JPH0777577B2 - Endoscope device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Object of the Invention] (Field of Industrial Application) The present invention relates to an endoscope apparatus, and more particularly to a technique for displaying an image.

(Prior Art) In recent years, an endoscope in which an image pickup means such as a solid-state image pickup device (for example, CCD image sensor; hereinafter simply referred to as CCD sensor) is attached to a subject to monitor an image inside a body cavity of the subject. Regarding the output endoscope apparatus, due to the development of semiconductors, software, and other peripheral fields, Japanese Patent Application No. 61-111629 (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 62-266030) of the prior application by the applicant of the present patent
The various processed images such as the saturation-enhanced image and the color-tone-enhanced image described in Japanese Patent Publication (JP-B) are realized.
As a result, the information obtained from the endoscope is dramatically expanded, and the range of diagnosis is extremely wide.

Under such circumstances, the function of image processing is becoming indispensable. However, in that case, it becomes necessary to view the normal image and the processed image at the same time for diagnosis.

Therefore, recently, a plurality of monitors are provided, and one monitor displays a normal image (hereinafter, simply referred to as a real image).
However, an endoscope apparatus that displays a processed image on the other monitor is considered.

However, on the other hand, the function of outputting a still image on the monitor due to various requests such as taking pictures of images and the rapid development of recording media such as optical disks, that is, the function of image freeze is also an essential element in another sense. Has become.

However, while the doctor freezes the image during diagnosis and takes a picture, the normal image is not output on the monitor. This may be due to, for example, treatment of polypectomy with forceps, or inadvertent movement of the endoscope to scratch the stomach wall, and it is extremely difficult for the real image to disappear from the monitor. With great danger.

As a technique for solving this point, there is a technique in which one monitor is divided into two large and small screens and a real image is always output on the monitor when the image is frozen.

The endoscope apparatus will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of this endoscope apparatus.

In FIG. 3, an endoscope scope 52 equipped with a CCD sensor 51 converts an optical image inside a body cavity illuminated by a light source (not shown) into a corresponding electric charge. These charges are then converted into video signals by the camera controller 53,
Further, an image memory 55 for converting into a digital signal in the A / D converter 54 and thereafter recording / reproducing a real image.
Recorded in. In a normal case, since a real image is output on a monitor, in this case, the digital signals recorded in the image memory 55 are sequentially read out, converted into an analog signal by the D / A converter 58, and then realized on the monitor 59. It is output as an image.

Next, the operator looks for the desired image while observing it. When the target image is confirmed, the operator presses the push button switch 62. The ON signal of the push button switch 62 is transferred to the memory controller 57, and the memory controller 57 creates a freeze image in the image memory 56 for recording and reproducing the freeze image, while recording a real image in the image memory 55. To do. Further, the memory controller 57 supplies an address signal to each of the image memories 55 and 56 while selectively turning on / off the address signal. For example, the address signal from the memory controller 57 is first sent to the image memory 56.
In the horizontal direction, both end portions where there is no affected part information are output without being read out, and are supplied to the monitor 59 and the photography monitor 60 via the D / A converter 58. When this operation is repeatedly displayed up to about 1/2 of the vertical direction of the monitor, the address signal is also supplied to the image memory 55 in which a real image is recorded, and the latter half of each horizontal scanning line is the image memory.
Instead of 56, the real image from the image memory 55 is decimated by a predetermined number of pixels (for example, 4 pixels), and the D / A converter 58
Is supplied to the monitors 59, 60 via. In this way 1
When the field is completed, the display is displayed on the monitor as shown in FIG. 4 (b).

Next, the operator observes the monitor 59, and when it judges that it is appropriate to take a picture, pushes the push button switch 63.
As a result, the memory controller 57 supplies the address signal only to the image memory 56, and the camera 61 takes a picture. In addition, when the shooting is finished, the original state is immediately restored, and the memory controller 57 sends the address signal to the image memory.
Only the real image is displayed and used for observation until the next freeze signal is input.

(Problems to be Solved by the Invention) As described above, the image processing function is becoming an indispensable element, and accordingly, it becomes necessary to simultaneously output a processed image and a real image. However, comparing the respective regions of interest by shifting the line of sight of the images displayed on a plurality of monitors is a heavy burden for the doctor, and sometimes it is even painful.

The present invention has been made based on the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an endoscope apparatus capable of simultaneously outputting a plurality of images and comparing them, and reducing the burden on a doctor.

Regarding the function of image freeze, which is another essential element, it is one of the major issues to make it compatible with the image processing function. However, as already mentioned, erasing the real image from the monitor during image freeze is very dangerous.

In consideration of this point, the present invention provides an endoscope apparatus that has both an image processing function and an image freeze function, and an endoscope apparatus that always displays a real image in any situation. Is intended to provide.

[Structure of the Invention] (Means for Solving the Problems) In order to solve the above problems, an endoscope apparatus of the present invention includes a scope means to be inserted into a subject, and the inside of the subject provided in the scope means. Of the real image captured by the image capturing means, image processing means for performing image processing on the real image captured by the image capturing means to create a processed image, monitor means for displaying the image, and first monitor means. Display control for displaying any one of the images on a display unit and a second display unit and displaying a real image captured by the image capturing unit on at least one of the first display unit and the second display unit of the monitor unit. Means, freeze indicating means,
An image freeze unit for creating a freeze image of the image displayed on the first display unit, wherein the display control unit displays the image freeze on the first display unit of the monitor unit when the freeze instruction is issued. The freeze image created by the means is displayed, and when the freeze image is instructed when the real image is not displayed on the second display portion of the monitor means, the freeze image is displayed on the second display portion. The real image captured by the image capturing means is displayed on the second display section instead of the captured image.

(Operation) According to such a configuration of the present invention, the second monitor means
If a freeze instruction is given to the first display unit while the real image is not being displayed on the display unit, the real image captured by the image capturing means is used instead of the image displayed on the second display unit. Since the display control is performed so as to display on the second display unit, a real image is always displayed on the monitor means regardless of the display situation in which the freeze instruction is issued.

Embodiment An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an endoscope apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, an endoscope apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an endoscope scope 2 having a solid-state image sensor (for example, CCD sensor) 1 as an image pickup means, a camera controller 3, and an A / D. Converter 4, image memory for real image 5, image memory for freeze image 6, image processing unit 7, memory controller 8, D / A converter 9, CRT
Monitor 10, foot switch 11, freeze button switch
It consists of 12.

Next, the operation of these components will be described. First,
An operator inserts the tip of the endoscope 2 having the CCD sensor 1 into the subject, and a light source (not shown) illuminates the inside of the body cavity of the subject. Next, this optical image in the body cavity is converted into corresponding charges by the CCD sensor 1, converted into a video signal by the camera controller 3, and further converted into a digital signal by the A / D converter 4.

In a normal case, the digital signal from the A / D converter 4 is once recorded in the image memory 5 for real image, and at the same time, image processing, for example, saturation enhancement is performed in the image processing unit 7,
The data is read according to the address supply of the memory controller 8, converted into an analog signal by the D / A converter 9, and then output to the CRT monitor 10. In the normal case, the address supply from the memory controller 8 is performed as follows. First, the address signal from the memory controller 8 is supplied only to the image processing section 7, and the portions without the affected area information at both ends in the horizontal direction are not read. When these operations are repeated up to about 1/2 of the vertical direction, the address signal is also supplied to the image memory 5 for real image, and the latter half of each horizontal scanning line replaces the image processor 7 for real image. The real image from the image memory 5 is read while thinning out a predetermined number of pixels (for example, 4 pixels).

When one field is completed in this way, the CRT monitor 10
A processed image and a reduced real image are simultaneously displayed on the screen as shown in FIG. When the fit switch 11 is stepped on here, the ON signal of the foot switch 11 is transferred to the memory controller 8, and the supply address from the memory controller 8 to the image memory for real image 5 and the image processing unit 7 is reversed and the CRT monitor 10 is turned on. As shown in FIG. 2B, a real image and a reduced processed image are simultaneously displayed on the screen. Hereinafter, the one displayed in a relatively large size on the CRT monitor 10 will be called a main monitor 10a, and the one displayed in a reduced size will be called a sub-monitor 10b.

Next, the freeze operation will be described. As described above, the operator can select the image displayed on the main monitor 10a using the foot switch 11. However, when the freeze button switch 12 is pressed, the freeze ON signal is transferred to the memory controller 8, and the memory controller 8 Create a freeze image of the image displayed on the main monitor 10a, and display the freeze image on the main monitor 10a.
At 0b, the image memory for real image 5, the image memory for freeze image 6, and the image processing unit 7 are controlled so as to display the real image.

That is, if a real image is selected on the main monitor 10a as shown in FIG. 2B, a freeze image is created in the freeze image memory 6, a freeze image is displayed on the main monitor 10a, and a real image is displayed on the sub monitor 10b. Addresses are supplied to each so as to display an image (see FIG. 2D). As described above, when the real image is not displayed on the sub monitor before the freezing as shown in FIG. 2B, the real image is displayed on the sub monitor after the freezing instead of the image before the freezing. .

Further, if the processed image is displayed on the main monitor 10a as shown in FIG. 2A, a freeze image of the processed image is created in the image processing unit 7, and the freeze image of the processed image is displayed on the main monitor 10a. , And the address is supplied to the image processing unit 7 and the image memory for real image 5 so as to display the real image on the sub monitor 10b (see FIG. 2C). As described above, when the real image is displayed on the sub monitor before the freeze as shown in FIG. 2A, the real image is also displayed on the sub monitor after the freeze.

According to the apparatus of this embodiment, because of such a configuration, the real image is always displayed on the monitor screen even during the image freeze, and the safety at the time of diagnosis can be improved. Like

If the freeze button switch 12 is pressed again, the freeze is released and the monitor state before the freeze is restored.

Next, an example of the operation of the endoscope apparatus having the above configuration and action will be shown.

First, the operator operates the endoscope 2 while watching the main monitor 10a of the CRT monitor 10 in which the processed image is displayed on the main monitor 10a and the real image is displayed on the sub monitor 10b, and the display position is gradually moved. If something that seems to be abnormal is found in the processed image, it is confirmed by the real image displayed on the sub monitor 10b. If it is determined that the abnormality is true, the foot switch 11 is stepped on to display a real image on the main monitor 10a to make detailed confirmation.

When it is determined that the image on the main monitor 10a is appropriate for photographing by repeating such operations, the operator presses the freeze button switch 12 to check the freeze image displayed on the main monitor 10a. If it is determined that this freeze image is really appropriate for photographing, photographing is performed by photographing means (not shown). When the shooting is completed, the freeze is automatically released and the monitor state before the freeze is restored. When it is determined that the freeze is not appropriate for shooting, the freeze button switch 12 is pressed again to release the freeze. Even in such an image freeze, a real image is always displayed on the sub monitor 10b.

As described above, the processed image and the real image can be simultaneously viewed on one monitor by the endoscope apparatus according to the present embodiment, and the image displayed on the main monitor is switched by stepping on the foot switch. Images can also be viewed in detail. Moreover, since the operation is performed by the foot switch, the operator can perform the operation without releasing the hand from the endoscope scope.

Regarding the image freeze, since the real image is always displayed even during the image freeze, there is no danger, and since the freeze image of the processed image can also be displayed, from the viewpoint of diagnostic records and medical research Is also very effective.

In addition, the ease of operation and the fact that a single monitor is used can bring about effects such as unnecessary burden and pain to the doctor.

Further, as another embodiment, the same effect can be obtained by providing a switch in the operation portion of the endoscope so that the switch is located near the operator's hand during operation without providing the foot switch.

In the above embodiments, the case of the solid-state imaging device represented by the CCD image sensor has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the same can be applied to an endoscope that uses a fiber optics and attaches a photographing camera to the eyepiece to output a monitor.

[Effects of the Invention] As described above, according to the present invention, when a freeze image is instructed to the display image of the main monitor when the real image is not being displayed on the sub monitor, the sub monitor is displayed. Since the display control is performed to display the real image on the sub monitor instead of the displayed image, the real image will always be displayed on the monitor screen regardless of the display condition of the main monitor freeze. As a result, the safety at the time of diagnosis can be improved.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an endoscope apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a monitor display, a foot switch, and a freeze button switch of the endoscope apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 3 and 4 showing the relationship are explanatory views of a conventional endoscope apparatus. 1 ... CCD sensor, 2 ... endoscope scope, 5 ... image memory for real image, 6 ... image memory for freeze image, 7
...... Image processing unit, 8 ... Memory controller, 10 ... CR
T monitor, 10a …… Main monitor, 10b …… Sub monitor, 1
1 ... Foot switch

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A scope means to be inserted into a subject, an image pickup means provided in the scope means for picking up a real image of the inside of the subject, and image processing performed on the real image picked up by the image pickup means. Image processing means for creating a processed image, monitor means for displaying an image, and any one of the images displayed on the first display portion and the second display portion of the monitor means and the first display of the monitor means. Display unit for displaying a real image captured by the image capturing unit on at least one of the image display unit and the second display unit, a freeze instruction unit, and a freeze image of the image displayed on the first display unit. An image freeze means, and the display control means is created by the image freeze means on the first display section of the monitor means when the freeze instruction is given. In addition to displaying the freeze image, when the freeze instruction is given when the real image is not displayed on the second display section of the monitor means, the image displayed on the second display section is replaced with the freeze image. An endoscope apparatus, wherein a real image captured by the image capturing means is displayed on a second display unit.