CN102860812B - The control method of electronic endoscope system, light supply apparatus and electronic endoscope system - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention provides the control method of electronic endoscope system, light supply apparatus and electronic endoscope system.Wherein, light supply apparatus (13) is not only provided with the white light source (30) for usually being observed image but also is provided with the semiconductor light source unit (31) of first and second narrow-band-domain light sending blue region.First narrow-band-domain light and the second narrow-band-domain light are the light that the vessel information comprising oxygen saturation and vessel depth obtains.When vessel information obtains, in order to the image pickup signal standardization corresponding with the first narrow-band-domain light and the second narrow-band-domain light being needed the contrast signal of the level representing lightness.As the reference light for obtaining contrast signal, utilize the white light that white light source (30) sends.Maintaining estimating precision by the narrow-band-domain light of semiconductor light source, meanwhile, suppressing cost to increase by utilizing the formation of existing light supply apparatus and white light source (30).

Description

The control method of electronic endoscope system, light supply apparatus and electronic endoscope system

Technical field

The present invention relates to and make electronic endoscope system for obtaining blood vessel relevant information and the light supply apparatus used thereof and control method thereof by fujinon electronic video endoscope.

Background technology

At medical field, the diagnosis of fujinon electronic video endoscope is used to popularize.Fujinon electronic video endoscope possesses the elongated insertion section of inserting in subject, and be provided with the illuminating window irradiating illumination light to the look-out station in subject and the incident observation window of picture light reflected by look-out station in the front end of this insertion section, and be built-in with the imaging apparatuss such as ccd image sensor for obtaining observing image to making a video recording as light or cmos image sensor in the depth of observation window.Fujinon electronic video endoscope is connected with light supply apparatus, and is supplied to illumination light from light supply apparatus, and guide-lighting to illuminating window by light pipe.

In endoscopic diagnosis in recent years, not only carry out the usual observation of the character of observing the entirety on the surface of raw soma based on white light, but also the special light carrying out employing the special light being restricted to specific wavelength is observed.Special light is observed various observation, such as in Japanese Patent No. 3559755 publications, disclose following technology, utilize the degree of reaching deeply of light apart from mucomembranous surface to there is wavelength dependency, use wavelength domain different, B (green grass or young crops) color, G (green) color, R (red) color three kinds of narrow-band-domain light are highlighted the blood vessel of top layer, middle level, each layer of deep layer.

In addition, disclose following technology in Japanese Patent No. 2648494 publications, the narrow-band-domain light of the near infrared region using the absorbance of the blood vessel because of oxygen saturation to change is to measure the oxygen saturation in blood.In addition, in the JP 2011-092690 publication that the applicant proposes, disclose following technology, use the narrow-band-domain light of blue region to obtain the information of the vessel depth of the information of oxygen saturation and the degree of depth of expression distance mucomembranous surface simultaneously.

The observational technique of the relevant blood vessel recorded in above-mentioned three existing documents is useful when endoscopic diagnosis.Technology that be particularly disclosed in JP 2011-092690 publication, that simultaneously obtain oxygen saturation information and vessel depth information, be the technology of the mensuration can carrying out the high oxygen saturation of the precision of the effect of depth eliminating blood vessel, exceedingly useful in the character of correctly observing pathological changes portion in the optimum pernicious discriminating etc. of tumor is clearly visible.In addition, in JP 2011-092690 publication, by using the narrow-band-domain light of blue region, good observation can be carried out to superficial blood vessel.When the optimum pernicious discriminating of tumor, also the situation having the assurance of the character comparing mid-deep strata superficial blood vessel most important, the technology recorded in JP 2011-092690 publication is expected to as the useful technology can holding the character of superficial blood vessel in detail more.

Can utilize better on such electronic endoscope system in order to user, seek the reduction of development cost and manufacturing cost, therefore, require to effectively utilize the countermeasure that xenon lamp, Halogen light, metal halide lamp etc. are equipped on the white light source of existing light supply apparatus as far as possible.

Described in JP 2011-092690 publication, in order to obtain oxygen saturation information and vessel depth information simultaneously, need three light different to look-out station illumination wavelength territory, and need three signals of the briliancy representing these reflected light.In JP 2011-092690 publication, as the mode obtaining three signals, record the formation being provided with special three semiconductor light sources sending three light respectively or the formation utilizing white light source that three light are all carried out color separation by filter to white light and generate.The formation arranging three special semiconductor light sources, from the view point of the formation effectively utilizing existing light supply apparatus, leaves the leeway of improvement.

In addition, three light are all carried out color separation by filter and in the mode that generates, the anxiety of deficiency in light quantity exists.This is the narrow-band-domain light owing to needing wavelength domain narrow to measure oxygen saturation accurately, if photochromic for white separation is generated narrow-band-domain light, then wavelength domain is narrow, therefore, sometimes can not obtain the cause of sufficient light quantity.Deficiency in light quantity also becomes the reason that estimating precision reduces.As this countermeasure, consider to use and be separated by color the white light source with the degree obtaining required light quantity, luminous quantity being increased from white light generation narrow-band-domain light, but the white light source of so large light quantity is due to excessive in usually observing, so not only waste is many but also special, therefore, from the remaining problem of the viewpoint utilizing existing light supply apparatus to form.

In any one of above-mentioned three existing documents, the problem effectively utilizing existing light supply apparatus to reduce costs is not clearly stated and does not provide any hint yet.

Summary of the invention

The object of the invention is to, in the electronic endoscope system of observable vessel depth information and oxygen saturation both information, be set to and mainly guarantee the good estimating precision relevant with superficial blood vessel, easily utilize the form of the formation of existing light supply apparatus simultaneously.

For achieving the above object, electronic endoscope system of the present invention possesses: have the insertion section of inserting in subject and the fujinon electronic video endoscope had the imaging apparatus that the look-out station in subject is made a video recording, the processor apparatus that processes to the light supply apparatus of the light of fujinon electronic video endoscope supply shooting, the image pickup signal that exports imaging apparatus.

Light supply apparatus has: white light source and first and second semiconductor light source.The white light that the illumination light of the usual observation image that white light source sends for obtaining look-out station utilizes.First and second semiconductor light source send in order to obtain comprise the blood vessel represented existing for look-out station blood in hematochrome oxygen saturation oxygen saturation information and represent the light that the vessel information and carrying out to look-out station of vessel depth information of the degree of depth of blood vessel on the surface apart from look-out station is irradiated, be all in the wavelength domain that a part for blue region is narrow there is first and second blue narrow-band-domain light of different wavelength domains respectively.

First and second blue narrow-band-domain light supplies to fujinon electronic video endoscope by light supply apparatus, and as the reflected light for obtaining receiving first and second blue narrow-band-domain light the reference light of the contrast signal that the standardization of first and second image pickup signal that imaging apparatus exports utilizes, the light of the wavelength domain at least partially comprised in white light is supplied to fujinon electronic video endoscope.

Processor apparatus asks vessel information based on first and second image pickup signal and these three signals of contrast signal.

Preferred light source device has: in order to the white light that sent by white light source is incident and by the collecting lens of white light optically focused to fujinon electronic video endoscope; To configure and first and second blue narrow-band-domain light that first and second semiconductor light source is sent collaborates the light merging part of the light path of white light from white light source towards the light path of the white light of collecting lens.In addition, preferred light merging part has through the through portion of white light and the reflecting part that first and second blue narrow-band-domain light reflected towards collecting lens.

Preferably, light supply apparatus has: be inserted into white light light path and by shutter moveable between the on position of white light shading and the retreating position kept out of the way from light path, when obtaining vessel information, on position is moved to by under the state of white light shading making shutter, first and second blue narrow-band-domain light is supplied to fujinon electronic video endoscope, shutter is moved to retreating position, supplies to fujinon electronic video endoscope with reference to light.

Also can be, imaging apparatus is the monochromatic imaging apparatus exporting monochromatic image pickup signal, light supply apparatus has filter, this filter has the trichroism penetrating region of blueness, green, red trichroism penetrating region or yellow, magenta, cyan, trichroism each penetrating region is optionally inserted the light path of white light, be separated into three coloured light by photochromic for white, light supply apparatus is to usually observing trichroism light when image is made a video recording successively to the face sequential of fujinon electronic video endoscope supply.Preferably, on the filter, not only establish tricolored penetrating region, and be provided with the light shielding part forming shutter.

Also can be, imaging apparatus is the color image sensor having the trichroism pixel of blueness, green, red trichroism pixel or yellow, magenta, cyan and export the trichroism picture signal corresponding with assorted pixel, and light supply apparatus is not carrying out color separation and the same up-to-date style that supplies to fujinon electronic video endoscope to usually observing when image is made a video recording by photochromic for white.

Preferably, two wavelength of first and second blue narrow-band-domain light are the wavelength that absorbance respective in reduced blood pigment and oxidized hemoglobin extinction spectrum separately produces difference.Preferably, in two wavelength, the magnitude relationship of reduced blood pigment and oxidized hemoglobin absorbance is separately reverse.Preferably, the wavelength of the first blue narrow-band-domain light is 440 ± 10nm, and the wavelength of the second blue narrow-band-domain light is 470 ± 10nm.

Preferably, processor apparatus asks vessel information based on ratio i.e. second luminance ratio of ratio i.e. first luminance ratio of the first image pickup signal and contrast signal, the second image pickup signal and contrast signal.

Preferably, possess the storage device prestoring the degree of depth of first and second luminance ratio and blood vessel and the dependency relation of oxygen saturation, processor apparatus asks vessel information based on dependency relation.

Preferably, dependency relation represents distributes the briliancy coordinate system of first and second luminance ratio respectively to two coordinate axess and two coordinate axess is distributed respectively to the corresponding relation of the degree of depth of blood vessel and the vessel information coordinate system of oxygen saturation, processor apparatus in briliancy coordinate system specific go out first coordinate corresponding with first and second luminance ratio, processor apparatus is in vessel information coordinate system, by the coordinate axes of the first coordinate respectively to the coordinate axes of oxygen saturation and the degree of depth of blood vessel is projected, specific go out the second coordinate, ask oxygen saturation information and vessel depth information.

Preferably, processor apparatus has: generate the video generation device representing the image of at least one in oxygen saturation information and vessel depth information; By the display control unit that generated image exports to display device.

Light supply apparatus of the present invention is used for electronic endoscope system, electronic endoscope system possesses: have the insertion section in insertion subject and the imaging apparatus of making a video recording to the look-out station in subject, and light supply apparatus is to the light of fujinon electronic video endoscope supply shooting.Light supply apparatus has: white light source, the white light that the illumination light of its usual observation image sent for obtaining look-out station utilizes; First and second semiconductor light source, its send in order to obtain comprise the blood vessel represented existing for look-out station blood in hematochrome oxygen saturation oxygen saturation information and represent the vessel information of vessel depth information of the degree of depth on surface of the distance look-out station relevant with blood vessel and the light that irradiates to look-out station, what irradiate only all has first and second blue narrow-band-domain light of different wavelength domains respectively in the wavelength domain that a part for blue region is narrow.First and second blue narrow-band-domain light supplies to fujinon electronic video endoscope by light supply apparatus, and as the reflected light for obtaining receiving first and second blue narrow-band-domain light the reference light of the contrast signal that the standardization of first and second image pickup signal that imaging apparatus exports utilizes, the light of the wavelength domain at least partially comprised in white light is supplied to fujinon electronic video endoscope.

The control method of electronic endoscope system of the present invention is the control method of electronic endoscope system possessing fujinon electronic video endoscope and the light supply apparatus to the light of fujinon electronic video endoscope supply shooting, be for obtain comprise the blood vessel represented existing for look-out station blood in hematochrome oxygen saturation oxygen saturation information and represent the control method of vessel information of vessel depth information of the degree of depth on surface of the distance look-out station relevant with blood vessel.Fujinon electronic video endoscope has the insertion section in insertion subject and has the imaging apparatus of making a video recording to the look-out station in subject.

The control method of electronic endoscope system comprises the first irradiation rate-determining steps, the first signal obtains step, the second irradiation rate-determining steps, secondary signal obtain step, ask each step of the step of vessel information.First irradiates in rate-determining steps, first and second blue narrow-band-domain light that first and second semiconductor light source had according to light supply apparatus sends, to be namely in the narrow-band-domain of a part for blue region and there is first and second blue narrow-band-domain light of different wavelength domains respectively, to the mode that look-out station irradiates, control light supply apparatus.First signal obtains in step, first and second image pickup signal that the imaging apparatus obtaining the reflected light receiving first and second blue narrow-band-domain light exports.Second irradiates in rate-determining steps, the light of the wavelength domain at least partially comprised in the white light sent according to the white light source that light supply apparatus is had, as the mode that the reference light for obtaining the contrast signal utilized in the standardization of first and second image pickup signal irradiates to look-out station, control light supply apparatus.Secondary signal obtains in step, the contrast signal that the imaging apparatus obtaining the reflected light receiving reference light exports.Ask in the step of vessel information, ask vessel information based on first and second image pickup signal and these three signals of contrast signal.

According to the present invention, the white light that first and second the blue narrow-band-domain light utilizing semiconductor light source to send and white light source send, obtain the vessel information be made up of oxygen saturation information and vessel depth information, therefore, mainly can guarantee good estimating precision for the vessel information about superficial blood vessel, and electronic endoscope system can be provided in the mode of the formation easily utilizing existing light supply apparatus.

Accompanying drawing explanation

Fig. 1 is the outside drawing of the electronic endoscope system of first embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 2 is the block figure of the electric formation of the electronic endoscope system representing the first embodiment;

Fig. 3 is the key diagram of rotary filter;

Fig. 4 is the key diagram of light merging part;

Fig. 5 is the key diagram of shutter;

Fig. 6 is the key diagram of the action of light supply apparatus under usual observing pattern;

Fig. 7 is the key diagram that vessel information obtains the action of the light supply apparatus of pattern;

Fig. 8 is the chart of the light intensity distributions representing the spectral transmission of primary colors system color filter, white light BB and first and second narrow-band-domain light N1, N2;

The key diagram of the shooting action of CCD when Fig. 9 A is usual observing pattern;

Fig. 9 B is the key diagram of the shooting action of the CCD of vessel information when obtaining pattern;

Figure 10 is the chart of the absorptance representing hematochrome;

Figure 11 is the chart of the dependency relation representing first and second luminance ratio S1/S3, S2/S3 and vessel depth and oxygen saturation;

Figure 12 A is the key diagram of the method asking the coordinate (X*, Y*) of briliancy coordinate system according to first and second luminance ratio S1*/S3*, S2*/S3*;

Figure 12 B is the key diagram of the method for the coordinate (U*, V*) asking the vessel information coordinate system corresponding with coordinate (X*, Y*);

Figure 13 is the key diagram of either party display mode shown of vessel depth image or oxygen saturation image;

Figure 14 is the key diagram of the display mode simultaneously showing vessel depth image or oxygen saturation image two side;

Figure 15 is the key diagram of display mode vessel depth information and the oxygen saturation information about blood vessel simultaneously shown as Word message;

Figure 16 is the flow chart of the sequence of movement representing electronic endoscope system;

Figure 17 is the key diagram with the rotary filter blocking function of the second embodiment;

Figure 18 has the key diagram blocking the rotary filter of function being different from Figure 17;

Figure 19 is the key diagram of the colored CCD of the 3rd embodiment;

Figure 20 is the key diagram of the light supply apparatus of the 3rd embodiment;

Figure 21 is the key diagram of the shooting action of the CCD that the 3rd embodiment is described;

Figure 22 is the chart of light intensity distributions of the spectral transmission of the color filter representing complementary color system and white light BB and first and second narrow-band-domain light N1, N2.

Detailed description of the invention

[the first embodiment]

As shown in Figure 1, the electronic endoscope system 10 of first embodiment of the invention possesses: fujinon electronic video endoscope 11, the processor apparatus 12 generating the observation image of look-out station based on the signal obtained by making a video recording, the light supply apparatus 13 of light of supply irradiation look-out station, the monitor 14 of display observation image of making a video recording to the look-out station in subject.

Electronic endoscope system 10 possesses: the usual observing pattern of observing look-out station based on white light obtains these two action patterns of pattern with the vessel information utilizing special light to obtain to comprise the vessel information of the oxygen saturation information relevant with the blood vessel being present in look-out station and vessel depth information.

Fujinon electronic video endoscope 11 possesses the insertion section 16 of the flexibility inserted in subject, the operating portion 17 being located at the cardinal extremity part of insertion section 16, the universal cord 18 that will link between operating portion 17 and processor apparatus 12 and light supply apparatus 13.

Insertion section 16 is made up of the leading section 16a be connected with in order from front end, bending section 19, flezxible coupling portion.The front end face of leading section 16a be provided with the illuminating window 49 (with reference to Fig. 2) that illumination light is irradiated to look-out station, the picture light incidence of being reflected by look-out station observation window 50 (with reference to Fig. 2), make the pliers outlet etc. that the disposal piece of pliers or radio knife and so on is outstanding.The optical system of imaging apparatus and CCD44 (with reference to Fig. 2) or imaging is built-in with in the depth of observation window 50.

Bending section 19 is made up of the multiple curved block linked, and by operating the angle knob 21 of operating portion, carries out flexure operation in direction up and down.Bent by bending section 19, the direction of leading section 16a is towards desired direction.Flezxible coupling portion has flexibility, can insert the sinuate pipeline such as esophagus or intestinal.Communication cable that the image pickup signal that exports drive singal or the CCD44 of driven CCD 44 communicates is inserted, by the illumination light that supplies from light supply apparatus 13 light pipe 43 (with reference to Fig. 2) to illuminating window 49 leaded light in insertion section 16.

In addition, at operating portion 17, except angle knob 26, being also provided with the forceps channel 22 for inserting disposal piece, carrying out the aspirated and water sending button of aspirated and water sending operation, release-push etc. for rest image of making a video recording.

With regard to universal cord 18, be inserted through from the extended communication cable in insertion section 16 or light pipe 43, and in its one end, at processor apparatus 12 and light supply apparatus 13 side, adapter 24 be installed.Adapter 24 is the compound adapters be made up of connector for communication and light source adapter, arranges one end of communication cable at connector for communication, arranges one end of light pipe 43 at light source adapter.Fujinon electronic video endoscope 11 is connected to processor apparatus 12 and light supply apparatus 13 freely via this adapter 24 dismounting.

As shown in Figure 2, light supply apparatus 13 possesses white light source 30, semiconductor light source unit 31, their light source control portion 32 of drived control.The controls such as the driving that light source control portion 32 carries out each portion of light supply apparatus 13 starts, terminate, driving timing, the timing same period.

White light source 30 is xenon lamp, Halogen light, metal halide lamp etc., produces at wide wavelength domain luminescent spectrum continuous print wide band light (white light) BB of (about 400 ~ 700nm) from red area to blue region.White light source 30 is identical with the light source being equipped on existing most light supply apparatus, can continue to use the part of existing light supply apparatus.

White light source 30 is by the lamp 30a of radiation white light BB and formed by the reflecting mirror 30b that the white light BB of lamp 30a radiation reflects to injection direction.The white light source such as xenon lamp or Halogen light from lighting expend time in light quantity is stable, therefore, white light source 30 just starts lighting when the plant-grid connection of light supply apparatus 13 and continue lighting in the use of fujinon electronic video endoscope 11.In addition, the light path of white light source 30 is configured with aperture 33, the fader control of white light source 30 is undertaken by regulating the aperture of aperture 33.

Rotary filter 34 is configured with at the light path row of the white light BB of white light source 30 luminescence.As shown in Figure 3, rotary filter 34 forms circular plate shape, and at circumferencial direction is that the fan-shaped region of 120 ° is by the trichroism color filter of B filter house 34a, G filter house 34b, R filter house 34c of being respectively equipped with transmission B, G, R light at central angle by trisection.

Rotary filter 34 is rotatably arranged according to mode B filter house 34a, G filter house 34b, R filter house 34c optionally being inserted the light path of white light BB.Motor 34d is the drive source for making rotary filter 34 rotate.When rotary filter 34 rotates, assorted filter house 34a, G filter house 34b, R filter house 34c is inserted the light path of white light BB successively.Light supply apparatus 13 is under the usual observing pattern of observing look-out station under white light, the light of white light source 30 is separated by rotary filter 34 color and is generated as the trichroism light of B, G, R, and by so-called face mode successively that three generated coloured light supply successively relative to fujinon electronic video endoscope 11.

The CCD44 (with reference to Fig. 2) of fujinon electronic video endoscope 11 is the imaging apparatuss not being provided with the monochrome of micro filter in imaging surface, exports the trichroism image pickup signal corresponding with three coloured light supplied successively from light supply apparatus 13 successively.The size of rotary filter 34 rotary speed and each filter house 34a, 34b, 34c exports frame rate (framerate) decision at the interval of the image pickup signal of the 1 picture amount of CCD44 according to the rules.

In the light path of white light BB, be configured with aperture 33, collecting lens 36, bar-shaped integrator 37 in the downstream of rotary filter 34.Aperture 33 by the dark slide of light shading with make the actuator of dark slide displacement (not shown) form, by by dark slide by a part for the light path of white light BB in addition shading, control light quantity.Light source control portion 32 receives the image pickup signal of CCD44 output from processor apparatus 12, asks the light exposure in the imaging surface of CCD44 according to image pickup signal, determines the aperture amount of aperture 33.The aperture amount adjustment aperture footpath that aperture 33 Gen Ju Suo Decision is fixed and the insertion to light path, and control light quantity.

Collecting lens 36 makes to have passed the light optically focused of aperture 33 and makes it incident to bar-shaped integrator 37.The light of incidence is made light quantity distribution homogenization in face by inner multipath reflection and the incident end face incident illumination of light pipe 43 to the fujinon electronic video endoscope 11 be connected with light supply apparatus 13 by bar-shaped integrator 37.

Semiconductor light source unit 31 is the special radiants sending special light for obtaining vessel information under vessel information obtains pattern, has first and second LASER Light Source 31a, 31b, optical fiber 31c, bonder 31d, the collimating lens 31e that are made up of laser diode respectively.First and second LASER Light Source 31a, 31b all send the blue narrow-band-domain light of the narrow wavelength domain of the part of blue region.

First LASER Light Source 31a sends wavelength domain and is limited in 440 ± 10nm, is preferably limited to the light of the narrow-band-domain of 445nm (hereinafter referred to as " the first narrow-band-domain light N1 "), and the second LASER Light Source 31b sends wavelength domain and is limited in 470 ± 10nm, is preferably limited to the light of the narrow-band-domain of 473nm (hereinafter referred to as " the second narrow-band-domain light N2 ").As the laser diode that first and second LASER Light Source 31a, 32a use, the laser diode of the InGaN system of large area type, InGaNAs system, GaNAs system can be used.

With regard to semiconductor light source unit 31, carried out lighting and the extinguishing of the first LASER Light Source 31a and the second LASER Light Source 31b by the control in light source control portion 32, and optionally produce the first narrow-band-domain light N1 and the second narrow-band-domain light N2.

The narrow-band-domain light that each LASER Light Source 31a, 31b send by optical fiber 31c is guide-lighting and incident to bonder 31d.Bonder 31d is consistent for making from the optical axis of first and second narrow-band-domain light N1 of each optical fiber 31c incidence, N2, and each narrow-band-domain light N1, the N2 that penetrate at bonder 31d are incident to collimating lens 31e.Collimating lens 31e makes first and second narrow-band-domain light N1, N2 becomes collimated light beam, and by the size of light beam and shape shaping.

In the light path of white light BB, between rotary filter 34 and aperture 33, be configured with the light merging part 39 that the first narrow-band-domain light N1, the N2 that semiconductor light source unit 31 are occurred collaborate the light path of white light BB.From semiconductor light source unit 31 penetrate after the first narrow-band-domain light N1, N2 injection optical axis NA orthogonal with the optical axis BA of white light BB, light merging part 39 makes injection optical axis NA warpage 90 °, makes the first narrow-band-domain light N1, light path that the light path of N2 collaborates white light BB.

As shown in Figure 4, light merging part 39 is based on the flat board member relative to white light BB with permeability and be provided with the reflection part of first and second narrow-band-domain light N1 of reflection, N2 at the central part of its one side, and the part that the part not arranging reflection part in flat board member forms through portion 39a and is provided with reflection part forms reflecting part 39b.Reflecting part 39b by only reflect first and second narrow-band-domain light N1, N2 and other white light BB through dichroic mirror formed.

Light merging part 39 makes the center of reflecting part 39b consistent with the optical axis BA of white light BB, and configures with tilting 45 ° towards the direct of travel of white light BB.By this inclination, light merging part 39 configures according to the mode of the light beam of oblique crosscut white light BB, and therefore, the shape of section when its flat shape and declinate cutting light beam is consistent, forms elliptical shape.

The light beam of first and second narrow-band-domain light N1, N2 is shaped as size and the shape of reflecting part 39b by collimating lens 31e.Light merging part 39 is relative to the injection optical axis NA of first and second narrow-band-domain light N1, N2 configuration with also tilting 45 °, and therefore, tilt according to it, the shape of reflecting part 39b also forms elliptical shape.

Reflecting part 39b not through wavelength components corresponding with first and second narrow-band-domain light N1, N2 in white light BB, therefore, through the B filter 34b portion of rotary filter 34 and the light quantity distribution heterogeneity of the B coloured light through light merging part 39.But, owing to making light quantity distribution homogenization in the inside of bar-shaped integrator 37, therefore, to the light quantity inequality reduction of the B coloured light that fujinon electronic video endoscope 11 supplies.

In Fig. 2, between white light source 30 and rotary filter 34, be configured with shutter 40.Shutter 40 when the first narrow-band-domain light N1 and the second narrow-band-domain light N2 is supplied to fujinon electronic video endoscope 11 by white light BB shading.

As shown in Figure 5, shutter 40 is made up of the parts relative to white light BB with light-proofness, and its flat shape is formed as the shape making circular a part of incised notch.Specifically, shutter 40 has the light shielding part 40a of the central angle having 240 °, and the part of remaining 120 ° is formed the through portion 40b through white light BB by incised notch.Shutter 40 is rotatably arranged, and by rotating, light shielding part 40a and through portion 40b interactive selection is inserted the light path of white light BB.The drive source that motor 40c (with reference to Fig. 2) is shutter 40, and controlled by light source control portion 32.

Shutter 40 has the radius roughly the same with rotary filter 34, and rotating shaft is consistent.The central angle of the through portion 40b of shutter 40 is roughly consistent with the central angle of each filter house 34a, 34b, 34c of B, G, R of rotary filter 34.In addition, in this example, through portion 40b is formed with type of incision, but also can form through portion 40b by the lamella lucida through white light BB.

As shown in Figure 6, under usual observing pattern, shutter 40 is kept out of the way in the light path making light shielding part 40a from white light BB and is stopped the state making through portion 40b be inserted into light path.White light source 30 is by lasting lighting, and therefore, when through portion 40b enters the light path of white light BB, white light BB is through through portion 40b.Under usual observing pattern, white light BB is always through through portion 40b, and incident to rotary filter 34.And, according to the kind of B, G, R of the light path being inserted into white light BB each filter house 34a, 34b, 34c, generate the light that B color, G color, R color are trichroism successively.

As shown in Figure 7, under vessel information obtains pattern, shutter 40 rotates with the speed identical with rotary filter 34 according to the mode making through portion 40b consistent with the rotation position of G filter house 34b.Thus, the light path of white light BB is inserted and during light shielding part 40a is kept out of the way from light path, white light BB, through G filter house 34b, generates G coloured light at through portion 40b.G coloured light is supplied to fujinon electronic video endoscope 11 by collecting lens 36 and bar-shaped integrator 37.In addition, during light shielding part 40a is inserted into the light path of white light BB and through portion 40b keeps out of the way from light path, by white light BB shading.During by white light BB shading, first and second LASER Light Source 31a, 31b lighting successively, supplies first and second narrow-band-domain light N1, N2 to fujinon electronic video endoscope 11.CCD44, owing to being monochromatic imaging apparatus, therefore, by arranging shutter 40, prevents the colour mixture of first and second narrow-band-domain light N1, N2 and white light BB.

Like this, obtain in pattern in vessel information, by first and second narrow-band-domain light N1, N2 with carried out G coloured light three kinds of light that color is separated from white light BB and supplied to fujinon electronic video endoscope 11 successively.Fujinon electronic video endoscope 11 exports the image pickup signal corresponding with three kinds of light from CCD44.G coloured light also obtains in pattern in vessel information and is utilized on the basis of usual observing pattern.Specifically, as aftermentioned, be used as the reference light for obtaining the contrast signal for comparing two signals corresponding with first and second narrow-band-domain light N1, N2.

In Fig. 2, fujinon electronic video endoscope 11 possesses light pipe 43, CCD44, analog processing circuit 45 (AFE:AnalogFrontEnd), imaging control part 46.Light pipe 43 is heavy caliber optical fiber, bundle fiber etc., when the adapter 24 (with reference to Fig. 1) of the incidence end configuring light pipe 43 is connected with light supply apparatus 13, and the ejecting end subtend of the bar-shaped integrator 37 of incidence end and light supply apparatus 13.

Being located at the depth of illuminating window 49 of leading section 16a of fujinon electronic video endoscope 11, be configured with the irradiation lens 48 of the light distribution angle of adjustment illumination light.The light supplied from light supply apparatus 13 by light pipe 43 leaded light to irradiation lens 48 and irradiating towards look-out station from illuminating window 49.Be provided with observation window 50 at leading section 16a, be configured with object lens optical system 51 and CCD44 in the depth of observation window 50.The picture light reflected by look-out station is incident to object lens optical system 51 by observation window 50, and by the imaging surface 44a imaging of object lens optical system 51 at CCD44.

As everyone knows, CCD44 has light sensitive diode etc. is formed multiple components of photo-electric conversion of pixel with the imaging surface 44a of rectangular arrangement, carries out light-to-current inversion, the signal charge that accumulation is corresponding with each light income in each pixel to the light received by imaging surface 44a.Signal charge, after being transmitted by vertical transmission path and horizontal transmission road, is read out as voltage signal.Voltage signal exports from CCD44 as image pickup signal.Image pickup signal is admitted to AFE45.As above-mentioned, CCD44 is the monochromatic imaging apparatus not arranging micro filter at imaging surface 44a.

As shown in Figure 8, under usual observing pattern, white light BB generates the wavelength domain corresponding with the spectral transmission of filter house 34a, 34b, 34c of its B, G, R colors and three coloured light of light quantity successively by rotary filter 34.CCD44 exports corresponding image pickup signal B, G, the R of B, G, R colors with institute successively incidence.And obtain in pattern in vessel information, by the first narrow-band-domain light N1, N2 with carried out the G coloured light that color is separated by G filter house 34b incident to CCD44 successively, CCD44 exports image pickup signal N1, N2, the G corresponding with colors successively.

As shown in Fig. 9 (A), CCD44 obtaining in interval the accumulation action of carrying out accumulating signal charge and reading the reading operation of signal charge accumulated at 1 frame.In usual observing pattern, the picture light that make a video recording successively B, G, R are trichroism, and input image pickup signal B, G, R successively.Such action is repeated during being set as usual observing pattern.

Under vessel information obtains pattern, as shown in Fig. 9 (B), the picture light of the first narrow-band-domain light N1 that makes a video recording successively, the second narrow-band-domain light N2, G coloured light three kinds of light, and export image pickup signal N1, N2, G successively.Such action is being set as being repeated during vessel information obtains pattern.

In fig. 2, AFE45 is made up of correlated double sample circuit (CDS), automatic gain control circuit (AGC) and analog/digital converter (A/D) (all omitting diagram).CDS implements correlated double sampling processing to the image pickup signal from CCD44, removing signal charge because resetting the noise caused.The image pickup signal being eliminated noise by CDS is amplified by AGC.The image pickup signal amplified by AGC is converted to the image pickup signal of the numeral with the gray value corresponding with the bit number of regulation and inputs to processor apparatus 12 by A/D.

Imaging control part 46 is connected with the controller 59 in processor apparatus 12, and synchronous with the base frequency signal inputted from controller 59, and to CCD44 input drive signal.CCD44 exports image pickup signal with the frame rate of regulation to AFE45 based on the drive singal from imaging control part 46.

Processor apparatus 12 possesses digital signal processing section 55 (DSP (DigitalSignalProcessor)), frame memory 56, blood-vessel image generating unit 57, display control circuit 58, and controller 59 controls each portion.DSP55 implements the image correction such as gamma-corrected to the image pickup signal exported from fujinon electronic video endoscope 11, image data generating.Frame memory 56 stores the view data generated by DSP55.

In addition, DSP55, under usual observing pattern, generates based on the trichroism view data corresponding with image pickup signal B, G, R of inputting successively and usually observes image.Usual observation image generates when upgrading image pickup signal B, G, R at every turn according to frame rate.Display control circuit 58 converts the video signal such as composite signal or composition signal to by usually observing image and exports to monitor 14.

Obtain in pattern in vessel information, blood-vessel image generating unit 57 is based on corresponding with image pickup signal N1, N2, G three view data, by implementing following image procossing, generating and make the oxygen saturation image of oxygen saturation frame and make the vessel depth image of vessel depth frame.

Blood-vessel image generating unit 57 possesses luminance ratio calculating section 60, dependency relation storage part 61, vessel depth-oxygen saturation calculating section 62, vessel depth image production part 63, oxygen saturation image production part 64.Luminance ratio calculating section 60 by being stored in the view data N1 corresponding with image pickup signal N1, N2, G of frame memory 56, N2, G contrast, pixel for the same position of angiosomes asks the first luminance ratio S1/S3 of view data N1 and view data G, meanwhile, the second luminance ratio S2/S3 between view data N2 and view data G is asked.

At this, S1 represents the brightness value of the pixel of view data N1, and S2 represents the brightness value of the pixel of view data N2, and S3 represents the brightness value of the pixel of view data G.Brightness value S3 represents the level of the lightness of look-out station, is for comparing brightness value S1, S2 and for making the standardized contrast signal of the value of brightness value S1, S2.

As the ad hoc approach of angiosomes, the difference of the brightness value of such as with good grounds vasculature part and the brightness value beyond it asks the method for angiosomes.In addition, in this example, only the first luminance ratio S1/S3 and the second luminance ratio S2/S3 is asked to angiosomes, but also can ask the first luminance ratio S1/S3 and the second luminance ratio S2/S3 for the integral image of the pixel comprised beyond angiosomes.

Dependency relation storage part 61 stores the dependency relation of oxygen saturation in first and second luminance ratio S1/S3, S2/S3 and blood vessel and vessel depth.This dependency relation is the dependency relation premised on the extinction spectrum of the hematochrome in blood shown in Figure 10, is obtained by the multiple view data N1, the N2 that accumulate with analyses such as diagnosis so far.As shown in Figure 10, hematochrome has the extinction characteristic that specific absorbance μ a changes because of the wavelength of the light of irradiation.Specific absorbance μ a represents size and the absorbance of the absorption of the light of hematochrome, is the coefficient of the formula of the I0exp (-μ a × x) of the degrade condition represented the light that hematochrome irradiates.At this, I0 is the intensity of the light irradiated from the surface mucous Deng Sheng soma of light supply apparatus to look-out station, and x (cm) is the degree of depth to the blood vessel in raw soma.

In addition, from oxygen not bonding reduced blood pigment 70, with the oxidized hemoglobin 71 of oxygen bonding, there is different extinction characteristics, except representing that (except specific absorbance μ isobestic point a) (intersection point of each hematochrome 70,71 in Figure 10), it is poor that absorbance produces identical absorbance.When absorbance produces difference, even if irradiate same intensity and the light of phase co-wavelength to identical blood vessel, brightness value also can change.In addition, even if irradiate the light of same intensity, if wavelength is different, then specific absorbance μ a also changes, so brightness value changes.

In addition, Tu10Zhong, if the difference comparing that difference that wavelength is the absorbance of each hematochrome 70,71 of about 550nm and wavelength are the absorbance of about 445nm, then show, the extent of the absorbance of each hematochrome 70,71 changes because of wavelength.

In view of the extinction characteristic of above hematochrome, even if oxygen saturation is identical, if wavelength is different, then absorbance is also different, and degree of reaching deeply in mucosa is also different.Therefore, as the first narrow-band-domain light N1, N2, all there is difference in the absorbance of each hematochrome 70,71, and by utilizing the light of its extent different two kinds of wavelength domains, comparing both brightness values, can obtain oxygen saturation and these two kinds of information of vessel depth simultaneously.

As speciallyyed permit described in No. 2648494 publications, each absorbance of current use hematochrome 70,71 produces the light of a wavelength domain of difference and is carrying out according to the method for its brightness value mensuration oxygen saturation, but the measured value of the oxygen saturation obtained according to the brightness value of a light is subject to the impact of vessel depth, therefore, precision is not high.According to the above-mentioned method utilizing the light of two kinds of wavelength domains, on the basis of oxygen saturation information, can also vessel depth information be obtained, therefore, the measured value of the oxygen saturation of the impact that vessel depth brings that has been eliminated.

As shown in figure 11, dependency relation storage part 61 stores and represents first and second luminance ratio S1/S3, the dependency relation of the corresponding relation of the briliancy coordinate system 66 of S2/S3 and the vessel information coordinate system 67 of expression oxygen saturation and vessel depth.Briliancy coordinate system 66 is the XY coordinate systems with this 2 axle of XY, distributes the first luminance ratio S1/S3 to X-axis, distributes the second luminance ratio S2/S3 to Y-axis.

Vessel information coordinate system 67 is provided at the UV coordinate system with UV2 axle in briliancy coordinate system 66, and U axle distributes to vessel depth, and V axle distributes to oxygen saturation.It is positive dependency relation that U axle exists vessel depth relative to briliancy coordinate system 66, therefore, has positive inclination.About this U axle, represent that blood vessel is more shallow more oblique towards the right side, darker under blood vessel is more oblique towards a left side.On the other hand, it is negative dependency relation that V axle has oxygen saturation relative to briliancy coordinate system 66, therefore, has the inclination of Negative.About this V axle, represent that oxygen saturation is lower more oblique towards a left side, higher under oxygen saturation is more oblique towards the right side.

In addition, in vessel information coordinate system 67, U axle and V axle orthogonal at intersection point P.This is because in the extinction spectrum of hematochrome, the magnitude relationship of the absorbance of the absorbance of the wavelength domain of the first narrow-band-domain light N1 and the wavelength domain of the second narrow-band-domain light N2 is reverse.Namely, as shown in Figure 10, at the wavelength domain i.e. 440 ± 10nm of the first narrow-band-domain light N1, the specific absorbance of reduced blood pigment 70 is larger than the specific absorbance of oxidized hemoglobin 71, in contrast, at the wavelength domain i.e. 470 ± 10nm of the second narrow-band-domain light N2, the specific absorbance of oxidized hemoglobin 71 is larger than the specific absorbance of reduced blood pigment 70.

Vessel depth-oxygen saturation calculating section 62 is specific that go out to be calculated by luminance ratio calculating section 60 with first and second luminance ratio S1/S3 based on the dependency relation of dependency relation storage part 61, the oxygen saturation that S2/S3 is corresponding and vessel depth.At this, first and second luminance ratio S1/S3 calculated by luminance ratio calculating section 60, in S2/S3, is set to S1*/S3* by the first luminance ratio about the pixel in angiosomes, the second luminance ratio is set to S2*/S3*.

Vessel depth-oxygen saturation calculating section 62 as shown in Figure 12 (A), in briliancy coordinate system 66, specific go out the coordinate (X*, Y*) corresponding with first and second luminance ratio S1*/S3*, S2*/S3*.Specific coordinate (X*, Y*) after, as shown in Figure 12 (B), in vessel information coordinate system 67, by specific coordinate (X*, Y*) project to the coordinate axes of oxygen saturation and the coordinate axes of V axle and vessel depth and U axle respectively, specific go out coordinate (U*, V*).Thus, vessel depth information U* and oxygen saturation information V* is asked for the pixel in angiosomes.

In addition, in this example, as the wavelength domain of first and second narrow-band-domain light N1, N2, use two wavelength domains (440 ± 10nm と, 470 ± 10nm) that the magnitude relationship of absorbance is reverse, but two wavelength domains that the magnitude relationship of absorbance also can not be used reverse.But, when two wavelength domains using the magnitude relationship of absorbance not reverse, at two-dimensional space, U axle and V axle non-orthogonal.In this situation, if such as use three-dimensional solid space to specify the relation of U axle と V axle, then can from the specific coordinate (X*, Y*) of institute briliancy coordinate system 66 come specific go out coordinate (U*, V*) in blood vessel information coordinate system 67.Certainly, the data needed for computing such as the table data of U axle and the orthogonal easy generation regulation dependency relation of V axle, therefore, as the wavelength domain of first and second narrow-band-domain light N1, N2, preferably use two wavelength domains that the magnitude relationship of absorbance is reverse.

Vessel depth image production part 63 possesses cromogram (CM (the ColorMap)) 63a distributing colour information according to the degree of vessel depth.In cromogram 63a, such as, become blue when being top layer according to the degree of depth of blood vessel, for becoming green during middle level, for becoming red mode during deep layer, the color that the degree of basic of distribution vessel depth can clearly distinguish.This said vessel depth be the first narrow-band-domain light N1, N2 degree of reaching deeply scope in the degree of depth.First narrow-band-domain light N1, N2, owing to being blue region, so the light of the degree of reaching deeply on surface apart from the look-out station red area longer than wavelength is short, therefore, can utilize the first narrow-band-domain light N1, N2 mainly to differentiate the degree of the degree of depth in surface region.Vessel depth image production part 63 according to cromogram 63a specific go out the colour information corresponding with the vessel depth information U* calculated by vessel depth-oxygen saturation calculating section 62.

Vessel depth image production part 63 when colour information specific for all pixels in angiosomes, by by colour information with usually observe Images uniting, make it reflect usually observing image.As usually observing image, be such as used in just switched to vessel information obtain pattern before the view data that stores in frame memory 56.Thus, generate usually observing the vessel depth view data that image reflects the information of vessel depth.The vessel depth view data generated is stored in frame memory 56 again.In addition, colour information not only to usually observing image reflection, and the view data N1 that can obtain the pattern that obtains in vessel information, N2, G any one or composograph reflection that their are synthesized.

Oxygen saturation image production part 64 possesses cromogram (CM (the ColorMap)) 64a distributing colour information according to the degree of oxygen saturation.In cromogram 64a, such as according to becoming cyan when low oxygen saturation, in middle oxygen saturation time become pinkish red, in high oxygen saturation time become yellow mode and distribute the color that can clearly distinguish according to the degree of oxygen saturation.Oxygen saturation image production part 64 is identical with vessel depth image production part, from cromogram 64a specific go out the colour information corresponding with the oxygen saturation information V* calculated by vessel depth-oxygen saturation calculating section.And, by making this colour information reflect in usual perspective image data, generate oxygen saturation view data.The oxygen saturation view data generated is identical with vessel depth view data, is stored in frame memory 56.In addition, identical with vessel depth image, oxygen saturation image also can replace usually observing image, and reflects colour information based on view data N1, N2, G or their composograph.

Display control circuit 58 reads vessel depth image and oxygen saturation image from frame memory 56 identically with usually observing image, converts thereof into video signal and exports to monitor 14.Obtain the display mode of the image in pattern as vessel information, think there is various pattern.

Such as shown in Figure 13, also usually can observe image 72 in the display of the side of monitor 14, switch any one of vessel depth image 73 selected by SW68 (with reference to Fig. 2) or oxygen saturation image 74 in opposite side display by image.In the vessel depth image 73 of Figure 13, blood-vessel image 75 is by representing that the blueness of superficial blood vessel represents, blood-vessel image 76 is by representing that the green of middle level blood vessel represents, blood-vessel image 77 is by representing that the redness of deep-level blood vessel represents.In addition, in oxygen saturation image 74, blood-vessel image 80 is by representing that the cyan of low oxygen saturation represents, blood-vessel image 81 is represented by the magenta of oxygen saturation in expression, and blood-vessel image 82 is by representing that the yellow of high oxygen saturation represents.

In addition, as shown in figure 14, vessel depth image 73 and oxygen saturation image 74 liang of sides also can be made to show simultaneously.In addition, as shown in figure 15, also vessel depth image 73 and oxygen saturation image 74 can not be shown, and specify the blood-vessel image 85 usually observing regulation in image 72, for the blood-vessel image 85 that this is specified, vessel depth (D (Depth)) and oxygen saturation (StO2 (SaturatedOxygen)) are shown as Word message.

Then, the effect of the flow chart shown in Figure 16 to above-mentioned formation is used to be described.First, electronic endoscope system 10 starts with usual observing pattern, and white light source 30 starts lighting, and meanwhile, rotary filter 34 starts to rotate.In usual observing pattern, as shown in Figure 6, shutter 40 non rotating, stops under the state being inserted into the light path of white light BB at through portion 40b.Thus, each filter house 34a ~ 34c of white light BB successively to rotary filter 34 is incident, is separated by white light BB color, generates the light that B, G, R are trichroism successively.

Three coloured light supply from light supply apparatus 13 to fujinon electronic video endoscope 11, irradiate from illuminating window 49 to look-out station.The three colour light reflected by look-out station are made a video recording by CCD44 by observation window 50, and CCD44 exports image pickup signal B, G, R in turn.DSP55 generates usually observe image based on the view data B corresponding with image pickup signal B, G, R, G, R.The usual observation image generated is stored in frame memory 56.Display control circuit 58 becomes video signal by usually observing image transformation and exports to monitor 14.Thus, show at monitor 14 and usually observe image.In usual observing pattern, repeat such process, upgrade the usual observation image being shown in monitor 14.

By operating console 23, when inputting the switching instruction obtaining pattern from usual observing pattern to vessel information, be switched to vessel information and obtain pattern.When switching to vessel information and obtaining pattern, shutter 40 makes to start to rotate with the speed identical with rotary filter 34 under the through portion 40b state consistent with the rotation position of the G filter house 34b of rotary filter 34.

Light source control portion 32 is during the light path light shielding part 40a of shutter 40 being inserted white light BB, synchronous with the frame rate of CCD44, makes first and second LASER Light Source 31a, 31b lighting successively.First and second narrow-band-domain light N1, N2 that first and second LASER Light Source 31a, 31b send supply to fujinon electronic video endoscope 11, irradiate look-out station successively from illuminating window 49.The picture light of first and second narrow-band-domain light N1, N2 is incident to CCD44 by observation window 50, and CCD44 exports image pickup signal N1, the N2 corresponding with first and second narrow-band-domain light N1, N2.

And, light source control portion 32 during the light path through portion 40b of shutter 40 being inserted white light BB, make first and second LASER Light Source 31a, 31b two side extinguish.During through portion 40b is inserted light path, white light BB is incident to the G filter house 34b of rotary filter 34, generates G coloured light.G coloured light supplies to fujinon electronic video endoscope 11, and irradiates to look-out station.The picture light of G coloured light is incident to CCD44 by observation window 50, and CCD44 exports the image pickup signal G corresponding with G coloured light.

Blood-vessel image generating unit 57, based on the view data N1 corresponding with image pickup signal N1, N2, G, N2, G, obtains oxygen saturation information and vessel depth information by the order illustrated by Figure 12.Blood-vessel image generating unit 57 uses cromogram 63a, 64a these information to be reflected usual observation in image, generates oxygen saturation image and vessel depth image.The image generated shows at monitor 14 with any one display mode shown in Figure 13 ~ Figure 15.Repeat above-mentioned process, until occur that the switching to usual observing pattern indicates.When have input the switching instruction to usual observing pattern, return usual observing pattern.When there being the instruction observed and terminate, white light source 30, first and second LASER Light Source 31a, 31b, rotary filter 34, shutter 40 are stopped.

In addition, in this example, obtain in pattern in vessel information, be illustrated with the example of the generation usually not observing image, but obtain in the execution of pattern in vessel information, also can carry out alternately B, G, R for usually being observed image irradiation and for obtaining first and second narrow-band-domain light N1 of blood-vessel image, the irradiation of N2, G, carry out the generation of blood-vessel image simultaneously and usually observe the generation of image.Accordingly, obtain in pattern also can upgrade in vessel information and usually observe image.

As described above, in the present invention, utilize two of blue region narrow-band-domain light N1, N2 and G coloured light three light having carried out color from white light BB and be separated, obtain oxygen saturation information and vessel depth information.Utilize the light of the formation of existing light supply apparatus and white light source 30 as reference light, therefore, compared with the prior art forming three narrow-band-domain light by semiconductor light source recorded in JP 2011-092690 publication, number of parts, installation space can be reduced.Thus, easily utilize the formation of existing light supply apparatus, and number of parts also can reduce, therefore, can reduce costs.

In addition, owing to using two LASER Light Sources 31a, 31b sending the narrow-band-domain light of blue region, so good estimating precision can be guaranteed.First, in the present invention, reason as the light of the first narrow-band-domain light N1, N2 selection blue region is, in the diagnosis in the pathological changes portion such as optimum pernicious discriminating of tumor, also have the assurance of the character of superficial blood vessel to compare the important situation of mid-deep strata more, expects the observational technique can holding the character of superficial blood vessel in detail.For tackling this requirement, in the present invention, adopting degree of reaching deeply shallow and the light of the blue region of the information of superficial blood vessel can be obtained well.

And, use the reason of narrow-band-domain light as follows.The extinction spectrum of hematochrome as shown in Figure 10 shows, at blue region, compares green area and red area, and the change of absorbance is violent, if wavelength is very few, then absorbance significantly changes.In addition, the interval that the magnitude relationship of the absorbance of each hematochrome 70,71 produces reverse isobestic point also reduces.If wavelength field width, then the signal mixing in two regions that magnitude relationship is reverse, brightness value is averaged, and therefore, can not obtain the information that precision is high.Therefore, be the vessel information utilizing the light of blue region to obtain superficial blood vessel, need the wavelength domain of the near width in the interval of use and two isobestic points, preferably there is the narrow narrow-band-domain light of the wavelength domain at the interval converging on two isobestic points.

In addition, superficial blood vessel is due to thinner than mid-deep strata blood vessel, so the deficiency in light quantity irradiated, when observing superficial blood vessel, needs the light source that light quantity is large.

Like this, for the vessel information Measuring improved about superficial blood vessel determines precision, preferably send the light source of the narrow-band-domain light of blue region and the light of high light quantity, according to such reason, in the present invention, adopt first and second LASER Light Source 31a, the 31b that can send first and second narrow-band-domain light N1, N2.By using first and second LASER Light Source 31a, 31b, comparing situation about being separated by white light BB color by filter, obtaining the narrow-band-domain light N1 of large light quantity, N2.

Reference light is as being utilized by the standardized contrast signal of brightness value S1, S2 (brightness value S3) corresponding with first and second narrow-band-domain light N1, N2, therefore, as long as know the level of the lightness of look-out station, therefore, even if use the G coloured light having been carried out color separation by white light BB, also no problem in practical.In addition, in above-mentioned embodiment, be illustrated to utilize G coloured light as the example of reference light, but as long as the level of known reference light lightness is known, therefore, replace G coloured light, also can utilize the B coloured light or the R coloured light that color separation have been carried out to white light BB by B filter house 34a, R filter 34b, also white light BB color can not be separated and use white light BB itself.

In addition, in this example, as the first narrow-band-domain light N1, use wavelength domain is 440 ± 10nm, the narrow-band-domain light being preferably 445nm, as the second narrow-band-domain light N2, use wavelength domain is 470 ± 10nm, the narrow-band-domain light being preferably 473nm, but as above-mentioned, as long as all variant at the absorbance of each hematochrome 70, the 71 and light of two wavelength domains that this extent is different, then it also can be other wavelength domain.

In addition, in the above-described embodiment, light merging part 39 the narrow-band-domain light N1 of semiconductor light source unit 31, N2 is utilized to collaborate from white light source 30 towards the light path of the white light BB of collecting lens 36.The formation be formed in for standard in existing light supply apparatus of white light source 30, rotary filter 34, collecting lens 36 is set.If the formation that above-mentioned embodiment is such, then do not increase in the light path of white light BB and significantly change and only add light merging part 39 and shutter 40, therefore, easily load existing light supply apparatus.

In addition, light merging part 39 has through portion 39a through white light and reflecting part 39b that first and second narrow-band-domain light N1, N2 are reflected, therefore, it is possible to prevent the complexity formed.This is when light merging part 39 is only made up of reflecting part 39b, in usual observing pattern, needs according to making light merging part 39 keep out of the way from light path, obtaining pattern in vessel information the travel mechanism that the mode being inserted into light path makes light merging part 39 movement.If arrange through portion 39a in light merging part 39, then travel mechanism is not set, therefore, the formation added to existing light supply apparatus can be simplified, therefore, easily utilize existing light supply apparatus.

In addition, reflecting part 39b do not make to be contained in white light BB, the light transmission of the wavelength domain of first and second narrow-band-domain light N1, N2, therefore, when the size of reflecting part 39b is large, also may cause the reduction of the light quantity of the degree can not ignored at this wavelength domain.In this situation, in usual observing pattern, when irradiating B coloured light, making first and second LASER Light Source 31a, 31b lighting, compensating the light quantity of being blocked by reflecting part 39b and also can.

In addition, shutter 40 is made up of swivel plate, carries out light shielding part 40a to the insertion of light path with keep out of the way through spinning movement, but shutter 40 such as also can be made to move linearly carry out inserting and keeping out of the way.But, if for making the formation of shutter 40 spinning movement as in this example, then compared with the situation of rectilinear movement, can will form the amount simplifying and there is no need for the linkage moved linearly.

[the second embodiment]

In the above-described embodiment, be illustrated with the example arranging rotary filter 34 and shutter 40 respectively, but as shown in figure 17, also can use the rotary filter 91 of the function being provided with shutter.Rotary filter 91 utilizes two bicirculars be made up of inner region and outer region two regions to form.Be provided with the filter house of B, G, R in inner region, be provided with light shielding part and G filter house in outer region.Inner region works as the rotary filter 34 of above-mentioned embodiment, and outer region works as the shutter 40 of above-mentioned embodiment.Travel mechanism 92 moves by making the rotating shaft of rotary filter 91, inner region and outer region is optionally inserted the light path of white light BB.If use such rotary filter 91, rotary filter 34 and shutter 40 need not be set respectively, therefore, it is possible to reduce number of parts or configuration space.

In addition, rotary filter 93 as shown in figure 18, also can without separating into inner region and outer region by all-round 6 deciles, at the B usually observed, arrange three regions of two light shielding parts that vessel information obtains and G2 filter house between each filter house of G1, R.Two light shielding parts are individually allocated to first and second narrow-band-domain light N1, N2 and use.G1 and G2 can be identical spectral transmission, also can be different.According to this formation, do not need travel mechanism 92.

[the 3rd embodiment]

In the above-described embodiment, using the CCD44 as fujinon electronic video endoscope 11, use monochromatic imaging apparatus, light supply apparatus 13 is provided with example white light BB color being separated into the face sequential of the rotary filter of the trichroism light of B, G, R be illustrated, but as the CCD of fujinon electronic video endoscope 11, the system employing the same up-to-date style of colored CCD 100 shown in Figure 19 also can apply the present invention.Colored CCD 100 is provided with any one micro filter of B, G, R in each pixel forming imaging surface, forms the pixel that B, G, R are trichroism in imaging surface.Trichroism pixel such as arranges with Baeyer (ベ イ ヤ mono-: Bayer) form.

As shown in figure 20, at the same time when formula, light supply apparatus 13 does not need rotary filter 34.Other formation is identical with the face sequential shown in Fig. 6 and 7, therefore, marks identical symbol and omit the description for same parts.

As shown in Figure 21 (A), under usual observing pattern, the light supply apparatus 13 pairs of fujinon electronic video endoscopes 11 with up-to-date style supply white light BB.White light BB irradiates from illuminating window 49 to look-out station, to be made a video recording this reflected light by colored CCD 100.White light BB to colored CCD 100 incidence carries out color separation by micro filter, and colored CCD 100 output packet is containing the image pickup signal of the trichroism chrominance signal corresponding with the pixel of B, G, R colors.The spectral transmission of each micro filter of B, G, R is identical with the situation of the rotary filter 34 shown in Fig. 8.

As shown in Figure 21 (B), when vessel information obtains pattern, shutter 40 is rotated, during the light shielding part 40a by shutter 40 is by white light BB shading, make first and second LASER Light Source 31a, 31b lighting successively, irradiate first and second narrow-band-domain light N1, N2 successively.As shown in Figure 8, because the first narrow-band-domain light N1 is the photosensitive light of B pixel, so the image pickup signal corresponding with B pixel is extracted as image pickup signal N1.Second narrow-band-domain light N2 is the photosensitive light of B pixel and G pixel, therefore, is extracted by the image pickup signal corresponding with B pixel and G pixel as image pickup signal N2.Thus, image pickup signal N1, the N2 corresponding with first and second narrow-band-domain light N1, N2 is obtained.

And, during the light shielding part 40a of shutter 40 keeps out of the way from the light path of white light BB, irradiate white light BB.The image pickup signal that blood-vessel image generating unit 57 exports from colored CCD 100 extracts the image pickup signal G corresponding with G pixel.And, obtain vessel information according to order illustrated in fig. 12 based on image pickup signal N1, N2, G, generate blood-vessel image and show.In this example, as reference light, utilize G coloured light, but identical with the first embodiment, also can utilize B coloured light or R coloured light, white light.

In addition, in the respective embodiments described above, describe each filter house of rotary filter, the micro filter of colored CCD with the example of the filter using the primary colors system of B, G, R, but also can use shown in Figure 22 have spectral transmission, the filter of the complementary color system of Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan).

In above-mentioned embodiment, oxygen saturation has been carried out image conversion, but in oxygen saturation image of the present invention, replace the mode shown in above-mentioned embodiment, or on this basis, also comprise the image of oxidized hemoglobin rate (hemoglobinindex) image conversion obtained according to " blood flow volume (oxidized hemoglobin and reduced blood pigment sum) × oxygen saturation (%) " or the image of reduced blood pigment rate image conversion that will obtain according to " blood flow volume × (100-oxygen saturation) (%) ".

In the above-described embodiment, illustrate the LASER Light Source be made up of laser diode as semiconductor light source, but also can be the LED light source replacing laser diode and employ LED.As imaging apparatus, be not limited to the CCD of above-mentioned embodiment, also can use cmos image sensor.In addition, in the above-described embodiment, be illustrated with the example that light supply apparatus and processor apparatus split are formed, but also integrally can form two devices.

In addition, the present invention also goes for the endoscope that leading section is built-in with ultrasonic endoscope of imaging apparatus and ultrasonic transducer (transducer) etc., alternate manner.

Claims (15)

1. an electronic endoscope system, it possesses: have the insertion section of inserting in subject and the fujinon electronic video endoscope had the imaging apparatus that the look-out station in described subject is made a video recording, the processor apparatus that processes to the light supply apparatus of the light of described fujinon electronic video endoscope supply shooting, the image pickup signal that exports described imaging apparatus, it is characterized in that

Described light supply apparatus has:

White light source, the white light that the illumination light of its usual observation image sent for obtaining described look-out station utilizes;

First and second semiconductor light source, it sends the light irradiated to described look-out station to obtain vessel information, described irradiated only all have first and second blue narrow-band-domain light of different wavelength domains respectively in the wavelength domain that a part for blue region is narrow, described vessel information comprises the oxygen saturation information of the oxygen saturation of hematochrome in the blood representing blood vessel existing for described look-out station and represents vessel depth information apart from the degree of depth of the described blood vessel on the surface of described look-out station

First and second blue narrow-band-domain light described supplies to described fujinon electronic video endoscope by described light supply apparatus, and the reference light of contrast signal that the standardization of first and second image pickup signal exported from described imaging apparatus as the reflected light for obtaining receiving first and second blue narrow-band-domain light described utilizes, the light of the wavelength domain at least partially comprised in described white light is supplied to described fujinon electronic video endoscope

Described processor apparatus asks for described vessel information based on first and second image pickup signal described and these three signals of described contrast signal.

2. electronic endoscope system as claimed in claim 1, is characterized in that,

Described light supply apparatus has: in order to the white light that sent by described white light source is incident and by the collecting lens of described white light optically focused to described fujinon electronic video endoscope; From described white light source towards the light path configuration of the described white light of described collecting lens and first and second the blue narrow-band-domain light making first and second semiconductor light source described send collaborates the light merging part of the light path of described white light.

3. electronic endoscope system as claimed in claim 2, is characterized in that,

Described smooth merging part has: through the through portion of described white light and the reflecting part that first and second blue narrow-band-domain light described reflected towards described collecting lens.

4. electronic endoscope system as claimed in claim 1, is characterized in that,

Described light supply apparatus has: be inserted into described white light light path and by shutter moveable between the on position of described white light shading and the retreating position kept out of the way from described light path,

When obtaining described vessel information, described on position is moved to by under the state of described white light shading making described shutter, first and second blue narrow-band-domain light described is supplied to described fujinon electronic video endoscope, described shutter is moved to described retreating position, described reference light is supplied to described fujinon electronic video endoscope.

5. electronic endoscope system as claimed in claim 4, is characterized in that,

Described imaging apparatus is the monochromatic imaging apparatus exporting monochromatic image pickup signal,

Described light supply apparatus has filter, this filter has the trichroism penetrating region of blueness, green, red trichroism penetrating region or yellow, magenta, cyan, trichroism each penetrating region is optionally inserted the light path of described white light, be separated into three coloured light by photochromic for described white

Described light supply apparatus be when making a video recording to described usual observation image by described trichroism light successively to the face sequential that described fujinon electronic video endoscope supplies.

6. electronic endoscope system as claimed in claim 5, is characterized in that,

On described filter, be not only provided with described trichroism penetrating region, and be provided with the light shielding part forming described shutter.

7. electronic endoscope system as claimed in claim 1, is characterized in that,

Described imaging apparatus is the color image sensor having the trichroism pixel of blueness, green, red trichroism pixel or yellow, magenta, cyan and export the trichroism picture signal corresponding with the pixel of colors,

Described light supply apparatus is the same up-to-date style of when making a video recording to described usual observation image, described white light not carried out color separation and supplying to described fujinon electronic video endoscope.

8. electronic endoscope system as claimed in claim 1, is characterized in that,

Two wavelength of first and second blue narrow-band-domain light described are the wavelength that absorbance respective in reduced blood pigment and oxidized hemoglobin extinction spectrum separately produces difference.

9. electronic endoscope system as claimed in claim 8, is characterized in that,

In described two wavelength, the magnitude relationship of reduced blood pigment and oxidized hemoglobin absorbance is separately reverse.

10. electronic endoscope system as claimed in claim 9, is characterized in that,

The wavelength of described first blue narrow-band-domain light is 440 ± 10nm, and the wavelength of described second blue narrow-band-domain light is 470 ± 10nm.

11. electronic endoscope systems as claimed in claim 1, is characterized in that,

Described processor apparatus asks for described vessel information based on ratio i.e. second luminance ratio of ratio i.e. first luminance ratio of described first image pickup signal and described contrast signal, the second image pickup signal and described contrast signal.

12. electronic endoscope systems as claimed in claim 11, is characterized in that,

Possess storage device, it prestores first and second luminance ratio described and the degree of depth of described blood vessel and the dependency relation of described oxygen saturation,

Described processor apparatus asks for described vessel information based on described dependency relation.

13. electronic endoscope systems as claimed in claim 12, is characterized in that,

Described dependency relation represents distributes the briliancy coordinate system of first and second luminance ratio described respectively to two coordinate axess and two coordinate axess is distributed respectively to the corresponding relation of the degree of depth of blood vessel and the vessel information coordinate system of oxygen saturation,

Described processor apparatus,

In described briliancy coordinate system specific go out first coordinate corresponding with first and second luminance ratio described,

In described vessel information coordinate system, by the coordinate axes of described first coordinate respectively to the coordinate axes of described oxygen saturation and the degree of depth of described blood vessel is projected, specific go out the second coordinate, ask for described oxygen saturation information and described vessel depth information.

14. electronic endoscope systems according to any one of claim 1 ~ 13, is characterized in that,

Described processor apparatus has:

Generate the video generation device representing the image of at least one in described oxygen saturation information and described vessel depth information;

By the display control unit that generated image exports to display device.

15. 1 kinds of light supply apparatuses, it is for electronic endoscope system, described electronic endoscope system possesses: have the insertion section in insertion subject and the fujinon electronic video endoscope had the imaging apparatus that the look-out station in described subject is made a video recording, and, described light supply apparatus is to the light of described fujinon electronic video endoscope supply shooting, it is characterized in that having:

White light source, the white light that the illumination light of its usual observation image sent for obtaining described look-out station utilizes;

First and second semiconductor light source, it sends the light irradiated to described look-out station to obtain vessel information, described irradiated only all have first and second blue narrow-band-domain light of different wavelength domains respectively in the narrow wavelength domain of a part for blue region, the oxygen saturation information that described vessel information comprises the oxygen saturation of hematochrome in the blood representing blood vessel existing for described look-out station and the vessel depth information of the degree of depth representing the surface apart from described look-out station relevant with described blood vessel

First and second blue narrow-band-domain light described is supplied to described fujinon electronic video endoscope, and the reference light of contrast signal that the standardization of first and second image pickup signal exported from described imaging apparatus as the reflected light for obtaining receiving first and second blue narrow-band-domain light described utilizes, the light of the wavelength domain at least partially comprised in described white light is supplied to described fujinon electronic video endoscope.