JPH10155736A - Signal processing apparatus for endoscope - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily input information such as patient data without performing complicated operations such as key board inputting when diagnosis is performed and to reduce burden of an operator. SOLUTION: An image signal photographed by a CCD 4 of an endoscope 1 is signal-processed by means of a video processor 2 and a diagnostic image is displayed on a monitor 3. When diagnosis is performed and bar codes contg. patient data attached on a chart are photographed by means of the endoscope 1, brightness signal is separated and formed from this photographed signal by a brightness-color separating circuit 8 and a brightness signal processing circuit 10 and is inputted into a CPU 14 through an A/D converter 13. Then, the patient data is discriminated based on a bar code information extracted from the brightness signal in the CPU 14 and it is superimposed with an endoscope diagnostic image in a superimposing circuit 12 and this endoscope diagnostic image superimposed with this patient data is displayed on the monitor 3.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a signal processing device for an endoscope having a data input processing function for inputting and displaying patient information and the like during an endoscope diagnosis.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art At the time of endoscopic diagnosis, a nurse or the like inputs patient data with reference to a patient's medical record and uses the data for identification of diagnostic images. Generally, such patient data is input by inputting information such as a patient's name, date of birth, and gender using a keyboard connected to a processor or a control unit of the electronic endoscope apparatus. The data is displayed on the monitor for observation together with the diagnostic image of the endoscope.

[0003] In endoscopic diagnosis, diagnostic images are always recorded by a photograph or a color printer. At the time of group examination, patient data is diagnosed to diagnose a large number of patients at once. It plays an important role as identification means when organizing and storing images.

[0004] At the time of mass examination, it is necessary to diagnose a large number of patients at once, and during that time, many tasks such as exchanging an endoscope, cleaning the endoscope, exchanging a film after photographing, exchanging a video tape of a VTR, and the like. It is necessary to do. It is burdensome for the operator to input patient data to be displayed on the endoscope diagnostic image between these operations, and it is desired to simplify the input operation.

[0005] Also, in hospitals and the like that are opened by individuals,
Although the number of diagnoses performed per day is small, all operations such as setting equipment, setting switches, and changing films must be performed by a small number of people. In such a facility, inputting patient data is as simple as possible. What is desired is a compound.

[0006]

As described above, in a group examination of an endoscope, it is necessary to input a large amount of patient data while performing many operations for each diagnosis. Entering patient data is a very complicated operation, which increases the burden on the operator, and is an obstacle to smooth diagnosis. In addition, in a private hospital or the like, it is necessary for a small number of people to prepare for the endoscope diagnosis, and in such a facility, the input operation of the patient data is a burden on the operator.

The present invention has been made in view of these circumstances, and allows information such as patient data to be easily input without performing complicated operations such as keyboard input.
An object of the present invention is to provide an endoscope signal processing device capable of reducing the burden on an operator.

[0008]

An endoscope signal processing apparatus according to the present invention is a signal processing apparatus for processing an image signal obtained from an endoscope image pickup means. Bar code information discriminating means for extracting bar code information based on the picked-up image signal, and control means for controlling an operation state based on the bar code information extracted by the bar code information discriminating means.

[0009]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. 1 to 7 relate to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a main part of an electronic endoscope apparatus including a signal processing device, and FIG. 2 is an external configuration of the electronic endoscope apparatus. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of the keyboard, FIG. 4 is a plan view showing an arrangement of keys on the keyboard, FIG. 5 is an explanatory view showing an example of a bar code for inputting patient data, and FIG. Is an operation explanatory diagram showing a signal waveform at the time of bar code input, and FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a diagnostic image display screen on a monitor.

An electronic endoscope apparatus according to the present embodiment includes an endoscope 1 having an image sensor, and a signal processing apparatus connected to the endoscope 1 for controlling the endoscope 1 and processing video signals. And a monitor 3 connected to the video processor 2 and displaying an endoscope diagnostic image. At the distal end of the endoscope 1, a CCD 4 as an image pickup device is provided. A signal line connected to the CCD 4 is connected to a patient circuit provided inside the endoscope 1 and provided in the video processor 2. 5.

The patient circuit 5 separates an internal circuit of the endoscope 1 which comes into contact with the patient's body from other circuits in the video processor 2, and has an amplification circuit and an insulation circuit. , These circuits are insulated from the ground of the video processor 2. The output of the patient circuit 5 is input to the noise reduction circuit 6, and the pre-processing circuit 7, the luminance / color signal separation circuit 8, the color signal processing circuit 9, and the luminance A signal processing circuit 10 is provided.

The noise reduction circuit 6 performs a noise reduction process on the output signal from the CCD 4 (CCD output signal), and the output of the noise reduction circuit 6 is input to a pre-processing circuit 7. In the pre-process circuit 7, automatic gain control (AGC) of the CCD output signal is performed, and the output of the pre-process circuit 7 is input to the luminance / color signal separation circuit 8. In the luminance / color signal separation circuit 8, the CCD output signal is separated into a chrominance signal and a luminance signal, and the separated signals are input to a chrominance signal processing circuit 9 and a luminance signal processing circuit 10, respectively.

Color signal processing circuit 9 and luminance signal processing circuit 1
An encoder 11 and a superimpose circuit 12 are provided at a stage subsequent to 0, and the output of the superimpose circuit 12 is supplied to the monitor 3. The color signal processing circuit 9 performs signal processing on a color signal, and the luminance signal processing circuit 10 performs signal processing on a luminance signal. The processed color signal and luminance signal are converted into image signals by an encoder 11, and a superimpose circuit 12 And then output to the monitor 3 as a video signal such as NTSC, for example.

A CPU 14 is connected to the luminance signal processing circuit 10 via an A / D converter 13. This C
A memory 15 storing character data and the like is connected to the PU 14, and the CPU 14 is also connected to the superimpose circuit 12. The output of the luminance signal processing circuit 10 is converted into a digital signal by the A / D converter 13 and input to the CPU 14, where bar code information is detected based on the luminance signal. In addition, the CPU 14
The keyboard 18 is connected via the O port 28.

The electronic endoscope apparatus configured as described above is
As shown in FIG. 2, an endoscope 1, a video processor 2, and a monitor 3 are mounted on a cart 16 to constitute an endoscope system. The cart 16 is equipped with a light source device 17 for illuminating an observation site together with the video processor 2. Further, a keyboard 18 for inputting patient data and displaying the data on the monitor 3 is connected to the video processor 2.

FIG. 3 shows the appearance of the keyboard 18 and FIG.
Shows the key arrangement. A black neon 19 is provided at the upper end of the keyboard 18 as shown in FIG. 3, and even in a dark endoscope room, the white portions on the keys are illuminated by the black neon 19 so that each key can be easily recognized. ing.

Further, as shown in FIG.
Of these keys, the upper keys are formed in other shapes than square. These keys are different in shape from each other in a portion that is convex and protrudes from the base, so that the keys can be identified by a tactile sensation. For example,
Since the shift screen key 20 has a round shape and the system setting key 21 has a square shape, the key can be identified by a tactile sensation.

Further, the numeric keypad 22 of the keyboard 18
Is provided with a projection corresponding to a number on the surface of the key, has a shape that can be distinguished by a tactile sensation, and is devised so that an erroneous operation hardly occurs. For example, the number 1 on the numeric keypad
Has two projections, and two has two projections, so that it can be easily identified by tactile sensation.

When performing endoscopic diagnosis using the electronic endoscope apparatus of the present embodiment, the operator operates the bar code reading mode key 23 provided on the keyboard 18 before inputting patient data. Press to instruct reading of barcode information. With this operation, an operation signal is input to the CPU 14 of the video processor 2, and the electronic endoscope apparatus enters a barcode reading mode under the control of the CPU 14.

Then, a bar code 24 including patient data as shown in FIG. 5 is attached to the patient's chart, and the bar code 24 is imaged and read by the CCD 4 at the end of the endoscope 1, and an electric signal is read. Convert to This barcode 24
Contains the ID number (identification number), patient name, gender,
Patient data such as date of birth is included.

The output signal of the CCD 4 is output to the video processor 2.
After being amplified by the patient circuit 5, the CCD output signal is input to the luminance / color signal separation circuit 8 through the noise reduction circuit 6 and the pre-processing circuit 7, It is separated into a luminance signal and a chrominance signal.

Since a read signal at the time of reading the bar code can be obtained from a luminance signal of a captured image, in the present embodiment, the luminance signal is read from the luminance signal processing circuit 10 to the A / D converter 13 as a read signal. To enter. As shown in FIG. 6, the luminance signal YB is output from the A / D converter 1
At 3, the digital signal is converted into a digital signal by binarizing it at the slice level SL or sampling at a predetermined time interval, and is sent to the CPU 14 as an A / D conversion output as shown in the lower part of the figure. The A / D conversion output is a serial bit string with respect to the time axis, and this bit string data is taken into the CPU 14 as bar code input data.

When the CPU 14 receives the bar code input data, it accesses the memory 15 to read out character data corresponding to the bar code information and outputs it to the superimpose circuit 12. The superimpose circuit 12 superimposes the image signal of the character data from the CPU 14 on the video signal of the endoscopic diagnosis image output from the encoder 11 at the time of diagnosis, so that the patient data included in the bar code information read from the medical chart. Is superimposed on the endoscope diagnostic image, and this video signal is output to the monitor 3.

As a result, as shown in FIG.
Is displayed on the display screen 25 next to the endoscope diagnostic image 26.
Patient data 27 such as a number, patient name, gender, age, and date of birth are displayed.

In the present embodiment, a bar code including patient data such as a patient's name, gender, age, and date of birth is attached to a medical chart, and the bar code is read by an endoscope without using a keyboard. Patient data can be input easily, so complicated input operations are not required during diagnosis.
The burden on the operator can be reduced. Further, since it is not necessary to prepare a dedicated barcode reader, it is possible to slightly suppress an increase in apparatus cost due to the addition of the barcode reading means.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. 8 and 9 are diagrams showing display screens on a monitor in the electronic endoscope apparatus according to the second embodiment,
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a selection screen of a system setting menu,
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an input screen in the patient data input mode.

Since the configuration of the apparatus is the same as that of the above-described first embodiment, the description is omitted here, and the operation and operation at the time of diagnosis will be described. In the second embodiment, before performing the endoscope diagnosis, the operator presses the system setting key 21 on the keyboard 18 and selects the patient data input mode from the menu selection screen 31 shown in FIG. Then, when data such as an ID number, a patient's name, gender, date of birth, and the like are input from the keyboard 18 or the like as patient data, the input patient data is displayed on the data input screen 32 as shown in FIG.

The input patient data is stored in the memory 13 in the video processor 2. As the operator repeats the above-described patient data input operation for a plurality of patients, the memory 13 stores respective patient data corresponding to the ID number of each patient.

When performing endoscopic diagnosis, the patient's ID
A bar code of the number is attached to the patient's chart, and the bar code data is read by the endoscope 1 and sent to the video processor 2. As in the first embodiment, the video processor 2 converts the luminance signal of the CCD output signal into a digital signal, captures the value as barcode input data into the CPU 14, and uses the barcode input data, that is, the ID number data, as a basis. To the memory 15.

The CPU 14 stores data such as the patient's name, gender, and date of birth corresponding to the ID number data in the memory 1.
5 and reads out the corresponding character data and outputs it to the superimpose circuit 12 as character data of the patient data. Thereby, the superimpose circuit 12
7, the patient data is superimposed on the video signal of the endoscope diagnosis image and output to the monitor 3, and the monitor 3 displays the ID number, the patient name, and the like next to the endoscope diagnosis image 26 as shown in FIG. Patient data 27 such as gender, age, and date of birth are displayed.

As described above, in the second embodiment, the patient data is input in advance and stored in the video processor, and a bar code including the patient ID number data is attached to the chart, and the bar code is stored in the internal memory. By reading with an endoscope, patient data can be easily input without using a keyboard at the time of diagnosis, so that the burden on the operator can be reduced.

As described above, according to each of the above-described embodiments, by reading the patient data of the barcode attached to the medical chart by the electronic endoscope, the trouble of inputting the patient data can be simplified. Thus, the diagnosis time can be reduced, and the number of personnel involved in the diagnosis can be reduced. Further, since the endoscope also serves as a scanner for reading barcodes, a dedicated barcode reader is not required, and an increase in apparatus cost due to the addition of barcode reading means can be prevented.

[Additional remarks] (1) In an endoscope signal processing device for processing an image signal obtained from an endoscope imaging means, a bar code is generated based on the imaging signal output from the endoscope imaging means. An endoscope signal processing device comprising: bar code information determining means for extracting information; and control means for controlling an operation state based on the bar code information extracted by the bar code information determining means. .

(2) The signal processing device for an endoscope according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein the control means has a function of determining patient information based on the barcode information.

(3) The endoscope according to appendix 1, wherein the control means obtains an information signal relating to the patient information based on the bar code information and outputs a patient information display signal which can be displayed on a monitor. For signal processing.

(4) The endoscope according to appendix 1, wherein the control means obtains an information signal relating to the patient information based on the barcode information and outputs a recordable patient information signal to the recording means. Signal processing device for mirror.

(5) The signal processing apparatus for an endoscope according to appendix 1, wherein the control means operates in response to a bar code information input instruction.

(6) In an endoscope signal processing device for processing an image signal obtained from the endoscope image pickup means, input data of patient information based on the image signal output from the endoscope image pickup means. Bar code information discriminating means for extracting bar code information including, and control means for discriminating patient information from the bar code information extracted by the bar code information discriminating means, and controlling an operation state based on the patient information. A signal processing device for an endoscope, comprising:

(7) In an endoscope signal processing device for processing an imaging signal obtained from the endoscope imaging means, input data information is extracted based on the imaging signal output from the endoscope imaging means. A signal processing device for an endoscope, comprising: an input information discriminating unit that performs an operation state control based on the input data information extracted by the input information discriminating unit.

(8) In an endoscope signal processing device for processing an image signal obtained from an endoscope imaging means, a periodic change in the imaging signal output from the endoscope imaging means is detected. Signal for an endoscope, comprising: a change state detecting means for detecting the input data information included in the imaging signal according to an output of the change state detecting means. Processing equipment.

(9) In an endoscope signal processing device for processing an image signal obtained from an endoscope image pickup means, a luminance for separating a luminance signal from an image signal output from the endoscope image pickup means. A signal separating unit, a change state detecting unit that detects a change state of the luminance signal separated by the luminance signal separating unit, and an input data information included in the imaging signal according to an output of the change state detecting unit. A signal processing device for an endoscope, comprising: input information determining means for determining.

(10) The signal processing device for an endoscope according to appendix 8 or 9, wherein the input data information is barcode information obtained by imaging a barcode.

(11) The endoscope signal processing device according to appendix 8 or 9, further comprising control means for controlling an operation state in accordance with a result of the determination by the input information determining means.

(12) In an endoscope signal processing device for processing an imaging signal obtained from an endoscope imaging means, a luminance for separating a luminance signal from an imaging signal output from the endoscope imaging means. A signal separating unit, input information determining unit that determines input data information included in the imaging signal based on the luminance signal separated by the luminance signal separating unit, and input data information extracted by the input information determining unit. A signal processing device for an endoscope, comprising: control means for controlling an operation state based on the signal.

(13) In an endoscope signal processing device for processing an image signal obtained from the endoscope imaging means, the endoscope imaging means obtains an image of a bar code containing patient information. Input information detection means for detecting input data information included in the imaging signal based on the imaging signal,
A signal processing device for an endoscope, comprising: patient information determining means for determining patient information from the input data information extracted by the input information detecting means.

(14) In an endoscope signal processing device for processing an imaging signal obtained from an endoscope imaging means, data input means for inputting patient information, and storage for storing the input patient information Means, and input information detecting means for detecting input data information contained in the image signal based on an image signal obtained by imaging a barcode including identification information of the patient information by the endoscope image means; Identification information discriminating means for discriminating identification information from the input data information extracted by the input information detecting means, and identification information from the patient information stored in the storage means based on the identification information extracted by the identification information discriminating means. A signal processing device for an endoscope, comprising: patient information search means for searching for information corresponding to information.

[0047]

As described above, according to the present invention, information such as patient data can be easily input without performing complicated operations such as keyboard input, and the burden on the operator can be reduced. There is an effect that becomes possible.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a main part of an electronic endoscope apparatus including a signal processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view showing an external configuration of the electronic endoscope apparatus.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of a keyboard.

FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the arrangement of keys on a keyboard.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a barcode for inputting patient data.

FIG. 6 is an operation explanatory diagram showing a signal waveform when a bar code is input.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory view showing a diagnostic image display screen on a monitor.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a selection screen of a system setting menu.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an input screen in a patient data input mode.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Endoscope 2 ... Video processor 3 ... Monitor 4 ... CCD 8 ... Luminance / color signal separation circuit 9 ... Color signal processing circuit 10 ... Luminance signal processing circuit 12 ... Superimpose circuit 13 ... A / D converter 14 ... CPU 15 ... Memory 18 ... Keyboard

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. An endoscope signal processing device for processing an image signal obtained from an endoscope image pickup means, wherein barcode information is extracted based on an image signal output from the endoscope image pickup means. An endoscope signal processing device, comprising: bar code information determining means; and control means for controlling an operation state based on the bar code information extracted by the bar code information determining means.