Medical image processing device and medical observation system

Abstract

To quickly generate a captured image suitable for observation to enhance convenience.SOLUTION: A medical image processing device 9 comprises: a nonvolatile memory 922 in which an image processing parameter is stored; an image processing module 92 for reading the image processing parameter from the nonvolatile memory 922, and executing image processing for a captured image of a subject image by using the image processing parameter; and a control unit 95 for controlling operation of the image processing module 92.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a medical image processing apparatus and a medical observation system.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in the medical field, a medical observation system for observing inside a subject (in vivo) is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The medical observation system described in Patent Document 1 includes a medical observation apparatus that captures an image inside a living body to generate a captured image, a plurality of image processing modules that respectively execute image processing on the captured image, and a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that controls the plurality of image processing modules. Here, in the medical image processing apparatus, when the power is turned on, the CPU reads out image processing parameters from a memory and writes them into registers provided for each image processing module. Then, the image processing module executes image processing on the captured image using the image processing parameters written in the register.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, the image processing parameters are large-capacity parameters such as a look-up table or the like. Therefore, when the CPU sets such a large-capacity image processing parameter in a register for each image processing module as in the technique described in Patent Document 1, the load on the CPU increases and it takes a long time to set the image processing parameter.As a result, it is impossible to quickly generate a captured image suitable for observation after image processing, and it is difficult to improve convenience.

[0005] This disclosure is made in view of the above, and aims to provide a medical image processing device and a medical observation system that can rapidly generate captured images suitable for observation after image processing and improve convenience. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the objectives, the medical image processing apparatus according to this disclosure comprises a non-volatile memory storing image processing parameters, an image processing module that reads the image processing parameters from the non-volatile memory and performs image processing on an image captured of a subject using the image processing parameters, and a control unit that controls the operation of the image processing module.

[0007] The medical observation system according to this disclosure comprises a medical observation device that captures an image of a subject and generates an image, and a medical image processing device that performs image processing on the image, wherein the medical image processing device comprises a non-volatile memory that stores image processing parameters, an image processing module that reads the image processing parameters from the non-volatile memory and performs image processing on the image using the image processing parameters, and a control unit that controls the operation of the image processing module. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] The medical image processing device and medical observation system described herein can rapidly generate captured images suitable for observation after image processing, thereby improving convenience. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows a medical observation system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the camera head and control device. [Figure 3]Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the camera head and control device according to Embodiment 2. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The embodiments for implementing this disclosure (hereinafter referred to as "embodiments") will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, the embodiments described below do not limit this disclosure. Furthermore, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals in the drawings.

[0011] (Embodiment 1) [Outline configuration of a medical observation system] Figure 1 shows a medical observation system 1 according to Embodiment 1. Medical observation system 1 is a system used in the medical field to observe the inside of a subject (in vivo). As shown in Figure 1, medical observation system 1 comprises an insertion unit 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.

[0012] In this embodiment 1, the insertion part 2 is made of a rigid endoscope. That is, the insertion part 2 has an elongated shape that is either entirely rigid or partially flexible with other parts rigid, and is inserted into the body. Inside this insertion part 2, there is an optical system (not shown) which is made up of one or more lenses and focuses the image of the subject.

[0013] One end of the light guide 4 is connected to the light source device 3, and under the control of the control device 9, the device 3 supplies illumination light of a specified intensity to the end of the light guide 4. In this embodiment 1, the light source device 3 is configured separately from the control device 9, but it is not limited to this configuration, and it may also be configured to be provided within the control device 9. The light guide 4 is detachably connected at one end to the light source device 3 and at the other end to the insertion section 2. The light guide 4 transmits the light supplied from the light source device 3 from one end to the other and supplies it to the insertion section 2. The light supplied to the insertion section 2 is emitted from the tip of the insertion section 2 and irradiates the living body. The light (subject image) that is irradiated into the living body and reflected within the living body is focused by the optical system inside the insertion section 2.

[0014] The camera head 5 corresponds to the medical observation device according to this disclosure. The camera head 5 is detachably connected to the eyepiece 21 of the insertion section 2. The camera head 5 then captures an image of the subject focused by the insertion section 2 under the control of the control device 9 and generates an image signal (hereinafter referred to as the captured image). The detailed configuration of camera head 5 will be explained later in the section titled "Camera Head Configuration".

[0015] The first transmission cable 6 is detachably connected at one end to the control device 9 via connector CN1 (Figure 1), and at the other end to the camera head 5 via connector CN2 (Figure 1). The first transmission cable 6 transmits captured images and the like output from the camera head 5 to the control device 9, and also transmits control signals, synchronization signals, clock signals, and power, etc., output from the control device 9 to the camera head 5. Furthermore, the transmission of captured images, etc., from the camera head 5 to the control device 9 via the first transmission cable 6 may be done by transmitting the captured images, etc., as optical signals or as electrical signals. The same applies to the transmission of control signals, synchronization signals, and clock signals from the control device 9 to the camera head 5 via the first transmission cable 6.

[0016] The display device 7 is composed of a display display using liquid crystal or organic EL (Electro Luminescence), and under the control of the control device 9, it displays an image based on a video signal from the control device 9. The second transmission cable 8 has one end detachably connected to the display device 7 and the other end detachably connected to the control device 9. Then, the second transmission cable 8 transmits the video signal processed by the control device 9 to the display device 7.

[0017] The control device 9 is composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), etc., and comprehensively controls the 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 in the "Configuration of the Control Device" described later. The third transmission cable 10 has one end detachably connected to the light source device 3 and the other end detachably connected to the control device 9. Then, the third transmission cable 10 transmits the control signal from the control device 9 to the light source device 3.

[0018] 〔Configuration of the Camera Head〕 FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configurations of the camera head 5 and the control device 9. Next, the configuration of the camera head 5 will be described while referring to FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 2, the camera head 5 includes a lens unit 51, an imaging unit 52, and a communication unit 53. The lens unit 51 is composed of one or more lenses, takes in the subject image condensed by the insertion unit 2, and forms an image on the imaging surface of the imaging unit 52 (imaging element 521).

[0019] The imaging unit 52 images the inside of the living body under the control of the control device 9. As shown in FIG. 2, this imaging unit 52 includes an imaging element 521 and a signal processing unit 522. The imaging element 521 is composed of a CCD (Charge Coupled Device), a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor), etc., which receives the subject image formed by the lens unit 51 and converts it into an electrical signal (analog signal). The signal processing unit 522 performs signal processing on the analog signal image generated by the image sensor 521 and outputs the digital signal image.

[0020] The communication unit 53 is an interface that communicates with the control device 9 via the first transmission cable 6. This communication unit 53 transmits the captured image (digital signal) output from the imaging unit 52 to the control device 9 and receives control signals and the like from the control device 9.

[0021] [Control device configuration] Next, the configuration of the control device 9 will be explained with reference to Figure 2. The control device 9 corresponds to the medical image processing device according to this disclosure that processes the captured image (digital signal) output from the camera head 5. As shown in Figure 2, the control device 9 comprises a communication unit 91, a pre-processing unit 92, a post-processing unit 93, a display control unit 94, a control unit 95, an input unit 96, an output unit 97, and a storage unit 98. The communication unit 91 is an interface that communicates with the camera head 5 (communication unit 53) via the first transmission cable 6. The communication unit 91 receives the captured image (digital signal) output from the communication unit 53 and transmits control signals and the like from the control unit 95.

[0022] The pre-processing unit 92 and the post-processing unit 93 correspond to the image processing module according to this disclosure, and under the control of the control unit 95, they respectively perform image processing on the captured image (digital signal) output from the camera head 5 and received by the communication unit 91. Specifically, examples of such image processing include optical black subtraction, demosaicing, white balance adjustment, noise reduction, color correction, color enhancement, and edge enhancement.

[0023] In this embodiment 1, the pre-processing unit 92 is configured by an FPGA and performs a part of the image processing described above on the captured image (digital signal) output from the camera head 5. Specifically, the pre-processing unit 92 is a logic circuit constructed from configuration data stored in the non-volatile memory 922 when the power is turned on, and has a register 921. The pre-processing unit 92 reads image processing parameters from the non-volatile memory 922, sets the image processing parameters in the register 921, and uses the image processing parameters to perform a part of the image processing described above. In other words, the non-volatile memory 922 stores configuration data for the preprocessor 92 and image processing parameters such as lookup tables used for image processing performed by the preprocessor 92.

[0024] In this embodiment 1, the post-processing unit 93 is configured by an FPGA and performs image processing other than that performed by the pre-processing unit 92 (hereinafter referred to as "other image processing") on the captured image (digital signal) output from the pre-processing unit 92. Specifically, the post-processing unit 93 is a logic circuit constructed from configuration data stored in the non-volatile memory 932 when the power is turned on, and has a register 931. The post-processing unit 93 reads image processing parameters from the non-volatile memory 932, sets the image processing parameters in the register 931, and uses the image processing parameters to perform the other image processing described above. In other words, the non-volatile memory 932 stores configuration data for the post-processing unit 93 and image processing parameters such as lookup tables used for image processing performed by the post-processing unit 93.

[0025] The display control unit 94 generates a video signal for displaying the captured image after other image processing has been performed by the post-processing unit 93. The display control unit 94 then outputs this video signal to the display device 7. As a result, the captured image is displayed on the display device 7.

[0026] The control unit 95 is implemented by a controller such as a CPU or MPU (Micro Processing Unit) executing various programs stored in the memory unit 98. It controls the operation of the light source device 3, the camera head 5, and the display device 7, as well as the operation of the entire control unit 9. The control unit 95 is not limited to a CPU or MPU; it may also be composed of an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or FPGA.

[0027] The input unit 96 is configured using operating devices such as a mouse, keyboard, and touch panel, and accepts user operations from users such as doctors. The input unit 96 then outputs an operation signal corresponding to the user operation to the control unit 95. The output unit 97 is configured using a speaker, printer, etc., and outputs various types of information. The memory unit 98 stores programs executed by the control unit 95, information necessary for processing by the control unit 95, and so on.

[0028] [Operation of the control device] Next, the operation of the control device 9 will be described. For the sake of explanation, the following will primarily describe the operation of the control device 9 when the power is turned on. When power is supplied to the control device 9, the pre-processing unit 92 reads configuration data from the non-volatile memory 922 and constructs the desired logic circuit. The pre-processing unit 92 also spontaneously reads image processing parameters from the non-volatile memory 922 and sets them in the register 921. This enables the pre-processing unit 92 to perform part of the image processing described above on the captured image (digital signal) output from the camera head 5 using these image processing parameters.

[0029] Similarly, the post-processing unit 93 reads configuration data from the non-volatile memory 932 and constructs the desired logic circuit. The post-processing unit 93 also spontaneously reads image processing parameters from the non-volatile memory 932 and sets them in the register 931. This allows the post-processing unit 93 to perform the other image processing described above on the captured image (digital signal) output from the pre-processing unit 92 using the image processing parameters.

[0030] According to the first embodiment described above, the following effects are achieved. The control device 9 according to this embodiment 1 includes a non-volatile memory 922 (932) in which image processing parameters are stored, and a pre-processing unit 92 (post-processing unit 93) that reads the image processing parameters from the non-volatile memory 922 (932) and performs image processing on the captured image using the image processing parameters. That is, when the power is turned on, the pre-processing unit 92 (post-processing unit 93) spontaneously reads the image processing parameters from the non-volatile memory 922 (932) without waiting for control from the control unit 95. Therefore, the load on the control unit 95 when setting the image processing parameters can be reduced, and the time required for such setting can also be significantly reduced. Therefore, the control device 9 according to this embodiment 1 can quickly generate captured images suitable for observation after image processing, thereby improving convenience.

[0031] In particular, the pre-processing unit 92 (post-processing unit 93) is configured using an FPGA. The non-volatile memory 922 (932) stores image processing parameters and configuration data for the pre-processing unit 92 (post-processing unit 93). Therefore, there is no need to provide a separate non-volatile memory for image processing parameters, and the configuration of the control device 9 can be simplified.

[0032] (Embodiment 2) Next, we will describe Embodiment 2. In the following, components similar to those in Embodiment 1 described above will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their detailed descriptions will be omitted or simplified. The medical observation system 1 according to this second embodiment differs from the medical observation system 1 according to the first embodiment described above in that it is configured to execute multiple types of operating modes. Examples of these operating modes include a normal observation mode in which imaging is performed with normal light such as white light, an observation mode in which observation is performed with special light, or an observation mode in which observation is performed using image enhancement observation techniques such as NBI (Narrow Band Imaging). Examples of such special light include light in the near-infrared wavelength band and light for fluorescence observation using 5-ALA (5-Aminolevulinic Acid). Furthermore, users such as doctors can select one of the multiple operating modes described above in response to operations performed on the input unit 96.

[0033] In accordance with the multiple operating modes described above, multiple types of image processing parameters are stored in the non-volatile memory 922. Similarly, multiple types of image processing parameters are stored in the non-volatile memory 932 according to the multiple operating modes. Here, when a specific operating mode is selected by a user such as a doctor in response to an operation on the input unit 96, the control unit 95 outputs control signals to the pre-processing unit 92 and the post-processing unit 93, respectively, to read out the image processing parameters corresponding to the selected operating mode.

[0034] Then, based on the control signal from the control unit 95, the preprocessor 92 reads image processing parameters corresponding to the operation mode selected by the user, such as a doctor, in response to the operation of the input unit 96 from the non-volatile memory 922 and sets them in the register 921. As a result, the preprocessor 92 can perform a part of the image processing described in Embodiment 1 above on the captured image (digital signal) output from the camera head 5 using the image processing parameters corresponding to the selected operation mode.

[0035] Similarly, the post-processing unit 93 reads image processing parameters corresponding to the operation mode selected by a user, such as a physician, in response to an operation on the input unit 96, based on a control signal from the control unit 95, from the non-volatile memory 932 and sets them in the register 931. This enables the post-processing unit 93 to perform other image processing described in Embodiment 1 above on the captured image (digital signal) output from the pre-processing unit 92 using the image processing parameters corresponding to the selected operation mode.

[0036] According to this embodiment 2 described above, in addition to the same effects as in embodiment 1 described above, the following effects are achieved. In the control device 9 according to this second embodiment, the non-volatile memory 922 (932) stores multiple types of image processing parameters according to multiple types of operating modes in the control device 9. When a specific operating mode is selected by a user such as a doctor in response to an operation on the input unit 96, the pre-processing unit 92 (post-processing unit 93) reads the image processing parameters corresponding to that operating mode from the non-volatile memory 922 (932) and performs image processing on the captured image using those image processing parameters. In other words, not only when the power is turned on, but also when the operating mode is switched, the pre-processing unit 92 (post-processing unit 93) spontaneously reads the image processing parameters from the non-volatile memory 922 (932) without waiting for control from the control unit 95. For this reason, not only when the power is turned on, but also when the operating mode is switched, the load on the control unit 95 when setting image processing parameters can be reduced, and the time required for such setting can also be significantly reduced.

[0037] In the above-described embodiment 2, the preprocessor 92 read image processing parameters corresponding to the operation mode selected by a user such as a doctor in response to an operation on the input unit 96 from the non-volatile memory 922 based on a control signal from the control unit 95, and set them in the register 921, but is not limited to this. For example, the non-volatile memory 922 stores multiple types of image processing parameters, each associated with a different operating mode. The pre-processing unit 92 recognizes the operating mode selected by a user, such as a doctor, in response to an operation on the input unit 96, reads the image processing parameters associated with that operating mode from the non-volatile memory 922, and sets them in the register 921. The post-processing unit 93 may be configured similarly.

[0038] (Embodiment 3) Next, Embodiment 3 will be described. In the following, components similar to those in Embodiment 1 described above will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their detailed descriptions will be omitted or simplified. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the camera head 5 and control device 9 according to Embodiment 3. In the medical observation system 1 according to this second embodiment, the camera head 5 differs from the camera head 5 according to the first embodiment described above in that a memory unit 54 is added. The memory unit 54 stores a camera head ID (Identifier), which is identification information for uniquely identifying the type of camera head 5. When the camera head 5 is connected to the control device 9, the communication unit 53 transmits the camera head ID to the control device 9 (communication unit 91) via the first transmission cable 6.

[0039] Furthermore, the non-volatile memory 922 in this second embodiment stores multiple types of image processing parameters, each associated with a camera head ID of one of the multiple types of camera heads 5. Similarly, the non-volatile memory 932 stores multiple types of image processing parameters, each associated with a camera head ID of one of the multiple types of camera heads 5. Here, when the control unit 95 detects a camera head ID transmitted from the camera head 5 (communication unit 53) via the communication unit 91, it outputs the camera head ID to the pre-processing unit 92 and the post-processing unit 93, respectively.

[0040] Then, the pre-processing unit 92 reads the image processing parameters associated with the camera head ID output from the control unit 95 from the non-volatile memory 922 and sets them in the register 921. This allows the pre-processing unit 92 to perform a part of the image processing described in Embodiment 1 above on the captured image (digital signal) output from the camera head 5 using the image processing parameters corresponding to the camera head 5.

[0041] Similarly, the post-processing unit 93 reads the image processing parameters associated with the camera head ID output from the control unit 95 from the non-volatile memory 932 and sets them in the register 931. This enables the post-processing unit 93 to perform other image processing described in Embodiment 1 on the captured image (digital signal) output from the camera head 5 using the image processing parameters corresponding to the camera head 5.

[0042] According to this embodiment 3 described above, in addition to the same effects as in embodiment 1 described above, the following effects are achieved. In the control device 9 according to this third embodiment, the non-volatile memory 922 (932) stores multiple types of image processing parameters corresponding to multiple types of camera heads 5. The pre-processing unit 92 (post-processing unit 93) reads the image processing parameters corresponding to the camera head 5 connected to the control device 9 from the non-volatile memory 922 (932), and uses these image processing parameters to perform image processing on the captured image. Therefore, appropriate image processing can be performed in accordance with the camera head 5 connected to the control device 9.

[0043] In the above-described embodiment 3, the preprocessor 92 read the image processing parameters associated with the camera head ID output from the control unit 95 from the non-volatile memory 922 and set them in the register 921, but the invention is not limited to this. For example, the non-volatile memory 922 stores multiple types of image processing parameters corresponding to multiple types of camera head IDs. Here, when the control unit 95 detects a camera head ID transmitted from the camera head 5 (communication unit 53) via the communication unit 91, it outputs a control signal to the pre-processing unit 92 to read the image processing parameters corresponding to the detected camera head ID. The pre-processing unit 92 then reads the image processing parameters corresponding to the camera head ID from the non-volatile memory 922 based on the control signal from the control unit 95 and sets them in the register 921. The post-processing unit 93 may be configured similarly.

[0044] (Other embodiments) Up to this point, we have described the forms for implementing this disclosure, but this disclosure should not be limited to the embodiments 1 to 3 described above. In the embodiments 1 to 3 described above, the medical image processing device according to this disclosure was mounted on a medical observation system 1 in which the insertion unit 2 was composed of a rigid endoscope, but the invention is not limited to this. For example, the medical image processing device according to this disclosure may be mounted on a medical observation system in which the insertion unit 2 was composed of a flexible endoscope. Furthermore, the medical image processing device according to this disclosure may be mounted on a medical observation system such as a surgical microscope (see, for example, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-42981) that magnifies and observes a predetermined field of view inside or on the surface of a living body.

[0045] In the embodiments 1 to 3 described above, a pre-processing unit 92 and a post-processing unit 93 were used as the image processing modules according to this disclosure. However, the number of such image processing modules is not limited to two; it may be one, or three or more. In embodiments 1 to 3 described above, an FPGA was used as the image processing module according to this disclosure. However, other programmable logic devices, such as a CPLD (Complex Programmable Logic Device), may also be used. Furthermore, the image processing module according to this disclosure is not limited to a programmable logic device; an ASIC or the like may also be used.

[0046] Furthermore, the following configurations also fall within the technical scope of this disclosure. (1) A medical image processing apparatus comprising: a non-volatile memory storing image processing parameters; an image processing module that reads the image processing parameters from the non-volatile memory and performs image processing on an image of a subject using the image processing parameters; and a control unit that controls the operation of the image processing module. (2) The image processing module is a programmable logic device, as described in (1) above, for medical image processing. (3) The medical image processing apparatus according to (2), wherein the non-volatile memory stores the image processing parameters and the configuration data for the image processing module. (4) The medical image processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (3) above, wherein multiple sets of the non-volatile memory and the image processing module are provided. (5) The medical image processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein the non-volatile memory stores a plurality of image processing parameters according to a plurality of operating modes of the medical image processing apparatus, and the image processing module reads the image processing parameters according to the operating mode of the medical image processing apparatus from the non-volatile memory and performs image processing on the captured image using the image processing parameters. (6) The medical image processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (5) above, wherein the non-volatile memory stores a plurality of image processing parameters corresponding to a plurality of medical observation devices that capture an image of a subject and generate the captured image, and the image processing module reads the image processing parameters corresponding to the medical observation device connected to the medical image processing apparatus from the non-volatile memory and performs image processing on the captured image using the image processing parameters. (7) The medical image processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (6) above, wherein the image processing module spontaneously reads the image processing parameters from the non-volatile memory after power is turned on. (8) A medical observation system comprising a medical observation device that captures an image of a subject and generates an image, and a medical image processing device that performs image processing on the image, wherein the medical image processing device comprises a non-volatile memory that stores image processing parameters, an image processing module that reads the image processing parameters from the non-volatile memory and performs image processing on the image, and a control unit that controls the operation of the image processing module. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0047] 1. Medical observation system 2 Insertion part 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 51 Lens Unit 52 Imaging Department 53 Communications Department 54 Storage section 91 Communications Department 92 Pre-processing section 93 Post-processing unit 94 Display Control Unit 95 Control Unit 96 Input section 97 Output section 98 Memory section 521 Image sensor 522 Signal Processing Unit 921,931 registers 922,932 non-volatile memory CN1, CN2 connectors

Claims

1. A medical image processing device, Non-volatile memory where image processing parameters are stored, An image processing module reads the image processing parameters from the non-volatile memory and performs image processing on the captured image of the subject using the image processing parameters, The system includes a control unit that controls the operation of the image processing module, The aforementioned non-volatile memory includes: Multiple types of image processing parameters are stored in the medical image processing device according to multiple types of operating modes. The aforementioned image processing module is A medical image processing apparatus that reads image processing parameters corresponding to the operating mode of the medical image processing apparatus from the non-volatile memory and performs image processing on the captured image using the image processing parameters.

2. The aforementioned image processing module is A medical image processing apparatus according to claim 1, which is a programmable logic device.

3. The aforementioned non-volatile memory includes: The medical image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the image processing parameters and configuration data for the image processing module are stored.

4. The set of the non-volatile memory and the image processing module is A medical image processing apparatus according to claim 1, comprising multiple sets.

5. A medical image processing device, Non-volatile memory where image processing parameters are stored, An image processing module reads the image processing parameters from the non-volatile memory and performs image processing on the captured image of the subject using the image processing parameters, The system includes a control unit that controls the operation of the image processing module, The aforementioned non-volatile memory includes: Multiple types of image processing parameters are stored according to multiple types of medical observation devices that capture an image of a subject and generate the captured image. The aforementioned image processing module is A medical image processing apparatus that reads image processing parameters corresponding to the medical observation device connected to the medical image processing apparatus from the non-volatile memory, and performs image processing on the captured image using the image processing parameters.

6. A medical image processing device, Non-volatile memory where image processing parameters are stored, An image processing module reads the image processing parameters from the non-volatile memory and performs image processing on the captured image of the subject using the image processing parameters, The system includes a control unit that controls the operation of the image processing module, The aforementioned image processing module is A medical image processing device that, after power is turned on, spontaneously reads the image processing parameters from the non-volatile memory.

7. A medical observation device that captures an image of a subject and generates an image, The system includes a medical image processing device that performs image processing on the captured image, The aforementioned medical image processing device is Non-volatile memory where image processing parameters are stored, An image processing module reads the image processing parameters from the non-volatile memory and performs image processing on the captured image using the image processing parameters, The system includes a control unit that controls the operation of the image processing module, The aforementioned non-volatile memory includes: Multiple types of image processing parameters are stored in the medical image processing device according to multiple types of operating modes. The aforementioned image processing module is A medical observation system that reads image processing parameters corresponding to the operating mode of the medical image processing device from the non-volatile memory and performs image processing on the captured image using the image processing parameters.

8. A medical observation device that captures an image of a subject and generates an image, The system includes a medical image processing device that performs image processing on the captured image, The aforementioned medical image processing device is Non-volatile memory where image processing parameters are stored, An image processing module reads the image processing parameters from the non-volatile memory and performs image processing on the captured image using the image processing parameters, The system includes a control unit that controls the operation of the image processing module, The aforementioned non-volatile memory includes: Multiple types of image processing parameters are stored according to multiple types of medical observation devices that capture an image of a subject and generate the captured image. The aforementioned image processing module is A medical observation system that reads image processing parameters corresponding to the medical observation device connected to the medical image processing device from the non-volatile memory, and performs image processing on the captured image using the image processing parameters.

9. A medical observation device that captures an image of a subject and generates an image, The system includes a medical image processing device that performs image processing on the captured image, The aforementioned medical image processing device is Non-volatile memory where image processing parameters are stored, An image processing module reads the image processing parameters from the non-volatile memory and performs image processing on the captured image using the image processing parameters, The system includes a control unit that controls the operation of the image processing module, The aforementioned image processing module is A medical observation system that, after power-on, spontaneously reads the image processing parameters from the non-volatile memory.

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