JP6654004B2 - Endoscope light source device, endoscope system, and method of operating endoscope light source device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an endoscope light source device, an endoscope system, and an operation method of an endoscope light source device that form illumination light for irradiating an observation target using a plurality of light sources.

  In the medical field, diagnosis using an endoscope system including an endoscope light source device, an endoscope, and a processor device is widely performed. The endoscope light source device is a device that generates light (hereinafter, referred to as illumination light) for irradiating an observation target such as a mucous membrane of a body cavity. In the endoscope light source device, a light source that emits light having a broadband continuous spectrum (hereinafter referred to as “continuous spectrum light”) such as a xenon lamp has been used. Semiconductor light sources such as LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) are being used. When a semiconductor light source is used as the light source, for example, by using a plurality of semiconductor light sources that emit light of different colors such as a blue LED, a green LED, and a red LED in combination, the light is superposed on each other. Light having a spectrum (hereinafter, referred to as multicolor spectrum light) becomes illumination light.

  For example, the endoscope system disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes four independently controllable semiconductor light sources mounted on an endoscope light source device, and controls the amount of light emitted from each of the semiconductor light sources to control the spectral spectrum of illumination light (the amount of light for each wavelength) By adjusting the (distribution), it is possible to irradiate the observation target with illumination light having optimal characteristics according to the image characteristics to be acquired. Specifically, in order to obtain an image with a large dynamic range with respect to brightness, an image with a low color temperature, an image with a high color temperature, and an image in which a special narrow-band wavelength is applied to a narrow area, the spectral distribution of the illumination light is obtained. Adjust the spectrum etc.

  Further, the endoscope system of Patent Document 2 is equipped with a plurality of independently controllable semiconductor light sources, identifies the endoscope model, and determines the driving conditions of each semiconductor light source according to the endoscope model. You have set. Specifically, since the light transmission characteristics of a light guide that propagates illumination light differ depending on the model, the endoscope model is identified, and the light amount ratio of each semiconductor light source is set according to the light transmission characteristics of the light guide. ing.

JP 2013-255655 A JP 2013-202166 A

  As described above, the illumination light used in the endoscope system is changing from continuous spectrum light by a conventional xenon lamp or the like to multicolor spectrum light by a plurality of semiconductor light sources. Since the spectral spectra are different from each other, the image of the observation target captured by irradiating continuous spectrum light and the image of the observation target captured by irradiating multicolor spectrum light are the same observation target. The appearance may be different. The difference in the appearance of the observation object between the case where continuous spectrum light is used as the illumination light and the case where multicolor spectrum light is used as the illumination light is not necessarily superior, but multiple semiconductor light sources are independent. The use of multi-color spectrum light as illumination light has the advantage that the observation can be performed more flexibly, since it is controllable and the spectral spectrum can be adjusted according to the observation target or the like.

  On the other hand, endoscope systems have long used continuous spectrum light from a xenon lamp or the like as illumination light, so many doctors have become accustomed to the appearance of the observation target when irradiating continuous spectrum light from a xenon lamp or the like. ing. For this reason, it is desired that even in the case where the multicolor spectrum light from the plurality of semiconductor light sources is used for the illumination light, it can be observed in the same manner as in the case where the conventional wide-band continuous spectrum light from the xenon lamp or the like is used for the illumination light. ing. In addition, many of the endoscope images accumulated as past cases are also photographed with continuous spectrum light from a xenon lamp or the like. In order to make it easy to simply compare with the above case, it is desired to obtain an endoscope image similar to that obtained when broadband continuous spectrum light is used as illumination light.

  In order to meet the above demand, it is only necessary that a plurality of semiconductor light sources can reproduce a broad spectrum of continuous spectrum light. However, in practice, a plurality of semiconductor light sources completely reproduce a broad spectrum of continuous spectrum light. It is not possible. For example, when a blue LED and a green LED whose light amount becomes smaller as the wavelength is farther from the center wavelength are used as the light source, the light amount of the intermediate color (the wavelength near the middle between blue and green) is adjusted by adjusting the light amount of the blue LED and the green LED. If the center wavelengths of the blue LED and the green LED are made close to the light amount of the broadband continuous spectrum light, the light amount of the intermediate color between blue and green is significantly lower than the light amount of the broadband continuous spectrum light. Conversely, when the light amounts of the blue LED and the green LED are increased in order to bring the light amount of the intermediate color between blue and green closer to the broadband continuous spectrum light, the color near the center wavelength of the blue LED and the color of the center wavelength of the green LED become broader. The amount of light of a continuous spectrum light is greatly exceeded.

  The present invention uses a plurality of light sources that independently emit light of different colors and uses a multicolor spectrum light obtained by superimposing these lights as illumination light. It is an object of the present invention to provide an endoscope light source device, an endoscope system, and an operation method of an endoscope light source device that enable an observation target to be observed almost in the same manner as when used.

An endoscope light source device according to the present invention includes a plurality of light sources that independently emit light of different colors, and a first multicolor having a first multicolor spectrum obtained by superposing light emitted by the plurality of light sources. A light source unit that emits spectrum light, and the light quantity integral of the first wavelength band of the first multicolor spectrum light is made to match the light quantity integral of the first wavelength band of continuous spectrum light that is white light emitted by the white light source; In addition, the light amounts of the plurality of light sources are respectively adjusted so that the light intensity integrated value of the second wavelength band different from the first wavelength band of the first multicolor spectrum light matches the light intensity integrated value of the second wavelength band of the continuous spectrum light. A light source control unit that controls the light source and a light amount detection unit that detects the light amount of the light emitted by the plurality of light sources. Light intensity to form multicolor spectrum light For the specified value, in accordance with the quantity of the largest uppermost degradation sources insufficient quantity of light, to set the amount of the remaining light sources.

  The white light is preferably light emitted from a xenon lamp.

  The first wavelength band is preferably a wavelength band combining a violet wavelength band and a blue wavelength band, and the second wavelength band is preferably a green wavelength band.

  The plurality of light sources include a violet light source emitting violet light and a blue light source emitting blue light, and the first wavelength band of the first multicolor spectrum light is preferably a wavelength band including violet light and blue light. .

  The light source control unit further includes, in addition to the first wavelength band and the second wavelength band, an integrated light amount value of a third wavelength band different from the first wavelength band and the second wavelength band of the first multicolor spectrum, and a continuous spectrum. It is preferable to make the light intensity integral value of the third wavelength band of the light coincide.

  The third wavelength band is preferably a red wavelength band.

  The light source unit emits, by a plurality of light sources, a second multicolor spectrum light having a second multicolor spectrum having a spectrum different from the first multicolor spectrum light and the continuous spectrum light. The light quantity integral of the first wavelength band of the spectrum light is made larger than the light quantity integral of the first wavelength band of the continuous spectrum light, and the light quantity integral of the second wavelength band of the second multicolor spectrum light is made continuous. It is preferable to match the integrated light amount of the spectrum light in the second wavelength band.

  It is preferable that the light amount detection unit repeatedly detects the light amount of the light emitted by the plurality of light sources while the plurality of light sources emits light.

  The integrated light amount of the first polychromatic spectrum light in the first wavelength band matches the integrated light amount of the continuous spectral light in the first wavelength band, and the integrated light amount of the first polychromatic spectral light in the second wavelength band is It is preferable to include a verification unit that verifies whether or not the light intensity integration value of the continuous spectrum light in the second wavelength band matches.

  It is preferable that the light source control unit controls the plurality of light sources using the verification result by the verification unit.

An endoscope system according to the present invention includes a plurality of light sources that independently emit light of different colors, and a first multicolor spectrum having a first multicolor spectrum obtained by superimposing light emitted by the plurality of light sources. A light source unit that emits light, the light quantity integral value of the first wavelength band of the first multicolor spectrum light is made to match the light quantity integral value of the first wavelength band of the continuous spectrum light that is white light emitted by the white light source, and Controlling the light intensities of the plurality of light sources so that the light intensity integral of the second wavelength band different from the first wavelength band of the first multicolor spectrum light coincides with the light intensity integral of the second wavelength band of the continuous spectrum light. A light source control unit for detecting the amount of light emitted from the plurality of light sources . The light source control unit uses the detection result of the light amount detection unit to determine a first light source among the plurality of light sources. The amount of light that forms the color spectrum light For the specified value, in accordance with the quantity of the largest uppermost degradation sources insufficient quantity of light, to set the amount of the remaining light sources.

  The light source unit emits, by a plurality of light sources, a second multicolor spectrum light having a second multicolor spectrum having a spectrum different from the first multicolor spectrum light and the continuous spectrum light. The light quantity integral of the first wavelength band of the spectrum light is made larger than the light quantity integral of the first wavelength band of the continuous spectrum light, and the light quantity integral of the second wavelength band of the second multicolor spectrum light is made continuous. It is preferable to match the integrated light amount of the spectrum light in the second wavelength band.

  An endoscope model detection unit that detects a model of the connected endoscope and inputs a detection result to the light source control unit, wherein the light source control unit detects the model of the endoscope detected by the endoscope model detection unit It is preferable that the light emitted from the light source unit is switched between the first multicolor spectrum light and the second multicolor spectrum light.

  When the model of the endoscope is a model that uses continuous spectrum light, the light source control unit sets the light emitted by the light source unit to the first multicolor spectrum light, and the model of the endoscope uses the continuous spectrum light. It is preferable that the light emitted from the light source unit be the second multicolor spectrum light when the model is not the model used in the above.

The operation method of the endoscope light source device of the present invention includes a plurality of light sources that independently emit light of different colors, and a light amount detection unit that detects the amount of light emitted by the plurality of light sources, a method of operating the endoscope light source device in which a plurality of light source has a plurality of light sources emitting first polychromatic spectrum light having a first polychromatic spectrum superimposed light emitted, the light source control section, the first multiple The light quantity integrated value of the first wavelength band of the color spectrum light is made to match the light quantity integrated value of the first wavelength band of the continuous spectrum light that is white light emitted from the white light source, and the amount integral value of a different second wavelength band than the wavelength band, and controls the amount of light of a plurality of light sources so that match the light amount integrated value of the second wavelength band of the continuous spectrum light, respectively, the first polychromatic spectrum light Emitting light and controlling the light source However, using the detection result of the light amount detection unit, the light amount of the most deteriorated light source having the largest shortage of the light amount is determined for the specified value of the light amount forming the first multicolor spectrum light among the plurality of light sources. Setting the light amounts of the remaining light sources.

  An endoscope light source device, an endoscope system, and an operation method of an endoscope light source device according to the present invention include a light intensity integral value of a polychromatic spectrum light and a light intensity integral value of a broadband continuous spectrum light in at least two wavelength bands. By making the values coincide with each other, it is possible to make the observation target observable even in the case where the multi-color spectrum light is used as the illumination light, as in the case where the continuous spectrum light is used as the illumination light.

It is an outline view of an endoscope system. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating functions of the endoscope system. It is a graph which shows the spectrum of a polychromatic spectrum light. It is a graph which shows the spectrum of the continuous spectrum light of a xenon lamp. 5 is a graph showing a spectrum of the first multicolor spectrum light. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a relationship between first multicolor spectrum light and continuous spectrum light of a xenon lamp. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an endoscope system provided with a band limiting unit 121. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a relationship between second polychromatic spectrum light and continuous spectrum light of a xenon lamp. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an endoscope system that switches between first multicolor spectrum light and second multicolor spectrum light depending on the type of endoscope. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an endoscope system that switches between first multicolor spectrum light and second multicolor spectrum light depending on the type of endoscope. 4 is a graph showing the deterioration over time of a semiconductor light source. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an endoscope system that emits first multicolor spectrum light corresponding to the deterioration over time of a semiconductor light source. 5 is a graph showing a spectrum of the first multicolor spectrum light when the semiconductor light source deteriorates with time. It is a graph which shows the spectrum of the 1st polychromatic spectrum light which adjusted the light quantity according to the light source which deteriorated with time most. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an endoscope system having a verification unit. It is a schematic diagram of a capsule endoscope.

[First Embodiment]
As shown in FIG. 1, the endoscope system 10 includes an endoscope 12, an endoscope light source device 14, a processor device 16, a monitor 18, and a console 19. The endoscope 12 is optically connected to the endoscope light source device 14 and is also electrically connected to the processor device 16. The endoscope 12 includes an insertion portion 12a inserted into the subject, an operation portion 12b provided at a base end portion of the insertion portion 12a, a bending portion 12c provided at a distal end side of the insertion portion 12a, and a distal end portion. 12d. By operating the angle knob 12e of the operation section 12b, the bending section 12c performs a bending operation. By this bending operation, the tip 12d is directed in a desired direction. The operation unit 12b is provided with a zoom operation unit 13 and the like in addition to the angle knob 12e.

  The processor device 16 is electrically connected to a monitor 18 and a console 19. The monitor 18 outputs and displays images in each observation mode, image information attached to the images, and the like. The console 19 functions as a user interface that receives input operations such as function settings. Note that an external recording unit (not shown) for recording images, image information, and the like may be connected to the processor device 16.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the endoscope light source device 14 is a device that generates illumination light for irradiating an observation target. The light source unit 20 includes an optical path coupling unit 23 that couples an optical path of light emitted from the light source unit 20.

  The light source unit 20 includes a purple LED (hereinafter, referred to as V-LED (Violet Light Emitting Diode)) 20a, a blue LED (hereinafter, referred to as B-LED (Blue Light Emitting Diode)) 20b, and a green LED (hereinafter, G-LED (hereinafter, G-LED)). The LED has four colors of LED 20c and a red LED (hereinafter referred to as R-LED (Red Light Emitting Diode)) 20d.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the V-LED 20a is a violet light source that emits violet light (hereinafter, referred to as V light) having a center wavelength of 405 nm and a wavelength band of 380 to 420 nm. The B-LED 20b is a blue light source that emits blue light (hereinafter, referred to as B light) having a center wavelength of 460 nm and a wavelength band of 420 to 500 nm. The G-LED 20c is a green light source that emits green light (hereinafter, referred to as G light) having a wavelength band ranging from 480 to 600 nm. The R-LED 20d is a red light source that emits red light (hereinafter, referred to as R light) having a center wavelength of 620 to 630 nm and a wavelength band of 600 to 650 nm. Note that the center wavelength of the V-LED 20a and the B-LED 20b has a width of about ± 5 nm to ± 10 nm.

  The light source unit 20 generates a multicolor spectrum light 25 having a multicolor spectrum obtained by superimposing V light, B light, G light, and R light by a plurality of light sources that independently emit light of these different colors. Emit. Since the light emission amount (hereinafter simply referred to as light amount) of each of the LEDs 20a to 20d can be independently controlled, the spectral spectrum of the multicolor spectrum light 25 can be changed by changing the light amount of each of the LEDs 20a to 20d. In the present embodiment, the light source unit 20 is a balance that simulates the case of observing using wide band continuous spectrum light 26 of white light emitted by a xenon lamp used as a conventional endoscope system shown in FIG. 4 as illumination light. Then, V light, B light, G light, and R light are emitted, and the multi-color spectrum light 25 is emitted. The polychromatic spectrum light 25 emitted from the light source unit 20 in the xenon emulation mode is hereinafter referred to as a first polychromatic spectrum light.

  The light source control unit 22 individually controls a drive current and a drive voltage of each of the LEDs 20a to 20d included in the light source unit 20, and a pulse width and a pulse length when the drive current or the drive voltage is pulse-input to each of the LEDs 20a to 20d. Thereby, the light source control unit 22 controls the light emission timing and light amount of each light emitted from each of the LEDs 20a to 20d. Specifically, the light source control unit 22 controls the LEDs 20a to 20d of the light source unit 20, and generates a first light obtained by superimposing the V light, the B light, the G light, and the R light emitted from each of the LEDs 20a to 20d. Generates color spectrum light. When generating the first multicolor spectrum light, the light source control unit 22 controls the light emission timing and the light quantity of each of the LEDs 20a to 20d to calculate the light quantity integral value of the first multicolor spectrum light in the first wavelength band to the continuous spectrum. The light intensity integrated value of the first wavelength band of the light is made to coincide with the light intensity integrated value of the second wavelength band of the first multicolor spectrum, and the light intensity integrated value of the continuous spectrum light in the second wavelength band.

  The light intensity integration value is a value obtained by integrating the relative light intensity at each wavelength within a predetermined specific wavelength band such as the first wavelength band or the second wavelength band within the specific wavelength band. In the present embodiment, the light quantity integral value is a value obtained by integrating the relative light quantity of the light emitted from the light source unit 20 within a specific wavelength band. The value obtained by integrating the relative light amount of the light within a specific wavelength band may be used as the light amount integrated value. In addition, a value obtained by integrating the relative light amount of each wavelength of the light (the observation object or the return light from the phantom simulating the observation object) incident on the image sensor 48 within a specific wavelength band may be used as the light amount integration value. Further, when a color filter is provided in the pixel of the imaging sensor 48, the light after the observation target or the phantom simulating the observation target passes through the color filter, that is, each pixel of the imaging sensor 48 A value obtained by integrating the relative light amount of each wavelength of light used for photoelectric conversion within a specific wavelength band may be used as the light amount integrated value. These light quantity integral values have substantially the same role in an actual endoscope system in which the characteristics of the LEDs 20a to 20d, the loss during light propagation, the sensitivity of the image sensor 48 (including the characteristics of the color filter), and the like are determined. Is a numerical value that fulfills

  The continuous spectrum is a spectral spectrum of light having at least a part of the wavelength band of light emitted from the white light source, and the continuous spectrum light is light having a continuous spectrum. A white light source is a light source that emits light having a gentle distribution from one light source over a visible light range (for example, 400 nm to 700 nm). More specifically, the white light source is a xenon lamp, a halogen lamp, a white LED, or the like. The light having at least a part of the wavelength band of the light emitted by the white light source is light extracted from the light emitted by the white light source with a color filter or the like.

  The multicolor spectrum is one spectrum obtained by superimposing the spectrums of the light emitted by the plurality of light sources, and the light obtained by superimposing the light emitted by the plurality of light sources is the multicolor spectrum light. Further, the broadband indicates that the wavelength band is wider than the wavelength band of light emitted by at least one of the plurality of light sources (LEDs 20a to 20d) used in the light source unit 20. The white light emitted by the xenon lamp includes a wavelength band of V light (violet wavelength band) emitted by the LED 20a, a wavelength band of B light emitted by the LED 20b (blue wavelength band), and a wavelength band of G light emitted by the LED 20c (green wavelength band). Band), and a wavelength band wider than each wavelength band of the R light emitted by the LED 20d (red wavelength band), and includes components of each wavelength in all these wavelength bands (350 nm or more and less than 700 nm), In addition, the light has a gentle distribution over the visible light range. Therefore, the white light emitted by the xenon lamp is a broadband continuous spectrum light 26. The broadband continuous spectrum light is not limited to white light emitted from a xenon lamp, but includes white light used in a conventional endoscope system.

  The first wavelength band is a predetermined specific wavelength range, and the second wavelength band is also a predetermined specific wavelength range. However, the second wavelength band is a wavelength band different from the first wavelength band. . The first wavelength band and the second wavelength band can be arbitrarily determined if they do not completely match. For example, the first wavelength band and the second wavelength band may partially overlap. Further, for example, one wavelength band of the first wavelength band or the second wavelength band may be entirely included in the other wavelength band. For example, at least one of the boundaries between the first wavelength band and the second wavelength band is different, but the first wavelength band (second wavelength band) forms a part of the second wavelength band (first wavelength band). Corresponds to. In the present embodiment, the first wavelength band is a combined wavelength band of the violet wavelength band and the blue wavelength band (wavelength band of wavelength 350 nm or more and less than 480 nm), and the second wavelength band is a green wavelength band (wavelength of 480 nm or more and less than 600 nm). Wavelength band). The red wavelength band (wavelength band from 600 nm to less than 700 nm) is referred to as a third wavelength band.

  The light source control unit 22 controls the balance of the light amounts of the LEDs 20a to 20d of the light source unit 20, generates the first multicolor spectrum light as described above, and turns the first multicolor spectrum light into illumination light. The observation object can be observed by the endoscope system 10 in substantially the same manner as when observing the observation object with white light emitted from a xenon lamp.

  The multicolor spectrum light (first multicolor spectrum light) emitted from the light source unit 20 is incident on the light guide 41 inserted into the insertion unit 12a via the optical path coupling unit 23. The light guide 41 is built in the endoscope 12 and a universal cord (cord connecting the endoscope 12 with the endoscope light source device 14 and the processor device 16), and is guided from the optical path coupling unit 23. The illumination light propagates to the distal end portion 12d of the endoscope 12. Note that a multimode fiber can be used as the light guide 41. As an example, a small-diameter fiber cable having a core diameter of 105 μm, a cladding diameter of 125 μm, and a diameter of 0.3 to 0.5 mm including a protective layer serving as an outer cover can be used.

  An illumination optical system 30a and an imaging optical system 30b are provided at a distal end portion 12d of the endoscope 12. The illumination optical system 30a has an illumination lens 45, and the illumination light propagated by the light guide 41 is radiated to the observation target via the illumination lens 45. The imaging optical system 30b has an objective lens 46, a zoom lens 47, and an imaging sensor 48. Light returned from the observation target (light including fluorescence generated from the observation target in addition to reflected light) enters the image sensor 48 via the objective lens 46 and the zoom lens 47. Thereby, the observation target is imaged on the image sensor 48. The zoom lens 47 is freely moved between the telephoto end and the wide end by operating the zoom operation unit 13 to enlarge or reduce an observation target formed on the image sensor 48.

  The imaging sensor 48 is a color imaging sensor having pixels of a plurality of colors having sensitivity to different colors, and captures return light from an observation target to output an image signal. As the image sensor 48, a charge coupled device (CCD) image sensor or a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor can be used. The image sensor 48 is provided for each pixel of any one of three color filters of an R (red) color filter, a G (green) color filter, and a B (blue) color filter. It captures light and outputs an image signal for each color. That is, the image sensor 48 includes an R pixel (red pixel) provided with an R color filter, a G pixel (green pixel) provided with a G color filter, and a B pixel (blue pixel) provided with a B color filter. And an image signal is output from each pixel to output an RGB image signal.

  More specifically, since the observation target is irradiated with the first multicolor spectrum light, the image sensor 48 receives each return light of the V light and the B light in the first multicolor spectrum light by the B pixel. , And outputs a blue image signal (hereinafter, referred to as a B image signal). Similarly, of the first multicolor spectrum light, the G light is received by the G pixel, a green image signal (hereinafter, referred to as a G image signal) is output, and the R light is received by the R pixel. A red image signal (hereinafter, referred to as an R image signal) is output.

  Instead of the image sensor 48, which is a primary color image sensor, a complementary color image sensor having complementary color filters of C (cyan), M (magenta), Y (yellow) and G (green) may be used. When a complementary color image sensor is used, image signals of four colors of CMYG are output. Therefore, the image signals of four colors of CMYG are converted into image signals of three colors of RGB by complementary color-primary color conversion. An RGB image signal similar to that of the image sensor 48 can be obtained. Further, instead of the image sensor 48, a monochrome sensor having no color filter may be used. In this case, the light source control unit 22 lights the V light, the B light, the G light, and the R light in a time-division manner as necessary. However, since both the V light and the B light are received by the B pixel, the V light and the B light may be turned on at the same time.

  The image signal output from the image sensor 48 is transmitted to the CDS / AGC circuit 50. The CDS / AGC circuit 50 performs correlated double sampling (CDS; Correlated Double Sampling) and automatic gain control (AGC; Automatic Gain Control) on an image signal that is an analog signal. The image signal that has passed through the CDS / AGC circuit 50 is converted into a digital image signal by the A / D converter 51. The digital image signal after the A / D conversion is input to the processor device 16.

  The processor device 16 includes a receiving unit 53, a DSP (Digital Signal Processor) 56, a noise removing unit 58, an image generating unit 62, and a video signal generating unit 66.

  The receiving unit 53 receives a digital RGB image signal from the endoscope 12. The DSP 56 performs various kinds of signal processing such as defect correction processing, offset processing, gain correction processing, linear matrix processing, gamma conversion processing, and demosaic processing on the received image signal. In the defect correction processing, the signal of the defective pixel of the image sensor 48 is corrected. In the offset processing, a dark current component is removed from the RGB image signal subjected to the defect correction processing, and an accurate zero level is set. In the gain correction processing, the signal level is adjusted by multiplying the RGB image signal after the offset processing by a specific gain. The RGB image signal after the gain correction processing is subjected to a linear matrix processing for improving color reproducibility. Thereafter, brightness and saturation are adjusted by gamma conversion processing. Demosaic processing (also referred to as isotropic processing or synchronization processing) is performed on the RGB image signal after the linear matrix processing, and a signal of a color insufficient for each pixel is generated by interpolation. By this demosaic processing, all pixels have signals of RGB colors.

  The noise removing unit 58 removes noise from the RGB image signal by performing a noise removing process (for example, by a moving average method or a median filter method) on the RGB image signal subjected to the demosaic processing or the like by the DSP 56. The RGB image signal from which noise has been removed is transmitted to the image generation unit 62.

  The image generation unit 62 performs a color conversion process, a color enhancement process, and a structure enhancement process on the RGB image signal to generate an image (hereinafter, referred to as an endoscope image). In the color conversion process, a color conversion process is performed on the RGB image signal by a 3 × 3 matrix process, a gradation conversion process, a three-dimensional LUT (look-up table) process, or the like. The color enhancement processing is performed on the RGB image signal that has been subjected to the color conversion processing. The structure emphasis process is a process of emphasizing a structure to be observed, such as a surface blood vessel or a pit pattern, and is performed on the RGB image signal after the color emphasis process. As described above, a color image using an RGB image signal that has been subjected to various kinds of image processing until the structure enhancement processing is an endoscope image. The video signal generation unit 66 converts the endoscope image generated by the image generation unit 62 into a video signal to be displayed as an image that can be displayed on the monitor 18. The monitor 18 displays an endoscope image using the video signal.

  Next, characteristics of the first multicolor spectrum light used as the xenon emulation mode illumination light by the endoscope system 10 of the present embodiment will be described. The first multicolor spectrum light 27 emits V light, B light, G light, and R light with the balance of the light amounts shown in FIG. 5 and is light obtained by superimposing them. Compared to the xenon lamp continuous spectrum light 26 indicated by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 5, the first multicolor spectrum light 27 has a large difference in the shape of the spectral spectrum from the xenon lamp continuous spectrum light 26. The first multicolor spectrum light 27 does not match the shape of the spectral spectrum with the continuous spectrum light 26 of the xenon lamp. This is because the number of LEDs mounted on the light source unit 20 is as small as four, and the continuous spectrum light 26 of the xenon lamp is completely reproduced only by adjusting the light amounts of the V light, the B light, the G light, and the R light. Although it is not possible, even if the shape of the spectrum of the continuous spectrum light 26 of the xenon lamp is not completely reproduced, the observation target can be observed in the same manner as in the case of using the continuous spectrum light 26 of the xenon lamp. Because.

As described above, in order to imitate the case where the continuous spectrum light 26 of the xenon lamp is used as the illumination light by the first multicolor spectrum light 27 without completely reproducing the shape of the spectral spectrum, the light source control unit 22 The light amount of each of the LEDs 20a to 20d of the light source unit 20 is controlled. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, the light source control unit 22 controls the amount of light of each of the LEDs 20a to 20d, and outputs a first wavelength band that is a blue wavelength band, a second wavelength band that is a green wavelength band, and In the third wavelength band, which is a red wavelength band, the light intensity integrated value of the first polychromatic spectrum light 27 and the light intensity integrated value of the continuous spectrum light 26 of the xenon lamp are matched. That is, the light quantity integral S1 _{E of} the first polychromatic spectrum light 27 irradiating the observation target (or emitted by the light source unit 20) in the first wavelength band and the light quantity of the continuous spectrum light 26 of the xenon lamp in the first wavelength band. The integrated value S1 _X is made equal (S1 _E ≒ S1 _X ), and the light intensity integrated value S2 _{E of} the first multicolor spectrum light 27 in the second wavelength band and the xenon lamp continuous spectrum light 26 in the second wavelength band are obtained. The light intensity integrated value S2 _X is matched (S2 _E ≒ S2 _X ). Further, in the present embodiment, the light source control unit 22 determines the integrated light amount S3 _{E of} the first multicolor spectrum light 27 in the third wavelength band and the integrated light amount S3 of the continuous spectrum light 26 of the xenon lamp in the third wavelength band. _X is matched (S3 _E ES3 _X ).

  As described above, in the first wavelength band, the second wavelength band, and the third wavelength band, according to the first polychromatic spectrum light 27 whose light intensity integrated value matches the continuous spectrum light 26 of the xenon lamp, Even if the shape does not reproduce the continuous spectrum light 26 of the xenon lamp, the observation target can be observed almost in the same manner as when the continuous spectrum light 26 of the xenon lamp is used.

  In the above-described first embodiment, the light intensity integrated values of the first polychromatic spectrum light 27 and the continuous spectrum light 26 of the xenon lamp are matched up to the third wavelength band which is a red wavelength band. If the first polychromatic spectrum light 27 and the integrated light quantity of the continuous spectrum light 26 of the xenon lamp are matched in the band and the second wavelength band, the first polychromatic spectrum light 27 is almost the same as the continuous spectrum light 26 of the xenon lamp. The observation target can be observed at the same time. This is because information on tissues and structures, such as blood vessels and pit patterns, which serve as important diagnostic guidelines in endoscopic images, is substantially contained in light in the first wavelength band and light in the second wavelength band. Since the light of this type hardly has such information, if the blood vessels and the like can be observed in the same manner as when the continuous spectrum light 26 of the xenon lamp is used, the first multicolor spectrum light 27 becomes the continuous spectrum light 26 of the xenon lamp. Is almost imitated.

In the first embodiment, the light quantity integral S1 _{E of} the first multicolor spectrum light 27 in the first wavelength band and the light quantity integral S1 _X of the first wavelength band of the continuous spectrum light 26 of the xenon lamp are matched. However, since the first wavelength band of the first multicolor spectrum light 27 is generally formed of two colors of light, V light and B light, the light intensity integrated value of the first multicolor spectrum light 27 in the first wavelength band while maintaining the S1 _E, it is possible to change the balance of the amount of V and B lights. Therefore, in at least the first wavelength band, it is preferable to adjust the balance of the light amounts of the V light and the B light so as to match as much as possible the spectral shape of the continuous spectrum light 26 of the xenon lamp. Specifically, it is preferable that the light amount of the V light be smaller than the light amount of the B light in accordance with the light amount of the continuous spectrum light 26 of the xenon lamp becoming shorter as the wavelength becomes shorter in the first wavelength band. Further, after setting the light quantity of the V light so that the shape on the short wavelength side of the spectral spectrum of the V light matches the spectral spectrum shape of the continuous spectrum light 26 of the xenon lamp as much as possible, the light quantity of the set V light It is preferable to set the light amount of the B light using the light amount integration value S1 _X of the first wavelength band of the continuous spectrum light 26 of the xenon lamp. In this manner, the appearance of the observation target by the first multicolor spectrum light 27 can be made closer to the appearance of the observation target when the continuous spectrum light 26 of the xenon lamp is used.

Further, since the first wavelength band of the first multicolor spectrum light 27 is substantially formed of two colors of light of V light and B light, the first wavelength band is defined as the first short wavelength including the wavelength band of V light. Two wavelength bands, a side band (a shorter wavelength band in the first wavelength band) and a first longer wavelength side band including the B light wavelength band (a longer wavelength band in the first wavelength band). May be divided into In this case, the integrated light amount of the first multicolor spectrum light 27 in the first short-wavelength band is matched with the integrated light amount of the continuous spectrum light 26 of the xenon lamp in the first short-wavelength band. The integrated light amount of the color spectrum light 27 in the first long-wavelength band is matched with the integrated light amount of the continuous spectrum light 26 of the xenon lamp in the first long-wavelength band. This makes it possible to make the light intensity integral S1 _E of the first multicolor spectrum light 27 in the first wavelength band coincide with the light intensity integral S1 _X of the xenon lamp continuous spectrum light 26 in the first wavelength band.

  In the first embodiment, the B light emitted from the B-LED 20b is used as it is for the first multicolor spectrum light 27, but the light having a wavelength of about 450 nm to about 500 nm is used for a structure such as a surface blood vessel or a pit pattern. Lowers the contrast. Therefore, as in the endoscope system 100 shown in FIG. 7, by disposing the band limiting unit 121 that reduces light having a wavelength of about 450 nm to about 500 nm in the optical path of the B-LED 20 b, the B-LED 20 b It is preferable to generate Bs light in which wavelength components of about 450 nm to about 500 nm are reduced from the emitted B light, and use the Bs light as the first multicolor spectrum light 27. In this case, the integrated light amount of the first wavelength band may be calculated using the B light emitted from the B-LED 20b, and the integrated light amount of the first wavelength band may be calculated using the Bs light passed through the band limiting unit 121. May be calculated.

Incidentally, the light amount integrated value S1 _E of the first wavelength band of the first polychromatic spectrum light 27 is at least about 5% to 10% relative to the amount of light integrated value S1 _X of the first wavelength band of the xenon lamp of the continuous spectrum light 26 Can be tolerated. Further, the light amount integrated value S2 _E of the second wavelength band of the first polychromatic spectrum light 27 is at least about 5% to 10% relative to the amount of light integrated value S2 _X in the second wavelength band of the xenon lamp of the continuous spectrum light 26 Can be tolerated. Similarly, the light amount integrated value S3 _E in the third wavelength band of the first polychromatic spectrum light 27 is at least 5% to 10% relative to the amount of light integrated value S3 _X in the third wavelength band of the xenon lamp of the continuous spectrum light 26 A degree of error is acceptable. That is, the visual sense may be relatively insensitive to the difference in color difference, and if the error is about the above, the appearance of the observation target is almost the same as when using the continuous spectrum light 26 of the xenon lamp. It can be considered that the respective light intensity integrated values match. Therefore, the term “match” of the light intensity integrated value referred to in this specification and the like includes “substantially match” including the above error.

[Second embodiment]
In the first embodiment, the light source control unit 22 generates the first multicolor spectrum light 27 imitating the case of using the continuous spectrum light 26 of the xenon lamp by the LEDs 20a to 20d of the light source unit 20, The light source control unit 22 switches between the first multicolor spectrum light 27 and the second multicolor spectrum different from the first multicolor spectrum light 27 and the continuous spectrum light 26 of the xenon lamp by the LEDs 20 a to 20 d of the light source unit 20. May be generated.

The second polychromatic spectrum light is light that illuminates the observation target with a unique spectral spectrum that is not available in an endoscope system using a conventional xenon lamp. For example, the light source control unit 22 the second light amount integrated value S1 _U of the first wavelength band of the polychromatic spectrum light 201, and larger than the light amount integrated value S1 _X in the first wavelength band of the xenon lamp of the continuous spectrum light 26 (S1 _U> S1 _X) In addition, the light intensity integral S2 _U of the second multicolor spectrum light 201 in the second wavelength band is made to coincide with the light intensity integral S2 _X of the xenon lamp continuous spectrum light 26 in the second wavelength band (S2 _U US2 _X ). Further, in the present embodiment, the light source control unit 22 calculates the light intensity integral S3 _U of the second polychromatic spectrum light 201 in the third wavelength band in the third wavelength band of the continuous spectrum light 26 of the xenon lamp. _X and match (S3 _U ≒ S3 _X).

  When the observation target is observed using the above-mentioned second multicolor spectrum light 201, the integrated light amount of the first wavelength band having much information of blood vessels and pit patterns in the surface layer of the mucous membrane becomes the continuous spectrum light 26 of the xenon lamp. Therefore, these structures and the like can be observed more clearly than when the continuous spectrum light 26 of the xenon lamp is used. For this reason, if the first multicolor spectrum light 27 and the second multicolor spectrum light 201 can be switched, it is possible to enjoy the unique advantages when using the multicolor spectrum light as described above.

  The switching between the first multicolor spectrum light 27 and the second multicolor spectrum light 201 of the present embodiment is arbitrarily performed using an observation mode changeover switch (not shown) provided on the operation unit 12b of the endoscope 12, or the like. It is possible to switch between the first multicolor spectrum light 27 and the second multicolor spectrum light 201 automatically according to the model of the endoscope 12 used in the endoscope system 10, in particular. Is preferred.

  As described above, when the first multicolor spectrum light 27 and the second multicolor spectrum light 201 are automatically switched depending on the model of the endoscope 12, like the endoscope system 210 shown in FIG. Is provided with an ID storage unit 211 for storing an ID (Identification Data) indicating a model, and the endoscope light source device 14 is provided with an endoscope model detection unit 212. When the endoscope 12 is connected to the endoscope light source device 14, the endoscope model detection unit 212 reads out the ID of the endoscope 12 from the ID storage unit 211, and thereby the connected endoscope 12. Is detected, and the detection result is input to the light source control unit 22. Then, the light source control unit 22 converts the illumination light generated by the light source unit 20 into the first multicolor spectrum light 27 and the second multicolor spectrum light according to the model of the endoscope 12 detected by the endoscope model detection unit 212. Switch with 201. More specifically, when the model of the endoscope 12 is a model used in a conventional endoscope system using a continuous spectrum light of a xenon lamp, the light source control unit 22 generates the illumination generated by the light source unit 20. When the light is automatically set to the first multicolor spectrum light 27 and the model of the endoscope 12 is a model other than the above (such as a model used only in an endoscope system using multicolor spectrum light). Preferably, the illumination light generated by the light source unit 20 is automatically set to the second polychromatic spectrum light 201.

  When connecting an endoscope used in a conventional endoscope system using a xenon lamp, a physician often desires to be able to observe the observation target in the same manner as a familiar conventional endoscope system, so that a multicolor spectrum light is used. When connecting an endoscope that is used only in an endoscope system that is used as illumination light, a doctor often wants to observe the image taking advantage of the multicolor spectrum light. For this reason, as described above, if the illumination light is automatically switched between the first multicolor spectrum light 27 and the second multicolor spectrum light 201 depending on the model of the endoscope 12, without performing any operation or setting, An endoscope image that meets the needs can be automatically provided. Of course, it is more preferable that the initial setting is automatically set according to the model of the endoscope 12 as described above, and thereafter, the manual setting can be manually switched at the discretion of the doctor.

  In the endoscope system 210 of FIG. 9, the endoscope light source device 14 detects the connection of the endoscope 12 by the endoscope model detection unit 212 and reads the ID from the endoscope 12 to read the endoscope 12. However, as in the endoscope system 210 shown in FIG. 10, an ID reading unit 213 is provided in the processor device 16, and the connection of the endoscope 12 is detected by the ID reading unit 213, and The ID may be read from the endoscope 12. In this case, the endoscope model detection unit 212 may acquire the ID of the endoscope 12 from the ID reading unit 213 of the processor device 16 and detect the model.

[Third embodiment]
A semiconductor light source such as an LED has a longer life than a conventional light source such as a xenon lamp, but even a semiconductor light source such as an LED deteriorates over time as shown in FIG. Also, even when driven at a predetermined drive voltage, the light amount decreases. Further, the degree of deterioration with time also differs depending on the type of semiconductor light source (wavelength of light to be emitted). If the deterioration over time is neglected, even if the light source control unit 22 performs predetermined control for emitting the first multicolor spectrum light 27, for example, the multicolor spectrum light that does not satisfy the condition of the first multicolor spectrum light 27 is emitted. It may be done. For this reason, it is preferable that the light source control unit 22 emits the first multicolor spectrum light 27 and the second multicolor spectrum light 201 in consideration of the aging of the LEDs 20a to 20d of the light source unit 20.

  As described above, even if the LEDs 20a to 20d of the light source unit 20 deteriorate with time, the first multicolor spectrum light 27 and the second multicolor spectrum light 201 satisfying the conditions of the first embodiment and the second embodiment are emitted. For this purpose, for example, as in an endoscope system 300 shown in FIG.

  The light amount detection unit 301 includes a V light amount detection unit 302a that detects the light amount of the V-LED 20a, a B light amount detection unit 302b that detects the light amount of the B-LED 20b, and a G light amount detection unit 302c that detects the light amount of the G-LED 20c. , R-LED 20d. The V light amount detection unit 302a detects the amount of V light emitted by the V-LED 20a by acquiring a part of the V light via the mirror 303a. The mirror 303a is arranged in the optical path of the V-LED 20a, reflects a part of the V light emitted by the V-LED 20a and makes it enter the V light amount detection unit 302a, and transmits the remaining V light to the optical path coupling unit 23. Transmitted toward Similarly, in the optical path of the B-LED 20b, the G-LED 20c, and the R-LED 20d, a part of each color light emitted from the B-LED 20b, the B-light detector 302b, the G-light detector 302c, and the R-light detector A mirror 303b, a mirror 303c, and a mirror 303d that are respectively incident on the unit 302d and transmit the remaining color lights toward the optical path coupling unit 23 are arranged. The B light amount detection unit 302b acquires a part of the B light via the mirror 303b and detects the light amount of the B light emitted by the B-LED 20b. The G light amount detection unit 302c acquires a part of the G light via the mirror 303c and detects the light amount of the G light emitted by the G-LED 20c. The R light amount detection unit 302d acquires a part of the R light via the mirror 303d and detects the light amount of the R light emitted by the R-LED 20d.

  The light amount detection unit 301 inputs the light amounts of the V light, the B light, the G light, and the R light detected by the light amount detection units 302a to 302d for the respective colors to the light source control unit 22. In the light source control unit 22, the temporal deterioration detection unit 304 determines the driving conditions such as the driving current of each of the LEDs 20 a to 20 d emitting the first multicolor spectrum light 27 and the light amount of each color light actually detected by the light amount detection unit 301. Is used to detect the deterioration over time of each of the LEDs 20a to 20d. Specifically, the temporal deterioration detection unit 304 detects the most deteriorated light source whose light quantity has decreased the most with respect to the predetermined light quantity among the LEDs 20a to 20d. The light source control unit 22 sets the light amounts of the remaining light sources in accordance with the light amounts of the most deteriorated light sources detected by the temporal deterioration detection unit 304. For example, as shown in FIG. 13, although the light source control unit 22 drives each of the LEDs 20 a to 20 d under the driving condition of emitting the first multicolor spectrum light 27, the light amount of each of the LEDs 20 a to 20 d is designated, Due to the deterioration with time of the R-LED 20d, the light amount of the R light is less than the specified light amount for forming the first multicolor spectrum light 27, and the V light, the B light, and the G light are the first multicolor spectrum light 27. Is assumed to be the emitted multicolor spectrum light 326. In this case, in the light source control unit 22, the temporal deterioration detection unit 304 detects the R-LED 20d as the most deteriorated light source. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 14, the light source control unit 22 deteriorates with time by reducing the light amounts of the V light, the B light, and the G light in accordance with the light amount of the R light emitted by the R-LED 20d. A new first multicolor spectrum light 327 in which the light amount of the R light emitted from the R-LED 20d and the light amounts of the V light, the B light, and the G light are balanced is emitted. That is, when the shortage of the light amount is detected in at least one of the LEDs 20a to 20d, the light source control unit 22 determines the light amount of the LEDs 20a to 20d forming the first multicolor spectrum light 27 with respect to the specified value of the light amount. The light amounts of the remaining light sources are set in accordance with the light amounts of the most deteriorated light sources having the largest shortage of light amounts. Thus, the first multicolor spectrum light 327 in which the balance of each color light is maintained is emitted.

  As described above, the light amount of each color light emitted from each of the LEDs 20a to 20d is detected, and the light amounts of the remaining light sources are set in accordance with the light amounts of the light sources which have deteriorated with time among the LEDs 20a to 20d, thereby obtaining the light source. The control unit 22 can stably emit the first multicolor spectrum light 27 and the second multicolor spectrum light 201 in which the balance of each color light is always maintained by the light source unit 20. Further, according to the above, the first multicolor spectrum lights 27 and 327 and the second multicolor spectrum light 201 in which the balance of each color light is always maintained are stably emitted. In addition, there is no need to recalculate or prepare a plurality of signal processing parameters or image processing parameters used for generating an endoscope image. If there is a color mixture in the color filter of the image sensor 48, the signal processing parameters and image processing parameters used for generating the endoscope image are recalculated or corrected even if a plurality of parameters are prepared. Although it is not possible, the object can always be stably observed in the above manner.

  It is preferable that the light amount detection of each color light performed by the light amount detection unit 301 in the third embodiment is performed at least at the time of calibration. In particular, while the LEDs 20a to 20d are emitting light for observing the observation target, the light amount detection unit 301 repeatedly performs the light amount detection of each color light, feeds back the light amount to the light source control unit 22, and outputs the first light amount in real time. It is preferable to balance the color spectrum light 27 and the like.

[Fourth embodiment]
In the endoscope system 300 of the third embodiment, the deterioration with time of the LEDs 20a to 20d is detected. However, when the accurate first multicolor spectrum light 27 cannot be emitted due to factors other than the deterioration with time of the LEDs 20a to 20d. There is also. In this case, like the endoscope system 400 shown in FIG. 15, the same light amount detection unit 301 as the endoscope system 300 of the third embodiment is provided, and the light source control unit 22 is replaced with the temporal deterioration detection unit 304. Is provided with a verification unit 404.

The verification unit 404 includes a light intensity integrated value S1 _X of the first wavelength band, a light intensity integrated value S2 _X of the second wavelength band, and a light intensity integrated value S3 _X of the third wavelength band of the continuous spectrum light 26 of the xenon lamp to be imitated. Is stored in advance in the light intensity integration value table 406.

The verification unit 404 verifies whether the actually emitted multicolor spectrum light is the first multicolor spectrum light 27 using the light amount integration value table 406 and the detection result of the light amount detection unit 301. Specifically, the verifying unit 404 calculates the light intensity integrated value S1 _E of the first wavelength band using the actual light amount of each of the LEDs 20a to 20d, which is the detection result of the light amount detecting unit 301. A comparison is made with the stored light quantity integrated value S1 _X of the first wavelength band of the continuous spectrum light 26. Similarly, the light intensity integrated value S2 _E of the second wavelength band is calculated and compared with the light intensity integrated value S2 _X of the second wavelength band of the continuous spectrum light 26 stored in the light intensity integrated value table 406 to obtain the third wavelength band. It calculates the amount of light integrated value S3 _E, compared with the light intensity integral value S3 _X in the third wavelength band of the continuous spectrum light 26 stored in the light amount integrated value table 406.

The results of these comparisons, the light amount integrated value to the error of the light amount integrated value S1 _E for light amount integrated value S1 _X of the continuous spectrum light 26, the light amount integrated value S2 _E for light amount integrated value S2 _X error, and the light quantity integrated value S3 _X S3 _If the error of _E is within the allowable range (for example, the error is about 10% or less), the verification unit 404 determines that the first multicolor spectrum light 27 is appropriately emitted. In this case, the light source control unit 22 continues to emit the first multicolor spectrum light 27.

On the other hand, the light amount integrated value S1 _E for light amount integrated value S1 _X of the continuous spectrum light 26 errors, the light amount integrated value S2 _E for light amount integrated value S2 _X error, and the light amount integrated value S3 _E for light amount integrated value S3 _X of the error If any of them is out of the allowable range, the verification unit 404 determines that the appropriate first multicolor spectrum light 27 has not been emitted. In this case, the light source control unit 22 performs feedback control of the LEDs 20a to 20d using the verification result of the verification unit 404. That is, the light source control unit 22, the error of the light amount integrated value S1 _E for light amount integrated value S1 _X of the continuous spectrum light 26 calculated by the verification unit 404, the light amount integrated value S2 _E for light amount integrated value S2 _X error, and the light quantity integration based on an error of the light amount integrated value S3 _E for the value S3 _X, the control to adjust the light amount of each LED20a～20d. Thus, the illumination light is always corrected to the appropriate first multicolor spectrum light 27.

In the endoscope system 400 according to the fourth embodiment, the verification unit 404 determines the error of the light intensity integral S1 _{E with} respect to the light intensity integral S1 _X of the continuous spectrum light 26 and the light intensity integral S2 _{E with} respect to the light intensity integral S2 _X. of well errors, further obtains the error of the light amount integrated value S3 _E for light amount integrated value S3 _X, but the first polychromatic spectrum light 27 appropriate is used to verify whether being light-emitting, light intensity The error of the light intensity integral S1 _{E with} respect to the light intensity integral S1 _X of the continuous spectrum light 26 and the error of the light intensity integral S2 _{E with} respect to the light intensity integral S2 _X are used without using the error of the light intensity integral S3 _{E with} respect to the integral S3 _X. Whether or not the appropriate first multicolor spectrum light 27 is emitted may be verified using the error.

  Also, in the endoscope system 400 of the fourth embodiment, the light amount of each of the LEDs 20a to 20d is detected by the light amount detection unit 301, but each of the LEDs 20a to 20d emits light instead of the light amount of each of the LEDs 20a to 20d. The spectrum of each light may be detected. Also in this case, similarly to the fourth embodiment, it is possible to verify whether the appropriate first multicolor spectrum light 27 is emitted.

  In each of the above embodiments and modifications, the present invention is implemented by the endoscope system that performs observation by inserting the endoscope 12 provided with the imaging sensor 48 into the subject, but the capsule endoscope system However, the present invention is preferred. For example, as shown in FIG. 16, the capsule endoscope system has at least a capsule endoscope 500 and a processor device (not shown).

  The capsule endoscope 500 includes a light source 502, a light source control unit 503, an image sensor 504, an image generation unit 506, and a transmission / reception antenna 508. The light source 502 includes a V-LED that emits violet light V, a B-LED that emits blue light B, a G-LED that emits green light G, and a red light, similarly to the light source unit 20 of each of the above embodiments and modifications. An R-LED that emits light R.

  The light source control unit 503 controls the driving of the light source 502 in the same manner as the light source control unit 22 in each of the above embodiments and modifications. Further, the light source control unit 503 can wirelessly communicate with the processor device of the capsule endoscope system by the transmission / reception antenna 508. The processor device of the capsule endoscope system is almost the same as the processor device 16 of each of the above-described embodiments and modifications, but the image generation unit 506 is provided in the capsule endoscope 500, and the generated endoscope image is Are transmitted to the processor device via the transmission / reception antenna 508. The image sensor 504 is configured similarly to the image sensor 48 of each of the above-described embodiments and modified examples.

  In each of the above-described embodiments and modifications, the light source control unit 22 generates the first multicolor spectrum light 27 that imitates the white light of the xenon lamp. A first multicolor spectrum light 27 that mimics continuous spectrum light may be generated. For example, in a conventional endoscope system, a halogen lamp other than a xenon lamp may be used. The first multicolor spectrum light that imitates a halogen lamp other than a xenon lamp may be generated, and a doctor or the like may be able to select the type of lamp to be imitated. Similarly, a broadband light source combining an excitation light source that emits excitation light and a phosphor that emits fluorescence upon irradiation with the excitation light, or a continuous spectrum light emitted by a broadband light source made of a semiconductor light source can be imitated. The broadband light source that irradiates the phosphor with excitation light emits, for example, an excitation light source that emits ultraviolet light, violet light, or blue light, and a green to yellow light (e.g., ultraviolet, violet, or blue light). Or red) fluorescent material. The broadband light source composed of a semiconductor light source is, for example, a semiconductor light source that generates white light. As described above, even when imitating continuous spectrum light other than the xenon lamp (including pseudo white light that looks substantially white and other non-white light), when imitating the white light of the xenon lamp of the above embodiment. The first multicolor spectrum light can be generated in the same manner as described above.

  In each of the above embodiments and modifications, four-color LEDs of the V-LED 20a, the B-LED 20b, the G-LED 20c, and the R-LED 20d are used, but light emitted by a plurality of light sources used in the endoscope light source device 14 is used. May be other colors and combinations. Further, instead of the LED, another semiconductor light source such as an LD (Laser Diode) may be used.

  In each of the above embodiments and modifications, the observation target is irradiated with the first polychromatic spectrum light 27 adjusted so that the observation target can be observed, similarly to the continuous spectrum light 26 of the xenon lamp. That is, although the xenon lamp is imitated at the stage of the illumination light applied to the observation target, the continuous spectrum light 26 of the xenon lamp may be imitated at the stage of receiving the return light from the observation target by the image sensor 48. As described above, also in the case where the continuous spectrum light 26 of the xenon lamp is imitated at the stage where the return light from the observation target is received by the imaging sensor 48, similarly to the case where the xenon lamp is imitated at the stage of the illumination light irradiated to the observation target Can be obtained from the image sensor 48.

  For example, the light source control unit 22 returns light that enters the imaging sensor 48 when irradiating the first multicolor spectrum light 27 to the observation target and return light that irradiates the observation target with the xenon lamp continuous spectrum light 26. Thus, the light amounts of the LEDs 20a to 20d are controlled such that the light amount integrated values of the first wavelength band and the second wavelength band match. In this way, the continuous spectrum light 26 of xenon can be imitated at the stage of the return light that enters the image sensor 48 from the observation target, and as a result, the case where the continuous spectrum light 26 of the xenon lamp is irradiated on the observation target is obtained. Similarly, the observation target can be observed.

  Further, the light source control unit 22 may control the light amount of each of the LEDs 20a to 20d in consideration of the characteristics of the color filter of each color provided for each pixel of the image sensor 48. Specifically, when irradiating the observation target with the first multicolor spectrum light 27, the light source control unit 22 controls the first color pixel (for example, the B pixel) provided with the first color filter (for example, the B color filter). And the signal obtained at the first pixel when irradiating the observation target with the xenon lamp continuous spectrum light 26, and irradiating the observation target with the first multicolor spectrum light 27 A signal obtained from a second color pixel (for example, a G pixel) provided with a second color filter (for example, a G color filter) and a signal obtained by irradiating a continuous spectrum light 26 of a xenon lamp to an observation target with a second color pixel And the resulting signal. That is, the first wavelength band, the second wavelength band, and the third wavelength band of each of the above embodiments are set to the wavelength bands of the RGB color sensors of the image sensor 48.

  In this case, the signal obtained from the first color pixel is the integrated light amount in the first wavelength band, the signal obtained from the second color pixel is the integrated light amount in the second wavelength band, and the signal obtained from the third color pixel is obtained. The signal obtained is an integrated light amount value of the third wavelength band. For this reason, the signal obtained by the first color pixel is referred to as an integrated light amount value obtained by the first color pixel. Similarly, a signal obtained by the second color pixel is called an integrated light amount value obtained by the second color pixel, and a signal obtained by the third color pixel is called an integrated light amount value obtained by the third color pixel. The light intensity integrated value of each color pixel is a value including the exposure time of each pixel (a value obtained by integrating with time), but has substantially the same role as the light intensity integrated value of the above-described embodiment and modified examples. Even when the exposure time is different for each of the first color pixel, the second color pixel, and the third color pixel, the integrated light amount value obtained for each pixel is adjusted in consideration of the exposure time of each pixel up to the exposure time.

[Appendix]
A light source unit that has a plurality of light sources that independently emit light of different colors, and emits a first multicolor spectrum light having a first multicolor spectrum in which the light emitted by the plurality of light sources is superimposed;
A first color pixel provided with a first color filter; and a second color pixel provided with a second color filter different from the first color filter. An imaging sensor for imaging the irradiated observation target;
Controlling the plurality of light sources, and irradiating the observation target with a light intensity integrated value obtained by the first color pixel of the image sensor when the first multicolor spectrum light is irradiated onto the observation target; In this case, the light quantity integral value obtained by the first color pixel of the image sensor is matched, and the second color pixel of the image sensor is irradiated when the first multicolor spectrum light is irradiated on the observation target. And a light source control unit that matches the light intensity integrated value obtained at step 2 and the light intensity integrated value obtained at the second color pixel of the image sensor when the observation target is irradiated with continuous spectrum light.
An endoscope system comprising:

10, 100, 210, 300, 400 Endoscope system 20 Light source unit 22 Light source control unit 25, 326 Multicolor spectrum light 26 Continuous spectrum light 27, 327 First multicolor spectrum light 201 Second multicolor spectrum light 212 Endoscope Mirror model detecting unit 301 Light amount detecting unit 304 Aging deterioration detecting unit 404 Verification unit 406 Light amount integral value table 500 Capsule endoscope

Claims (15)

A light source unit that has a plurality of light sources that independently emit light of different colors, and emits a first multicolor spectrum light having a first multicolor spectrum in which the light emitted by the plurality of light sources is superimposed;
The quantity integrated value of the first wavelength band before Symbol first polychromatic spectrum light, white light source to match the light amount integrated value of the first wavelength band of the continuous spectrum light is white light emitted, and the first The light intensity of each of the plurality of light sources is adjusted so that the light intensity integral of a second wavelength band different from the first wavelength band of the polychromatic spectrum light coincides with the light intensity integral of the second wavelength band of the continuous spectrum light. A light source control unit for controlling;
A light amount detection unit that detects a light amount of light emitted by the plurality of light sources,
With
The light source control unit uses the detection result of the light amount detection unit to determine, among the plurality of light sources, a maximum deterioration in which the shortage of the light amount is the largest with respect to a designated value of the light amount forming the first multicolor spectrum light. An endoscope light source device that sets the light amounts of the remaining light sources according to the light amounts of the light sources.   The endoscope light source device according to claim 1, wherein the white light is light emitted from a xenon lamp.   The endoscope light source device according to claim 1, wherein the first wavelength band is a wavelength band combining a violet wavelength band and a blue wavelength band, and the second wavelength band is a green wavelength band. The plurality of light sources include a purple light source that emits purple light, and a blue light source that emits blue light.
The endoscope light source device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first wavelength band of the first multicolor spectrum light is a wavelength band including the violet light and the blue light.   The light source control unit may further include, in addition to the first wavelength band and the second wavelength band, a third wavelength band different from the first wavelength band and the second wavelength band of the first multicolor spectrum light. The endoscope light source device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein an integrated light amount value and an integrated light amount value of the continuous spectrum light in the third wavelength band are matched.   The endoscope light source device according to claim 5, wherein the third wavelength band is a red wavelength band. The light source unit emits, by the plurality of light sources, a second polychromatic spectrum light having a second polychromatic spectrum having a different spectral spectrum from the first polychromatic spectrum light and the continuous spectrum light,
The light source control unit sets a light quantity integral of the second multicolor spectrum light in the first wavelength band larger than a light quantity integral of the continuous spectrum light in the first wavelength band, and The endoscope light source device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein a light intensity integrated value of the second wavelength band of the color spectrum light is made to match a light intensity integrated value of the second wavelength band of the continuous spectrum light. .   The endoscope light source device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the light amount detection unit repeatedly detects a light amount of light emitted by the plurality of light sources while the plurality of light sources emits light. .   The light intensity integral of the first multicolor spectrum light in the first wavelength band matches the light intensity integral of the continuous spectrum light in the first wavelength band, and the second wavelength band of the first multicolor spectrum light The endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a verification unit configured to verify whether or not the integrated light amount of the continuous spectrum light is equal to the integrated amount of light in the second wavelength band. Light source device.   The endoscope light source device according to claim 9, wherein the light source control unit controls the plurality of light sources using a result of the verification by the verification unit. A light source unit that has a plurality of light sources that independently emit light of different colors, and emits a first multicolor spectrum light having a first multicolor spectrum in which the light emitted by the plurality of light sources is superimposed;
The quantity integrated value of the first wavelength band before Symbol first polychromatic spectrum light, white light source to match the light amount integrated value of the first wavelength band of the continuous spectrum light is white light emitted, and the first The light intensity of each of the plurality of light sources is adjusted so that the light intensity integral of a second wavelength band different from the first wavelength band of the polychromatic spectrum light coincides with the light intensity integral of the second wavelength band of the continuous spectrum light. A light source control unit for controlling;
A light amount detection unit that detects a light amount of light emitted by the plurality of light sources,
With
The light source control unit uses the detection result of the light amount detection unit to determine, among the plurality of light sources, a maximum deterioration in which the shortage of the light amount is the largest with respect to a designated value of the light amount forming the first multicolor spectrum light. An endoscope system that sets the light intensity of the remaining light sources according to the light intensity of the light source. The light source unit emits, by the plurality of light sources, a second polychromatic spectrum light having a second polychromatic spectrum having a different spectral spectrum from the first polychromatic spectrum light and the continuous spectrum light,
The light source control unit sets a light quantity integral of the second multicolor spectrum light in the first wavelength band larger than a light quantity integral of the continuous spectrum light in the first wavelength band, and The endoscope system according to claim 11, wherein an integral value of the light amount of the second wavelength band of the color spectrum light is made equal to an integral value of the light amount of the second wavelength band of the continuous spectrum light. An endoscope model detection unit that detects the model of the connected endoscope and inputs the detection result to the light source control unit,
The light source control unit, by the endoscope model detected by the endoscope model detection unit, the light emitted by the light source unit, the first multicolor spectrum light and the second multicolor spectrum light The endoscope system according to claim 12, which is switched.   The light source control unit, when the model of the endoscope is a model used with the continuous spectrum light, the light emitted by the light source unit to the first polychromatic spectrum light, and, of the endoscope 14. The endoscope system according to claim 13, wherein when the model is not the model used for the continuous spectrum light, the light emitted from the light source unit is the second multicolor spectrum light. A light source unit having a plurality of light sources that independently emit light of different colors, and a light source unit that emits a first multicolor spectrum light having a first multicolor spectrum obtained by superimposing light emitted by the plurality of light sources; In a method of operating an endoscope light source device having a light amount detection unit that detects a light amount of light emitted by each of the plurality of light sources,
Light source control unit, a light intensity integral value of the first wavelength band before Symbol first polychromatic spectrum light, white light source to match the light amount integrated value of the first wavelength band of the continuous spectrum light is white light emitted, and, wherein the plurality of light intensity integral value of a different second wavelength band from the first wavelength band of the first polychromatic spectrum light, to so that to match the light amount integrated value of the second wavelength band of the continuous spectrum light Controlling the respective light amounts of the light sources to emit the first polychromatic spectrum light;
The light source control unit uses the detection result of the light amount detection unit to determine, among the plurality of light sources, a maximum deterioration in which the shortage of the light amount is the largest with respect to a designated value of the light amount forming the first multicolor spectrum light. Setting the light intensity of the remaining light sources according to the light intensity of the light source;
An operation method of an endoscope light source device comprising:

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