JP4637604B2 - Endoscope color balance adjuster - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an endoscope color balance adjuster, and in particular, in a color image of an in-vivo image taken by autofluorescence observation of an endoscope, every time an operator or the like performs color balance adjustment. The present invention relates to an endoscopic color balance adjusting tool capable of adjusting the same color balance.

  Conventionally, endoscopes have been widely used in the medical field and the like. In particular, endoscopes in the medical field are mainly used for applications in which an operator performs in vivo observation, treatment of an affected area, and the like. What is generally known as an observation using an endoscope in the medical field is, for example, a method in which a living body is mainly irradiated with white light, and an in-vivo image that is substantially the same as that observed with the naked eye is taken. In addition to observation, an image of autofluorescence emitted from living tissue in the living body when the living body is irradiated with excitation light having a specific wavelength band, and by observing the autofluorescence image, There is autofluorescence observation that can discriminate between normal and lesion sites.

  In-vivo images are generally displayed as color images on a monitor or the like, regardless of the type of observation, based on an image signal output from an endoscope via an image processing device or the like. Therefore, in order to display a color image with good image quality on a monitor or the like regardless of individual differences between endoscopes, it is necessary to adjust the color balance with respect to the image processing apparatus or the like. As the above-described color balance adjustment, for example, white balance adjustment performed using a jig as shown in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 is widely known.

  An endoscope white balance adjustment tool, which is a jig shown in Patent Document 1, has a white balance adjustment section colored with a reference white color, and the white balance adjustment section is provided in the endoscope. After inserting the distal end, which is a part of the insertion portion, a predetermined operation is performed, so that a color image (hereinafter referred to as normal observation) captured by the normal observation of the endoscope with respect to the camera control unit that is an image processing apparatus Adjustments can be made to optimize the color balance in the image).

  Further, a calibration reflector device for an optical measurement system, which is a jig shown in Patent Document 2, includes a reflection device and a transparent disk bonded to the reflection device inside a casing. For example, after inserting an optical fiber sonde such as the tip of an endoscope into the casing and then bringing the optical fiber sonde into contact with a transparent disk, the color balance in the normal observation image is optimized. Adjustments can be made.

JP-A-5-76483 Japanese Patent No. 3223936

  However, the color balance of a color image (hereinafter, referred to as a fluorescence observation image) captured by an operator using the endoscope's white balance adjustment tool disclosed in Patent Document 1 by autofluorescence observation of the endoscope. When the adjustment is performed, the ratio of the intensity of the fluorescence and the reflected light of the two colors varies depending on the insertion length of the tip in the endoscope white balance adjustment tool. Therefore, every time the operator adjusts the color balance, for example, a situation occurs in which the intensity of fluorescence in the fluorescence observation image is different.

  In addition, when the surgeon adjusts the color balance of the fluorescence observation image using the calibration reflector device for the optical measurement system disclosed in Patent Document 2, not only the reflector but also the transparent device Autofluorescence is also generated in the disc. Further, in a transparent disc, irregular reflection of illumination light used when adjusting the color balance occurs. Therefore, as in the case of adjusting the color balance of the fluorescence observation image using the endoscope white balance adjustment tool shown in Patent Document 1, every time the operator adjusts the color balance, for example, A situation occurs in which the fluorescence intensity in the fluorescence observation image is different.

  In particular, in autofluorescence observation, the operator distinguishes between normal and abnormal sites depending on the color state of the fluorescence observation image displayed on a monitor or the like, depending on the intensity of fluorescence in the fluorescence observation image, There is a possibility that misidentification between a normal part and an abnormal part may occur.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described points. In the color image of an in-vivo image captured by autofluorescence observation of an endoscope, every time an operator adjusts the color balance, An object of the present invention is to provide an endoscopic color balance adjuster that can make the color balance of fluorescence observation images determined based on the intensity ratio between the reflected light of two colors and substantially the same. .

The color balance adjusting tool for an endoscope according to the present invention has an opening communicating with an internal space into which an end of the endoscope can be inserted at one end, and a mortar-shaped inner surface closed at the other end. A side wall of the mortar-shaped inner surface has a light-absorbing surface that absorbs light, and an end surface of the mortar-shaped inner surface has a fluorescence generating surface that emits fluorescence, The tip of the mortar-shaped inner surface can be inserted so that a part of the tip is brought into contact at a position where the fluorescence generation surface of the field of view of the objective optical system provided at the tip does not cause halation. said side slope is formed such, when brought into contact with a portion of said distal portion to said side surface, said objective optical system the end surface of the fluorogenic surface so as to surround the field area whole is provided in the Tona Ru.

  According to the color balance adjusting tool for an endoscope of the present invention, every time an operator adjusts the color balance in the color image of the in-vivo image captured by the autofluorescence observation of the endoscope, The color balance of the fluorescence observation image determined based on the intensity ratio with the reflected light of the two colors can be made substantially the same.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(First embodiment)
1 to 11 relate to a first embodiment of the present invention.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an endoscope apparatus in which the endoscope color balance adjusting tool according to the first embodiment is used. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the distal end portion of the endoscope constituting the endoscope apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the image processing apparatus constituting the endoscope apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an appearance of the endoscope color balance adjusting tool according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the lid is removed from the cylindrical body in the endoscope color balance adjusting tool according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing an internal configuration of the endoscope color balance adjusting tool according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a state of the endoscope and the endoscope color balance adjusting tool when white balance adjustment is performed using the endoscope color balance adjusting tool according to the first embodiment. . FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the endoscope color balance adjusting tool according to the first embodiment is stored. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a screen displayed on the monitor when white balance adjustment is performed using the endoscope color balance adjustment tool according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a screen displayed on the monitor when the sampling region of FIG. 9 and the region where the endoscope images the end face member substantially coincide. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating processing contents of the image processing apparatus when white balance adjustment is performed using the endoscope color balance adjusting tool according to the first embodiment.

  First, an outline of a configuration of an endoscope apparatus in which the endoscope color balance adjusting tool according to the present embodiment is used will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3.

  The endoscope device 1 includes an endoscope 2, a light source device 5, an image processing device 6, and a monitor 7. The endoscope 2 includes an operation unit 3 held by an operator when using the endoscope 2, an insertion unit 4 having a size and a shape that can be inserted into a living body, and a universal cord 3b. Further, the operation unit 3 performs normal observation and autofluorescence observation on each part of the endoscope apparatus 1, that is, the endoscope 2, the light source device 5, and the image processing device 6, for example, by an operator's operation. A switch group 3a having a switch for giving an instruction for switching is provided. Further, the proximal end portion of the insertion portion 4 is connected to the operation portion 3, and an objective lens 4 a is provided at the distal end portion 4 </ b> A that is a part of the insertion portion 4.

  A base end portion of the universal cord 3b is connected to the operation portion 3, and a distal end portion of the universal cord 3b is detachably connected to the light source device 5. The image processing device 6 is detachably connected to a cable 5a branched from the universal cord 3b. The image processing device 6 is connected to a monitor 7 via a cable 8.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the distal end portion 4A of the insertion portion 4 is provided with an objective lens 4a that is an objective optical system, an imaging device 4b that is a CCD (solid-state imaging device), and a light guide 9. . Further, the outer skin of the tip portion 4A is formed of a member that does not reflect light as a whole and does not emit fluorescence by light.

  The imaging element 4b is compatible with both observations of normal observation for capturing an image substantially similar to observation with the naked eye and autofluorescence observation for capturing an image of autofluorescence emitted from a living tissue in a living body. An image of a subject that is a living body or the like in the visual field area 4a is captured, and the captured image of the subject is converted into an image signal and output.

  The light guide 9 is a light guide portion made of quartz fiber or the like, and is provided inside the endoscope 2 and the universal cord 3b so as to be inserted from the distal end portion 4A to the distal end portion of the universal cord 3b.

  The light source device 5 is configured to be detachably connected to the universal cord 3b of the endoscope 2, and irradiates the light guide 9 when the objective lens 4a and the imaging element 4b image the subject. Supply through. Specifically, when performing normal observation, the light source device 5 has light having a red wavelength band (hereinafter referred to as red light) and light having a green wavelength band (hereinafter referred to as green light). And light having a blue wavelength band (hereinafter referred to as blue light) are sequentially supplied to the light guide 9 as irradiation light. In addition, when performing autofluorescence observation, the light source device 5 sequentially uses red light, green light, and excitation light having a wavelength band for exciting autofluorescence with respect to a living tissue or the like as irradiation light. Supply to the light guide 9.

  On the exterior surface of the image processing apparatus 6, a switch group 6a having a white balance adjustment switch 6b and a white balance mode changeover switch 6c is provided. Further, the image processing apparatus 6 has a configuration that is detachable from a cable 5 a that is branched from the universal cord 3 b of the endoscope 2 and a cable 8 that is connected to the monitor 7 at one end. Yes.

  When operated by an operator, the white balance adjustment switch 6b outputs a white balance execution signal that is an instruction signal for performing white balance adjustment as color balance adjustment.

  The white balance mode switch 6c is a switch for switching a color balance adjustment method or the like performed in the image processing apparatus 6 in white balance adjustment. When operated by an operator, the white balance mode switch 6c is used as an instruction signal to switch the mode. Output a signal.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the image processing apparatus 6 includes a control unit 6d, a parameter recording unit 6e (hereinafter abbreviated as recording unit 6e), and an image processing unit 6f, and includes a switch group 6a. Each switch is connected to the control unit 6d inside the image processing apparatus 6.

  The control unit 6d outputs the image signal output from the endoscope 2 to the image processing unit 6f. The control unit 6d outputs a white balance execution signal output from the white balance adjustment switch 6b to the image processing unit 6f, and outputs a mode switching signal output from the white balance mode switching switch 6c to the recording unit 6e. By outputting to the image processing unit 6f, the recording unit 6e and the image processing unit 6f are controlled.

  In the recording unit 6e, parameters such as the threshold value of the sampling area displayed on the monitor 7 are recorded. Based on the mode switching signal output from the control unit 6d and the control contents of the control unit 6d, the threshold value is recorded. The value or the like is output to the image processing unit 6f or stopped. Details of the sampling area will be described later.

  The image processing unit 6f performs predetermined image processing such as noise removal on the image signal output from the control unit 6d, and monitors the image signal after performing the predetermined image processing via the cable 8. 7 is output. The image processing unit 6f generates a frame for indicating the sampling area based on the mode switching signal output from the control unit 6d and the sampling area threshold value output from the recording unit 6e. Image information is superimposed on the image signal after the predetermined image processing and output. Furthermore, the image processing unit 6f is output from the control unit 6d at a timing when the white balance adjustment switch 6b is operated by the operator when each unit of the endoscope apparatus 1 is capable of performing autofluorescence observation. On the basis of the white balance execution signal, the entire image signal output from the control unit 6d or the reflected light of the red light (hereinafter referred to as reflected red light) and the reflected light of the green light (hereinafter referred to as “red light”) in the sampling region. The intensity ratio between the reflected green light and the fluorescence excited by the excitation light (hereinafter referred to as fluorescence) is calculated. Then, the image processing unit 6f adjusts the color balance performed on the fluorescence observation image according to the calculation result of the intensity ratio, and the reflected red light, the reflected green light, and the reflected light in the image signal output from the control unit 6d. The fluorescence intensity is adjusted, and the image signal after the intensity adjustment and the predetermined image processing is output to the monitor 7 via the cable 8.

  The monitor 7 as a display means is configured to be detachably connected to the cable 8, and based on the image signal output from the image processing device 6, the objective lens 4 a and the image sensor 4 b are displayed as images that can be viewed by the operator. Displays an image of the subject imaged by.

  Next, the configuration of the color balance adjusting tool for an endoscope according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

  An endoscope color balance adjustment tool 101 as a tubular body includes a lid body 102 and a cylindrical body 103 having a substantially cylindrical shape. Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the endoscope color balance adjusting tool 101 has an opening formed at one end of the cylindrical body 103 so as to communicate with an internal space into which the distal end portion 4 </ b> A of the endoscope 2 can be inserted. And an opening 104a that can be closed by attaching a lid 102 to the other end of the cylinder 103.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the cylinder 103 has a two-layer structure including an outer member 103a and an inner member 103c fixed to the inner side of the outer member 103a with an adhesive or the like. The outer member 103a is made of a metal or plastic member that blocks light. The inner member 103c, which is a side surface, is a member made of a polymer resin or the like, and is provided on the inner surface of the endoscope color balance adjusting tool 101 substantially parallel to the insertion axis of the distal end portion 4A of the endoscope 2. ing. Further, a black paint that absorbs light is applied to the entire inner peripheral surface of the inner member 103c, whereby the entire inner peripheral surface of the inner member 103c is formed as a light absorbing surface. In addition, the light absorption surface of the inner member 103c is not limited to the one in which the black paint is applied on the entire surface, and may be, for example, the one made of a metal such as aluminum that is anodized on the entire surface. .

  The lid 102 has a cylindrical shape having a flange portion 102a at the end. The lid body 102 has a male screw portion 102b on the outer peripheral surface. On the other hand, on the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical body 103 on the opening 104a side, a female screw portion 103b is provided in which a female screw for screwing the male screw portion 102b of the lid 102 is formed. With such a structure of the lid body 102 and the cylinder body 103, the lid body 102 is detachably attached so that the flange portion 102 a comes into contact with the end portion of the cylinder body 103 after being screwed into the cylinder body 103. be able to.

  The lid body 102 is made of a member such as metal or plastic that blocks light, and has an end face member 102c. The end surface member 102c is a member made of a polymer-based resin or the like, and is fixed to the surface on the opposite side of the flange portion 102a of the lid 102 with an adhesive or the like. Further, the end face member 102c, which is an end face, is provided so as to enter the field of view of the objective lens 4a when the distal end portion 4A of the endoscope 2 is inserted through the opening. Further, a white paint that emits fluorescence is applied to the entire surface of the end surface member 102c, whereby the entire surface of the end surface member 102c on the inner space side of the cylindrical body 103 is formed as a fluorescence generation surface. The end surface member 102c may not be formed by a member different from the lid 102, and may be formed integrally with the lid 102, for example, white on the surface on the opposite side of the flange portion 102a. It may be only applied with paint.

  Therefore, in a state where the lid 102 is attached to the cylinder 103, the endoscope color balance adjuster 101 has an opening 104 communicating with an internal space into which the distal end portion 4A of the endoscope 2 can be inserted at one end. And a tube having a closed structure at the other end. Further, the endoscope color balance adjusting tool 101, in the state of the tubular body, blocks light from the outside by the lid body 102 and the outer member 103a, and from the inner member 103c on which the black paint is applied on the surface. Thus, an inner surface is formed which includes a side surface having a light absorption surface and an end surface having a fluorescence generation surface, which is composed of an end surface member 102c coated with a white paint on the surface.

  Further, the endoscope color balance adjusting tool 101 has a lid 102 and a cylindrical body 103, for example, as shown in FIG. 8, in order to prevent the fluorescence generation surface of the end face member 102c from emitting fluorescence when not in use. As an integrated state, the entire lid 102 is stored so as to be covered with a light shielding member 201 such as a light shielding film.

  Next, in the endoscope apparatus 1 as shown in FIG. 1, a method of adjusting the color balance of the fluorescence observation image using the endoscope color balance adjusting tool 101, that is, the white balance adjustment, will be described with reference to FIG. This will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the operator screwed the male screw portion 102b of the lid body 102 and the female screw portion 103b of the cylinder body 103, and the lid body 102 and the cylinder body 103 were integrated as shown in FIG. State.

  The surgeon connects the universal cord 3b, the cable 5a, and the cable 8 to each part of the endoscope apparatus 1, respectively. Thereafter, the operator turns on the power of each part of the endoscope apparatus 1 and confirms that each part of the endoscope apparatus 1 is in a state for normal observation by the state of the switch group 3a and the like. For example, by operating a switch provided in the switch group 3a, each part of the endoscope apparatus 1 is changed to a state in which autofluorescence observation is performed. By this operation, the light source device 5 sequentially supplies red light, green light, and excitation light to the light guide 9 as irradiation light, and the irradiation light supplied to the light guide 9 The light is sequentially irradiated from the distal end portion 4A of the endoscope 2.

  Then, after setting each part of the endoscope device 1 to the autofluorescence observation state, the operator performs an endoscope from the opening 104 of the endoscope color balance adjusting tool 101 in which the lid 102 is placed in an upward state. A part or the whole of the tip portion 4A of the mirror 2 is inserted while holding the insertion portion 4. In a state where the distal end portion 4A of the endoscope 2 is inserted into the endoscope color balance adjusting tool 101 as shown in FIG. 7, red light is transmitted from the light guide 9 to the end face member 102c and the inner member 103c. The green light and the excitation light are sequentially irradiated. The imaging device 4b captures images of the end face member 102c and the inner member 103c within the field of view of the objective lens 4a, converts the captured images of the end face member 102c and the inner member 103c into image signals, and outputs the image signals. The image signal output from the image sensor 4b is input to the image processing device 6 via the universal code 3b, and predetermined processing such as noise removal is performed. Then, the image processing device 6 outputs the image signal after the predetermined processing to the monitor 7 via the cable 8.

  Here, after confirming that the images of the end face member 102c and the inner member 103c are displayed on the monitor 7, the surgeon operates the white balance mode changeover switch 6c provided in the image processing apparatus 6. When the operator operates the white balance mode switch 6c (step S1 in FIG. 11), the white balance mode switch 6c outputs a mode switching signal to the control unit 6d. The control unit 6d outputs the mode switching signal to the recording unit 6e and the image processing unit 6f. The recording unit 6e outputs a threshold value of the sampling area to the image processing unit 6f based on the mode switching signal. The image processing unit 6f generates a frame for indicating the sampling area based on the mode switching signal and the threshold value of the sampling area, and the image information obtained by performing the predetermined image processing on the image information of the frame The signal is superimposed and output (step S2 in FIG. 11). Based on the image signal output from the image processing unit 6f, the monitor 7 has a frame A displayed in the vicinity of the center of the monitor 7 as shown in FIG. 9, for example, on the images of the end face member 102c and the inner member 103c. Display overlapping images.

  The surgeon looks at the frame A displayed on the monitor 7, and the distal end portion 4A so that the region surrounded by the frame A and the region where the objective lens 4a and the image sensor 4b image the end surface member 102c are substantially matched. Adjust the insertion length. Thereby, for example, images of the end face member 102c and the inner member 103c as shown in FIG. Then, the operator operates the white balance adjustment switch 6b when images of the end face member 102c and the inner member 103c as shown in FIG. 10 are displayed on the monitor 7.

  When the operator operates the white balance adjustment switch 6b (step S3 in FIG. 11), the white balance adjustment switch 6b outputs a white balance execution signal to the control unit 6d. The control unit 6d outputs a white balance execution signal from the white balance adjustment switch 6b to the image processing unit 6f. Based on the white balance execution signal output from the control unit 6d and the image signal, the image processing unit 6f reflects reflected red light in a sampling region that is within a region surrounded by a frame A in the image signal. Then, the ratio of the intensity of the reflected green light and the fluorescence is calculated (step S4 in FIG. 11). Then, the image processing unit 6f adjusts the intensity of reflected red light, reflected green light, and fluorescence in the image signal output from the control unit 6d according to the calculation result of the intensity ratio (step S5 in FIG. 11). The image signal after the intensity adjustment and the predetermined image processing is output to the monitor 7 through the cable 8 (step S6 in FIG. 11). When the control unit 6d detects that the image processing unit 6f has output the image signal after the adjustment of the intensity and the predetermined image processing, the control unit 6d sets the threshold value of the sampling area to the recording unit 6e. Control to stop the output. Accordingly, the image processing unit 6f stops generating a frame for indicating the sampling area (step S7 in FIG. 11).

  The contents of the adjustment of the intensity of reflected red light, reflected green light, and fluorescence in the image signal output from the control unit 6d performed by the image processing unit 6f are not limited to those described above, and are described below. The content may be correct. For example, when threshold values of intensity are recorded in the recording unit 6e for each of reflected red light, reflected green light, and fluorescence, the image processing unit 6f displays the end face member 102c and the inner member 103c displayed on the monitor 7. In this image, sampling is performed only for pixels whose reflected red light, reflected green light, and fluorescence intensity are equal to or greater than the threshold value, and based on the reflected red light, reflected green light, and fluorescence intensity at the pixel, the control unit The intensity of reflected red light, reflected green light, and fluorescence in the image signal output from 6d is adjusted.

  Note that the endoscope color balance adjustment tool 101 according to the present embodiment can be used not only for white balance adjustment for a fluorescence observation image but also for white balance adjustment for a normal observation image. Further, the endoscope color balance adjusting tool 101 of the present embodiment may have a structure in which the lid body 102 and the cylinder body 103 are not detachable but formed integrally.

  In the endoscope color balance adjusting tool 101 of the present embodiment, since the entire surface of the inner member 103c is composed of a light absorbing surface that absorbs light, the distal end portion 4A is inserted into the endoscope color balance adjusting tool 101. The red light and green light emitted from the light guide 9 when reflected are reflected only at the end face member 102c, and the excitation light emitted from the light guide 9 emits fluorescence only at the end face member 102c. Therefore, in the endoscope color balance adjusting tool 101 of this embodiment, the operator adjusts the color balance regardless of the insertion length of the distal end portion 4A of the endoscope 2 in the internal space of the color balance adjusting tool 101. The color balance of the fluorescence observation image can be made substantially the same every time.

(Second Embodiment)
12 to 14 relate to a second embodiment of the present invention. Note that detailed description of portions having the same configuration as in the first embodiment is omitted. Moreover, about the component similar to 1st Embodiment, description is abbreviate | omitted using the same code | symbol.

  FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing an internal configuration of the endoscope color balance adjusting tool according to the second embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a screen displayed on the monitor when white balance adjustment is performed using the endoscope color balance adjusting tool according to the second embodiment. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a screen displayed on the monitor when the sampling region of FIG. 13 and the region where the endoscope images the end face member and the inner surface substantially coincide.

  An endoscope color balance adjusting tool 111 as a tubular body includes a lid body 102 having an end face member 102c as an end face, and a cylindrical body 113 having a substantially cylindrical shape. In addition, as shown in FIG. 12, the endoscope color balance adjusting tool 111 has an opening formed at one end of the cylindrical body 113 so as to communicate with an internal space into which the distal end portion 4A of the endoscope 2 can be inserted. The color balance adjusting tool 101 for endoscope of 1st Embodiment which has the part 104 and can be set as the closed structure by attaching the cover body 102 to the other end of the cylinder 113. The opening 104a has the same configuration.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the cylindrical body 113 has a two-layer structure including an outer member 103a and an inner member 113c fixed to the inner side of the outer member 103a with an adhesive or the like. The inner member 113c, which is a side surface, includes a light absorbing portion 113d formed with a black paint as a light absorbing surface and a fluorescence generating portion 113e formed with a white paint as a fluorescence generating surface. ing. Further, the fluorescence generation surface formed on the fluorescence generation unit 113e is provided in a range of a predetermined length from the end of the cylindrical body 113 on the side where the lid 102 is attached.

  Therefore, in a state where the lid 102 is attached to the cylinder 103, the endoscope color balance adjuster 111 has an opening 104 communicating with an internal space into which the distal end portion 4A of the endoscope 2 can be inserted at one end. And a tube having a closed structure at the other end. In addition, the endoscope color balance adjusting tool 101 is configured so that, in the tubular state, the light absorbing portion 113d and the white paint applied with the black paint are blocked by the lid 102 and the outer member 103a to block light from the outside. A fluorescence generation surface comprising a side surface having a fluorescence generation surface and a light absorption surface provided in a range of a predetermined length, formed of a coated fluorescence generation unit 113e, and an end surface member 102c coated with a white paint on the surface. An inner surface comprising an end surface having the inner surface is formed. Therefore, when the lid 102 is attached to the cylindrical body 113, the inner end of the endoscope color balance adjusting tool 111 has the distal end portion 4A to a predetermined position where the objective lens 4a and the image sensor 4b do not cause halation. As long as it is inserted, the entire field of view of the objective lens 4a is surrounded by the fluorescence generation surface.

  Next, in the endoscope apparatus 1 in which each part has a configuration as shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 3, adjustment of the color balance of the fluorescence observation image using the endoscope color balance adjustment tool 111, that is, white balance adjustment. A method for performing the above will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 12, 13, and 14.

  The operator sets each part of the endoscope apparatus 1 to the autofluorescence observation state, and then the opening 104 of the endoscope color balance adjustment tool 111 in which the lid 102 and the cylinder 113 are integrated. Therefore, the distal end portion 4A of the endoscope 2 is inserted while holding the insertion portion 4. In a state where the distal end portion 4A is inserted into the endoscope color balance adjuster 111, the imaging element 4b captures images of the end surface member 102c and the inner member 113c within the field of view of the objective lens 4a, and captures the captured end surface member. The images of 102c and the inner member 113c are converted into image signals and output. The image signal output from the image sensor 4b is input to the image processing device 6 via the universal code 3b, and predetermined processing such as noise removal is performed. Then, the image processing device 6 outputs the image signal after the predetermined processing to the monitor 7 via the cable 8.

  Here, after confirming that the images of the end face member 102c and the inner member 113c are displayed on the monitor 7, the surgeon operates the white balance mode switch 6c provided in the image processing apparatus 6. When operated by an operator, the white balance mode switch 6c outputs a mode switching signal to the control unit 6d. The control unit 6d outputs the mode switching signal to the recording unit 6e and the image processing unit 6f. The recording unit 6e outputs a threshold value of the sampling area to the image processing unit 6f based on the mode switching signal. The image processing unit 6f generates a frame for indicating that the sampling area is the entire visual field area of the objective lens 4a based on the mode switching signal and the threshold value of the sampling area, and image information of the frame Are superimposed on the image signal after the predetermined image processing and output. Based on the image signal output from the image processing unit 6f, the monitor 7 borders the outermost peripheral portion of the visual field region of the objective lens 4a as shown in FIG. 13, for example, in the images of the end face member 102c and the inner member 113c. An image in which such a frame B overlaps is displayed.

  Then, the operator looks at the frame B displayed on the monitor 7 until the position where the fluorescence generation surface is imaged for the first time in the entire visual field region of the objective lens 4a, that is, for the first time, the entire visual field region of the objective lens 4a. 4A is inserted into the endoscope color balance adjustment tool 111 to the vicinity of the predetermined position as described above, which is surrounded by the end face member 102c and the fluorescence generating portion 113e. Then, the operator inserts the distal end portion 4A into the vicinity of the predetermined position into the endoscope color balance adjusting tool 111, and then monitors the images of the end face member 102c and the inner member 113c as shown in FIG. When displayed at 7, the white balance adjustment switch 6b is operated.

  When operated by the operator, the white balance adjustment switch 6b outputs a white balance execution signal to the control unit 6d. The control unit 6d outputs a white balance execution signal from the white balance adjustment switch 6b to the image processing unit 6f. Based on the white balance execution signal output from the control unit 6d and the image signal, the image processing unit 6f reflects reflected red light in a sampling region that is within a region surrounded by a frame B in the image signal. And the ratio of the intensity of the reflected green light and the fluorescence is calculated. Then, the image processing unit 6f adjusts the intensity of reflected red light, reflected green light, and fluorescence in the image signal output from the control unit 6d in accordance with the calculation result of the intensity ratio. The image signal after the predetermined image processing is output to the monitor 7 via the cable 8. When the control unit 6d detects that the image processing unit 6f has output the image signal after the adjustment of the intensity and the predetermined image processing, the control unit 6d sets the threshold value of the sampling area to the recording unit 6e. Control to stop the output. Accordingly, the image processing unit 6f stops generating a frame for indicating the sampling area.

  Note that the endoscope color balance adjusting tool 111 according to the present embodiment may have a structure in which the lid 102 and the cylinder 113 are not detachable but formed integrally. Further, in the endoscope color balance adjusting tool 111 of the present embodiment, when the lid body 102 is attached to the cylindrical body 113, the fluorescence generation surface formed by the end face member 102c and the fluorescence generation unit 113e has a hemispherical shape. It may have a structure that forms a continuous surface.

  The endoscope color balance adjusting tool 111 according to the present embodiment has the entire visual field region of the objective lens 4a as long as the distal end portion 4A is inserted to a predetermined position where the objective lens 4a and the image sensor 4b do not cause halation. Are surrounded by the fluorescence generation surface. Therefore, the endoscope color balance adjusting tool 111 according to this embodiment can adjust the color balance in a state where the distal end portion 4A of the endoscope 2 is inserted to the predetermined position every time. As a result, every time the operator adjusts the color balance, the color balance of the fluorescence observation image can be made substantially the same.

(Third embodiment)
15 to 17 relate to the third embodiment of the present invention. Note that detailed description of portions having the same configurations as those of the first embodiment and the second embodiment is omitted. Moreover, about the component similar to 1st Embodiment and 2nd Embodiment, description is abbreviate | omitted using the same code | symbol.

  FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal configuration of the endoscope color balance adjusting tool according to the third embodiment. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration when the disk-shaped member shown in FIG. 15 is brought into contact with the cylindrical body. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view showing an internal configuration of an endoscope color balance adjuster according to a modification of the third embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 15, the endoscope color balance adjusting tool 300 includes a cylindrical body 123 having a substantially cylindrical shape, a lid body 102 </ b> A having an end surface member 102 c that is an end surface of the cylindrical body 123, and a disk-shaped member 301. It consists of. Note that the lid body 102 </ b> A may be formed integrally with the cylinder body 123 as a part of the cylinder body 123.

  The cylindrical body 123 as a part of the tubular body includes an outer member 103a and an inner member 103c, and the disk-shaped member 301 is detachably connected by contacting the outer member 103a and the inner member 103c. The contact part 103d which has a step part in the inner peripheral part is formed in the one end part. Further, the cylindrical body 123 is formed so that the inner peripheral diameter of the stepped portion of the contact portion 103d is substantially the same as the diameter of the disk-shaped member 301 as a part of the tubular body, and the distal end of the endoscope 2 The portion 4A has an opening 104A that can be inserted or inserted. The opening 104A has a step portion into which the distal end portion 4A of the endoscope 2 can be fitted. That is, the endoscope color balance adjusting tool 300 has a configuration as one tubular body in a state where the disk-shaped member 301 is connected to the cylindrical body 123 as shown in FIG.

  A disc-shaped member 301 that is a tip fixing member includes a disc member 302 provided with a contact portion 302a having a stepped portion on the inner peripheral portion, which can be connected by contacting the tip portion 4A. An opening 303 is formed so that the inner peripheral diameter of the stepped portion of the contact portion 302a is substantially the same as the diameter of the tip portion 4A. Further, the disc-shaped member 301 has a configuration that is detachable from the contact portion 103 d of the cylindrical body 123.

  The opening 303a on the cylindrical body 123 side of the opening 303 is smaller than the diameter of the tip 4A, does not block the field of view of the objective lens 4a, and the light guide 9 supplies the subject. It is formed as an opening having a diameter that does not block the irradiated light.

  The inner diameter of the step portion of the endoscope color balance adjusting tool 300 is formed such that the opening 104A is substantially the same as the diameter of the disc-shaped member 301, and the step of the disc-shaped member 301 is formed. The inner peripheral diameter of the portion is formed to be substantially the same as the diameter of the insertion portion 4. Therefore, the endoscope color balance adjusting tool 300 brings the cylindrical body 123 and the disk-shaped member 301 into contact with each other as shown in FIG. 16, and also makes the disk-shaped member 301 and the distal end portion 4A contact each other. In such a state, almost all light from the outside can be blocked. Therefore, the surgeon can perform white balance adjustment with higher reproducibility when performing white balance adjustment in the state shown in FIG. 16 using the color balance adjusting tool 300 for endoscope.

  Next, in the endoscope apparatus 1 in which each part has a configuration as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the color balance adjustment of the fluorescence observation image using the endoscope color balance adjustment tool 300, that is, the white balance adjustment. A method for performing the above will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 10, 15, and 16.

  After setting each part of the endoscope apparatus 1 in the autofluorescence observation state, the operator applies a disk-shaped member 301 having an opening 303 matching the diameter of the distal end part 4A to the contact part 103d of the cylindrical body 123. Each part is brought into a state as shown in FIG. 16 by bringing the tip part 4 </ b> A into contact with the contact part 302 a of the disk-like member 301 while gripping the insertion part 4.

  In a state where the tip portion 4A is in contact with the contact portion 302a of the disk-shaped member 301, the imaging element 4b captures images of the end face member 102c and the inner member 103c in the visual field region of the objective lens 4a. The images of the end face member 102c and the inner member 103c are converted into image signals and output. The image signal output from the image sensor 4b is input to the image processing device 6 via the universal code 3b, and predetermined processing such as noise removal is performed. Then, the image processing device 6 outputs the image signal after the predetermined processing to the monitor 7 via the cable 8.

  Here, after confirming that the images of the end face member 102c and the inner member 103c are displayed on the monitor 7, the surgeon operates the white balance mode changeover switch 6c provided in the image processing apparatus 6. When operated by an operator, the white balance mode switch 6c outputs a mode switching signal to the control unit 6d. The control unit 6d outputs the mode switching signal to the recording unit 6e and the image processing unit 6f. The recording unit 6e outputs a threshold value of the sampling area to the image processing unit 6f based on the mode switching signal. Note that the threshold value of the sampling region is based on the field of view of the objective lens 4a provided at the tip portion 4A and the distance from the tip surface of the tip portion 4A to the end face member 102c in the state shown in FIG. It is a preset value. Further, the above-described distance from the distal end surface of the distal end portion 4A to the end surface member 102c is a distance calculated in advance as a predetermined distance that does not cause halation between the objective lens 4a and the imaging element 4b.

  The image processing unit 6f generates a frame for indicating the sampling area based on the mode switching signal and the threshold value of the sampling area, and the image information obtained by performing the predetermined image processing on the image information of the frame It is superimposed on the signal and output. Based on the image signal output from the image processing unit 6f, the monitor 7 has a frame A displayed in the vicinity of the center of the monitor 7 as shown in FIG. 10, for example, on the images of the end face member 102c and the inner member 103c. Display overlapping images.

  After confirming that the frame A displayed on the monitor 7 and the region where the objective lens 4a and the image pickup device 4b image the end face member 102c substantially match each other as shown in FIG. The balance adjustment switch 6b is operated.

  When operated by the operator, the white balance adjustment switch 6b outputs a white balance execution signal to the control unit 6d. The control unit 6d outputs a white balance execution signal from the white balance adjustment switch 6b to the image processing unit 6f. Based on the white balance execution signal output from the control unit 6d and the image signal, the image processing unit 6f reflects reflected red light in a sampling region that is within a region surrounded by a frame A in the image signal. And the ratio of the intensity of the reflected green light and the fluorescence is calculated. Then, the image processing unit 6f adjusts the intensity of reflected red light, reflected green light, and fluorescence in the image signal output from the control unit 6d in accordance with the calculation result of the intensity ratio. The image signal after the predetermined image processing is output to the monitor 7 via the cable 8. When the control unit 6d detects that the image processing unit 6f has output the image signal after the adjustment of the intensity and the predetermined image processing, the control unit 6d sets the threshold value of the sampling area to the recording unit 6e. Control to stop the output. Accordingly, the image processing unit 6f stops generating a frame for indicating the sampling area.

  Note that the endoscope color balance adjusting tool 300 according to the present embodiment may be configured such that the cylindrical body 123 and the disk-shaped member 301 are integrally formed, and in the case of such a configuration, the disk-shaped member 301. The white balance adjustment can be performed without the trouble of attaching the disk-shaped member 301 and the loss of the disk-shaped member 301 can be prevented.

  In addition, the endoscope color balance adjusting tool 300 according to the present embodiment has no space other than the air layer in the space from the distal end surface of the distal end portion 4A to the end surface member 102c, and the distal end surface of the distal end portion 4A. The white balance can be adjusted in a state where the distance from the end face member 102c to the end face member 102c is substantially constant. Therefore, the operator can make the color balance of the fluorescence observation image substantially the same each time the color balance is adjusted.

  Further, when performing white balance adjustment using the endoscope color balance adjustment tool 300 of the present embodiment, the surgeon connects the disc-shaped member 301 to the cylindrical body 123 and then touches the disc-shaped member 301. As long as the tip portion 4A is brought into contact with the contact portion 302a, the distance from the tip surface of the tip portion 4A to the end face member 102c is a predetermined distance that does not cause halation of the objective lens 4a and the image sensor 4b. The tip portion 4A can be disposed. Therefore, compared with the color balance adjustment tool 101 of 1st Embodiment and the color balance adjustment tool 111 for endoscopes of 2nd Embodiment, the operativity at the time of an operator performing white balance adjustment is good.

  Note that the endoscope color balance adjuster 300 according to the present embodiment includes, for example, an endoscope color balance adjuster having a cylindrical body 123A having an inner peripheral surface formed in a mortar shape as shown in FIG. A thing like 310 may be sufficient.

  A cylindrical body 123A having an outer peripheral surface formed in a substantially umbrella shape has an outer member 103a and an inner member 103c, and an end surface member 102c of the lid body 102A from an opening 104B communicating with an internal space into which the distal end portion 4A can be inserted. It has an internal space that gradually becomes narrower. That is, the internal space of the cylindrical body 123A is obtained when the distal end portion 4A is inserted from the opening 104B while maintaining the state where the optical axis of the objective lens 4a is substantially orthogonal to the surface of the end face member 102c. In addition, at a distance from or near the front end surface of the front end portion 4A to the end surface member 102c where the image pickup element 4b does not cause halation, a part of the front end portion 4A abuts the inner member 103c in the direction of the end surface member 102c. It is formed so that it cannot be inserted any further.

  The endoscope color balance adjustment tool 310 as a tubular body having the cylindrical body 123A as described above has substantially the same effect as the endoscope color balance adjustment tool 300 without using the disk-shaped member 301. Since white balance adjustment can be performed while obtaining the cost, the production cost can be further reduced as compared with the color balance adjustment tool 300 for endoscope.

(Fourth embodiment)
18 to 20 relate to the third embodiment of the present invention. Note that detailed descriptions of portions having the same configurations as those of the first to third embodiments are omitted. In addition, the same components as those in the first to third embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an appearance of an endoscope color balance adjusting tool according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view showing an internal configuration of an endoscope color balance adjusting tool according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view showing an internal configuration of an endoscope color balance adjuster according to a modification of the fourth embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 18, the endoscope color balance adjusting tool 400 as a tubular body includes a cylindrical body 133 having a flat portion on a part of the outer peripheral surface and an end face member 102 c that is an end face. It consists of a lid 102A. The lid body 102 </ b> A may be formed integrally with the cylinder body 133 as a part of the cylinder body 133.

  The cylinder 133 includes an outer member 103a and an inner member 103c, and has an opening 104C that communicates with an internal space into which the distal end portion 4A of the endoscope 2 can be inserted. As shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, the cylindrical body 133 has a flat surface portion 401 formed as a surface parallel to a flat surface 501 of a work table (not shown) on the outer peripheral surface. Further, the opening portion 104C of the cylindrical body 133 is provided so as to be covered with a part of the light shielding member 500 such as a light shielding film that shields light from the outside. Further, the light shielding member 500 is integrated with the cylindrical body 133, and when the distal end surface of the distal end portion 4A of the endoscope 2 is disposed in the opening 104C of the color balance adjusting tool 400, at least the distal end portion 4A. It has a size and shape that can cover. Since the cylindrical body 133 and the light shielding member 500 have such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the operator from forgetting to cover the light shielding member 500 and to prevent the light shielding member 500 from being lost. Note that the cylindrical body 133 and the light shielding member 500 may not be integrally formed, and may be configured as separate bodies.

  The opening 104C has a diameter that does not block the field of view of the objective lens 4a at the distal end 4A and does not block the irradiation light that the light guide 9 supplies to the subject. It is formed as an opening.

  Next, in the endoscope apparatus 1 in which each part has a configuration as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, adjustment of the color balance of the fluorescence observation image using the endoscope color balance adjustment tool 400, that is, white balance adjustment. A method for performing the above will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 10, 18, 19 and 20.

  After setting each part of the endoscope apparatus 1 in the autofluorescence observation state, the surgeon touches the flat surface 501 of the cylindrical body 133, that is, the surface on which the end surface member 102c of the lid 102A is provided. The endoscope color balance adjustment tool 400 is installed so as to be substantially orthogonal to the plane 501. Then, the operator holds the insertion portion 4 so that the distal end surface of the distal end portion 4A is arranged on the substantially same plane as the end portion 103e of the cylindrical body 133 in the opening portion 104C and the opening portion 104C. After the position is adjusted so that the central axis of the tip portion 4A is disposed at the approximate center, the tip portion 4A and the periphery of the tip portion 4A are covered with the light shielding member 500 while the tip portion 4A is held in that position. Thus, the light from the outside is prevented from entering.

  In a state in which the distal end portion 4A and the periphery of the distal end portion 4A are covered by the light shielding member 500, the imaging element 4b captures images of the end surface member 102c and the inner member 103c in the visual field region of the objective lens 4a, and the captured end surface member The images of 102c and the inner member 103c are converted into image signals and output. The image signal output from the image sensor 4b is input to the image processing device 6 via the universal code 3b, and predetermined processing such as noise removal is performed. Then, the image processing device 6 outputs the image signal after the predetermined processing to the monitor 7 via the cable 8.

  Here, after confirming that the images of the end face member 102c and the inner member 103c are displayed on the monitor 7, the surgeon operates the white balance mode changeover switch 6c provided in the image processing apparatus 6. When operated by an operator, the white balance mode switch 6c outputs a mode switching signal to the control unit 6d. The control unit 6d outputs the mode switching signal to the recording unit 6e and the image processing unit 6f. The recording unit 6e outputs a threshold value of the sampling area to the image processing unit 6f based on the mode switching signal. Note that the threshold value of the sampling area is based on the visual field area of the objective lens 4a provided at the tip portion 4A and the distance from the tip surface of the tip portion 4A to the end face member 102c in the state shown in FIG. It is a preset value. Further, the above-described distance from the distal end surface of the distal end portion 4A to the end surface member 102c is a distance calculated in advance as a predetermined distance that does not cause halation between the objective lens 4a and the imaging element 4b.

  The image processing unit 6f generates a frame for indicating the sampling area based on the mode switching signal and the threshold value of the sampling area, and the image information obtained by performing the predetermined image processing on the image information of the frame It is superimposed on the signal and output. Based on the image signal output from the image processing unit 6f, the monitor 7 has a frame A displayed in the vicinity of the center of the monitor 7 as shown in FIG. 10, for example, on the images of the end face member 102c and the inner member 103c. Display overlapping images.

  After confirming that the frame A displayed on the monitor 7 and the region where the objective lens 4a and the image pickup device 4b image the end face member 102c substantially match each other as shown in FIG. The balance adjustment switch 6b is operated.

  When operated by the operator, the white balance adjustment switch 6b outputs a white balance execution signal to the control unit 6d. The control unit 6d outputs a white balance execution signal from the white balance adjustment switch 6b to the image processing unit 6f. Based on the white balance execution signal output from the control unit 6d and the image signal, the image processing unit 6f reflects reflected red light in a sampling region that is within a region surrounded by a frame A in the image signal. And the ratio of the intensity of the reflected green light and the fluorescence is calculated. Then, the image processing unit 6f adjusts the intensity of reflected red light, reflected green light, and fluorescence in the image signal output from the control unit 6d in accordance with the calculation result of the intensity ratio. The image signal after the predetermined image processing is output to the monitor 7 via the cable 8. When the control unit 6d detects that the image processing unit 6f has output the image signal after the adjustment of the intensity and the predetermined image processing, the control unit 6d sets the threshold value of the sampling area to the recording unit 6e. Control to stop the output. Accordingly, the image processing unit 6f stops generating a frame for indicating the sampling area.

  The endoscope color balance adjusting tool 400 of the present embodiment has a flat surface portion 401 on the outer peripheral surface. Therefore, for example, the operator can adjust the white balance in a state in which both hands can freely move while the endoscope color balance adjustment tool 400 is installed so that the flat surface portion 401 is in contact with the flat surface 501. It can be performed.

  Further, the endoscope color balance adjusting tool 400 of the present embodiment is, for example, an endoscope color balance adjusting tool 410 as a tubular body in which a cylindrical member 502 is formed at an end portion 103e of a cylindrical body 133. It may be anything.

  The cylindrical member 502 is a hollow member made of a member such as a metal or plastic that blocks light, and having a hole having substantially the same diameter as that of the distal end portion 4A. Further, the cylindrical member 501 has a distal end portion 4A in a state in which the distal end surface of the distal end portion 4A is disposed on substantially the same plane as the end portion on the end surface member 102c side of the cylindrical member 502 as shown in FIG. When the lens is inserted, the distance from the distal end surface of the distal end portion 4A to the end surface member 102c has a size and shape such that the objective lens 4a and the image sensor 4b have a predetermined distance that does not cause halation. .

  Since the endoscope color balance adjustment tool 410 is provided with the cylindrical member 502, it is possible to perform white balance adjustment in a state of higher light shielding than the endoscope color balance adjustment tool 400.

  In addition, the endoscope color balance adjusting tool 400 and the endoscope color balance adjusting tool 410 according to the present embodiment are in a state where there is nothing other than an air layer in the space from the distal end surface of the distal end portion 4A to the end surface member 102c. In addition, white balance adjustment can be performed in a state where the distance from the distal end surface of the distal end portion 4A to the end surface member 102c is substantially constant. Therefore, the operator can make the color balance of the fluorescence observation image substantially the same each time the color balance is adjusted.

  The endoscope color balance adjusting tool in each of the embodiments from the first embodiment to the fourth embodiment described above is performed when autofluorescence observation is performed using the endoscope apparatus 1. For example, color balance adjustment performed when performing fluorescence observation using an apparatus, instrument, or the like that can perform various observations based on fluorescence emitted from the subject. It may also be used for white balance adjustment.

[Appendix]
According to the embodiment of the present invention described in detail above, the following configuration can be obtained.

(Additional item 1)
An image processing apparatus having a function of performing predetermined image processing on an image signal output from an endoscope capable of performing autofluorescence observation and outputting the image signal after performing the predetermined image processing There,
An image process characterized by superimposing a frame for indicating a sampling region on the image signal when performing color balance adjustment on a color image captured by the autofluorescence observation of the endoscope apparatus.

(Appendix 2)
A function of performing predetermined image processing on an image signal output from an endoscope capable of performing autofluorescence observation, and outputting the image signal after performing the predetermined image processing to a display unit. An image processing apparatus comprising:
When color balance adjustment is performed on a color image taken by the autofluorescence observation of the endoscope, the reflected light of two colors and the intensity of fluorescence are predetermined in the color image displayed on the display means. An image processing apparatus that performs sampling only for pixels that are equal to or greater than a threshold value.

The schematic block diagram of the endoscope apparatus in which the color balance adjusting tool for endoscopes which concerns on 1st Embodiment is used. Sectional drawing which shows the structure of the front-end | tip part of the endoscope which comprises the endoscope apparatus shown in FIG. The block diagram which shows the internal structure of the image processing apparatus which comprises the endoscope apparatus shown in FIG. The figure which shows the external appearance of the color balance adjustment tool for endoscopes which concerns on 1st Embodiment. The figure which shows the state which removed the cover body from the cylinder in the color balance adjustment tool for endoscopes which concerns on 1st Embodiment. Sectional drawing which shows the internal structure of the color balance adjustment tool for endoscopes which concerns on 1st Embodiment. Sectional drawing which shows the state of an endoscope and the color balance adjustment tool for endoscopes when performing white balance adjustment using the color balance adjustment tool for endoscopes which concerns on 1st Embodiment. The figure which showed the state in which the color balance adjustment tool for endoscopes which concerns on 1st Embodiment is stored. The figure which shows the screen displayed on a monitor, when performing white balance adjustment using the color balance adjustment tool for endoscopes which concerns on 1st Embodiment. The figure which shows the screen displayed on a monitor when the sampling area | region of FIG. 9 and the area | region where an endoscope images an end surface member substantially correspond. 6 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the image processing apparatus when white balance adjustment is performed using the endoscope color balance adjustment tool according to the first embodiment. Sectional drawing which shows the internal structure of the color balance adjustment tool for endoscopes which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. The figure which shows the screen displayed on a monitor, when performing white balance adjustment using the color balance adjustment tool for endoscopes which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. The figure which shows the screen displayed on a monitor when the sampling area | region of FIG. 13 and the area | region where an endoscope images an end surface member and an inner surface substantially correspond. Sectional drawing which shows the internal structure of the color balance adjustment tool for endoscopes which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. Sectional drawing which shows the structure at the time of making the disk shaped member shown in FIG. 15, and a cylinder contact | abut. Sectional drawing which shows the internal structure of the color balance adjustment tool for endoscopes which concerns on the modification of 3rd Embodiment. The figure which shows the external appearance of the color balance adjustment tool for endoscopes which concerns on 4th Embodiment. Sectional drawing which shows the internal structure of the color balance adjustment tool for endoscopes which concerns on 4th Embodiment. Sectional drawing which shows the internal structure of the color balance adjustment tool for endoscopes which concerns on the modification of 4th Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Endoscope apparatus, 2 Endoscope, 3 Operation part, 3a, 6a Switch group, 3b Universal cord, 4 Insertion part, 4a Objective lens, 4A Tip part, 4b Image sensor, 5 Light source device, 5a, 8 Cable, 6 image processing device, 6b white balance adjustment switch, 6c white balance mode switch, 6d control unit, 6e recording unit, 6f image processing unit, 7 monitor, 9 light guide, 101, 111, 300, 310, 400, 410 Endoscopic color balance adjustment tool, 102, 102A lid, 102a flange, 102b male screw, 102c end face member, 103, 123, 123A, 133 cylinder, 103a outer member, 103b female screw, 103c, 113c inner Member, 103d, 302a contact part, 103e end part, 104, 104a, 104A, 10 B, 104C, 303, 303a Opening, 113d Light absorption part, 113e Fluorescence generation part, 201,500 Light shielding member, 301 Disc member, 302 Disc member, 401 Plane part, 501 Plane, 502 Cylindrical member agent Susumu Shi Itou

Claims (7)

A tube body having an opening communicating with an internal space into which the distal end portion of the endoscope can be inserted at one end and a mortar-shaped inner surface closed at the other end, blocking light from the outside,
The side surface of the mortar-shaped inner surface has a light absorption surface that absorbs light,
The end surface of the bowl-shaped inner surface, have a fluorogenic surface fluorescing
The bowl-shaped inner surface, as the fluorogenic surface of the viewing area of the objective optical system provided on the tip is brought into contact with a portion of the tip portion at a position that does not cause halation, inserting the tip said side slope is formed which can, when brought into contact with a portion of said distal portion to said side surface, the end face of the fluorogenic surface so as to surround the field area entire area of the objective optical system is provided the endoscope color-balance adjustment device, characterized in that Do that from a. The color balance adjusting tool for an endoscope according to claim 1, wherein the side surface is entirely composed of the light absorbing surface. The endoscope color balance adjusting tool according to claim 1, wherein the side surface has the fluorescence generation surface in a range of a predetermined length from the end surface side. Further, the tube body includes a cylindrical body having the opening and the side surface, and a lid body having the end surface, and the lid body is configured to be detachable from the cylindrical body. The color balance adjuster for endoscopes according to any one of claims 1 to 3. Furthermore, at least the said fluorescence generating surface of the said tubular body is stored in the state covered with the member which has light-shielding property, The inside as described in any one of Claim 1 to 4 characterized by the above-mentioned. Endoscope color balance adjuster. The color balance adjusting tool for an endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a light shielding member is provided in the vicinity of the opening of the tubular body. The light shielding member is provided so as to cover at least the distal end portion of the endoscope when the distal end surface of the distal end portion of the endoscope is disposed in the opening of the tubular body. The color balance adjusting tool for an endoscope according to claim 6.

Images