know that the software key 510 on the side to be disabled is inoperable or cannot be set. Alternatively, it is possible to know that the function cannot be used because it is not displayed.

[0164] As described above, in this embodiment, when the acquisition unit 64 determines that an open field is included, the software key 512 for selecting the first mode is grayed out and cannot be selected. This prevents the ring light 19 from emitting white light and narrowband light in a time-division manner, and the light emitted by the ring light 19 is disabled from emitting light that causes flickering that can be detected by the human eye, so that flickering is not caused in a situation where the light enters the eyes of the surgeon, etc.

[0165] (Fourth embodiment) The observation system 10 according to the fourth embodiment differs from the observation system 10 according to the first embodiment in that it has a first imaging element 52a and a second imaging element 52b. The differences from the observation system 10 according to the first embodiment will be described below.

[0166] Fig. 24 is a block diagram showing an example of the imaging element configuration of the imaging device 11. The imaging device 11 includes 4 (first imaging element 52a and second imaging element 52b) shown in Fig. 24 and a wavelength separation optical element 56 that emits observation light L1 toward the first imaging element 52a and the second imaging element 52b. The wavelength separation optical element 56 is formed of any optical element such as a dichroic mirror, and emits light in a specific wavelength range of the observation light L1 toward the first imaging element 52a while emitting light in other wavelength ranges toward the second imaging element 52b.

[0167] For example, a narrowband light component (e.g., a fluorescent component) in the observation light L1 may be reflected by the wavelength separation optical element 56 and received by the first imaging element 52a, while a white light component in another wavelength range may be transmitted through the wavelength separation optical element 56 and received by the second imaging element 52b. In this case, even if both white light and narrowband light are simultaneously emitted by the light source device 13 and simultaneously irradiated onto the observation target, the imaging device 11 can simultaneously and separately receive the white light and the narrowband light and separately output an image relating to the white light and an image relating to the narrowband light.

[0168] In this way, various imaging methods can be used for the imaging device 11. Therefore, the control device 12 may change the light emission control of the light source device 13 based on the imaging method of the imaging device 11 that is actually connected.

[0169] FIG. 25 is a diagram showing a case where light (particularly white light and excitation light (narrowband light)) is supplied from the light source device 13 to the rigid scope 18. In FIG. 25(a), the "fluorescence image frame" indicates the range in which one fluorescence image is acquired as a captured image, and the "white light image frame" indicates the range in which one reflected light image of white light is acquired as a captured image. In FIG. 25(b), the "excitation light" indicates a pulse of excitation light, and the "white light" indicates a pulse of white light. In the case of FIG. 25(b), for example, B and G lights are irradiated together with the "excitation light". In this way, the control device 12 has a fluorescence imaging mode that executes control to periodically emit the excitation light and white light with predetermined pulse widths tw-n and tw-w, and to emit light of at least a part of the wavelength band of the white light, for example, the light of the G component and the B component, even during the emission period of the excitation light.

[0170] The B and G lights are transmitted through the optical element 56 and received by the second imaging element 52b. This allows the visible images to be captured continuously. Even if the pulsed light for fluorescent photography shown in FIG. 25 is mistakenly sent to the ring light 19, the human eye will see white light being continuously irradiated, and flickering will be suppressed. The color balance of the illumination can be changed by inserting a physical optical filter somewhere between the light source device 13 and the lens unit 44. Alternatively, in the case of a light source that realizes white illumination by combining light sources of multiple wavelengths such as RGB-LED, this can be achieved by changing the output of the light source of some wavelengths. The white light emitted during the emission period of the excitation light is not limited to the G component and the B component. As described above, the white light and the narrow band light component (for example, the fluorescent component) are separated by the wavelength separation optical element 56, so it is also possible to continuously irradiate the white light as the observation light L1. In other words, the difference between the wavelength band and emission intensity of visible light irradiated with a pulse width tw-n and the wavelength band and emission intensity of visible light irradiated with a pulse width tw-w should be within a range that does not cause flickering to the human eye.

[0171] Fifth embodiment The observation system 10 according to the fifth embodiment differs from the observation system 10 according to the first embodiment in that it starts up in the second mode. The differences from the observation system 10 according to the first embodiment will be described below.

[0172] Fig. 26 is a flowchart showing an example of a process at the time of startup. As shown in Fig. 26, the control unit 60 judges whether or not it is the time of startup (step S300). If it is the time of startup, the control unit 60 selects and starts the second mode (step S302).

[0173] Next, the control unit 60 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed (step S304). If the control unit 60 determines that the predetermined time has elapsed (Y in step S304), it accepts the first mode and ends the process. On the other hand, if the control unit 60 determines that the predetermined time has not elapsed, the control unit 60 repeats the process of step S304.

[0174] Since the second mode does not emit light that causes flickering that can be detected by the human eye, it is always started in that state. Then, when the control unit 60 determines that the acquisition unit 64 does not have information on the open field, it displays the software key 510 for selecting the first mode and grays out the software key 512 for selecting the second mode, making it impossible to select (see FIG. 23). In this way, in order to enable the first mode, for example, a condition such as after a certain time has passed since startup may be added. This is because it is expected that in many cases, fluorescence observation is used immediately after startup for extracorporeal applications. In this way, since the control for extracorporeal applications does not emit light that causes flickering that can be detected by the human eye, by always starting in that state, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of flickering that can be detected by the human eye.

[0175] Sixth embodiment The observation system 10 according to the sixth embodiment differs from the observation system 10 according to the first embodiment in that, when the ring light 19 is connected to the light source device 13, irradiation that causes flicker that is detectable by the human eye is not performed, and in addition, irradiation that causes flicker that is not detectable by the human eye but that affects humans is not performed. The differences from the observation system 10 according to the first embodiment will be described below.

[0176] Lighting fixtures using LED light sources have become common. LED light sources are often used for on / off control, and standards for on / off of lighting fixtures have been established. The observation system 10 according to the sixth embodiment differs from the observation system 10 according to the first embodiment in that it can comply with the standards for on / off of general lighting fixtures.

[0177] As for the standard for the blinking frequency of such general lighting equipment, international standards (for example, IEEE1789) stipulate that "1.2kHz to less than 3kHz is low risk, and 3kHz or more is no risk." Furthermore, Japan's Electrical Appliance and Material Safety Act (PSE Act) stipulates that "500Hz or more" is no risk. Furthermore, the National Electrical Manufacturers' Association (NEMA77 (2017)) specifies that "400Hz or more" is no risk. In this way, the standard for the blinking frequency "X" Hz of general lighting equipment varies depending on the region or the standard to which it is complied. Note that these standards are for general lighting equipment and are different from the standards for medical devices.

[0178] In the observation system 10 according to this embodiment, light emission that switches between a plurality of light emission states differing in at least one of brightness and wavelength at a frequency of 3 Hz or more and less than "X" Hz is prohibited. That is, in the observation system 10 according to this embodiment, the light emission cycle (the cycle during which the drive pulse is on) of the light source device 13 is adjusted so as not to emit light that causes flicker that can be detected by the human eye and light that causes flicker that cannot be detected by the human eye but affects humans. "X" Hz is, for example, 400 Hz, 500 Hz, 2 kHz to 3 kHz, etc., and can be varied depending on the region or the standard to which it is compliant.

[0179] That is, the observation system 10 according to this embodiment can disable light emission that causes flicker that can be detected by the human eye, and light emission that causes flicker that cannot be detected by the human eye but affects humans. For example, the observation system 10 according to this embodiment can disable light emission that switches over time between multiple light emission states that differ in at least one of brightness and wavelength at a frequency of 3 Hz or more and less than a predetermined value, "X" Hz. "X" Hz is a frequency that can be determined based on the region of use.

[0180] [Third example of light emission adjustment for ring light] While the target light emission amount of the light source device 13 is relatively large (for example, when INDEX is "17" to "9"), the current value supplied to the light source is adjusted and the amount of light emitted from the light source itself is adjusted, similar to the light emission control for the rigid scope 18 described above (see Figure 17).

[0181] On the other hand, when the target light emission amount of the light source device 13 is relatively small (for example, when INDEX is "8" to "1"), in addition to pulse modulation control (PWM control) of the current drive pulse supplied to the light source, the light emission period (the period during which the drive pulse is on) is adjusted (see Figure 17).

[0182] That is, the light emission control (pulse modulation control) for the ring light 19 periodically repeats light emission (driving pulse-on) and non-light emission (driving pulse-off), which is similar to the PWM control for the rigid scope 18 according to the second embodiment. However, the light emission control (pulse modulation control) for the ring light 19 differs from the PWM control for the rigid scope 18 described above in that the light emission frequency is set based on a frequency of "X" Hz. That is, the light emission cycle TL (see FIG. 17(b)) of the light source device 13 is set so that the value obtained by dividing the cycle TR by the light emission cycle TL and multiplying the result by the frequency of the cycle TR is equal to or greater than the frequency "X" Hz. In this way, the light emission cycle TL is set so that TL<1 / X(s).

[0183] Referring again to FIG. 18(b), when a first state (tp period) and a second state (tw period) having a higher emission intensity in the visible light band than the first state are repeated periodically, if the repetition period is equal to or greater than 3 Hz and less than "X" Hz, emission is disabled.

[0184] Furthermore, as described above, when the first state (tp period) and the second state (tw period) having a higher emission intensity in the visible light band than the first state are periodically repeated, the length of the tw period of the second state also becomes a factor that causes flickering to the human eye. For example, as described above, the time for one cycle of a frequency of 65 Hz is about 15.4 ms, and a half cycle is about 7.7 ms. In visual psychology experiments, if the tw period of the second state is 7.7 ms or less, the state is not recognized, and there is no problem of annoyance.

[0185] The tw period in the second state described above is approximately 7.7 ms (=(500 / 65) ms). Therefore, in the observation system 10 according to this embodiment, the tw period is set so as to be less than tw period=(500 / 65)(ms)×(65(Hz) / X(Hz))=500 / X(ms). In other words, when the tw period is ≧500 / X(ms), light emission is disabled.

[0186] For example, the tw period of 60 Hz is tw period ≧ 500 / 60 (ms), which is approximately 8.3 ms. Therefore, with a duty ratio of 50%, the blinking will switch approximately every 8.3 ms, and flickering will be noticeable. Such light emission will be disabled. On the other hand, if one cycle of 60 Hz is approximately 16.7 ms and the duty ratio is 40%:60%, the tw period of the second state and the first state (tp period) will be 6.7 ms:10 ms, and the 6.7 ms side will fall into an area that is not noticeable, so even at 60 Hz, the human eye will not perceive flickering. Such light emission can be used without being disabled.

[0187] In this way, when the light emission target light amount of the light source device 13 is relatively small (for example, when INDEX is "8" to "1"), light emission that causes flicker that can be detected by the human eye and light emission that causes flicker that cannot be detected by the human eye but affects humans are disabled. That is, light emission that switches between a plurality of light emission states with different brightness and / or wavelengths over time at a frequency of 3 Hz or more and less than a predetermined value "X Hz" is disabled. As described above, this "X" Hz is a frequency that can be determined based on the region of use. In addition, when the first state (tp period) and the second state (tw period) having a higher light emission intensity in the visible light band than the first state are periodically repeated and the second state (tw period) is maintained for a period longer than Y (ms), light emission is disabled. In this case, Y (ms) is a value obtained by dividing 500 by "X" Hz.

[0188] When the light emission is disabled, for example, when it is manually adjusted by an operator (user) via software keys 500, 502 (see FIG. 7), the range is limited to INDEX "17" to "9." This disables the light emission that causes flickering that can be detected by the human eye, and the light emission range (INDEX "8" to "1") that causes flickering that cannot be detected by the human eye but affects humans.

[0189] As described above, according to this embodiment, when pulse modulation control using pulsed light is used for the ring light 19, the range to which the target frequency value is associated is set to a range in which flickering that is not detectable by the human eye is not generated, in addition to a range in which flickering that is not detectable by the human eye but that affects humans is not generated, even within the same range of INDEX[8] to [1] as for the rigid scope 18. This makes it possible to prevent flickering even in a situation where the light irradiated by the ring light 19 enters the eyes of the surgeon, etc., and to prevent flickering that is not detectable by the human eye but that affects humans.

[0190] It should be noted that the embodiments and modifications disclosed in this specification are merely illustrative and should not be construed as limiting in all respects. The above-mentioned embodiments and modifications can be omitted, substituted, and modified in various forms without departing from the scope and spirit of the appended claims. For example, the above-mentioned embodiments and modifications may be combined in whole or in part, and embodiments other than those described above may be combined with the above-mentioned embodiments or modifications. In addition, the effects of the present disclosure described in this specification are merely illustrative, and other effects may be obtained.

[0191] The technical category embodying the above technical idea is not limited. For example, the above technical idea may be embodied by a computer program for causing a computer to execute one or more procedures (steps) included in a method for manufacturing or using the above device. The above technical idea may also be embodied by a non-transitory recording medium readable by a computer on which such a computer program is recorded.

[0192] The present technology can be configured as follows.

[0193] (1) An observation system including a control device for controlling irradiation light to be irradiated into different irradiation environments, The control device includes: A control unit that controls a light source device that generates the irradiation light; An acquisition unit that acquires irradiation environment information related to an environment of irradiation of the irradiation light, The control unit is When the irradiation environment information acquired by the acquisition unit includes an open field, a first software key is displayed on a display unit, and when the irradiation environment information does not include an open field, a second software key is displayed on a display unit; a function of the first software key corresponding to a predetermined light emission is disabled, and a function of the second software key corresponding to the predetermined light emission is enabled; Observation system.

[0194] (2) The observation system described in (1), wherein the specified light emission is light emission that produces flicker that can be detected by the human eye.

[0195] (3) The observation system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the predetermined light emission is light emission that switches between multiple light emission states having different brightness and / or wavelength over time at a frequency of 3 Hz or more and less than 65 Hz.

[0196] (4) The observation system described in any of (1) to (3), wherein the specified light emission periodically repeats at least a first state and a second state having a higher light emission intensity in the visible light band than the first state, and the second state has a period longer than 7.7 ms.

[0197] (5) The observation system according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein the software key to be disabled and the software key to be enabled are displayed in different manners on the display unit.

[0198] (6) The observation system according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein the first software key and the second software key are software keys related to brightness control and are associated with a target value of brightness.

[0199] (7) The observation system described in (6), wherein the range of brightness selectable with the second software key is wider than the range of brightness selectable with the first software key.

[0200] (8) The observation system according to (7), wherein the first software key and the second software key have different ranges of brightness target values ​​selectable by the user.

[0201] (9) The observation system described in (1), wherein the first software key and the second software key are associated with an observation mode selection function.

[0202] (10) The observation system according to any one of (1) to (9), wherein the first software key and the second software key are functions for selecting a fluorescence wavelength or an excitation wavelength.

[0203] (11) The observation system described in (10), wherein the first software key has a function corresponding to the emission of visible light disabled, and the second software key has a function corresponding to the emission of visible light enabled.

[0204] (12) The acquisition unit acquires a type of a light guiding unit connected to the light source device as irradiation environment information, and determines that a case where the light source device is connected via a first type of light guiding unit includes an open field; The observation system according to any one of (1) to (11), wherein a case where the observation system is connected to the light source device via a second type light guiding section different from the first type is determined to not include the open field.

[0205] (13) The observation system according to any one of (1) to (11), wherein the acquisition unit acquires an image output from an imaging device that captures light from a subject as irradiation environment information, and determines whether or not the open field is included based on the captured image.

[0206] (14) the acquisition unit has a recognition function for recognizing a category of a captured image, The observation system described in (13), wherein the acquisition unit determines whether or not the open field is included based on the category.

[0207] (15) the illumination device for image observation in a state where it is attached to the imaging device blocks a part of the light from the subject in a form different from that of the illumination device for open field in a state where it is attached to the imaging device, and causes the imaging device to receive the light; The observation system according to any one of (1) to (11), wherein the acquisition unit acquires information on a light-shielded part in a captured image output from the imaging device as irradiation environment information, and determines whether or not the open field is included based on the information on the light-shielded part.

[0208] (16) The observation system according to any one of (1) to (11), wherein the acquisition unit acquires information as to whether or not an illumination device for image observation has passed through a trocar as illumination environment information, and determines whether or not the open field is included based on the information as to whether or not the trocar has passed through.

[0209] (17) The observation system according to any one of (1) to (16), wherein, when the control device is started, a first software key is displayed on a display unit.

[0210] (18) The light source device is connectable to an image observation illumination device and an open field illumination device; The observation system according to any one of (1) to (17), further comprising an imaging device connectable to the image observation illumination device and the open field illumination device.

[0211] (19) The control device includes: The observation system according to (1), wherein, when the imaging device connected to the control device has a first imaging element that receives white light and a second imaging element that receives narrowband light corresponding to excitation light, the imaging device has a mode that executes control to cause the light source device to periodically emit excitation light and white light at a predetermined interval, and to emit light of at least a portion of the wavelength band of the white light even during the emission period of the excitation light.

[0212] (20) A method for emitting irradiation light to be irradiated into different irradiation environments, comprising: an acquisition step of acquiring an information signal including irradiation environment information related to an irradiation environment of the irradiation light; a determination step of determining whether the irradiation environment information includes an open field based on the information signal; A display step of displaying a first software key on a display unit by a control signal when the irradiation environment information includes the open field, and displaying a second software key on a display unit by the control signal when the irradiation environment information does not include the open field, a function of the first software key corresponding to a predetermined light emission is disabled, and a function of the second software key corresponding to the predetermined light emission is enabled; Illumination method.

[0213] (twenty one) An observation system including a control device for controlling irradiation light to be irradiated into different irradiation environments, The control device includes: A control unit that controls a light source device that generates the irradiation light; An acquisition unit that acquires irradiation environment information related to an environment of irradiation of the irradiation light, The control unit is When the irradiation environment information acquired by the acquisition unit includes an open field, a first software key is displayed on a display unit, and when the irradiation environment information does not include an open field, a second software key is displayed on a display unit; the first software key has a function of periodically repeating at least a first state and a second state having a higher emission intensity in a visible light band than the first state, and the second state has a limited frequency function for emission having a duration longer than 7.7 ms; The second software key has no restriction on the function corresponding to the frequency. Observation system.

[0214] (twenty two) A control device for controlling irradiation light to be irradiated to different irradiation environments, The control device includes: A control unit that controls a light source device that generates the irradiation light; An acquisition unit that acquires irradiation environment information related to an environment of irradiation of the irradiation light, The control unit is When the irradiation environment information acquired by the acquisition unit includes an open field, a first software key is displayed on a display unit, and when the irradiation environment information does not include an open field, a second software key is displayed on a display unit; a function of the first software key corresponding to a predetermined light emission is disabled, and a function of the second software key corresponding to the predetermined light emission is enabled; Control device.

[0215] (twenty three) The observation system described in (1), wherein the specified light emission is at least one of light emission that causes flicker that is detectable by the human eye and light emission that causes flicker that is not detectable by the human eye but affects humans.

[0216] (twenty four) The predetermined light emission is light emission that switches between a plurality of light emission states having different brightness and / or wavelengths over time at a frequency of 3 Hz or more and less than a predetermined value, X Hz; The observation system described in (1), wherein XHz is a frequency that can be determined based on the region of use.

[0217] (twenty five) The predetermined light emission periodically repeats at least a first state and a second state having a higher light emission intensity in the visible light band than the first state, and the second state is maintained for a period longer than Yms, The observation system described in (24), wherein Yms is a value obtained by dividing 500 by XHz. [Explanation of symbols]

[0218] 10 Observation System 11 Imaging device 12 Control device 13 Light source device 14 Display device 16 Light Guide 16a First light guide end 16b End of second light guide 18 Rigid scope 19 Ring Light 20 Insertion section 21 Insertion tip 22 Optical connection part 23 Imaging connection part 32 Light Guide 33 Imaging connection part 45 Connector 52 Image sensor 52a First imaging element 52b Second imaging element 56 Wavelength separation optical element 60 Control section 61 Communications Department 62 Image Generation Unit 64 Acquisition Department 65 Touch Panel 90 Subjects 500 Software Keys 502 Software Key 510 Software Key 512 Software Key L1 Observation light TL Light Emission Cycle TR exposure period tp Interpulse interval tw Pulse width P Captured image P0 Observation image P1 Light shielding part

Claims

1. An observation system including a control device for controlling irradiation light to be irradiated into different irradiation environments, The control device includes: A control unit that controls a light source device that generates the irradiation light; An acquisition unit that acquires irradiation environment information related to an environment of irradiation of the irradiation light, The control unit is When the irradiation environment information acquired by the acquisition unit includes an open field, a first software key is displayed on a display unit, and when the irradiation environment information does not include an open field, a second software key is displayed on the display unit; a function of the first software key corresponding to a predetermined light emission is disabled, and a function of the second software key corresponding to the predetermined light emission is enabled; Observation system.

2. The observation system according to claim 1 , wherein the predetermined light emission is a light emission that produces a flicker that is detectable by the human eye.

3. The observation system according to claim 1 , wherein the predetermined light emission is light emission that switches over time between a plurality of light emission states having different brightness and / or wavelength at a frequency of 3 Hz or more and less than 65 Hz.

4. The observation system of claim 1, wherein the predetermined light emission periodically repeats at least a first state and a second state having a higher light emission intensity in the visible light band than the first state, and the second state is maintained for a period longer than 7.7 ms.

5. The observation system according to claim 1 , wherein the software key to be disabled and the software key to be enabled are displayed in different ways on the display unit.

6. The observation system according to claim 1 , wherein the first software key and the second software key are software keys related to brightness control and are associated with a target value of brightness.

7. The observation system according to claim 6 , wherein a range of brightness selectable by the second software key is wider than a range of brightness selectable by the first software key.

8. 8. The observation system according to claim 7, wherein the first software key and the second software key have different ranges of brightness target values ​​selectable by the user.

9. The observation system according to claim 1 , wherein the first software key and the second software key are associated with a function of selecting an observation mode.

10. The observation system according to claim 1 , wherein the first software key and the second software key are associated with a function of selecting a fluorescence wavelength or an excitation wavelength.

11. The observation system according to claim 10 , wherein the first software key has a function corresponding to the emission of visible light disabled, and the second software key has a function corresponding to the emission of visible light enabled.

12. The acquisition unit acquires a type of a light guiding unit connected to the light source device as the irradiation environment information, and determines that a case in which the light source device is connected via a first type of light guiding unit includes an open field; The observation system according to claim 1 , wherein a case where the light source device is connected via a second type light guiding section different from the first type is determined to not include the open field.

13. The observation system according to claim 1 , wherein the acquisition unit acquires an image output from an imaging device that captures light from a subject as the irradiation environment information, and determines whether or not the open field is included based on the captured image.

14. the acquisition unit has a recognition function for recognizing a category of the captured image, The observation system according to claim 13 , wherein the acquisition unit determines whether or not the open field is included based on the category.

15. the illumination device for image observation in a state where it is attached to the imaging device blocks a part of the light from the subject in a form different from that of the illumination device for open field in a state where it is attached to the imaging device, and the light is received by the imaging device; The observation system according to claim 1 , wherein the acquisition unit acquires information of a light-shielded portion included in the captured image output from the imaging device as the irradiation environment information, and determines whether or not the open field is included based on the information of the light-shielded portion.

16. The observation system according to claim 1, wherein the acquisition unit acquires information on whether or not at least a part of a lighting device for image observation has passed through a trocar as the illumination environment information, and determines whether or not the open field is included based on the information on whether or not the trocar has passed through.

17. The observation system according to claim 1 , wherein the control device causes the first software key to be displayed on a display unit when the control device is started up.

18. The light source device is connectable to an image observation illumination device and an open field illumination device; The observation system according to claim 1 , further comprising an imaging device connectable to the image observation illumination device and the open field illumination device.

19. The control device includes:

2. The observation system according to claim 1, further comprising a fluorescence imaging mode for executing control such that, when the imaging device connected to the control device has a first imaging element that receives white light and a second imaging element that receives fluorescence generated by excitation light, the light source device periodically emits excitation light and white light at predetermined intervals, and emits light of at least a portion of the wavelength band of the white light even during an emission period of the excitation light.

20. A method for emitting irradiation light to be irradiated into different irradiation environments, comprising: an acquisition step of acquiring an information signal including irradiation environment information related to an irradiation environment of the irradiation light; a determination step of determining whether the irradiation environment information includes an open field based on the information signal; A display step of displaying a first software key on a display unit by a control signal when the irradiation environment information includes the open field, and displaying a second software key on a display unit by the control signal when the irradiation environment information does not include the open field, a function of the first software key corresponding to a predetermined light emission is disabled, and a function of the second software key corresponding to the predetermined light emission is enabled; Illumination method.

21. An observation system including a control device for controlling irradiation light to be irradiated into different irradiation environments, The control device includes: A control unit that controls a light source device that generates the irradiation light; An acquisition unit that acquires irradiation environment information related to an environment of irradiation of the irradiation light, The control unit is When the irradiation environment information acquired by the acquisition unit includes an open field, a first software key is displayed on a display unit, and when the irradiation environment information does not include an open field, a second software key is displayed on the display unit; the first software key corresponds to a function of periodically repeating at least a first state and a second state having a higher emission intensity in a visible light band than the first state, and the second state has a restriction that the emission has a duration longer than 7.7 ms; the second software key does not have the restriction; Observation system.

22. The observation system according to claim 1 , wherein the predetermined light emission is a light emission that causes flicker that is detectable by the human eye, and a light emission that causes flicker that is not detectable by the human eye but affects humans.

23. The predetermined light emission is light emission that switches between a plurality of light emission states having different brightness and / or wavelengths over time at a frequency of 3 Hz or more and less than a predetermined value, X Hz; 2. The observation system according to claim 1, wherein the X Hz is a frequency that can be determined based on the region of use.

24. The predetermined light emission periodically repeats at least a first state and a second state having a higher light emission intensity in the visible light band than the first state, and the second state is maintained for a period longer than Y ms.

24. The observation system of claim 23, wherein the Yms is 500 divided by the XHz.

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