Medical signal processing system, medical signal processing method, and signal processing system

Abstract

This signal processing system comprises: a first signal processing device 3 that is communicably connected to an endoscope 2 and executes first signal processing on an image captured by the endoscope 2; and a second signal processing device 4 that is communicably connected to an external display device 5 and executes second signal processing on the captured image after the first signal processing is executed, thereby generating an endoscopic image for display. The first signal processing device 3 comprises a synchronization control unit 312 that synchronizes the first signal processing with the second signal processing.

Description

Medical signal processing system, medical signal processing method, and signal processing system

[0001] The present invention relates to a medical signal processing system, a medical signal processing method, and a signal processing system.

[0002] Conventionally, an endoscopic system for observing the inside of a subject using an endoscope has been known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The endoscopic system described in Patent Document 1 includes a processing device communicatively connected to the endoscope and to a display device. The processing device performs various signal processing (image processing) on ​​an image captured by the endoscope, and generates an endoscopic image to be displayed on the display device.

[0003] Patent No. 6378846

[0004] However, in the processing device described in Patent Document 1, a processing unit in a single housing is configured to perform various signal processing operations, and therefore, when updating only the configuration that performs some of the various signal processing operations, it is necessary to update the entire processing device.

[0005] Here, a possible configuration that allows updating only the configuration that performs some of the signal processing may be a configuration in which a first signal processing device performs some of the various signal processing, and a second signal processing device performs the remaining signal processing. That is, it may be possible to divide the processing device into two devices. In such a configuration, if the two devices operate asynchronously, a delay of several frame periods occurs in the image processing between the devices, and this delay time changes sequentially. As a result, there is a risk of image display problems, such as a large delay in image display on the display device. Therefore, there is a demand for technology that can improve convenience and eliminate image display problems, even when updating only the configuration that performs some of the signal processing, without having to update the entire device.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above, and aims to provide a medical signal processing system, a medical signal processing method, and a signal processing system that can improve convenience while eliminating problems related to image display.

[0007] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, the medical signal processing system of the present invention comprises a first signal processing device that is communicatively connected to an endoscope and that performs first signal processing on an image captured by the endoscope, and a second signal processing device that is communicatively connected to an external display device and that generates an image for display by performing second signal processing on the image after the first signal processing has been performed, and at least one of the first signal processing device and the second signal processing device comprises a synchronization control unit that controls synchronization between the first signal processing and the second signal processing.

[0008] In addition, the medical signal processing method of the present invention includes a first signal processing device communicatively connected to an endoscope, which performs first signal processing on an image captured by the endoscope, and a second signal processing device communicatively connected to an external display device, which performs second signal processing on the image captured after the first signal processing has been performed, thereby generating an endoscopic image for display, and at least one of the first signal processing device and the second signal processing device synchronizes the first signal processing with the second signal processing.

[0009] In addition, the signal processing system of the present invention comprises a first signal processing device that is communicatively connected to an endoscope and performs first signal processing on an image captured by the endoscope, and a second signal processing device that is communicatively connected to an external display device and generates an endoscopic image for display by performing second signal processing on the image after the first signal processing has been performed, and at least one of the first signal processing device and the second signal processing device comprises a synchronization control unit that synchronizes the first signal processing with the second signal processing.

[0010] According to the medical signal processing system, medical signal processing method, and signal processing system of the present invention, it is possible to improve convenience and eliminate problems related to image display.

[0011] Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an endoscope system according to an embodiment. Fig. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an endoscope system according to an embodiment. Fig. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of an imaging control unit and a display control unit. Fig. 4 is a diagram illustrating a first modified example according to an embodiment. Fig. 5 is a diagram illustrating a second modified example according to an embodiment. Fig. 6 is a diagram illustrating a third modified example according to an embodiment.

[0012] Hereinafter, a mode for carrying out the present invention (hereinafter referred to as an embodiment) will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described below. Furthermore, in the description of the drawings, the same parts are given the same reference numerals.

[0013] 1 and 2 are diagrams showing the configuration of an endoscope system 1 according to an embodiment. The endoscope system 1 is used in the medical field and is a system for observing the inside of a subject (inside a living organism) using an endoscope 2. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the endoscope system 1 includes an endoscope 2, a light source device 3, a processing device 4, and a display device 5.

[0014] In this embodiment, the endoscope 2 is a so-called flexible endoscope. A portion of the endoscope 2 is inserted into a living body, captures images of the living body, and outputs image signals generated by the image capture. As shown in FIG. 1 , the endoscope 2 includes an insertion section 21, an operation section 22, and a universal cord 23.

[0015] The insertion section 21 is a section that is at least partially flexible and is inserted into a living body. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the insertion section 21 includes a distal end section 24, a freely bendable bending section 25 (Figure 1) composed of a plurality of bending pieces, and a long, flexible flexible tube section 26 (Figure 1) that is connected to the proximal end side of the bending section 25. An imaging section 244 (Figure 2) is built into the distal end section 24. The insertion section 21 is inserted into a living body, and captures an image of a subject (object of observation) such as biological tissue that is located in a position where external light does not reach, using the imaging section 244.

[0016] The operation unit 22 is connected to the base end portion of the insertion section 21. The operation unit 22 receives various operations for the endoscope 2. As shown in Fig. 1 , the operation unit 22 includes a bending knob 221 for bending the bending section 25 in the up-down and left-right directions, a treatment tool insertion section 222 that extends from the operation unit 22 to the tip of the insertion section 21 and inserts treatment tools such as biopsy forceps, an electric scalpel, and an examination probe into the body cavity of the subject, an air supply conduit 223 that extends from the operation unit 22 to the tip of the insertion section 21 and supplies air into the body cavity of the subject, and a plurality of switches 224 for operating peripheral devices such as an air supply device (not shown) and a water supply device (not shown).

[0017] The universal cord 23 incorporates at least a light guide 241 ( FIG. 2 ) and a cable assembly 245 ( FIG. 2 ) that bundles one or more signal lines. The light guide 241 is made of glass fiber or the like and forms a light guide path for light emitted by the light source device 3. As shown in FIG. 1 , the universal cord 23 branches at the end opposite to the end connected to the operation unit 22. A connector 231 that can be detachably attached to the light source device 3 is provided at the branched end of the universal cord 23. A portion of the light guide 241 extends from the end of the connector 231. The universal cord 23 transmits illumination light emitted from the light source device 3 to the distal end 24 via the connector 231 (light guide 241), the operation unit 22, and the flexible tube portion 26. The universal cord 23 also transmits image signals captured by an imaging unit 244 provided at the distal end 24 to the light source device 3. The cable assembly 245 includes a signal line for transmitting an image signal, a signal line for transmitting a drive signal for driving the imaging unit 244, and a signal line for transmitting and receiving information including unique information related to the endoscope 2 (imaging unit 244). Note that, in the present embodiment, the signal lines are described as transmitting electrical signals, but they may also be used to transmit optical signals, or may be used to transmit signals between the endoscope 2 and the light source device 3 by wireless communication.

[0018] The output end side of the light guide 241 is inserted into the tip portion 24. As shown in Fig. 2, the tip portion 24 includes an illumination lens 242, an optical system 243 for collecting light, and an imaging unit 244 that is provided at the imaging position of the optical system 243 and receives the light collected by the optical system 243, photoelectrically converts the light into an electrical signal, and performs predetermined signal processing.

[0019] The optical system 243 is configured using one or more lenses, and forms a subject image on the light receiving surface of an image sensor 244a that configures the imaging unit 244. The optical system 243 may have an optical zoom function that changes the angle of view and a focus function that changes the focus.

[0020] The imaging unit 244 captures an image of the observation target under the control of the light source device 3. As shown in Fig. 2, the imaging unit 244 includes an imaging element 244a and a signal processing unit 244b.

[0021] The image sensor 244a receives the subject image transmitted through the optical system 243 and converts it into an electrical signal (analog signal). Examples of the image sensor 244a include a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor), which is a rolling shutter type image sensor in which multiple pixels are arranged two-dimensionally in horizontal line units, and a CCD (Charge Coupled Device), which is a global shutter type image sensor. Examples of the image sensor 244a include a monochrome image sensor without a color filter on its light-receiving surface, and a color image sensor with a color filter on its light-receiving surface. Examples of the color filter include an RGB primary color filter consisting of red, green, and blue, and a CMYG complementary color filter consisting of cyan, magenta, yellow, and green.

[0022] For ease of explanation, the image signal generated by the image sensor 244a capturing an image will be referred to as a captured image below.

[0023] The signal processing unit 244b outputs a captured image (digital signal) by performing signal processing on the captured image (analog signal) generated by the imaging element 244a under the control of the light source device 3. For example, the signal processing unit 244b performs signal processing on the captured image (analog signal) generated by the imaging element 244a, such as processing to remove reset noise, processing to multiply the analog signal by an analog gain that amplifies the analog signal (hereinafter referred to as analog gain adjustment processing), and A / D conversion.

[0024] Here, the endoscope 2 has a storage unit 27 (see FIG. 3 ) that stores data including identification information of the endoscope 2. The identification information includes the endoscope 2's unique information (ID), model year, spec information, transmission method, and specifications of the imaging unit 244 (imaging element 244 a) used in the endoscope 2 (resolution of the imaging element 244 a, presence or absence of a color filter, type of color filter, etc.). The storage unit 27 may also temporarily store captured images generated by the imaging element 244.

[0025] The light source device 3 corresponds to a first signal processing device according to the present invention. As shown in Fig. 2 , the light source device 3 includes an imaging control unit 31, a light source unit 32, an input unit 33, a control unit 34, and a storage unit 35. The imaging control unit 31 is communicatively connected to the endoscope 2 (imaging unit 244) and performs first signal processing on an image received from the imaging unit 244. The imaging control unit 31 is also communicatively connected to a display control unit 41 constituting the processing device 4 via the transmission cable 28 (Fig. 1) and outputs the image after the first signal processing to the display control unit 41.

[0026] In this embodiment, the imaging control unit 31 is configured by an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), which is a programmable logic device whose processing contents can be rewritten according to the configuration. Here, the imaging control unit 31 is not limited to an FPGA, and may be configured using a general-purpose processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a dedicated processor such as various arithmetic circuits that execute specific functions, such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit).

[0027] The detailed configuration of the imaging control unit 31 will be described later in the section "Configuration of the imaging control unit and the display control unit."

[0028] The light source unit 32 emits light under the control of the control unit 34. The light source unit 32 is realized using any light source such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode) light source, a laser light source, a xenon lamp, or a halogen lamp. The light source unit 32 may also have one or more lenses. The light generated by the light source unit 32 passes through a light guide 241 and an illumination lens 242 and is emitted from the tip of the tip unit 24 toward the object of observation.

[0029] Examples of light emitted from the light source unit 32 include light having a wavelength band of visible light (white light), narrowband light having light in a specific wavelength band, or excitation light that excites substances contained in the object of observation.

[0030] The input unit 33 is realized using a keyboard, a mouse, a switch, and a touch panel, and accepts various operations by the user.

[0031] The storage unit 35 stores various programs executed by the control unit 34, data including various parameters and the like required for processing by the control unit 34, and information for configuring the imaging control unit 31 according to the type of endoscope 2 connected to the light source device 3. The storage unit 35 is realized using, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory) in which various programs and the like are pre-installed, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) or hard disk or the like that stores calculation parameters and data for each process.

[0032] The control unit 34 is configured using a general-purpose processor such as a CPU or a dedicated processor such as various arithmetic circuits that execute specific functions, such as an ASIC. The control unit 34 acquires data including identification information of the endoscope 2 connected to the light source device 3 from the storage unit 27. The control unit 34 also configures (reconfigures) the imaging control unit 31 based on configuration information that is stored in the storage unit 35 and corresponds to the acquired data. The control unit 34 also transmits a drive signal for driving the imaging unit 244. The control unit 34 also controls the operation of the light source unit 32.

[0033] The processing device 4 corresponds to a second signal processing device according to the present invention. As shown in Fig. 2, the processing device 4 includes a display control unit 41, an input unit 42, a control unit 43, and a storage unit 44. The light source device 3 and the processing device 4 correspond to a medical signal processing system and a signal processing system according to the present invention.

[0034] The display control unit 41 is communicatively connected to the display device 5, and performs second signal processing on the captured image that has been subjected to first signal processing and received from the imaging control unit 31 via the transmission cable 28, to generate an endoscopic image for display. The display control unit 41 then outputs the endoscopic image to the display device 5. As a result, the endoscopic image is displayed on the display device 5.

[0035] The display control unit 41 described above is configured using a general-purpose processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a dedicated processor such as various arithmetic circuits that execute specific functions, such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). Note that the display control unit 41 may be configured using an FPGA, similar to the imaging control unit 31.

[0036] The detailed configuration of the display control unit 41 will be described later in the section "Configuration of the Imaging Control Unit and the Display Control Unit."

[0037] The input unit 42 is realized using a keyboard, a mouse, a switch, and a touch panel, and accepts various operations by the user.

[0038] The storage unit 44 stores various programs executed by the control unit 43 and data including various parameters required for the processing of the control unit 43. The storage unit 44 is realized, for example, using a ROM in which various programs are pre-installed, and a RAM or hard disk that stores calculation parameters and data for each process.

[0039] The control unit 43 is configured using a general-purpose processor such as a CPU or a dedicated processor such as various arithmetic circuits that execute specific functions such as an ASIC. The control unit 34 controls the operation of the entire processing device 4.

[0040] The display device 5 displays the endoscopic image received from the processing device 4 (display control unit 41) via the video cable. The display device 5 is configured using a monitor such as a liquid crystal or organic EL (Electro Luminescence) monitor.

[0041] [Configuration of the Imaging Control Unit and Display Control] Next, the configurations of the imaging control unit 31 and the display control unit 41 will be described. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing the configurations of the imaging control unit 31 and the display control unit 41. First, the configuration of the imaging control unit 31 will be described. As shown in Fig. 3, the imaging control unit 31 includes an endoscope IF (Interface) 311, a synchronization control unit 312, an imaging clock generation unit 313, a video processing unit 314, and a video transmission unit 315.

[0042] The endoscope IF 311 is a part that connects the endoscope 2 (imaging unit 244) so ​​that captured images and the like can be communicated with the endoscope 2. The endoscope IF 311 is configured using an interface circuit or the like that includes a connector to which a cable capable of image transmission and communication is connected, for example.

[0043] The synchronization control unit 312 synchronizes the first signal processing performed by the imaging control unit 31 with the second signal processing performed by the display control unit 41. The synchronization control unit 312 has a clock source (not shown) and generates synchronization signals (vertical synchronization signal (V) and horizontal synchronization signal (H)) that serve as a reference for the operations of the endoscope 2, the light source device 3, and the processing device 4. The synchronization control unit 312 also generates a display clock based on the synchronization signal. The display clock is a signal necessary for driving the display device 5. The synchronization control unit 312 generates the display clock based on the synchronization signal and information related to the specifications of the display device 5 (e.g., resolution, etc.). Here, the synchronization control unit 312 acquires information related to the specifications of the display device 5 in response to, for example, a user operation on the input unit 33. The synchronization control unit 312 then outputs the synchronization signal and the display clock to the imaging clock generation unit 313, the video processing unit 314, and the video transmission unit 315, respectively.

[0044] The imaging clock generation unit 313 generates an imaging clock based on the synchronization signal output from the synchronization control unit 312. The imaging clock is a signal necessary for driving the image sensor 244a. The imaging clock generation unit 313 then transmits the synchronization signal output from the synchronization control unit 312 and the generated imaging clock to the imaging unit 244 via the endoscope IF 311. As a result, the imaging unit 244 is driven based on the received synchronization signal and imaging clock. The imaging clock generation unit 313 also outputs the generated imaging clock to the video processing unit 314. The control unit 34 acquires the imaging clock and synchronization signal, and controls the operation of the light source unit 32 based on the imaging clock and synchronization signal.

[0045] The video processing unit 314 performs first signal processing on the captured image transmitted from the imaging unit 244 via the endoscope IF 311. The video processing unit 314 then performs the first signal processing on the captured image, switches the captured image to a display clock output from the synchronization control unit 312, and outputs the image to the video transmission unit 315. For ease of explanation, the captured image that has undergone the first signal processing will be referred to as a processed captured image below.

[0046] Here, the first signal processing is processing related to the image sensor 244 a. Specifically, examples of the first signal processing include demosaic processing (synchronization processing), pixel defect processing, processing for calculating an appropriate exposure amount, aberration correction processing, and distortion correction processing.

[0047] The video transmission unit 315 transmits the processed captured image to the display control unit 41. In this embodiment, SDI (Serial Digital Interface) is used as the transmission method between the video transmission unit 315 and the display control unit 41. Note that the transmission method between the video transmission unit 315 and the display control unit 41 is not limited to SDI, and other transmission methods may be adopted. The video transmission unit 315 then superimposes the synchronization signal output from the synchronization control unit 312 on the processed captured image to generate an SDI signal, and transmits the SDI signal to the display control unit 41.

[0048] Next, a description will be given of the configuration of the display control unit 41. The display control unit 41 includes a video receiving unit 411, an image processing unit 412, and an image transmitting unit 413, as shown in FIG.

[0049] The video receiving unit 411 is a unit that receives information by a specific transmission method (SDI in this embodiment) from the video transmitting unit 315. The video receiving unit 411 then extracts a synchronization signal, a display clock, and a processed captured image from the SDI signal received from the video transmitting unit 315, and outputs the extracted information to the image processing unit 412.

[0050] The image processing unit 412 performs second signal processing on the processed captured image output from the video receiving unit 411 to generate an endoscopic image for display.

[0051] Here, the second signal processing is processing related to the display of the display device 5. Specifically, examples of the second signal processing include color rotation processing, image rotation processing, gamma correction processing, digital gain adjustment processing for multiplying a digital gain, noise reduction processing (NR processing), enlargement processing, image enhancement processing, mask processing, and OSD (On Screen Display) superimposition processing.

[0052] The image transmission unit 413 transmits a synchronization signal, a display clock, and an endoscopic image to the display device 5. As a result, the display device 5 displays the endoscopic image.

[0053] The above-described embodiment provides the following advantages. The signal processing system according to this embodiment includes a light source device 3 communicatively connected to an endoscope 2 and performing first signal processing on an image captured by the endoscope 2, and a processing device 4 communicatively connected to an external display device 5 and performing second signal processing on the processed image to generate an endoscopic image for display. Therefore, for example, when updating only the configuration for performing one of the first and second signal processing, it is not necessary to update both the light source device 3 and the processing device 4. Furthermore, the light source device 3 is provided with a synchronization control unit 312. This allows the first and second signal processing to be synchronized, minimizing the delay required for image processing between the devices, thereby eliminating problems related to the display of endoscopic images, such as a large delay in the display of endoscopic images on the display device 5. Therefore, according to the signal processing system according to this embodiment, even when updating only the configuration for performing some of the signal processing, it is possible to improve convenience by avoiding the need to update the entire device, while eliminating problems related to the display of endoscopic images.

[0054] Other Embodiments Although the embodiments for carrying out the present invention have been described above, the present invention should not be limited to the above-described embodiments. In the above-described embodiments, the configurations of the following modified examples 1 to 3 may be adopted.

[0055] (Variation 1) FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating Variation 1 according to the embodiment. Specifically, FIG. 4 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 3. In the above-described embodiment, the synchronization control unit 312 is provided in the imaging control unit 31. However, this is not limiting, and the synchronization control unit 312 may be provided in the display control unit 41 as in Variation 1 shown in FIG. 4. Then, as shown in FIG. 4, the synchronization control unit 312 provided in the display control unit 41 outputs a synchronization signal and a display clock to the imaging control unit 31 (imaging clock generation unit 313, video processing unit 314, and video transmission unit 315) and the image processing unit 412. Note that a mechanism for sending synchronization from the video transmission unit 315 to the video reception unit 411 is not necessarily required. The same applies to Variations 2 and 3 described below.

[0056] The above-described first modification provides the following effects in addition to the effects of the above-described embodiment. In the above-described embodiment, the synchronization control unit 312 is provided in the imaging control unit 31. When the imaging control unit 31 is reconfigured in accordance with the connected endoscope 2, the synchronization signal and display clock output from the synchronization control unit 312 are also interrupted. In other words, nothing is displayed on the display device 5. In contrast, in the first modification, the synchronization control unit 312 is provided in the display control unit 41. Therefore, even when the imaging control unit 31 is reconfigured, the synchronization signal and display clock output from the synchronization control unit 312 are not interrupted. For example, when the imaging control unit 31 is reconfigured (when no SDI signal is transmitted from the imaging control unit 31), the display control unit 41 causes the display device 5 to display a message indicating that the imaging control unit 31 is reconfigured or that the endoscope 2 is not connected.

[0057] (Variation 2) FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating Variation 2 according to the embodiment. Specifically, FIG. 5 corresponds to FIG. 3. In Variation 1 described above, the display control unit 41 is provided with two functions: a function for generating a synchronization signal in the synchronization control unit 312 (hereinafter referred to as the first function) and a function for generating a display clock (hereinafter referred to as the second function). However, this is not limited to this. As in Variation 2 shown in FIG. 5, the second function (display clock generation unit 316) may be provided in the imaging control unit 31, and the first function (synchronization control unit 312) may be provided in the display control unit 41. The synchronization control unit 312 provided in the display control unit 41 outputs a synchronization signal to the display clock generation unit 316 and the image processing unit 412. The display clock generation unit 316 outputs the synchronization signal output from the synchronization control unit 312 and a display clock generated based on the synchronization signal to the imaging clock generation unit 313, the video processing unit 314, and the video transmission unit 315, respectively. The display clock generation unit 316 according to this second modification only needs to generate the clock required by the imaging control unit 31 to the display control unit 41, and is not necessarily the same as the display clock described in the above-mentioned embodiment and first modification.

[0058] The above-described second modification provides the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment and first modification, as well as the following effects. Incidentally, the display clock is a very high-frequency signal compared to the synchronization signal. Therefore, when the display clock is transmitted from the processing device 4 to the light source device 3, as in the first modification, there is a problem of impacting EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility) and transmission quality. In contrast, in the second modification, the second function (display clock generation unit 316) is provided in the imaging control unit 31, and therefore the above-described problems do not occur.

[0059] (Variation 3) Fig. 6 is a diagram illustrating Variation 3 according to the embodiment. Specifically, Fig. 6 is a diagram corresponding to Fig. 3. In Variation 3, the image processing unit 314 executes a process of calculating an appropriate exposure amount as the first signal processing. Specifically, the image processing unit 314 calculates an appropriate exposure amount for adjusting the brightness of the endoscopic image based on the Y signal (luminance signal) of the captured image transmitted from the imaging unit 244. Then, the control unit 34 controls the analog gain used in the analog gain adjustment process executed by the signal processing unit 244b and the exposure time (electronic shutter) of the image sensor 244a based on the appropriate exposure amount.

[0060] In addition, in the third modification, the video processing unit 314 calculates a motion vector based on two captured images arranged in time series as the first signal processing.

[0061] In the third modification, the video transmission unit 315 utilizes the blanking period of the SDI to transmit the above-described appropriate exposure amount and motion vector together with the processed captured image, etc., to the display control unit 41. The image processing unit 412 performs digital gain adjustment processing based on the appropriate exposure amount received from the video transmission unit 315. The image processing unit 412 also performs noise reduction processing based on the motion vector received from the video transmission unit 315. In other words, the appropriate exposure amount and the motion vector correspond to processing information according to the present invention.

[0062] The above-described third modification provides the same effects as those of the embodiment and modifications 1 and 2, as well as the following effects. In the third modification, the first signal processing includes a process of calculating processing information used in the second signal processing. The light source device 3 then transmits the processed captured image and the processing information to the processing device 4. That is, the image processing unit 412 can perform the second signal processing using the processing information, thereby suppressing an increase in the amount of calculation and circuit size of the image processing unit 412. Note that the above-described configuration of the third modification is not limited to that applied to the second modification, but may also be applied to the embodiment or the first modification.

[0063] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Endoscope system 2 Endoscope 3 Light source device 4 Processing device 5 Display device 21 Insertion section 22 Operation section 23 Universal cord 24 Tip section 25 Bending section 26 Flexible tube section 27 Memory section 28 Transmission cable 31 Imaging control section 32 Light source section 33 Input section 34 Control section 35 Memory section 41 Display control section 42 Input section 43 Control section 44 Memory section 221 Bending knob 222 Treatment tool insertion section 223 Air supply conduit 224 Switch 231 Connector 241 Light guide 242 Illumination lens 243 Optical system 244 Imaging section 244a Imaging element 244b Signal processing section 245 Collector cable 311 Endoscope IF 312 Synchronization control section 313 Imaging clock generation section 314 Video processing section 315 Video transmission unit 316 Display clock generation unit 411 Video reception unit 412 Image processing unit 413 Image transmission unit

Claims

1. A medical signal processing system comprising: a first signal processing device communicatively connected to an endoscope and performing first signal processing on an image captured by the endoscope; and a second signal processing device communicatively connected to an external display device and performing second signal processing on the image after the first signal processing has been performed, thereby generating an endoscopic image for display, wherein at least one of the first signal processing device and the second signal processing device comprises a synchronization control unit that synchronizes the first signal processing with the second signal processing.

2. A medical signal processing system according to claim 1, wherein the first signal processing device is a light source device having a light source section that emits a specific light.

3. A medical signal processing system according to claim 1, wherein the synchronization control unit synchronizes the first signal processing with the second signal processing by outputting a vertical synchronization signal and a clock.

4. A medical signal processing system according to claim 1, wherein the synchronization control unit is provided in the second signal processing device.

5. A medical signal processing system according to claim 1, wherein the synchronization control unit is provided in the first signal processing device.

6. A medical signal processing system as described in claim 1, wherein the first signal processing includes a process of calculating processing information to be used in the second signal processing, and the first signal processing device transmits the captured image on which the first signal processing has been performed and the processing information to the second signal processing device.

7. A medical signal processing method, in which a first signal processing device communicatively connected to an endoscope performs first signal processing on an image captured by the endoscope, and a second signal processing device communicatively connected to an external display device performs second signal processing on the image after the first signal processing has been performed, thereby generating an endoscopic image for display, and at least one of the first signal processing device and the second signal processing device synchronizes the first signal processing with the second signal processing.

8. A medical signal processing method according to claim 7, wherein the first signal processing device is a light source device having a light source section that emits a specific light.

9. A medical signal processing method according to claim 7, wherein one of the first signal processing device and the second signal processing device synchronizes the first signal processing with the second signal processing by outputting a vertical synchronization signal and a clock.

10. A medical signal processing method according to claim 7, wherein said second signal processing device synchronizes said first signal processing with said second signal processing.

11. The medical signal processing method according to claim 7, wherein said first signal processing device synchronizes said first signal processing with said second signal processing.

12. A signal processing system as described in claim 7, wherein the first signal processing includes a process of calculating processing information to be used in the second signal processing, and the first signal processing device transmits the captured image on which the first signal processing has been performed and the processing information to the second signal processing device.

13. A signal processing system comprising: a first signal processing device communicatively connected to an endoscope and executing first signal processing on an image captured by the endoscope; and a second signal processing device communicatively connected to an external display device and executing second signal processing on the image after the first signal processing has been executed, thereby generating an endoscopic image for display, wherein at least one of the first signal processing device and the second signal processing device comprises a synchronization control unit that synchronizes the first signal processing with the second signal processing.

14. The signal processing system according to claim 13, wherein the first signal processing device is a light source device having a light source section that emits a specific light.

15. The signal processing system according to claim 13, wherein the synchronization control unit synchronizes the first signal processing with the second signal processing by outputting a vertical synchronization signal and a clock.

16. The signal processing system according to claim 13, wherein the synchronization control section is provided in the second signal processing device.

17. The signal processing system according to claim 13, wherein the synchronization control unit is provided in the first signal processing device.

18. A signal processing system as described in claim 13, wherein the first signal processing includes a process of calculating processing information to be used in the second signal processing, and the first signal processing device transmits the captured image on which the first signal processing has been performed and the processing information to the second signal processing device.

Images