JPH10248802A - Video endoscope device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a video endoscope device capable of outputting a warning for protecting a subject against heat. SOLUTION: A TV camera 3 having built-in CCD 24 is fixed to a hard endoscope 2, the CCD 24 outputs image pick-up signals photoelectrially converted by application of CCD drive signal from a CCD driver 3 in a CCU 5 to a video processing circuit 32. Generated luminance signal Y is input into a dimming detection circuit 33 to operate an element shutter function to make the luminance average value coincide with the luminance target value. A warning control signal C is output to a warning output circuit 34 when the shutter speed is faster than the shutter speed threshold value and warning letters 41 are displayed on a monitor screen 6A for giving warning to the operator to protect the subject against heat.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a video endoscope apparatus having an image pickup means and displaying a picked-up subject image on a monitor.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent video endoscope apparatuses, with the diversification of observation targets, the brightness of a light source apparatus has been improved to expand the total dynamic range.

As a single dimming means included in such a light source device, it becomes difficult to control the aperture at the near point observation, and as shown in FIG. 8, a device is devised for stabilizing characteristics near the aperture stop. Some have been made.

That is, as shown in FIG. 8 (A), a substantially wedge-shaped notch is provided at the distal end of the stop or dimming plate 81 whose base end is rotated, and a portion around the notch is provided. To block the light flux 82.

The base end of the light control plate 81 is attached to a pulley 83 or the like, and is rotatably supported together with the pulley 83. The other end of a belt 84 having one end wrapped around the pulley 83 is connected to an Archimedes provided on a rotating member 85. The rotary member 85 is wound around a spiral 86 and rotated by a motor 87 as shown in FIG. The belt 84 is adjusted so that the belt 84 does not become too loose on the drum 88.

The Archimedes spiral 86 is formed such that its spiral (spiral groove) has a small radius of curvature on the center side (starting point side), and the radius of curvature increases toward the outer peripheral side.

In the vicinity of the aperture stop, the belt 84 is stretched around the starting point of the Archimedes spiral 86. In the vicinity of the stop, the light control plate 81 is rotated with respect to the rotation angle of the motor 87 to block the light. The amount of movement is reduced so that the amount of light near the aperture stop can be reduced in a nearly linear state.

[0008] In addition to the dimming means for adjusting the amount of illumination light as described above, there is a type in which means for adjusting the amount of light by adjusting the amount of imaging light on the imaging means side is formed. For example, by providing an element shutter for controlling the imaging period of the image sensor or an auto iris on the front surface of the image sensor and combining with light control of the light source device, the total dynamic range can be expanded.

On the other hand, a video endoscope apparatus is constituted by combining a light source apparatus having a simplified dimming function for manually adjusting the aperture according to the use environment and peripheral devices such as a camera control unit. In some cases, endoscopy is performed.

In the case where the means for adjusting the amount of image light is provided on the image pickup means side, a light source device having a simplified function or a combination in which dimming control cannot be linked with the dimming function of the light source device. In addition, there is an advantage that an appropriate observation image can be obtained by setting an imaging light amount suitable for imaging independently of the light source device. In addition, when linked with the dimming function on the light source device side, a wide dynamic range can be realized in total.

[0011]

However, in the video endoscope apparatus having the above-described light control means, when the light amount from the light source is strong, the means for increasing or decreasing the light amount does not work preferentially. Depending on the method of use such as observation for a long time, the subject may be burned or deformed.

(Object of the Invention) The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and in the case of dimming means in which the increase or decrease of the illumination light amount on the light source side is not prioritized, a warning for protecting the object from heat is output. It is an object of the present invention to provide a video endoscope apparatus which can be used.

[0013]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In a video endoscope apparatus provided with dimming means in which the increase or decrease in the amount of illumination light is not prioritized, a warning means for outputting a warning is provided for protecting a subject from heat by providing an element shutter. In the dimming means by function,
When the speed of the element shutter becomes faster than a certain value, the light adjusting means using the auto iris is likely to be close to the subject when the aperture value of the auto iris is closed below a certain value. Judge and output warning.

[0014]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. (First Embodiment) FIGS. 1 to 3 relate to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1 shows an overall configuration of a video endoscope apparatus according to the first embodiment, and FIG. FIG. 3 shows a configuration of a dimming detection circuit, and FIG. 3 shows a configuration of a warning output circuit.

As shown in FIG. 1, a video endoscope apparatus 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention is connected to a rigid endoscope 2 and detachably connected to the rigid endoscope 2, and includes an imaging means. A built-in television camera 3, a light source device 4 for supplying illumination light to the rigid endoscope 2, and a camera control unit (hereinafter, referred to as a camera control unit) connected to the television camera 3 and performing signal processing on imaging means.
CCU 5) and a monitor 6 for displaying a video signal output from the CCU 5.

The rigid endoscope 2 has a rigid insertion portion 8 inserted into the body cavity by being guided by the insertion of the trocar 7 or the like, a grip portion 9 provided at the rear end of the insertion portion 8, and a grip portion. Part 9
And an eyepiece 11 provided at the rear end, a light guide base is provided on the gripper 9, and one end of a light guide cable 13 into which the light guide is inserted is connected.

The light guide connector 14 at the other end of the light guide cable 13 is detachably connected to the light source device 4. In the light source device 4, the illumination light of the lamp 16 emitted by the lamp driving power supply from the lamp driving circuit 15 is condensed by the condenser lens 17 and illuminated on the end face of the light guide connector 14, and the emitted illumination light is transmitted by the light guide. Is done.

The transmitted illumination light is transmitted from a light guide base by a light guide (not shown) in the rigid endoscope 2, is emitted forward from an illumination window at the distal end surface of the insertion section 8, and is exposed to a subject such as an organ 18 in front. To illuminate.

The illuminated object forms an object image at an image forming position by an objective lens (not shown) attached to an observation window provided adjacent to the illumination window. This subject image is transmitted to the rear side by a relay lens system inserted into the insertion section 8, and the transmitted image can be observed with the naked eye via an eyepiece provided in the eyepiece 11.

When the television camera 3 is connected to the eyepiece section 11, the imaging lens 2 provided opposite the eyepiece lens is provided.
3, an object image is formed at the image forming position, and for example, a charge-coupled device (hereinafter, referred to as an image pickup device) arranged at the image forming position
(Abbreviated as CCD) 24. This CCD
Reference numeral 24 is connected to one end of a signal line 25. The signal line 25 is inserted through a camera cable 26, and the other end reaches an electric contact of an electric connector 27.

The electric connector 27 is detachably connected to the CCU 5. The CCU 5 drives the CCD 24.
A D driver 31, a video processing circuit 32 that performs signal processing on an imaging signal output from the CCD 24 to generate a video signal, and a luminance signal Y output from the video processing circuit 32, set an imaging time suitable for observation. And a dimming detection circuit 33 that generates a shutter speed setting signal SV that automatically sets an imaging light amount (incident light amount) incident on the CCD 24 to an appropriate value according to an imaging time set by the shutter speed setting signal SV. Set to.

In the present embodiment, the object
A warning unit is provided for the purpose of protecting a state in which a burn or a thermal deformation may be caused by the illumination light of excessive intensity. For example, a warning generating means is provided in the CCU 4, and a warning is displayed on the monitor 6 serving as a warning display means.

More specifically, the subject is irradiated with excessive illumination light, and a state in which there is a high possibility of being burned or thermally deformed is determined by the dimming detection circuit 33, and the warning control signal C is sent to the warning output circuit 34. The warning output circuit 34 displays a warning on the monitor screen 6A.

FIG. 2 shows the configuration of the dimming detection circuit 33 that outputs the warning control signal C. The luminance signal Y from the video processor circuit 32 is input to a luminance average value calculation circuit 35, for example, an average value of the luminance signal per one frame period of the video signal or several periods thereof is calculated by an integration circuit or the like. It is input to the comparator 36.

The comparator 36 receives the luminance target value from the luminance target value setting circuit 37, compares the two values, and outputs an error signal corresponding to the amount of deviation from the luminance target value to set the shutter speed. The shutter speed setting circuit 38 outputs to the CCD driver 31 a shutter speed setting signal SV for setting a shutter speed according to the input error signal.

In response to the shutter speed setting signal SV, the CCD driver 31 outputs a CCD drive signal so that an image pickup period corresponding to the shutter speed of the shutter speed setting signal SV is obtained, and discharges (or discards) unnecessary charges. ) Discharge drive signal to CCD 24
To make the element shutter function.

The shutter speed setting signal SV is input to a comparator 39 and compared with a shutter speed threshold value from a shutter speed threshold value setting circuit 40. If the shutter speed is set to a value smaller than the shutter speed threshold value, The comparator 39 outputs the warning control signal C to the warning output circuit 34.

The warning output circuit 34 outputs a warning character 4 displayed on the monitor screen 6A by the warning control signal C as shown in FIG.
1) a character generator 42 for generating a character signal, a superimposing circuit 43 for superimposing the character signal with a video signal V corresponding to a subject image, and buffering a video signal output from the superimposing circuit 43. The video buffer circuit 44 amplifies and outputs a video signal V 'in which a character signal is superimposed (when the warning control signal C is output).

In the present embodiment, the luminance target value and the shutter speed threshold can be set from the operation panel 45, for example. An instruction signal S1 for instructing a luminance target value by a luminance target value setting keyboard or a selection switch of the operation panel 45 is transmitted to the luminance target value setting circuit 37.
Can be output to

The luminance target value setting circuit 37 is formed of, for example, a non-volatile memory and stores a standard luminance target value in advance. If the luminance target value is not changed, the standard luminance target value is output. You.

When the surgeon wants to change to a luminance target value suitable for the operator's observation, he can set a luminance target value different from the standard luminance target value or register the luminance target value. Like that. The instruction signal S1 is used to display an average luminance value of the subject image at a luminance target value suitable for observation by an operator who actually performs endoscopy.

The shutter speed threshold setting circuit 40 is also formed of, for example, a non-volatile memory and stores a standard shutter speed threshold in advance. If the shutter speed threshold is not changed, the standard shutter speed threshold is set. Is output.

When the operator wishes to register a shutter speed threshold value different from the standard shutter speed threshold value, the operator can register the shutter speed threshold value by using, for example, a shutter speed threshold value setting keyboard or a registration switch on the operation panel 5. it can.

When performing an endoscopic examination, the surgeon outputs an instruction signal S2 to the shutter speed threshold setting circuit 40 for instructing the operation at a shutter speed threshold different from the standard shutter speed threshold. Thus, the operation can be performed at the shutter speed threshold value selected by the operator who actually performs the endoscopy.

The timing signal at which the CCD driver 31 outputs the CCD drive signal is input to the video processing circuit 32, and the CCD signal is output even when the imaging time is changed.
Signal processing is performed on the image pickup signal output from 24 and is temporarily stored in a memory (not shown) in the video process circuit 32. Then, a signal outputted from the CCD 24 by the ejection drive signal after the CCD drive signal is not stored in the memory, that is, the signal is ejected.

Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described. In the present embodiment configured as described above, for example, the insertion portion 8 of the rigid endoscope 2 is inserted into the abdominal cavity 46 using the trocar 7 as a guide, and the subject such as the organ 18 to be observed or treated in the abdominal cavity 46 is treated. Observe.

When treatment is required, a treatment instrument is inserted through a trocar or the like, and the affected tissue is collected with the treatment instrument under observation by the rigid endoscope 2, that is, while observing the monitor screen 6A. And resection of polyps.

In this case, if the distal end of the insertion portion 8 is set to be moved near the surface of the organ 18 in order to observe the part being treated in more detail, the light amount of the illumination light is unchanged in this embodiment. (Constant), the level of the luminance signal Y increases.

In the dimming detection circuit 33 to which the luminance signal Y is input, the average value is calculated by the luminance average value calculation circuit 35, and the average value is input to the comparator 36. In this case, since the average value has increased, the comparator 36 outputs to the shutter speed setting circuit 38 an error signal indicating that the luminance value is considerably larger than the luminance target value 37. Therefore, the shutter speed setting circuit 38 increases the shutter speed. The shutter speed setting signal SV is output to the CCD driver 31.

Then, the CCD driver 31 shortens the imaging time so that the average luminance value of the luminance signal Y matches the luminance target value, and the subject image is displayed with appropriate brightness on the monitor screen 6A. State is maintained.

The shutter speed setting signal SV is supplied to the comparator 3
9 and is compared with the shutter speed threshold value. When the shutter speed of the shutter speed setting signal SV is lower than the shutter speed threshold, the comparator 39 does not output the warning control signal C, but the tip of the insertion section 8 is too close to the subject side, and the illumination at that time is If the light amount is close enough to cause thermal damage to the subject, the shutter speed of the shutter speed setting signal SV becomes faster than the shutter speed threshold value. In this case, the comparator 39 performs a warning control for heat protection. The signal C is output.

The warning control signal C is input to the character generator 42, generates a warning signal, is superimposed on the video signal V by the superimpose circuit 43, is output to the monitor 6 via the video buffer 44, and is displayed on the monitor screen 6A.
CAUTION with the subject image! Warning characters 41 such as
Is displayed.

As described above, the warning character 41 is displayed on the monitor screen 6A.
Is displayed, the operator can know that there is a high possibility of causing thermal damage due to being too close to the subject. Therefore, the operator can move the insertion section 8 backward to set the state in which the warning character 41 is not displayed. Without damaging the subject,
Diagnosis or therapeutic treatment can be performed.

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the shutter speed threshold value corresponding to the threshold value in a state where there is a high possibility that thermal damage or the like is caused to the subject by the amount of illumination light is used, and a shutter speed detection means faster than this shutter speed threshold value is used. , And a warning is displayed, so that the operator can be warned of a state in which the subject is likely to cause thermal damage or the like by the amount of illumination light, and can easily avoid the situation of causing thermal damage or the like. .

If the shutter speed threshold value in a state in which there is a high possibility of causing thermal damage or the like to a portion to be subjected to an endoscopic inspection is registered in the shutter speed threshold value setting circuit 40, for example, Even when the part to be inspected is different, a warning can be displayed in a state where there is a high possibility of causing thermal damage or the like.

If the shutter speed threshold value is registered in the shutter speed threshold value setting circuit 40 in consideration of, for example, the characteristics of the rigid endoscope 2, the television camera 3, and the light source device 4 used for the endoscope inspection. Also, even when performing an endoscopic examination using different combinations, a warning can be displayed in a state where there is a high possibility of causing thermal damage or the like.

When the brightness target value is changed, the shutter speed threshold value may be changed and set according to the change. For example, in the case of a standard luminance target value, if the luminance target value is changed in a state where the optimal shutter speed threshold is set, the optimal shutter speed threshold also shifts. In such a case, the luminance target value is changed. In such a case, the shutter speed threshold may be changed in accordance with the change so that the optimum shutter speed threshold can be maintained.

(Second Embodiment) Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIG. The video endoscope device 51 of the present embodiment is a television camera 53 provided with an auto iris 52 in the television camera 3 of the video endoscope device 1 of FIG.
5 employs a CCU 55 in which an auto iris driver 54 is provided. Further, a dimming detection circuit 56 having a configuration partially different from that of FIG. 2 is employed.

The auto iris 52 includes a lens 23 and a CCD.
An iris 61 disposed on the optical axis between the iris 24 and reducing the amount of light incident on the imaging surface of the CCD 24 and a drive motor 6 for driving the iris 61
And a diaphragm position sensor 63 (refer to FIG. 5 for reference numerals 61 to 63) for detecting the diaphragm position.

The signal line 57 connected to the drive unit and the sensor is inserted through the camera cable 26 and connected to the contact of the electric connector 27. These contacts are connected to an auto iris driver 54.

FIG. 5 shows the configuration of the dimming detection circuit 56 in the present embodiment. As described with reference to FIG. 2, the output of the luminance average value setting circuit 35 and the output of the luminance target value setting circuit 37 are input to the comparator 36, and the error signal output from the comparator 36 is input to the auto iris driver 54. The auto iris driver 54 drives the drive motor 62 according to the error signal to set the aperture of the iris 61.

The output of the aperture position sensor 63 for detecting the aperture amount of the iris 61 is input to an auto iris driver 54. The auto iris driver 54 refers to the detected position of the aperture position sensor 63 to generate an error signal from the comparator 36. Set the corresponding aperture.

The output of the aperture position sensor 63 is input to a comparator 39. The comparator 39 compares the output with the aperture position threshold value from the aperture position threshold value setting circuit 64. If the aperture amount is larger than the aperture position threshold value, The warning control signal C is output to the warning output circuit 3
4 is output.

The aperture position threshold value of the aperture position threshold value setting circuit 64 can be set by an instruction signal S2 'by operating the operation panel 45. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment.

In contrast to the first embodiment in which the imaging time is variably set in order to maintain an average luminance value suitable for observation, in the present embodiment, the aperture (or aperture) of the iris 61 is changed. Has been adjusted.

The comparator 39 confirms that the iris 61 of the auto iris 52 has been set to the narrowed aperture position above the aperture position threshold value in a state where the possibility of causing thermal damage or the like is high.
Outputs a warning control signal C upon detection via the aperture position sensor 63 to warn the operator.

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the aperture position threshold value corresponding to the threshold value that is likely to cause thermal damage or the like to the subject due to the amount of illumination light is used, and the aperture position detection means detects the aperture position based on the aperture position threshold value. Since a warning is displayed upon detection, it is possible to warn the operator of a state in which the subject is likely to cause thermal damage or the like by the amount of illumination light, and it is easy to avoid a situation in which the thermal damage or the like is caused.

When the shutter speed threshold value setting circuit 40 in the first embodiment is replaced by the aperture position threshold value setting circuit 64, the same effects as in the above-described first embodiment can be obtained.

(Third Embodiment) Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the first and second embodiments, the warning character 41 is displayed on the monitor screen 6A. However, in the present embodiment, the warning control signal C is transmitted, for example, as shown in FIG. A warning sound generated by the sound generator 66 is also output to a speaker 67.

According to the present embodiment, in addition to the visual warning on the monitor screen 6A, the warning is also given audibly, so that the warning can be more surely notified to the operator, and more reliable. Can prevent heat damage.

As a modified example, the warning control signal C is output to an LED driver 68 as shown in FIG. 6B, for example. For example, a warning may be visually announced by causing the LED 69 provided on the device to emit light.

Instead of displaying a warning on the monitor screen 6A, a warning may be issued as shown in FIG. 6A or a warning as shown in FIG. 6B.

(Fourth Embodiment) Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the above-described embodiment, when the shutter speed or the aperture position is faster than the set threshold value or when the aperture position is reduced, a warning is issued for thermal protection. Then, a warning including time information that is permitted is issued.

FIG. 7 shows a part of a dimming detection circuit 71 according to the fourth embodiment. For example, the dimming detection circuit 33 shown in FIG.
, The output of the comparator 39 is R
The first warning control signal C1 inputted to the OM 72 and outputted from the ROM 72 is inputted to the warning output circuit 34.

The output signal C1 of the ROM 72 is input to a timer circuit 73, and the timer circuit 73
Generates a second warning control signal C2 from the output signal C1 of
The signal is input to the warning output circuit 34.

The comparator 39 compares the shutter speed setting signal SV output from the shutter speed setting circuit 38 with a reference shutter speed threshold value. The shift amount is applied as an address to the ROM 72 storing the thermal protection information to output a warning control signal C1 for thermal protection.

The first warning control signal C1 is, for example,
A warning that the subject may be thermally damaged in about 0 seconds is displayed.
2, a warning signal is generated, and this warning signal is displayed on the monitor screen 6A as, for example, CAUTION (within 10 seconds).

For this reason, the ROM 72 has information on how long the possibility of thermal damage is high in accordance with the amount of deviation from the shutter speed threshold (in other words, how long time is allowed). Time information) is stored. The warning control signal C1 for thermal protection may be output by referring to not only the amount of deviation from the shutter speed threshold but also other information such as the shutter speed threshold as needed.

The timer circuit 73 outputs a second control signal for sequentially decreasing the numerical value (within 10 seconds) with time. Then, when the set time has elapsed, the timer circuit 73 outputs the third warning control signal C3.

In response to the third warning control signal C3, a warning signal is generated from the character generator 42, and this warning signal is displayed on the monitor screen 6A, for example, as CAUTION (remove the tip of the insertion section immediately from the subject). Or flash CAUTION in red to warn the surgeon to take emergency measures.

If the shutter speed is further changed while the warning signal is being output, the ROM 72 sends a signal to the timer circuit 73, and the timer circuit 73 considers the previous state. And a second control signal C2 for reducing the numerical value more significantly.

Alternatively, if the shutter speed is changed to a low value while the warning signal is being output, the ROM
72 sends a signal to a timer circuit 73, which issues a second control signal C2 that decreases the value more slowly taking into account the previous state.

According to the present embodiment, the operator can know in more detail the state in which there is a possibility of causing thermal damage, so that an environment can be provided in which the endoscopy can be performed more appropriately.

That is, for example, in the case of a warning that does not inform the operator of temporal information as in the first embodiment, when the warning is displayed, how long should the display be treated? In this embodiment, it is easy to understand how much time is allowed while the operator can see how much time is allowed.

As a result, it is possible to cope with the situation without panicking or to know how long it is possible to observe in the state when it is set to the state even when close-up observation is desired, thereby ensuring safety. In addition, magnified observation that is easy to diagnose can be performed.

In the above embodiment, the case where the television camera is connected to the rigid endoscope 2 has been described. However, the present invention can be similarly applied to the case where the television camera is connected to a flexible endoscope having a flexible insertion portion.

In the above embodiment, the light source device 4 has no means for varying the amount of illumination light.
Even when a means for varying the amount of illumination light is provided, the present invention can be applied to a case where this means is a dimming means which does not give priority to a means for adjusting the imaging time or the amount of incident light on the imaging means side. Specifically, this corresponds to a case where the illumination light amount is manually changed, or a case where the function of changing the illumination light amount is stopped even if it is not manual. The present invention can be applied not only to the medical field but also to the industrial field.

[Supplementary Notes] In a video endoscope device connected to an endoscope and provided with dimming means for performing observation by illumination from a light source device and not giving priority to increasing or decreasing the amount of illumination light, a warning is output to protect a subject from heat. A video endoscope device provided with a means. 2. 3. The video endoscope apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the light control means includes an element shutter for variably setting an imaging time.

3. 2. The video endoscope apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the dimming unit includes an auto iris that varies an aperture amount on a front surface of the imaging unit. 4. The video endoscope apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the warning unit includes a time information output unit that outputs allowed time information for thermal protection.

[0080]

As described above, according to the present invention, a video endoscope provided with a dimming means connected to an endoscope, for observing by illumination from a light source device, and without giving priority to increasing or decreasing the amount of illumination. In the apparatus, a warning means for outputting a warning is provided for thermal protection of the subject, so that the operator can be informed that the amount of light irradiating the subject is large, and attention should be paid to burns and thermal deformation. You can nod.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a video endoscope apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a dimming detection circuit.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a warning output circuit.

FIG. 4 is an overall configuration diagram of a video endoscope apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a dimming detection circuit.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a warning output unit according to a third embodiment and a modification of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a partial configuration of a dimming detection circuit according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a light control unit and the like for adjusting the amount of illumination light.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Video endoscope apparatus 2 ... Rigid endoscope 3 ... Television camera 4 ... Light source apparatus 5 ... CCU 6 ... Monitor 8 ... Insertion part 11 ... Eyepiece part 13 ... Light guide cable 16 ... Lamp 23 ... Imaging lens 24 ... CCD 25 ... Signal line 31 ... CCD driver 32 ... Video process circuit 33 ... Dimming detection circuit 34 ... Warning output circuit 35 ... Brightness average value calculation circuit 36 ... Comparator 37 ... Brightness value target value setting circuit 38 ... Shutter speed setting Circuit 39 ... Comparator 40 ... Shutter speed threshold setting circuit 41 ... Warning character 42 ... Character generator 43 ... Superimpose circuit 45 ... Operation panel

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A video endoscope apparatus connected to an endoscope and provided with dimming means for performing observation by illumination from a light source device and not giving priority to increasing or decreasing the amount of illumination light. A video endoscope apparatus provided with a warning unit for outputting a warning.