Endoscope apparatus, operation method of endoscope apparatus, and program of endoscope apparatus

Abstract

To provide an endoscope apparatus 1 for displaying an appropriate identification image according to a combination of an endoscope 10 and a processor 30.SOLUTION: An endoscope apparatus 1 includes: an endoscope 10 that outputs an imaging signal; a processor 30 that generates a subject image by performing image processing on the imaging signal, calculates an index by normalizing a sum of a red pixel value and a green pixel value of a plurality of pixels of the subject image by a blue pixel value, selects a threshold set from a plurality of threshold sets corresponding to a plurality of combinations of a plurality of pieces of endoscope information and a plurality of pieces of processor information, identifies a symptom level of the pixel as one of a plurality of symptom levels using the threshold set, acquires an identification color corresponding to the symptom level of the pixel, and generates an identification image using the identification color of the plurality of pixels; and a monitor 40 that displays the identification image.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an endoscopic device that displays an identification image according to the symptom level of a subject inside the body, an operating method of an endoscopic device that images an internal subject and displays an identification image according to the symptom level, and a program for an endoscopic device that images an internal subject and displays an identification image according to the symptom level. [Background technology]

[0002] International Publication No. 2018 / 230130 discloses an endoscope device that calculates an index indicating the degree of abnormality of a subject based on the colors contained in an image of the subject captured with an endoscope, and identifies and displays the index based on a threshold value. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2018 / 230130 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In an endoscope system, the color of the subject image varies depending on the combination of the endoscope and the processor. For this reason, conventional endoscope systems, which have threshold sets based on standard combinations, may not be able to display an appropriate identification image. An embodiment of the present invention aims to provide an endoscopic device that displays an appropriate identification image depending on the combination of an endoscope and a processor, an operating method for an endoscopic device that displays an appropriate identification image depending on the combination of an endoscope and a processor, and a program for an endoscopic device that displays an appropriate identification image depending on the combination of an endoscope and a processor. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] An endoscopic device according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises an endoscope that captures an image of a subject inside the body of a subject and outputs an image signal, a processor that generates an identification image, and a monitor that displays the identification image. The processor performs image processing on the image signal to generate an image of the subject, calculates an index for each pixel by normalizing the sum of the red pixel value and the green pixel value of each of a plurality of pixels in at least a portion of the image of the subject by the blue pixel value, selects a threshold set corresponding to the combination of endoscope information and processor information from a plurality of threshold sets corresponding to a plurality of combinations of endoscope information and a plurality of processor information, classifies the symptom level of each pixel into one of a plurality of symptom levels using the selected threshold set, obtains an identification color corresponding to the symptom level of each pixel, and generates the identification image using the identification color of each of the plurality of pixels.

[0006] An operation method of an endoscopic device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes performing image processing on an image signal obtained by capturing an image of a subject inside a subject's body to generate a subject image, calculating an index for each pixel by normalizing the sum of the red pixel value and the green pixel value of each of a plurality of pixels in at least a portion of the subject image by the blue pixel value, selecting a threshold set corresponding to the combination of endoscope information and processor information from a plurality of threshold sets corresponding to a plurality of combinations of endoscope information and a plurality of processor information, using the selected threshold set to classify the symptom level of each pixel as one of a plurality of symptom levels, obtaining an identification color corresponding to the symptom level of each pixel, generating an identification image using the identification color of each of the plurality of pixels, and displaying the identification image.

[0007] A program for an endoscopic device according to an embodiment of the present invention causes a computer to perform image processing on an imaging signal output by an endoscope after capturing an image of an object inside a subject's body to generate an object image, calculate an index for each pixel by normalizing the sum of the red pixel value and the green pixel value of each of a plurality of pixels in at least a portion of the object image by the blue pixel value, select a threshold set corresponding to a combination of endoscope information and processor information from a plurality of threshold sets corresponding to a plurality of combinations of endoscope information and a plurality of processor information, use the selected threshold set to classify the symptom level of each pixel as one of a plurality of symptom levels, obtain an identification color corresponding to the symptom level of each pixel, generate an identification image using the identification color for each of the plurality of pixels, and display the identification image. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to an embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide an endoscopic device that displays an appropriate identification image depending on the combination of an endoscope and a processor, an operating method for an endoscopic device that displays an appropriate identification image depending on the combination of an endoscope and a processor, and a program for an endoscopic device that displays an appropriate identification image depending on the combination of an endoscope and a processor. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an endoscope apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the light absorption characteristics of plasma and the light emission characteristics of a light source. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the light absorption characteristics of the subject. [Figure 4]FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a calculation formula for the index of the endoscope device according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a calculation formula for the index of the endoscope device according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a method for operating the endoscope apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a table of a plurality of threshold sets in the endoscope apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the relationship between the symptom level and the threshold value in the endoscope apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the relationship between symptom levels and discrimination colors in the endoscope device according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 shows an example of a monitor screen in the endoscope apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 shows a plurality of correction coefficient sets and a standard threshold set in an endoscope apparatus according to the first modification of the embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] <Configuration of the endoscope device> As shown in FIG. 1, the endoscope device 1 of the embodiment includes an endoscope 10, a light source device 20, a processor 30, a monitor 40, and a third memory 50.

[0011] The endoscope 10 has a long, thin insertion section 11 to be inserted into the subject 90, an operation section 12 provided at the base end of the insertion section 11, a universal cord 13 extending from the operation section 12, and a connector 14. The operation section 12 has a plurality of buttons 12A and the like which are endoscope setting sections for operating the endoscope function and the imaging function. The insertion section 11 of the endoscope 10 has, in order from the distal end, a distal end portion 11A, a bending section 11B provided at the base end of the distal end portion 11A, and a long, thin flexible tube 11C provided at the base end of the bending section 11B. The distal end portion 11A is provided with an imaging unit 15 which is an imaging section and an illumination unit 16 which is an illumination section.

[0012] The connector 14 of the endoscope 10 is connected to the light source device 20 and the processor 30. Illumination light L generated by the light source device 20 is guided to the illumination unit 16 at the tip 11A of the insertion section 11 and illuminates an object 91 inside the body of the subject 90. The imaging unit 15 has an imaging element such as a CCD. The imaging unit 15 converts reflected light R from the object 91 into an electrical signal and outputs an imaging signal of the object image to the processor 30.

[0013] The endoscope 10 has a first memory 17 that stores endoscope information. In this embodiment, the endoscope information is endoscope model data such as the model number of the endoscope 10. The first memory 17 is, for example, a RAM, a ROM, or an RF-ID tag.

[0014] The light source device 20 includes a light source control unit 22, a light source 23, and a multiplexer 24.

[0015] The light source control unit 22 is a light source control circuit that is connected to the light source 23 and controls the light source 23 in response to a control signal from the processor 30 .

[0016] The light source 23 has a plurality of light-emitting elements such as LEDs. The light source 23 has an R element 23R, a G element 23G, and a B element 23B. The R element 23R emits red light Br in a normal band. The G element 23G emits green light Bg in a normal band. The B element 23B emits blue light Bb in a normal band. The B element 23B not only outputs the normal band blue light Bb, but also narrows the band of the blue light using, for example, a narrow-band optical filter (not shown), and outputs narrow-band blue light Nb.

[0017] The multiplexer 24 multiplexes the plurality of light beams input from the light sources 23 and outputs the illumination light L to the illumination unit 16 .

[0018] The processor 30 includes an image processing unit 31, a calculation unit 32, a discrimination unit 33, a discrimination color acquisition unit 34, an image generation unit 35, a setting unit 36, and a second memory 37. The processor 30, which is a CPU, controls the entire endoscopic device 1, generates an endoscopic image based on an imaging signal input from the endoscope 10, and generates a discrimination image based on the endoscopic image, as described below. The second memory 37 is, for example, a RAM or a ROM, that stores processor information. In this embodiment, the processor information is processor model data such as the model number of the processor 30.

[0019] The setting unit 36, which is a setting circuit, is a button or the like through which the user inputs various instructions. The setting unit 36 may be a touch panel, a keyboard, a foot switch, or the button 12A of the endoscope 10, which is separate from the processor 30. For example, instructions such as an instruction to bend the bending portion, an instruction to drive the light source device 20, the type of illumination light L that illuminates the subject 91, the type of observation region of the subject 91, and an image to be displayed on the monitor 40 are input from the setting unit 36.

[0020] The configurations of the image processing unit 31, the calculation unit 32, the discrimination unit 33, the discrimination color acquisition unit 34, and the image generation unit 35 will be described later.

[0021] style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"MS P Gothic"'> At least one of the multiple components of the processor 30 and the light source control unit 22 may be configured by an internal circuit (CPU) that operates by software (program), or may be configured by a dedicated hardware circuit.

[0022] The monitor 40 is, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) or a CRT that displays a color image. The monitor 40 displays an image instructed by the processor 30. The monitor 40 having a touch panel function may constitute a part of the setting unit 36.

[0023] The third memory 50 is a RAM, a ROM, a hard disk drive, or the like that stores data such as operating conditions of the processor 30, programs, and the like. The third memory 50 may be a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium such as a CD or a DVD. The processor 30 performs predetermined processing based on the programs and data stored in the third memory 50. Furthermore, past examination data of the subject 90, etc., stored in, for example, a server separate from the endoscope device 1, may be transferred to the third memory 50 via an internet line, etc.

[0024] The calculation unit 32 is a calculation circuit that calculates an index VI for each of a plurality of pixels of the subject image output by the imaging unit. The index VI, which quantitatively indicates the symptom level of the subject 91, is calculated using a predetermined calculation formula.

[0025] The process for selecting the calculation formula is explained below.

[0026] Fig. 2 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the light absorption characteristic W of plasma and the wavelength of light emitted by light source 23. Fig. 2 shows normal band red light Br, normal band green light Bg, normal band blue light Bb, narrow band blue light Nb, the light absorption characteristic W of plasma, and the peak wavelength Wp of the absorption coefficient of plasma.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 2, the absorption characteristic W of blood plasma is low at a wavelength of about 415 nm, peaks at a wavelength of about 465 nm, and approaches 0 at a wavelength of about 550 nm.

[0028] Therefore, while blue light Bb may be in a normal band, it is particularly preferable to narrow the band so that the central wavelength is the same as the peak wavelength Wp of the absorption coefficient of plasma in order to detect plasma clearly. For example, blue light Bb is narrowed so that the central wavelength is around 465 nm and used as narrow-band blue light Nb. Blue light Bb may also be narrowed so that the central wavelength is 460 nm to 470 nm. Furthermore, blue light Bb may also be narrowed so that the central wavelength is 415 nm to 495 nm.

[0029] When irradiated with special light containing red light Br, green light Bg, and narrow-band blue light Nb, the blood plasma absorbs more blue light than red and green light, resulting in a stronger yellowish appearance than when irradiated with normal light containing normal blue light Bb.

[0030] Next, Figure 3 shows a schematic cross section of mucosa. Shown in Figure 3 are normal mucosa N, edema M, polyp S, blood vessels Bv, and illumination light L. Here, illumination light L is monochromatic light with a short wavelength, such as narrowband blue light Nb. The pigment in the mucosa is plasma.

[0031] As shown in the light penetration area L1, the illumination light L penetrates well into the normal mucosa N, and the reflected light R appears pale yellow due to the pigment in the mucosa, which has a higher absorption coefficient on the short wavelength side than on the long wavelength side.

[0032] As shown in light penetration area L2, the penetration of illumination light L is reduced in edema M compared to normal mucosa N. More specifically, in edema M, illumination light L is scattered more at short wavelengths than at long wavelengths by the thickened epithelium, and is reflected without being absorbed by the pigment in the mucosa. Therefore, in edema M, reflected light R appears whiter than in normal mucosa N.

[0033] As shown in the light penetration region L3, the degree of light penetration in the polyp S is even lower than in the edema M, and the reflected light R appears even whiter than in the edema M.

[0034] 4 shows an index VI obtained by normalizing the green pixel value Vg, red pixel value Vr, blue pixel value Vb, or the sum of the green pixel value Vg and red pixel value Vr of a pixel included in an endoscopic image. The pixel value V is obtained as, for example, 8-bit data (0-255).

[0035] Figure 4 shows the difference in index VI due to differences in the calculation formula for index VI between normal mucosa N, edema M, and polyp S. In Figure 4, "Vg / Vb," "Vr / Vb," "Vr / Vg," and "(Vr+Vg) / 2Vb" on the X-axis each represent the calculation formula for index VI, and the Y-axis represents the index VI normalized by each calculation formula.

[0036] The solid line indicates normal mucosa N, the dashed-dotted line indicates edema M, and the dashed-two-dotted line indicates polyp S. Hereinafter, edema M and polyp S will be referred to as abnormal mucosa.

[0037] In the mucosa of the body, for example, the mucosa of the nasal sinuses, the symptom levels become more severe in the order of normal mucosa N, edema M, and polyp S. There is a difference in color between normal mucosa N and abnormal mucosa, and as the symptom level becomes more severe, the mucosal epithelium becomes thicker and the appearance becomes whiter. Therefore, the formula for calculating the largest index VI for normal mucosa N and index VI for polyp S is "(Vr + Vg) / 2Vb".

[0038] Figure 5 shows the index VIN for edema M and polyp S, obtained by normalizing the index VI for edema M and polyp S, the same as in Figure 4, by the index VI for normal mucosa N. In Figure 5, the X-axis shows the formula for calculating the index VIN used to calculate the index VIN normalized by the index VI for normal mucosa N, and the Y-axis shows the index VIN.

[0039] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, for normal mucosa N and polyp S, the indices VI and VIN calculated using the formula "(Vr+Vg) / 2Vb" are larger than the indices VI and VIN calculated using other index calculation formulas.

[0040] That is, the index VIN calculated by the calculation formula "(Vr+Vg) / 2Vb" greatly represents the difference in color between the normal mucosa N and the abnormal mucosa.

[0041] <Operation method of endoscope device> The operation method of the endoscope device 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0042] <Step S10> Illumination light irradiation The insertion section 11 of the endoscope 10 is inserted into the living body of a subject 90, for example, into the nasal cavity. Illumination light L from the light source device 20 is irradiated onto the mucous membrane, which is the subject 91, via the illumination unit 16 at the tip section 11A. The illumination light L is red light Br, green light Bg, and blue light Bb.

[0043] <Step S20> Image signal output The imaging unit 15 of the tip portion 11A receives reflected light R from the subject 91, converts it into an electrical signal, and outputs the imaging signal to the processor 30.

[0044] <Step S30> Image processing The image processing unit 31 is an image processing circuit that performs image processing such as gain adjustment, white balance adjustment, gamma correction, contour emphasis correction, and zoom adjustment based on the imaging signal to generate an endoscopic image, which is an image of the subject.

[0045] <Step S40> Calculate index The calculation unit 32 calculates the index VI for each pixel by normalizing the sum of the red pixel value Vr and the green pixel value Vg for each of the multiple pixels in the subject image by twice the blue pixel value Vb(Nb). In other words, the calculation unit 32 calculates the index VI for multiple regions (pixels) of the subject.

[0046] In the examples shown in Figures 4 and 5, the formula "(Vr+Vg) / 2Vb" is used to normalize pixel values and calculate the index VI. However, the formula can be changed as needed as long as it normalizes the sum of red and green pixel values by the blue pixel value.

[0047] For example, the indicator VI may be converted to 8-bit (0-255) data, or an additional value may be added to the 8-bit data, or the k value in the calculation formula "(Vr+Vg) / kVb" may be changed. In the following, the indicator VI was calculated using Equation 1.

[0048] <Expression 1> VI = 32 × log2 [(Vr + Vg) / 2Vb] + 256

[0049] The calculation unit 32 preferably calculates the index VI using one of a plurality of calculation formulas corresponding to each of a plurality of subjects 91 (for example, the nasal sinuses, the digestive tract).

[0050] The calculation unit 32 may divide the subject image into areas each consisting of a plurality of pixels (for example, 5×5=25 pixel units) and calculate the index VI for each area. That is, the calculation unit 32 may calculate the index based on the average value of the pixel values of the plurality of pixels included in each area.

[0051] Each area may overlap with adjacent areas in some pixels (for example, 16 pixels on the periphery of a 5×5, 25-pixel area).

[0052] <Step S50> Select threshold set The discrimination unit 33 is a discrimination circuit that selects a threshold set TS to be used for discrimination from a plurality of threshold sets TS (FIG. 7), and discriminates the symptom level of each pixel based on the index VI using the selected threshold set TS.

[0053] In the endoscope device 1, there are five symptom levels: "normal / mild / moderate / severe / very severe." If there are three or more symptom levels, it is easier to determine the symptoms in detail than if there are only two levels: "normal / abnormal."

[0054] In order to distinguish between five symptom levels, four thresholds T are required (a first threshold T1 to distinguish between normal and mild, a second threshold T2 to distinguish between mild and moderate, a third threshold T3 to distinguish between moderate and severe, and a fourth threshold T4 to distinguish between severe and very severe).

[0055] The identification unit 33 selects a threshold value set TS to be used for identification from a table (FIG. 7) of multiple threshold value sets TS corresponding to multiple combinations of multiple endoscopes and multiple processors stored in the second memory 37 or the third memory 50. The table of threshold value sets TS is set in advance as appropriate based on the judgments of multiple experts, etc.

[0056] The identification unit 33 acquires endoscope information of the connected endoscope 10 from the first memory 17 of the endoscope 10 via wired or wireless communication. The endoscope information may be input by the user using the setting unit 36 of the processor 30. The processor information of the processor 30 is stored in the second memory 37, for example.

[0057] <Step S60> Identify symptom level 8 shows an example of multiple thresholds T when the endoscope 10 is endoscope A and the processor 30 is processor A (FIG. 7). The identification unit 33 identifies the symptom level of each pixel based on the index VI calculated by the calculation unit 32, using the selected threshold set TS.

[0058] <Step S70> Distinguishing color acquisition unit The discrimination color acquisition unit 34 acquires a discrimination color according to the symptom level of the pixel acquired by the identification unit 33.

[0059] 9 shows the discrimination colors according to the symptom levels. The index VI is, for example, data in the range (0-511) obtained by adding 256 to 8-bit data. The multiple threshold values T and discrimination colors are stored in the second memory 37.

[0060] In the example of Figure 9, the identification color acquisition unit 34 acquires multiple colors with different hues, but it may also acquire multiple saturations with different vividness, multiple brightness levels with different brightness, multiple hatching with different spacing, or multiple patterns with different patterns.

[0061] Note that the subject image may contain pixels with error pixel values of colors that do not occur in normal imaging. In the endoscope device 1, a pixel with a pixel value V in which at least one of the red pixel value, green pixel value, and blue pixel value is less than a predetermined lower limit pixel value or greater than a predetermined upper limit pixel value is considered to be a first error pixel. For example, a pixel with a pixel value V in the range (0-255) that is less than 5 or greater than 250 is considered to be a first error pixel.

[0062] Furthermore, a pixel with an index VI that is equal to or smaller than a predetermined lower threshold or equal to or larger than a predetermined upper threshold is determined to be a second error pixel. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 9, a pixel with an index VI that is equal to or smaller than the lower threshold of 10 or equal to or larger than the upper threshold of 500 is determined to be a second error pixel.

[0063] The discrimination color acquisition unit 34 acquires an error color for the error pixel (first error pixel and second error pixel). The image generation unit generates a discrimination image using the error color for the error pixel. The error color is not limited to black and white as shown in FIG. 9, but may be, for example, gray. Furthermore, the color of a pixel below a lower limit and above an upper limit of a threshold may be the same error color. The numerical value of the error pixel determination criteria and the error color data are stored in advance in the second memory 37 or the third memory 50.

[0064] <Step S80> Generate identification image The discrimination color acquisition unit 34 acquires a discrimination color corresponding to the symptom level of each pixel. The image generation unit 35 is a discrimination color acquisition circuit that generates a discrimination image using the discrimination colors of the multiple pixels.

[0065] <Step S90> Display The monitor 40 displays the identification image.

[0066] Fig. 10 shows an example of a display image on the monitor 40. In Fig. 10, a partial area of an endoscopic image 40A displayed in color is replaced with an identification image 40B. In other words, a superimposed image in which the identification image 40B is superimposed on the endoscopic image 40A is displayed.

[0067] Additionally, an index average value 40D is displayed on the monitor 40 together with the discrimination color list display 40C. That is, the calculation unit 32 calculates an index average value 40D for a plurality of pixels, and the monitor 40 displays the index average value 40D.

[0068] Users can easily understand the subject's symptoms based on the average index value of 40D.

[0069] It is also possible that only the identification image 40B is displayed on the monitor 40. In other words, the calculation unit 32 calculates an index from a plurality of pixels in the entire area of the endoscopic image 40A, which is the subject image, and the image generation unit 35 generates an identification image corresponding to the entire area of the endoscopic image 40A.

[0070] Alternatively, the endoscopic image 40A may be displayed in the main area of the monitor 40, and the identification image 40B of the area surrounded by a frame in the endoscopic image 40A may be displayed in an area separate from the endoscopic image 40A. At least one of the position and range (area) of the partial area from which the identification image 40B is generated within the entire area of the endoscopic image 40A, which is the subject image, can be appropriately selected by operating the setting unit 36.

[0071] In a narrow duct, it may not be easy to point the center of the endoscopic image 40A (the center of the field of view of the imaging unit 15) at the area of interest. However, by selecting at least one of the position and range of the area in which the identification image 40B is displayed, the user can easily identify the area of interest.

[0072] The endoscopic device 1 of this embodiment can display an appropriate identification image depending on the combination of the endoscope and the processor. In this embodiment, the threshold value is determined depending on the combination of the endoscope and the processor, but the threshold value may also be determined depending on the combination with the light source device or the monitor within the endoscopic device. In this case, a memory that stores model information is provided in the light source device or the monitor, and this information is read out via a connection line.

[0073] As described above, the operation method of the endoscopic device of the embodiment includes: generating an image of a subject by performing image processing on an image signal obtained by capturing an image of a subject inside the subject's body; calculating an index for each pixel by normalizing the sum of the red pixel value and the green pixel value of each of a plurality of pixels in at least a portion of the subject image by the blue pixel value; selecting a threshold set corresponding to the combination of endoscope information and processor information from a plurality of threshold sets corresponding to a plurality of combinations of endoscope information and a plurality of processor information; using the selected threshold set, classifying the symptom level of each pixel as one of a plurality of symptom levels; obtaining an identification color corresponding to the symptom level of each pixel; generating an identification image using the identification color of each of the plurality of pixels; and displaying the identification image.

[0074] A program according to another embodiment causes a computer to execute the above process.

[0075] In another embodiment, the storage medium is a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium that stores a program for causing a computer to execute the above-described process.

[0076] <Modification> The endoscope devices 1A-1C of the modified examples are similar to the endoscope device 1 of the embodiment and have the same effects as the endoscope device 1. For this reason, in the following description, components having the same functions as the endoscope device 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0077] <Variation 1> In the endoscope device 1A of this modification, the threshold set TS is acquired using a correction data set selected from a table of correction data sets of multiple thresholds corresponding to combinations of multiple endoscope information and multiple processor information, and a standard threshold set (FIG. 11). The correction data set and the standard threshold set are stored in, for example, the second memory 37 or the third memory 50.

[0078] For example, when the endoscope 10 is endoscope B and the processor 30 is processor B, the first threshold T1 is 290 (=296×0.98).

[0079] The endoscope device 1A stores smaller amounts of data in the second memory 37 and the like than the endoscope device 1.

[0080] <Variation 2> There are individual differences between the endoscope 10 and the processor 30 even if they are the same model manufactured to the same specifications. In the endoscope device 1B of this modified example, the endoscope information is endoscope model data such as the model number of the endoscope 10 and individual endoscope data such as the serial number. The processor information is processor model data such as the model number of the processor 30 and individual processor data such as the serial number.

[0081] Endoscope individual data such as an endoscope serial number may include endoscope model data information such as a model number. Similarly, processor individual data such as a processor serial number may include processor model data information such as a model number.

[0082] Therefore, in the endoscope device 1B, the endoscope information may be endoscope individual data, and the processor information may be processor individual data.

[0083] For example, the endoscope individual data is the correction coefficients stored in the first memory 17 at the time of shipping inspection after manufacture of the endoscope 10. The processor individual data is the correction coefficients stored in the second memory 37 at the time of shipping inspection of the processor 30 after manufacture.

[0084] For example, in the table shown in Figure 7 or Figure 11, if the endoscope 10 is endoscope A and the correction coefficient of the endoscope individual data is 0.99, and the processor 30 is processor A and the correction coefficient of the processor individual data is 1.02, the first threshold value T1 is 266 (= 293 x 0.99 x 1.02).

[0085] The endoscope device 1B can display an appropriate identification image even if there are individual differences in the endoscope and processor.

[0086] <Variation 3> The color tone and the like of the endoscopic image may be changed by the user adjusting the setting unit 36. In the endoscopic device 1C of this modified example, the threshold set TS is corrected in accordance with changes in the image processing parameters.

[0087] For example, if the red level is adjusted by +5%, the processor 30 multiplies all thresholds T in the threshold set TS by a correction factor of 1.10. Conversely, if the red level is adjusted by -5%, the processor 30 multiplies all thresholds T in the threshold set TS by a correction factor of 0.92.

[0088] In the endoscope device 1C, even if the endoscope image is adjusted by the user, an appropriate identification image can be displayed.

[0089] The ranges of the above-described numerical values, for example, the wavelength, are not limited to the ranges described above and can be increased or decreased as appropriate. The endoscope 10 may also have a rigid endoscope as its insertion section 11. The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0090] This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 626,334, filed January 29, 2024, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. [Explanation of symbols]

[0091] 1. 1A-1C Endoscopic device 10. Endoscope 11 Insertion section 11A...Tip 11B... Curved section 11C...Soft tube 12...Operation unit 12A··· button 13. Universal Code 14···Connector 15. Imaging unit 16 Lighting unit 17. First Memory 20...Light source device 22 Light source control unit 23...Light source 24...Multiplexer 30 processors 31 Image processing unit 32 Calculation section 33 Identification unit 34. Identification color acquisition unit 35. Image generation unit 36. Settings section 37. Second Memory 40···Monitor 50...Third Memory 90...Subject

Claims

1. The apparatus comprises an endoscope for capturing an image of an object inside the body of a subject and outputting an image signal, a processor for generating an identification image, and a monitor for displaying the identification image, the processor performs image processing on the imaging signal to generate a subject image, calculates an index for each pixel by normalizing the sum of the red pixel value and the green pixel value of each of a plurality of pixels in at least a portion of the subject image by the blue pixel value, selects a threshold set corresponding to the combination of endoscope information and processor information from a plurality of threshold sets corresponding to a plurality of combinations of endoscope information and a plurality of processor information, classifies the symptom level of each pixel as one of a plurality of symptom levels using the selected threshold set, obtains an identification color corresponding to the symptom level of each pixel, and generates the identification image using the identification color of each of the plurality of pixels.

2. the endoscope information is at least one of endoscope model data and endoscope individual data, 2. The endoscope apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the processor information is at least one of processor model data and processor individual data.

3. The endoscope device according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of threshold sets include a plurality of correction data sets corresponding to a plurality of combinations of the plurality of endoscope information and the plurality of processor information, and a standard threshold set.

4. The endoscope apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein the processor corrects the threshold set in response to a change in a parameter of the image processing.

5. generating an image of the subject by performing image processing on an image signal obtained by capturing an image of the subject inside the body of the subject; calculating an index for each of a plurality of pixels in at least a partial region of the subject image by normalizing the sum of a red pixel value and a green pixel value by a blue pixel value; selecting a threshold set corresponding to a combination of the endoscope information and the processor information from a plurality of threshold sets corresponding to a plurality of combinations of the endoscope information and the processor information; using the selected threshold set to classify the symptom level of each pixel into one of a plurality of symptom levels; obtaining a discrimination color corresponding to the symptom level of each of the pixels; A method for operating an endoscope apparatus, comprising generating an identification image using the identification colors of the respective pixels and displaying the identification image.

6. the endoscope information is at least one of endoscope model data and endoscope individual data, 6. The method for operating an endoscope apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the processor information is at least one of processor model data and processor individual data.

7. performing image processing on an image signal output by an endoscope after capturing an image of an object inside the body of a subject to generate an object image; and calculating an index for each pixel by normalizing the sum of red pixel values and green pixel values of each of a plurality of pixels in at least a partial region of the object image by the blue pixel value; selecting a threshold set corresponding to a combination of the endoscope information and the processor information from a plurality of threshold sets corresponding to a plurality of combinations of the endoscope information and the processor information; using the selected threshold set to classify the symptom level of each pixel into one of a plurality of symptom levels; obtaining a discrimination color corresponding to the symptom level of each of the pixels; generating an identification image using the identification colors of the respective pixels; A program for an endoscope apparatus, which causes a computer to execute the program so as to display the identification image.

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