Medical observation system

Abstract

To provide a medical observation system capable of suppressing an increase in size even in a case of configuring a three-dimensional endoscope.SOLUTION: In order to solve the problem to be solved, a medical observation system according to the present disclosure comprises: a spectroscopic element for spectrally dispersing light in a first optical path into light in a first wavelength band and light in a second wavelength band different from the first wavelength band, and spectrally dispersing light in a second optical path different from the first optical path into light in the first wavelength band and light in the second wavelength band; a first imaging element for imaging the light in the first wavelength band spectrally dispersed from the light in the first optical path; a second imaging element for imaging the light in the second wavelength band spectrally dispersed from the light in the first optical path; a third imaging element for imaging the light in the first wavelength band spectrally dispersed from the light in the second optical path; and a fourth imaging element for imaging the light in the second wavelength band spectrally dispersed from the light in the second optical path.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to medical observation systems. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a medical observation system has been known in which a fluorescent substance such as indocyanine green is administered into a living body, and excitation light that excites the fluorescent substance is irradiated onto the object to be observed, thereby fluorescently observing the lesion where the fluorescent substance has accumulated as a 3D image. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-145873 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When constructing a 3D endoscope that can capture both white light 3D images and fluorescent 3D images, it is conceivable to provide one white light imaging element, one fluorescent imaging element, and one spectroscopic element (prism) that separates the light into white light and fluorescent light in the right eye, and to provide one white light imaging element, one fluorescent imaging element, and one spectroscopic element that separates the light into white light and fluorescent light in the left eye.

[0005] In this case, a working space for the adhesive application jig is required between the two spectroscopic elements, so the two spectroscopic elements must be placed apart, which could result in the endoscope becoming larger.

[0006] The present disclosure provides a medical observation system that can prevent an increase in size even when configuring a three-dimensional endoscope. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, according to the present disclosure, a spectroscopic element that separates light in a first optical path into light in a first wavelength band and light in a second wavelength band different from the first wavelength band, and separates light in a second optical path different from the first optical path into light in the first wavelength band and light in the second wavelength band; a first image capturing element configured to capture an image of light in the first wavelength band separated from the light in the first optical path; a second image capturing element configured to capture light of the second wavelength band separated from the light of the first optical path; a third image capturing element configured to capture an image of the light in the first wavelength band separated from the light in the second optical path; a fourth image sensor configured to capture an image of the light in the second wavelength band separated from the light in the second optical path; A medical observation system is provided, comprising:

[0008] The light in the first optical path and the light in the second optical path may be split by the same spectroscopic element.

[0009] The spectroscopic surface for dispersing the light in the first optical path and the spectroscopic surface for dispersing the light in the second optical path may be on the same surface of the same spectroscopic element.

[0010] The imaging device may further include an image generation unit that generates a three-dimensional image based on the output of the first imaging element, the output of the second imaging element, the output of the third imaging element, and the output of the fourth imaging element.

[0011] The light in the first wavelength band may be white light, and the light in the second wavelength band may be first fluorescent light.

[0012] Furthermore, when capturing an image of second fluorescence having a wavelength band different from that of the first fluorescence, the first image capturing element and the third image capturing element may capture images of white light and the second fluorescence in a time-division manner.

[0013] the spectroscopic element has a first region through which light to be imaged by at least one of the first image sensor and the second image sensor passes, and a second region through which light to be imaged by at least one of the third image sensor and the fourth image sensor passes, A hole may be provided in the region between the first region and the second region in the light separating element, and a protrusion of a base plate that fixes the light separating element may be fitted into the hole.

[0014] Two holes may be provided in a region between the first region and the second region in the light separating element, and two protrusions of the base plate that fixes the light separating element may be fitted into the holes.

[0015] One of the two holes of the light separating element may be an elongated hole.

[0016] the spectroscopic element has a first region through which light to be imaged by at least one of the first image sensor and the second image sensor passes, and a second region through which light to be imaged by at least one of the third image sensor and the fourth image sensor passes, A convex portion may be provided in a region between the first region and the second region in the light separating element, and the convex portion may be fitted into a hole in the base plate.

[0017] Two convex portions may be provided in the region between the first region and the second region in the light separating element, and the convex portions may be fitted into two holes in the base plate.

[0018] One of the two holes in the base plate may be an elongated hole.

[0019] The image generation unit may further include a transmission unit that directly or indirectly transmits the output of the first imaging element, the output of the second imaging element, the output of the third imaging element, and the output of the fourth imaging element to an image generation unit that generates a three-dimensional image based on the output of the first imaging element, the output of the second imaging element, the output of the third imaging element, and the output of the fourth imaging element.

[0020] a first optical member disposed on the first surface side and transmitting light of the first wavelength band in the first optical path and the second optical path; transmits the light of the first wavelength band on the first optical path toward the first surface, which is a spectroscopic surface, and reflects the light of the second wavelength band toward the second surface; a second optical member that transmits light of the first wavelength band in the second optical path toward the first surface and reflects light of the second wavelength band in the second optical path toward the second surface; a band limiting section disposed on the side of the first surface, which transmits light of the first wavelength band toward the first surface and reflects light of the second wavelength band toward the second surface; may also be provided.

[0021] The splitting of the light in the first optical path and the splitting of the light in the second optical path may be performed by the same band-limiting section disposed on the spectroscopic surface.

[0022] a first image capturing element configured to capture an image of the light in the first optical path and a third image capturing element configured to capture an image of the light in the second optical path are disposed on a third surface of the first optical member; A second imaging element that captures an image of the light in the first optical path and a fourth imaging element that captures an image of the light in the second optical path may be disposed on the second surface of the second optical member. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a medical observation system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a camera head and a control device. [Figure 3] FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a spectroscopic element. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the optical path within the left side view of the camera head. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a top view of a spectroscopic element according to a comparative example. [Figure 7] 3A to 3C are diagrams showing a manufacturing process of the spectroscopic element according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] 5A and 5B are diagrams showing a manufacturing process of a spectroscopic element according to a comparative example. [Figure 9] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing an example of bonding between a light separating element and a base plate according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing an example of bonding between a light separating element and a base plate according to the third embodiment. [Figure 11]10A and 10B are diagrams showing an example of bonding between a light separating element and a base plate according to the fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0025] Hereinafter, modes for carrying out the present disclosure (hereinafter, referred to as embodiments) will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described below. Furthermore, in the drawings, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0026] [General configuration of medical observation system] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a medical observation system 1 according to this embodiment. The medical observation system 1 is a system used in the medical field for capturing (observing) images of the inside of a living body (observation target) as a subject. As shown in Fig. 1, the medical observation system 1 includes an insertion section 2, a light source device 3, a light guide 4, a camera head 5, a first transmission cable 6, a display device 7, a second transmission cable 8, a control device 9, and a third transmission cable 10.

[0027] The medical observation system 1 according to this embodiment has an observation mode for observing light in a first wavelength band and an observation mode for capturing light in a second wavelength band different from the first wavelength band. It may also be configured to have an observation mode for capturing light in a third wavelength band different from the first and second wavelength bands. Furthermore, it may have an observation mode for observing light in the first wavelength band and light in the second wavelength band, an observation mode for observing light in the first wavelength band and light in a third wavelength band, and an observation mode for observing light in the first wavelength band, light in the second wavelength band, and light in the third wavelength band. Here, "different wavelength bands" means that the two wavelength bands do not completely match.

[0028] In this embodiment, the normal light observation mode in which white light (normal light) of a first wavelength band is observed, the first fluorescence observation mode in which first fluorescence of a second wavelength band at least partially outside the wavelength band of the white light is observed together with the white light, and the second fluorescence observation mode in which second fluorescence of a third wavelength band at least partially within the wavelength band of the white light is observed together with the white light will be described in particular detail. However, this is not a limitation, and the medical observation system 1 can perform observation using any wavelength band or any combination of wavelength bands. Furthermore, the control device 9 may change the wavelength band or combination of wavelength bands observed by the medical observation system 1 based on user selection or a program.

[0029] The insertion section 2 is configured, for example, as a binocular relay type (rigid endoscope). In this binocular relay type scope, two optical paths are arranged in parallel within the scope. Furthermore, an optical system is arranged in each of the two optical paths. In the binocular relay type scope, the two optical systems take in and emit observation light for the left and right eyes, each having a parallax. Note that the medical observation system 1 according to this embodiment will be described using an example of the binocular relay type, but is not limited to this. For example, the insertion section 2 may be configured as a monocular split-pupil type scope.

[0030] In a monocular split-pupil scope, a single optical path is provided within the scope. An optical system is disposed along this optical path. Furthermore, a pupil splitting section is provided at the pupil position of the optical system, which splits the light beam within the pupil into two regions. In a monocular split-pupil scope, the optical system takes in observation light, and the pupil splitting section separates the observation light into left and right observation light beams having a parallax between them and emits them.

[0031] The light source device 3 is connected to one end of the light guide 4, and supplies light to be irradiated into the living body to one end of the light guide 4 under the control of the control device 9. As shown in FIG. 1, the light source device 3 includes a first light source 31 and a second light source 32. In this embodiment, the first light source 31 is configured with an element that emits white light (first emitted light). For example, a semiconductor element such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode) or an LD (Laser Diode) can be used as the light emitting element. Return light of the first emitted light from the observation object is light of a first wavelength band. In this embodiment, the light of the first wavelength band is white light.

[0032] In the first fluorescence observation mode, the second light source 32 emits (emits) second emission light (first excitation light) having a wavelength band different from the wavelength band of the first emission light. Alternatively, in the second fluorescence observation mode, the second light source 32 emits (emits) third emission light (second excitation light) having a wavelength band different from the wavelength band of the second emission light. In this embodiment, the second emission light is composed of an element that emits near-infrared excitation light and an element that emits the third emission light having a wavelength band different from that of the second emission light. For example, a semiconductor element such as an LED or an LD can be used as the light-emitting element. The return light of the second emission light from the observation object becomes first fluorescence (light of the second wavelength band) having a second wavelength band different from the first wavelength band. Furthermore, the return light of the third emission light from the observation object becomes second fluorescence (light of the third wavelength band) having a third wavelength band different from the first wavelength band and the second wavelength band. At least a portion of the third wavelength band overlaps with a portion of the first wavelength band, that is, the second fluorescence is visible fluorescence, at least a portion of which is visible light.

[0033] The near-infrared excitation light emitted by the second light source 32 is excitation light that excites fluorescent substances such as indocyanine green. When excited by near-infrared excitation light, fluorescent substances such as indocyanine green emit fluorescence having a central wavelength that is longer than the central wavelength of the wavelength band of the near-infrared excitation light. The wavelength bands of the near-infrared excitation light and the fluorescence may be set so as to partially overlap or not overlap at all.

[0034] Examples of fluorescent substances contained in the object of observation that are excited by the first excitation light or the second excitation light include drugs or fluorescent dyes that are attached to the object of observation, or fluorescent substances derived from the object of observation that constitute the object of observation itself.

[0035] Examples of the above-mentioned drugs that are administered to the subject of observation include "5-ALA (PP-IX)," "ADS780WS," "ADS830WS," "aggregation-induced emission dots allophycocyanin (APC)," "boron-dipyrromethane (BODIPY)," "CLR 1502," "Flavins," "fluorescamine," "Fluorescein," "fluoro-gold," "green fluorescence protein," "ICG (indocyanine green)," "IRDye 78," "IR-PEG nanoparticles," "Isothiocyanate," "rose Bengal," "SGM-101," and "trypan blue."

[0036] The above-mentioned fluorescent dyes that can be applied to the object of observation include "coumarine," "Cy3," "DyLight547," "GE3126," "metal nanoclusters," "oxacarbocyanine," "rhodamine," "riboflavin," "fluorescein," "AlexaFluor 488," "AlexaFluor 660," "AlexaFluor 680," "AlexaFluor 700," "Cy5," "Cy5.5," "Dy677," "Dy682," "Dy752," "DyLight647," "HiLyte Fluor 647," "HiLyte Fluor 680," "IRDye 700DX," "methylene blue," "Porphyrins," "Porphysomes," "VivoTag-680," "VivoTag-S680," "AlexaFluor750," "AlexaFluor790," "carbocyanine," "conjugated copolymers," "CW800-CA," "Cy7," "Cy7.5," "cyanine dyes," "Dy780," and "HiLyte Examples include "Fluor 750", "Indocarbocyanine", "IR-786", "IRDye 800CW", "IRDye 800RS", "IRDye 800BK", "Nervelight", "OTL-38", "Polymethine", "VivoTag-S750", "ASP5354", and "Xanthene".

[0037] Furthermore, examples of fluorescent substances derived from the observation target that constitute the observation target itself include "collagen," "elastin," and "NADH."

[0038] In the light source device 3 according to this embodiment, the first light source 31 is driven in the normal observation mode under the control of the control device 9. That is, in the normal observation mode, the light source device 3 emits normal light (white light). On the other hand, in the first fluorescence observation mode, under the control of the control device 9, the first light source 31 may be driven to emit the first emission light in the first period of alternately repeated first and second periods, and the second light source 32 may be driven to emit the second emission light in the second period. That is, in the first fluorescence observation mode, the light source device 3 may emit normal light (white light) in the first period and near-infrared excitation light in the second period. Furthermore, in the first fluorescence observation mode, the first light source 31 may emit the first emission light and the second light source 32 may emit the second emission light simultaneously. In the second fluorescence observation mode, the first light source 31 is driven to emit the first emitted light during the first period of the alternating first and second periods, and the second light source 32 is driven to emit the third emitted light during the second period. In this embodiment, the light source device 3 is configured as a separate entity from the control device 9, but this is not limiting, and a configuration in which the light source device 3 is provided inside the control device 9 may also be adopted.

[0039] One end of the light guide 4 is detachably connected to the light source device 3, and the other end is detachably connected to the insertion portion 2. The light guide 4 transmits light (normal light or near-infrared excitation light) supplied from the light source device 3 from one end to the other end, and supplies it to the insertion portion 2. When normal light (white light) is irradiated into a living body, the normal light in the first wavelength band reflected inside the living body is condensed inside the insertion portion 2.

[0040] Furthermore, when near-infrared excitation light is irradiated into a living body, the near-infrared excitation light reflected within the living body and the fluorescent substance such as indocyanine green that accumulates in a lesion within the living body are excited, and the fluorescence emitted from the fluorescent substance are collected within the insertion portion 2. That is, the first excitation light and the first fluorescence that is in a second wavelength band different from the first wavelength band are collected within the insertion portion 2.

[0041] For ease of explanation, the normal light, which is observation light for the left and right eyes and is collected within the insertion portion 2 and emitted from the insertion portion 2, will be referred to as first subject images for the left and right eyes. The near-infrared excitation light and fluorescent light, which are observation light for the left and right eyes and are collected within the insertion portion 2 and emitted from the insertion portion 2, will be referred to as second subject images for the left and right eyes.

[0042] The camera head 5 corresponds to the imaging device according to the present disclosure. The camera head 5 is detachably connected to the base end (eyepiece 21 (FIG. 1)) of the insertion section 2. Under the control of the control device 9, the camera head 5 captures the first left- and right-eye subject images (normal light) and the second left- and right-eye subject images (near-infrared excitation light and fluorescent light) emitted from the insertion section 2, and outputs image signals resulting from the capture. The detailed configuration of the camera head 5 will be described later.

[0043] One end of the first transmission cable 6 is detachably connected to the control device 9 via a connector CN1 (FIG. 1), and the other end is detachably connected to the camera head 5 via a connector CN2 (FIG. 1). The first transmission cable 6 transmits image signals and the like output from the camera head 5 to the control device 9, and also transmits control signals, synchronization signals, clocks, power, and the like output from the control device 9 to the camera head 5.

[0044] Note that image signals and the like may be transmitted as optical signals or electrical signals from the camera head 5 to the control device 9 via the first transmission cable 6. The same applies to the transmission of control signals, synchronization signals, and clocks from the control device 9 to the camera head 5 via the first transmission cable 6.

[0045] The display device 7 displays an image based on a video signal from the control device 9. One end of the second transmission cable 8 is detachably connected to the display device 7, and the other end is detachably connected to the control device 9. The second transmission cable 8 transmits the video signal processed by the control device 9 to the display device 7.

[0046] The control device 9 corresponds to the medical image processing device according to the present disclosure. The control device 9 is composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), etc., and controls the overall operations of the light source device 3, the camera head 5, and the display device 7. The detailed configuration of the control device 9 will be described later.

[0047] One end of the third transmission cable 10 is detachably connected to the light source device 3, and the other end is detachably connected to the control device 9. The third transmission cable 10 transmits a control signal from the control device 9 to the light source device 3.

[0048] [Configuration of camera head 5] The configurations of the camera head 5 and the control device 9 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the configurations of the camera head 5 and the control device 9. An example configuration of the optical system of the camera head 5 will be described in detail later.

[0049] For ease of explanation, FIG. 2 omits the illustration of the connectors CN1 and CN2 between the control device 9 and the camera head 5 and the first transmission cable 6, the connector between the control device 9 and the display device 7 and the second transmission cable 8, and the connector between the control device 9 and the light source device 3 and the third transmission cable 10.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 2, the camera head 5 includes a lens unit 50, a spectroscopic element 52, left- and right-eye image capturing units 54 and 56, and a communication unit 58. The left-eye image capturing unit 54 captures a first left-eye subject image (normal light) and a second left-eye subject image (first fluorescence) emitted from the insertion unit 2 under the control of the control device 9. The left-eye image capturing unit 54 can also be configured to capture a third left-eye subject image (second fluorescence). The left-eye image capturing unit 54 includes image capturing elements 540 and 542 and a signal processing unit 544. The image capturing element 540 captures the first left-eye subject image (normal light) and the third left-eye subject image (second fluorescence). The image capturing element 542 captures the second left-eye subject image (first fluorescence).

[0051] The right-eye imaging unit 56, under the control of the control device 9, captures a first right-eye subject image (normal light) and a second right-eye subject image (first fluorescence) emitted from the insertion unit 2. Furthermore, the right-eye imaging unit 56 can be configured to capture a third right-eye subject image (second fluorescence). As shown in FIG. 2, the right-eye imaging unit 56 includes imaging elements 560 and 562 and a signal processing unit 564. The imaging element 560 captures the first right-eye subject image (normal light) and the third right-eye subject image (second fluorescence). The imaging element 562 captures the second right-eye subject image (first fluorescence).

[0052] An excitation light cutoff filter (bandpass filter) may be provided in the insertion unit 2 or the camera head 5 at a position closer to the insertion unit 2 than the image sensor 542. In this case, the second left-eye subject image, the third left-eye subject image, the second right-eye subject image, and the third right-eye subject image captured by the left-eye imaging unit 54 and the right-eye imaging unit 55 will be substantially or entirely fluorescence. However, this is not limiting, and the left-eye imaging unit 54 and the right-eye imaging unit 55 may be configured to capture part or all of the first excitation light and the second excitation light along with the first fluorescence and the second fluorescence by not providing an excitation light cutoff filter or by adjusting the proportion of excitation light cut by the excitation light cutoff filter.

[0053] The lens unit 50 forms the first and second left-eye subject images and the first and second right-eye subject images emitted from the insertion portion 2 onto the image sensors 540 and 542 and the image sensors 560 and 562 via the spectroscopic element 52. The spectroscopic element 52 separates light in one optical path for the left eye into light of a first wavelength band and light of a second wavelength band different from the first wavelength band, and separates light in a second optical path for the right eye, different from the first optical path, into light of the first wavelength band and light of the second wavelength band. Furthermore, the lens unit 50 can be configured to form the third left-eye subject image and the third right-eye subject image emitted from the insertion portion 2 onto the image sensors 540 and 560 via the spectroscopic element 52.

[0054] The image sensors 540, 542 and 560, 562 are configured with a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) that receives light and converts it into an electrical signal (analog signal). The image sensor 540 captures light of a first wavelength band for the left eye. The image sensor 540 can also be configured to capture light of a third wavelength band for the left eye. The image sensor 542 captures light of a second wavelength band for the left eye via a bandpass filter. Here, a bandpass filter is provided on the imaging surface (light receiving surface) of the image sensors 542, 562. This bandpass filter transmits light of a wavelength band corresponding to the fluorescence from among the near-infrared excitation light and the fluorescence.

[0055] Similarly, the image sensor 560 captures light in a first wavelength band for the right eye. Furthermore, the image sensor 560 can be configured to capture light in a third wavelength band for the right eye. The image sensor 562 captures light in a second wavelength band for the right eye via a band-pass filter.

[0056] The image sensor 540 captures a first left-eye subject image (in normal light) at a predetermined frame rate in the normal observation mode under the control of the control device 9. Furthermore, the image sensors 540 and 542, under the control of the control device 9, capture images for alternately repeated first and second periods in synchronization with the timing of the alternating emission of the first and second emitted light from the light source device 3 in the first fluorescence observation mode. Furthermore, in the first fluorescence observation mode, the image sensors 540 and 542 may simultaneously capture images of the light in the first wavelength band and the light in the second wavelength band in synchronization with the simultaneous emission of the first and second emitted light from the light source device 3. Furthermore, the image sensor 540, under the control of the control device 9, may capture images in synchronization with the timing of the alternating emission of the first and third emitted light from the light source device 3 in the second fluorescence observation mode.

[0057] Similarly, under the control of the control device 9, the image sensor 560 captures a first right-eye subject image (in normal light) at a predetermined frame rate in the normal observation mode. Furthermore, under the control of the control device 9, the image sensors 560 and 562 capture images for alternately repeated first and second periods in synchronization with the timing of the alternating emission of the first and second emitted light from the light source device 3 in the first fluorescence observation mode. Furthermore, in the first fluorescence observation mode, the image sensors 560 and 562 may simultaneously capture images of the light in the first wavelength band and the light in the second wavelength band in synchronization with the simultaneous emission of the first and second emitted light from the light source device 3. Furthermore, under the control of the control device 9, the image sensor 560 may capture images in synchronization with the timing of the alternating emission of the first and third emitted light from the light source device 3 in the second fluorescence observation mode.

[0058] The communication unit 58 functions as a transmitter that transmits the left-eye captured images in raster units sequentially output from the left-eye imaging unit 54 and the right-eye captured images in raster units sequentially output from the right-eye imaging unit 56 to the control device 9 via the first transmission cable 6. That is, the communication unit 58 directly or indirectly transmits the outputs of the imaging elements 540, 542 and the output imaging elements 560, 562 to the observation image generation unit 94 of the control device 9. Note that the communication unit 58 according to this embodiment corresponds to a transmission unit.

[0059] In this embodiment, the camera head 5 connected to the base end of the insertion section 2 of the rigid endoscope has the lens unit 50, the spectroscopic element 52, and the left and right eye image capturing units 54, 56. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the lens unit 50, the spectroscopic element 52, and the left and right eye image capturing units 54, 56 may be provided at the tip of the insertion section. The present invention may also be applied to a flexible endoscope.

[0060] [Configuration of the control device] Next, the configuration of the control device 9 will be described with reference to FIG. 2, the control device 9 includes a communication unit 91, first and second memories 92 and 93, an observation image generation unit 94, a control unit 95, an input unit 96, an output unit 97, and a storage unit 98. The communication unit 91 functions as a receiver that receives captured images for the left and right eyes in raster units that are sequentially output from the camera head 5 (communication unit 58) via the first transmission cable 6. The communication unit 91 corresponds to the first captured image acquisition unit and the second captured image acquisition unit according to the present disclosure.

[0061] The first memory 92 temporarily stores the captured images for the left and right eyes that are sequentially output from the camera head 5 (communication unit 58). The second memory 93 temporarily stores the images processed by the observation image generation unit 94.

[0062] Under the control of the control unit 95, the observation image generation unit 94 processes the captured images for the left and right eyes in raster units that are sequentially output from the camera head 5 (communication unit 58) and received by the communication unit 91. As shown in FIG. 2, the observation image generation unit 94 includes a memory controller 941, first to fourth image processing units 942 to 945, a superimposed image generation unit 946, and a display control unit 947.

[0063] Under the control of the control unit 95, the memory controller 941 controls writing of images to the first memory 92 and reading of images from the first memory 92. Details of the functions of the memory controller 941 will be explained in the section "Operation of the Control Device" below.

[0064] The first to fourth image processing units 942 to 945 execute image processing in parallel on each input image under the control of the control unit 95. The first to fourth image processing units 942 to 945 have the same configuration. The first image processing unit 942 processes the image signal of the image sensor 540, the second image processing unit 943 processes the image signal of the image sensor 542, the third image processing unit 944 processes the image signal of the image sensor 560, and the fourth image processing unit 945 processes the image signal of the image sensor 562.

[0065] The superimposed image generating unit 946 operates in the first fluorescence observation mode and the second fluorescence observation mode under the control of the control unit 95. The superimposed image generating unit 946 generates fluorescence superimposed images for the left and right eyes based on the images after image processing has been performed by the first to fourth image processing units 942 to 945.

[0066] The display control unit 947 generates a three-dimensional image of white light or the second fluorescence for display from the image after image processing has been performed by the first image processing unit 942 and the third image processing unit 944. The display control unit 947 also generates a three-dimensional image of the first fluorescence for display from the image after image processing has been performed by the second image processing unit 943 and the fourth image processing unit 945. The display control unit 947 also generates a three-dimensional image for display from the image after image processing has been performed by the first to fourth image processing units 942 to 945 and the left- and right-eye fluorescence superimposed images generated by the superimposed image generation unit 946. The display control unit 947 then outputs a video signal for displaying the three-dimensional image to the display device 7 via the second transmission cable 8. Furthermore, the display control unit 947 may generate a three-dimensional image in which information about white light and information about the first fluorescence and / or second fluorescence are combined from an image after image processing has been performed by the first image processing unit 942, the second image processing unit 943, the third image processing unit 944, and the fourth image processing unit 945, without going through the process of generating a three-dimensional image of white light and the process of generating a three-dimensional image of the first fluorescence and / or second fluorescence.

[0067] The control unit 95 is configured using, for example, a CPU, FPGA, etc., and controls the operation of the light source device 3, camera head 5, and display device 7, as well as the operation of the entire control device 9, by outputting control signals via the first to third transmission cables 6, 8, and 10.

[0068] The input unit 96 is configured using operation devices such as a mouse, a keyboard, and a touch panel, and receives user operations by a user such as a doctor. The input unit 96 then outputs an operation signal to the control unit 95 in accordance with the user operation.

[0069] The output unit 97 is configured using a speaker, a touch panel, etc., and outputs various information. The storage unit 98 stores the programs executed by the control unit 95, information necessary for the processing of the control unit 95, etc.

[0070] [Configuration of the optical system of the camera head 5]

[0071] 3 is a top view of the camera head 5. Inside the insertion section 2, first and second optical paths OP1 and OP2 are set, which extend along the central axis of the insertion section 2 and are parallel to each other so as to be symmetrical about the central axis. The first and second optical paths OP1 and OP2 are arranged at a fixed interval in the radial direction inside the insertion section 2. Therefore, the insertion section 2 takes in and emits first and second observation light beams which have parallax from each other.

[0072] The lens unit 50 has an objective optical system 500, a relay optical system 502, a prism 504, first imaging optical systems 506 and 508, and second imaging optical systems 510 and 512. The objective optical system 500 takes in first and second observation light beams and outputs them to the relay optical system 502. The relay optical system 502 is configured as a pair, with one side on the first optical path OP1 and the other on the second optical path OP2.

[0073] The relay optical system 502 on the first optical path OP1 side takes in the first observation light and outputs it to the first optical path OP1 side of the prism 504. Similarly, the relay optical system 502 on the second optical path OP2 side takes in the second observation light and outputs it to the second optical path OP2 side of the prism 504.

[0074] The first imaging optical systems 506 and 508 focus the first observation light on the first optical path OP1 onto the image sensors 540 and 542 via the spectroscopic element 52. Similarly, the second imaging optical systems 510 and 512 focus the second observation light on the second optical path OP2 onto the image sensors 560 and 562 via the spectroscopic element 52.

[0075] [Configuration of the spectral element 52] An example of the configuration of the spectroscopic element 52 of the camera head 5 will be described in detail using Figures 4 and 5. Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the spectroscopic element 52. Figure 4(a) is a top view of the camera head 5. Figure 4(b) is a left side view of the camera head 5. Figure 4(c) is a rear view of the camera head 5. Figure 5 is a diagram showing the optical path within the left side view of the camera head 5.

[0076] 4 and 5, the light separating element 52 includes a first optical member 520a made of a transparent material, a second optical member 520b made of a transparent material, and a dichroic mirror 563. The transparent first optical member 520a and the second optical member 520b form a prism. The dichroic mirror 563 is provided between a first surface 520c of the first optical member 520a and a fourth surface 520f of the second optical member 520b. The dichroic mirror 563 may also serve as a bonding layer for bonding the first optical member 520a and the second optical member 520b together, or a bonding layer may be provided as a layer separate from the dichroic mirror 563. When a bonding layer is provided as a layer separate from the dichroic mirror 563, the dichroic mirror 563 may be provided on the first surface 520c of the first optical member 520a or on the fourth surface 520f of the second optical member 520b. The dichroic mirror 563 according to this embodiment corresponds to the band-limiting unit.

[0077] Furthermore, image pickup elements 540 and 560 are arranged on a second surface 520d, which is the same surface, of first optical member 520a, and image pickup elements 542 and 562 are arranged on a third surface 520e, which is the same surface, of second optical member 520b. Furthermore, spectroscopic element 52 is fixed to base plate 700 made of a transparent material by adhesive parts g10-16.

[0078] 5, of both the first observation light on the first optical path OP1 side and the second observation light on the second optical path OP2 side that have passed through the lens 508 (512), light in the second wavelength band (fluorescent light) is reflected by the dichroic mirror 563 and guided to the image sensor 542 (562). On the other hand, the first wavelength band (visible light) of the light that has passed through the lens 508 (512) passes through the dichroic mirror 563 and is guided to the image sensors 540 and 560. That is, the light splitting along the first optical path OP1 and the light splitting along the second optical path OP2 are performed by the integrally formed spectroscopic element 52.

[0079] In this way, the spectroscopic element 52 splits the light on the first optical path OP1 into an optical path OP11 of a first wavelength band (visible light) and an optical path OP12 of a second wavelength band (fluorescent light), and splits the light on the second optical path OP2 into an optical path OP21 of the first wavelength band (visible light) and an optical path OP22 of the second wavelength band (first fluorescent light). The surface (splitting surface) of the dichroic mirror 563 that splits the light on the first optical path OP1 and the surface (splitting surface) of the dichroic mirror 563 that splits the light on the second optical path OP2 are both configured on the same surface of the spectroscopic element 52. When the light on the first optical path OP1 and the second optical path OP2 contains light in the third wavelength band (visible fluorescent light), the spectroscopic element 52 splits the light on the first optical path OP1 and the second optical path OP2 so that the light in the third wavelength band travels along the optical path OP11 and the optical path OP21.

[0080] 6 is a top view of a dispersing element 60 according to a comparative example. The dispersing element 600 according to the comparative example generally includes a dispersing element 60a for the first optical path OP1 and a dispersing element 60b for the second optical path OP2. The dispersing elements 60a and 60b are separated from each other. The dispersing element 60a has four sides fixed to the base plate 700a at adhesive joints g20-g22 by an adhesive application jig 600. Similarly, the dispersing element 60b has four sides fixed to the base plate 700b at adhesive joints g24-g26 by an adhesive application jig 600.

[0081] At this time, a workspace for the adhesive application jig 600 is required to apply the adhesive portions g22 and g24 between the spectroscopic elements 60a and 60b. Therefore, a distance d10 is required between the spectroscopic elements 60a and 60b to ensure this workspace. In other words, the length of the spectroscopic element 60 in the y direction is increased by the distance d10. In contrast, the spectroscopic element 52 according to the present application is integrally formed, and therefore does not require the adhesive portions g22 and g24 between the spectroscopic elements 60a and 60b. Furthermore, the distance d10 for applying the adhesive portions g22 and g24 is not required. This makes it possible to further miniaturize the spectroscopic element 52 according to the present application.

[0082] Furthermore, when the dispersing elements 60a and 60b are separated, arrangement accuracy is required to align the arrangement surfaces of the image pickup elements 540 and 560 on the same optical path. Similarly, arrangement accuracy is required to align the arrangement surfaces of the image pickup elements 542 (see FIG. 5) and 562 (see FIG. 5) on the same optical path. Similarly, arrangement accuracy is required to align the dispersing surface that disperses the light on the first optical path OP1 and the dispersing surface that disperses the light on the second optical path OP2 on the same optical path. In contrast, the dispersing element 52 according to the present application is integrally formed, which eliminates the need for such arrangement, and makes it possible to further improve the image quality during observation.

[0083] 7A and 7B are diagrams showing the manufacturing process of the light separating element 52 according to this embodiment. Fig. 7A shows the manufacturing process of the dichroic mirror 563. As shown in Fig. 7A, the dichroic mirror 563 is formed on the bonding surface of the first optical member 520a.

[0084] 7(b) shows a process of bonding the first optical member 520a, the second optical member 520b, and the dichroic mirror 563. As shown in FIG. 7(b), the first optical member 520a, the second optical member 520b, and the dichroic mirror 563 are integrated together to form the structure 520.

[0085] Fig. 7(c) shows a separation step of the spectroscopic element 52. As shown in Fig. 7(c), the structure 520 is cut along the cut lines C56 to produce the spectroscopic element 52 shown in Fig. 7(d).

[0086] 8A and 8B are diagrams showing the manufacturing process of the light separating element 60 according to the comparative example. The manufacturing process in FIGS. 8A and 8B is the same as that in FIGS.

[0087] Fig. 8(c) shows the separation step of the dispersing element 60. As shown in Fig. 8(c), the structure 520 is cut along the cut line C60 to produce the dispersing elements 60a and 60b shown in Fig. 8(d). As shown in Fig. 8, in order to eliminate the difference in optical paths between the left and right eyes, it is necessary to select dispersing elements 60a and 60b having the same optical characteristics. In contrast, the dispersing element 52 according to the present application is integrally formed, which eliminates the need for such a selection and makes it possible to further improve the image quality during observation.

[0088] As described above, according to this embodiment, the prisms 52a, 52b of the spectroscopic element 52 are integrated for the left and right eyes, eliminating the need for a working space for an adhesive application jig between the prisms and allowing the imaging device to be made smaller. Furthermore, adjusting the optical path difference between the left and right eyes is no longer necessary, making it possible to further improve the image quality during observation.

[0089] (Second embodiment) The medical observation system 1 according to the second embodiment differs from the medical observation system 1 according to the first embodiment in that the spectroscopic element 52 is joined to the base plate 700 by a convex portion of the base plate 700. The differences from the medical observation system 1 according to the first embodiment will be described below.

[0090] Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of joining the spectroscopic element 52a according to the second embodiment to a base plate 700a. Fig. 9(c) is a rear view of the spectroscopic element 52a, and Fig. 9(a) is a cross section taken along line AA' in Fig. 9(c). Fig. 9(d) is a diagram showing the shape of the hole in the spectroscopic element 52a. Fig. 9(e) is a left side view of the spectroscopic element 52a.

[0091] 9, the spectroscopic element 52a has a first region 508a corresponding to the lens 508 through which light passes to be imaged by at least one of the first imaging element 540 and the second imaging element 542, and a second region 512a corresponding to the lens 512 through which light passes to be imaged by at least one of the third imaging element 560 and the fourth imaging element 562. As shown in FIG. 9(d), the spectroscopic element 52a has a hole h52b in a region between the first and second regions, and a convex portion S52a of a base plate 700a that fixes the spectroscopic element 52a fits into the hole h52b.

[0092] In this way, by restricting the vertical and horizontal movement of the spectroscopic element 52a, it is possible to alleviate the problem of movement of the spectroscopic element 52a due to temperature, etc. Furthermore, a circle R52a having the center point at the center of the hole h52b passes through the optical axis of the lens 508 and the optical axis of the lens 512. In other words, even if movement occurs in the spectroscopic element 52a, the optical axis of the lens 508 and the optical axis of the lens 512 are configured to be equidistant from the center of the hole h52b, and degradation of image quality during observation is suppressed.

[0093] (Third embodiment) The medical observation system 1 according to the third embodiment differs from the medical observation system 1 according to the second embodiment in that the spectroscopic element 52b and the base plate 700b are joined by two convex portions of the base plate 700. The differences from the medical observation system 1 according to the second embodiment will be described below.

[0094] Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of joining a spectral element 52b according to the third embodiment to a base plate 700b. Fig. 10(c) is a rear view of the spectral element 52b, and Fig. 10(a) is a cross section taken along line BB' of Fig. 10(c). Fig. 10(d) is a diagram showing the shape of the hole of the spectral element 52b. Fig. 9(e) is a left side view of the spectral element 52b.

[0095] 10, the spectroscopic element 52b has a first region 508a corresponding to the lens 508 through which light passes to be imaged by at least one of the first imaging element 540 and the second imaging element 542, and a second region 512a corresponding to the lens 512 through which light passes to be imaged by at least one of the third imaging element 560 and the fourth imaging element 562. As shown in Fig. 10(d), the spectroscopic element 52b has holes h52b and h52c in a region between the first and second regions, and protrusions S52b and S52c of a base plate 700a that fixes the spectroscopic element 52a fit into the holes h52b and h52c. One of the holes h52b and h52c is an elongated hole.

[0096] In this way, the spectroscopic element 52b is fixed by the two protrusions S52b and S52c. This restricts the vertical and horizontal movement of the spectroscopic element 52b, making it possible to alleviate the problem of the spectroscopic element 52b moving due to temperature, etc. Furthermore, by making one of the holes h52b and h52c an elongated hole, it becomes easier to join the spectroscopic element 52a and the base plate 700a.

[0097] (Fourth embodiment) The medical observation system 1 according to the fourth embodiment differs from the medical observation system 1 according to the first embodiment in that the spectroscopic element 52c is joined to the base plate 700c by two convex portions of the spectroscopic element 52c. The differences from the medical observation system 1 according to the first embodiment will be described below.

[0098] Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an example of bonding between the light-splitting element 52c and a base plate 700c according to the fourth embodiment. Fig. 11(c) is a rear view of the light-splitting element 52c, and Fig. 11(a) is a cross section taken along CC' in Fig. 11(c). Fig. 11(d) is a diagram showing the shape of a hole in the base plate 700c. Fig. 11(e) is a left side view of the light-splitting element 52c.

[0099] 11, the spectroscopic element 52b has a first region 508a corresponding to the lens 508 through which light passes to be imaged by at least one of the first imaging element 540 and the second imaging element 542, and a second region 512a corresponding to the lens 512 through which light passes to be imaged by at least one of the third imaging element 560 and the fourth imaging element 562. As shown in FIGS. 11(c) and 11(e), the spectroscopic element 52b has convex portions T52b and T52c in a region between the first and second regions, into which holes h52b and h52c of a base plate 700c that fixes the spectroscopic element 52c are fitted. One of the holes h52b and h52c is an elongated hole.

[0100] In this way, the spectroscopic element 52c is fixed by the two protrusions T52b and T52c. This restricts the vertical and horizontal movement of the spectroscopic element 52c, making it possible to alleviate the problem of the spectroscopic element 52c moving due to temperature, etc. Furthermore, by making one of the holes h52b and h52c an elongated hole, it becomes easier to join the spectroscopic element 52a and the base plate 700a.

[0101] The present disclosure may also have the following configuration.

[0102] (1) a spectroscopic element that separates light in a first optical path into light in a first wavelength band and light in a second wavelength band different from the first wavelength band, and separates light in a second optical path different from the first optical path into light in the first wavelength band and light in the second wavelength band; a first image capturing element configured to capture an image of light in the first wavelength band separated from the light in the first optical path; a second image capturing element configured to capture light of the second wavelength band separated from the light of the first optical path; a third image capturing element configured to capture an image of the light in the first wavelength band separated from the light in the second optical path; a fourth image sensor configured to capture an image of the light in the second wavelength band separated from the light in the second optical path; A medical observation system comprising:

[0103] (2) The medical observation system according to (1), wherein the light in the first optical path and the light in the second optical path are split by a single spectroscopic element.

[0104] (3) The medical observation system according to (2), wherein a spectroscopic surface for dispersing the light of the first optical path and a spectroscopic surface for dispersing the light of the second optical path are on the same surface of the same spectroscopic element.

[0105] (4) The medical observation system according to (1), further comprising an image generation unit that generates a three-dimensional image based on the output of the first imaging element, the output of the second imaging element, the output of the third imaging element, and the output of the fourth imaging element.

[0106] (5) The medical observation system according to (1), wherein the light in the first wavelength band is white light, and the light in the second wavelength band is first fluorescent light.

[0107] (6) Furthermore, in the medical observation system according to (5), when capturing an image of a second fluorescence having a wavelength band different from that of the first fluorescence, the first image capturing element and the third image capturing element capture images of the white light and the second fluorescence in a time-division manner.

[0108] (7) the spectroscopic element has a first region through which light to be imaged by at least one of the first image sensor and the second image sensor passes, and a second region through which light to be imaged by at least one of the third image sensor and the fourth image sensor passes, The medical observation system according to (1), wherein a hole is provided in the region between the first region and the second region in the spectroscopic element, and a protrusion of a base plate that fixes the spectroscopic element fits into the hole.

[0109] (8) The medical observation system according to (7), wherein the two holes are provided in the region between the first region and the second region in the spectroscopic element, and the two protrusions of the base plate that fixes the spectroscopic element fit into the holes.

[0110] (9) The medical observation system according to (8), wherein one of the two holes of the spectroscopic element is an elongated hole.

[0111] (10) the spectroscopic element has a first region through which light to be imaged by at least one of the first image sensor and the second image sensor passes, and a second region through which light to be imaged by at least one of the third image sensor and the fourth image sensor passes, The medical observation system according to (1), wherein the spectroscopic element has a convex portion in a region between the first region and the second region, and the convex portion is fitted into a hole in a base plate.

[0112] (11) The medical observation system according to (1), wherein the spectroscopic element has two protrusions in a region between the first region and the second region, and the protrusions are fitted into two holes in the base plate.

[0113] (12) The medical observation system according to (1), wherein one of the two holes in the base plate is a long hole.

[0114] (13) The medical observation system according to (1), further comprising a transmitting unit that transmits, directly or indirectly, the output of the first imaging element, the output of the second imaging element, the output of the third imaging element, and the output of the fourth imaging element to an image generating unit that generates a three-dimensional image based on the output of the first imaging element, the output of the second imaging element, the output of the third imaging element, and the output of the fourth imaging element.

[0115] (14) a first optical member disposed on the first surface side and transmitting light of the first wavelength band in the first optical path and the second optical path; transmits the light of the first wavelength band on the first optical path toward the first surface, which is a spectroscopic surface, and reflects the light of the second wavelength band toward the second surface; a second optical member that transmits light of the first wavelength band in the second optical path toward the first surface and reflects light of the second wavelength band in the second optical path toward the second surface; a band limiting section disposed on the side of the first surface, which transmits light of the first wavelength band toward the first surface and reflects light of the second wavelength band toward the second surface; The medical observation system according to (1), comprising:

[0116] (15) The medical observation system according to (14), wherein the splitting of the light in the first optical path and the splitting of the light in the second optical path are performed by the same band limiting unit arranged on the spectroscopic surface.

[0117] (16) a first image capturing element configured to capture an image of the light in the first optical path and a third image capturing element configured to capture an image of the light in the second optical path are disposed on a third surface of the first optical member; a second image pickup element configured to capture an image of the light in the first optical path and a fourth image pickup element configured to capture an image of the light in the second optical path are disposed on the second surface of the second optical member; The medical observation system according to (15). [Explanation of symbols]

[0118] 1 Medical observation system 2 Insertion section 3 Light source device 4 Light Guide 5 Camera Head 6. First transmission cable 7 Display device 8 Second transmission cable 9 Control Device 10 Third Transmission Cable 21 Eyepiece 31 1st light source 32 Second light source 50 Lens unit 52 Spectroscopic element 52a Spectroscopic element 52b Spectroscopic element 52c Spectroscopic element 54 Left eye imaging unit 56 Imaging unit for right eye 58 Communications Department 91 Communications Department 92 First Memory 93 Second Memory 94 Observation image generation unit 95 Control Unit 96 Input section 97 Output section 98 Memory section 508a 1st area 512a 2nd area 520a First optical member 520b Second optical member 520c 1st page 520d 2nd side 520e Page 3 520f 4th side 540 First imaging element 542 Second imaging element 560 3rd image sensor 562 4th image sensor 563 Dichroic Mirror 514 Signal Processing Unit 521 Lens unit 522 Excitation light cut filter 523 Image sensor 523a Color Filter 524 Signal Processing Unit 700 base plate 700a base plate 700b base plate 700c base plate 941 Memory Controller 942 First image processing unit 943 Second Image Processing Section 944 Third Image Processing Section 945 4th Image Processing Unit 946 Superimposed Image Generation Unit g10~g26 Adhesive part OP1 1st optical path OP2 2nd optical path

Claims

1. a spectroscopic element that separates light in a first optical path into light of a first wavelength band and light of a second wavelength band different from the first wavelength band, and separates light in a second optical path different from the first optical path into light of the first wavelength band and light of the second wavelength band; a first image capturing element configured to capture an image of light in the first wavelength band separated from the light in the first optical path; a second image capturing element configured to capture an image of the light in the second wavelength band separated from the light in the first optical path; a third image capturing element configured to capture an image of the light in the first wavelength band separated from the light in the second optical path; a fourth image sensor configured to capture an image of the light in the second wavelength band separated from the light in the second optical path; A medical observation system comprising:

2. 2. The medical observation system according to claim 1, wherein the light in the first optical path and the light in the second optical path are split by a single spectroscopic element.

3. 3. The medical observation system according to claim 2, wherein a spectroscopic surface for dispersing the light in the first optical path and a spectroscopic surface for dispersing the light in the second optical path are on the same surface of the same spectroscopic element.

4. 2. The medical observation system according to claim 1, further comprising: an image generation unit that generates a three-dimensional image based on the output of the first imaging element, the output of the second imaging element, the output of the third imaging element, and the output of the fourth imaging element.

5. 2. The medical observation system according to claim 1, wherein the light in the first wavelength band is white light, and the light in the second wavelength band is first fluorescent light.

6. 6. The medical observation system according to claim 5, further comprising: when capturing an image of second fluorescence having a wavelength band different from that of the first fluorescence, the first image capturing element and the third image capturing element capture images of the white light and the second fluorescence in a time-division manner.

7. the spectroscopic element has a first region through which light to be imaged by at least one of the first image sensor and the second image sensor passes, and a second region through which light to be imaged by at least one of the third image sensor and the fourth image sensor passes, 2. The medical observation system according to claim 1, wherein a hole is provided in the region between the first region and the second region in the spectroscopic element, and a protrusion of a base plate that fixes the spectroscopic element fits into the hole.

8. 8. The medical observation system according to claim 7, wherein the two holes are provided in the region of the spectroscopic element between the first region and the second region, and the two convex portions of the base plate that fixes the spectroscopic element are fitted into the holes.

9. The medical observation system according to claim 8 , wherein one of the two holes of the spectroscopic element is an elongated hole.

10. the spectroscopic element has a first region through which light to be imaged by at least one of the first image sensor and the second image sensor passes, and a second region through which light to be imaged by at least one of the third image sensor and the fourth image sensor passes, The medical observation system according to claim 1 , wherein the spectroscopic element has a convex portion in a region between the first region and the second region, and the convex portion is fitted into a hole in the base plate.

11. 2. The medical observation system according to claim 1, wherein the spectroscopic element has two protrusions in a region between the first region and the second region, and the protrusions are fitted into two holes in the base plate.

12. 2. The medical observation system according to claim 1, wherein one of the two holes in the base plate is an elongated hole.

13. 2. The medical observation system according to claim 1, further comprising a transmitting unit that transmits, directly or indirectly, the output of the first imaging element, the output of the second imaging element, the output of the third imaging element, and the output of the fourth imaging element to an image generating unit that generates a three-dimensional image based on the output of the first imaging element, the output of the second imaging element, the output of the third imaging element, and the output of the fourth imaging element.

14. the light separating element includes a first optical member disposed on a first surface side and transmitting light of the first wavelength band in the first optical path and the second optical path; the light of the first wavelength band in the first optical path is transmitted to the first surface side, which is a spectroscopic surface, and the light of the second wavelength band is reflected to the second surface side; a second optical member that transmits light of the first wavelength band in the second optical path toward the first surface and reflects light of the second wavelength band in the second optical path toward the second surface; a band limiting section disposed on the first surface side, which transmits light of the first wavelength band toward the first surface side and reflects light of the second wavelength band toward the second surface side; The medical observation system of claim 1 , comprising:

15. 15. The medical observation system according to claim 14, wherein the splitting of the light in the first optical path and the splitting of the light in the second optical path are performed by the same band-limiting unit arranged on the spectroscopic surface.

16. a first image pickup element configured to capture an image of the light in the first optical path and a third image pickup element configured to capture an image of the light in the second optical path are disposed on a third surface of the first optical member; 16. The medical observation system according to claim 15, wherein a second image capturing element configured to capture an image of the light in the first optical path and a fourth image capturing element configured to capture an image of the light in the second optical path are disposed on the second surface of the second optical member.

Images