JP4827414B2 - Electronic endoscope system and filing system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a filing system in an electronic endoscope system.

  In recent years, an electronic endoscope system including an electronic scope on which a CCD is mounted has been introduced in a medical field. By inserting the electronic scope into the patient's body, the inside of the internal organ is photographed, and the image is displayed on the main monitor through predetermined image processing in an image processor (image processing apparatus) to which the electronic scope is connected. The practitioner operates the operation unit of the electronic scope while viewing the image displayed on the main monitor, and moves the imaging part, performs a treatment on the lesion site, and the like.

In addition to the electronic scope described above, an external input device is connected to the image processor. For example, it is an input device such as various sensors or a keyboard for measuring biological information (heart rate, blood pressure, pulse, etc.) of a patient during treatment. Various information other than the photographed image is input to the image processor from these external input devices. The captured image obtained through the electronic scope, the patient personal information input from the keyboard, and the biological information obtained from various sensors are associated and stored in a predetermined recording medium.
JP 2002-282213 A

  However, since the captured images and the various input information described above have different data formats, they must be stored in the respective data formats and associated with files having different data formats. Therefore, a filing device separate from the image processor is required for storing each information. For reproduction, an application corresponding to each data format is required. As a result, there is a problem that the electronic endoscope system becomes complicated.

  The present invention solves the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a filing system having a simple configuration in an electronic endoscope system.

  An electronic endoscope system according to the present invention inputs imaging means for imaging a patient's body, image processing means for performing predetermined image processing on a captured image obtained by the imaging means, and related information related to the captured image. An integrated file generating unit that includes an input unit and a recording unit that records a captured image in a file of a predetermined data format, and the recording unit generates an integrated file in which the captured image and related information are integrated in the same data format. It is characterized by having.

  The input means may include, for example, a monitor device that detects biological information of the patient. In this case, the related information includes biological information output from the monitor device. Further, the input means may include, for example, an X-ray apparatus for imaging a patient being imaged by the imaging means. In that case, the related information includes X-rays of the patient imaged by the X-ray apparatus. Contains images. Further, the input means may include, for example, an input device for inputting character data. In this case, the related information includes information related to the patient input by the input device.

  Preferably, the recording unit includes an individual file generation unit that generates an individual file for each of the captured image and the related information.

  More preferably, there is provided a selection means for selecting one of the recording process by the integrated file generation means and the recording process by the individual file generation means.

  In addition, an electronic endoscope system according to the present invention includes an imaging unit that images a patient's body, an image processing unit that performs predetermined image processing on a captured image obtained by the imaging unit, and related information related to the captured image. Image data input means for inputting in the form of image data, character data input means for inputting information related to the patient in the form of character data, and a captured image, related information and character data integrated in the same data format A first storage unit that stores the first integrated file, a second storage unit that stores the second integrated file in which the captured image and the character data are integrated in the same data format, the captured image, the related information, and the character. A third storage unit that stores each of the data as individual files, and a selection unit that selects any one of the first to third storage units are provided.

  In addition, the filing system according to the present invention includes captured image data obtained by performing predetermined image processing in an image processing apparatus in which a scope is connected to image data acquired by a scope inserted into a patient's body, and an image Data generation means for integrating photographed image data and related data input from an external device connected to the processing apparatus into a file having the same data format, and data storage means for storing the file are provided. And

  As described above, according to the present invention, captured image data and external input data can be integrated into a single file in the same data format. Therefore, when reading data, it is not necessary to operate a different application for each data, and the processing is simplified.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic endoscope system to which an embodiment according to the present invention is applied. The electronic scope 10 is connected to an operation unit 11 that performs various operations while being held by a practitioner, an insertion unit 12 that is a flexible tube inserted into a patient's body, and an image processing processor (image processing apparatus) 20. And a connecting portion 13 to be connected. The image processor 20 performs predetermined image processing on the image acquired by the electronic scope 10. A touch panel 21 is disposed on a front portion (not shown) of the image processor 20. The image processor 20 is connected to a main monitor 30 that displays an image based on a predetermined video signal standard.

  The first CPU 22 of the image processor 20 is, for example, a microprocessor that controls the entire electronic endoscope system. An input signal from an operation button or the like of the operation unit 11 of the electronic scope 10 is input to the first CPU 22. The light source unit 23 includes a light source such as a xenon lamp that emits white light, and a light source driving circuit for driving the light source to turn on. The diaphragm mechanism 24 includes a diaphragm for adjusting the amount of light emitted from the light source unit 23 and a diaphragm driving circuit that drives the diaphragm. The stop is disposed on the optical path of the emitted light from the light source of the light source unit 23.

  A light guide 14 composed of a large number of optical fibers is inserted into the electronic scope 10, and the light guide 14 extends to the distal end of the insertion portion 12 of the electronic scope 10. When the connection unit 13 of the electronic scope 10 is connected to the image processor 20, the light guide 14 is optically connected to the light source of the light source unit 23 via the diaphragm mechanism 24. When the light source lighting operation is performed by the user, a driving signal is output from the light source driving circuit of the light source unit 23 to the light source based on a control signal from the first CPU 22, and white light is emitted from the light source. Further, based on a control signal from the first CPU 22, a drive signal is output from the aperture drive circuit of the aperture mechanism 24 to the aperture. As a result, the amount of white light emitted from the light source unit 23 is adjusted by the diaphragm mechanism 24 and enters the incident end of the light guide 14. The incident white light is guided to the tip of the insertion portion 12 of the electronic scope 10 by the light guide 14 and irradiated to the object to be observed as illumination light through the light distribution optical system 17.

  Reflected light from the object to be observed enters the CCD 16 via the objective optical system 15, and an optical image of the object to be observed is formed on the light receiving surface of the CCD 16. When the connection unit 13 is connected to the image processor 20, the CCD drive circuit 18 of the connection unit 13 is connected to the first CPU 22. When a CCD drive signal is output from the CCD drive circuit 18 based on the control signal from the first CPU 22, the CCD 16 photoelectrically converts the optical image of the object to be observed and outputs an analog image signal.

  The analog image signal output from the CCD 16 is subjected to A / D conversion by the signal processing circuit 19 of the connection unit 13 and input to the preceding signal processing circuit 251 of the signal processing unit 25 of the image processor 20. The processing circuit 251 performs predetermined image signal processing such as amplification processing, gamma correction, and contour enhancement on the digital image signal, and stores it as image data in an image memory 252 provided in the signal processing unit 25. The image data in the image memory 252 is read out in a timely manner, subjected to video signal processing conforming to a predetermined video signal specification in the subsequent signal processing circuit 253, and output to the main monitor 30. As a result, the observed object image is displayed on the main monitor 30.

  The touch panel 21 is used in combination with an LED 28 as a backlight. When emitted light from the LED 28 is irradiated, an image displayed on the touch panel 21 can be visually recognized. The touch panel 21 and the LED 28 are controlled by the second CPU 26. The second CPU 26 exchanges various information with the first CPU 22.

  The auxiliary recording device (for example, hard disk device) 27 stores image data of various icons that are displayed on the touch panel 21 and facilitate input by the operator, various programs for controlling the touch panel 21, and the like. It is connected to the CPU 26. In addition, the image memory 252 of the signal processing unit 25 is connected to the second CPU 26. The image data in the image memory 252 is read based on the control of the second CPU 26 and output to the touch panel 21. As a result, the object image can be displayed on the touch panel 21 as well.

  As described above, the touch panel 21 can display image data of the observed object stored in the image memory 252 of the signal processing unit 25 and image data such as an icon stored in the auxiliary recording device 27. The display mode of these image data on the touch panel 21 is controlled by the second CPU 26.

  Biological information such as blood pressure and heart rate of the patient under examination is measured by the biological information monitor 40. The biological information monitor 40 is a type of device that displays a measurement result on a display. Further, the biological information monitor 40 of the present embodiment is provided with an external output terminal (not shown) for outputting an NTSC composite digital signal. Image data indicating blood pressure, heart rate values, and the like displayed on the display of the biological information monitor 40 can be output from the external output terminal to an external device. In the present embodiment, the external output terminal is connected to the input terminal 41 of the image processor 20 via a cable. In the image processor 20, the input terminal 41 is connected to the subsequent signal processing circuit 253 and the second CPU 26 of the signal processing unit 25. As a result, the digital image data indicating the above-described biological information is input to the subsequent signal processing circuit 253 and the second CPU 26.

  The X-ray apparatus 50 is an apparatus for imaging the distal end position of the insertion portion 12 of the electronic scope 10 in the body of a patient under examination. In the present embodiment, as the X-ray device 50, for example, a device having an external output terminal (not shown) on the back panel or the like is used. From this external output terminal, digital data of an X-ray image taken by the X-ray apparatus 50 is output as, for example, an NTSC composite digital signal. The external output terminal of the X-ray apparatus 50 is connected to the NTSC system compatible input terminal 51 of the image processor 20 via a cable. Image data indicating the position of the distal end of the insertion portion taken by the X-ray apparatus 50 is input to the post-stage signal processing circuit 253 and the second CPU 26 via the input terminal 51.

  A keyboard 60 is connected to the image processor 20. Various character information such as the examination date, the name of the patient, and the name of the doctor in charge are input from the keyboard 60. The keyboard 60 is connected to the input terminal 61 of the image processor. The above-described data input to the input terminal 61 is character data conforming to a predetermined character code system. The character data is converted into digital image data by the conversion circuit 62. The conversion circuit 62 is connected to the post-stage signal processing circuit 253 and the second CPU 26. Accordingly, the above-described various character information converted into digital image data is input to the subsequent signal processing circuit 253 and the second CPU 26.

  As described above, in the electronic endoscope system of the present embodiment, the image data acquired by the CCD 16 of the electronic scope 10 is input to the image processor 20 and various information related to the image data is processed by the image processing. Input is performed from an external input device (biological information monitor 40, X-ray device 50, keyboard 60) connected to the processor 20.

  The subsequent signal processing circuit 253 of the signal processing unit 25 reads image data from the image memory 252 and superimposes the above-described various information input from the biological information monitor 40, the X-ray device 50, and the keyboard 60 on the data. Is done. That is, the above-described X-ray image, biological information, patient personal information, and the like are incorporated into a partial area of the captured image and output to the TV monitor 30.

  When the operation unit 11 of the electronic scope 10 is operated and a signal indicating image data storage is input to the first CPU 22, the signal is transmitted to the second CPU 26. As described above, the second CPU 26 has digital photographed image data read from the image memory 252, various biological information output from the biological information monitor 40, and X-ray digital image data output from the X-ray device 50. The character information converted into digital image data output from the conversion circuit 62 is input. In response to the input of a signal for instructing image data storage, the second CPU 26 performs processing for storing these various input data in the external storage device 70. As the external storage device 70, for example, an FD (flexible disk) device, MO, CF card, USB memory or the like is used.

  In the present embodiment, the data saving process of the second CPU 26 can correspond to three saving formats. The first storage format is a storage format in which still image data extracted from digital photographed image data and the above-described various input data are integrated in the same data format and stored in a single file. The second storage format is a format that stores only still image data and digitally converted character information. The third storage format is a format in which digital photographed image data and various input data are stored in separate files.

  The auxiliary storage device 27 stores a menu screen for selecting the first to third storage formats. Based on the control of the second CPU 26, this menu screen is displayed on the touch panel 21. When the user touches the icon indicating the storage format displayed on the touch panel 21, a signal indicating that the storage format indicated by the icon has been selected is input to the second CPU 26. Based on this input signal, the second CPU 26 executes processing for storing the various data described above in the storage format selected by the user.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an aspect of the first storage format. The capacity of the actual data portion of one file in the first storage format is an amount of data corresponding to 1920 (horizontal) × 960 (vertical) pixels of bitmap format image data. In the first storage format file, the still image data area 100 has a capacity of 1280 (horizontal) × 960 (vertical) pixels. The external input image data area 101 has a capacity of 640 (horizontal) × 480 (vertical) pixels, and stores X-ray digital image data or digital image data indicating biological information. The area 102 of the character information converted into digital image data has a capacity of 640 (horizontal) × 480 (vertical) pixels. Then, as shown in FIG. 2, the first storage format file is created such that the area 101 is located in the upper half right next to the area 100 and the area 102 is located in the lower half.

  In the first storage format, whether to store X-ray digital image data or digital image data indicating biological information in the area 101 is determined by appropriately operating the touch panel 21 by the user.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an aspect of the second storage format. The capacity of the actual data portion of one file in the second storage format is a data amount corresponding to 1280 (horizontal) × 1075 (vertical) pixels of the image data in the bitmap format. In the second storage format file, the still image data area 200 has a capacity of 1280 (horizontal) × 960 (vertical) pixels, as in the first storage format. The character information data area 201 converted into digital image data has a capacity of 1280 (horizontal) × 115 (vertical) pixels. Then, as shown in FIG. 3, the second storage format file is created so that the area 201 is positioned below the area 200.

  As described above, the third storage format is a format for storing each data in a separate file. Accordingly, the description using the drawings is omitted.

  4 and 5 are flowcharts showing the processing procedure of the data storage routine executed by the second CPU 26. FIG. In steps S300 to S304, the variable in which the storage format is stored is checked, and it is confirmed which storage format has already been selected from the first to third storage formats. If it is confirmed that the first storage format is selected (YES in step S300), the process proceeds to step S306. In step S306, as described above, the still image data and various input data are converted into the bitmap format, integrated into one file (integrated file) in the manner shown in FIG. 2, and stored in the external storage device 70.

  If it is confirmed that the second storage format is selected (YES in step S302), the process proceeds to step S308. In step S308, as described above, the digital photographed image data and the digitized character data are converted into a bitmap format, integrated into one file (integrated file) in the manner shown in FIG. Stored in Also, the X-ray digital image data and the digital image data of biological information are stored in the external storage device 70 as separate files in respective data formats. The integrated file, the X-ray digital image data, and the biometric digital image data file are associated with each other by including the same character string in each file name.

  If it is confirmed that the third storage format is selected (YES in step S304), the process proceeds to step S310. In step S310, as described above, still image data, digitized character data, X-ray digital image data, and biometric digital image data are stored in the external storage device 70 as separate files in their respective data formats. Is done. Each of these files is associated with each other by including the same character string in each file name.

  If it is confirmed that the storage format is not selected (NO in step S304), the process proceeds to step S312 in FIG. In step S <b> 312, menu screen data for selecting a storage format is read from the auxiliary storage device 27 and displayed on the touch panel 21. The user can select a desired storage format by touching a menu item displayed on the touch panel 21.

  In steps S314 to S318, it is checked which storage format has been selected, and the selected storage format is set to the above-described variable indicating the storage format (steps S320, S322, and S324). When a value is set in the variable, the process returns to step S300 in FIG. 4 and the subsequent processing is executed. On the other hand, if it is confirmed that the storage format is not selected (NO in step S318), the process returns to step S314, and the subsequent processing is repeated.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the captured image acquired by the electronic scope 10 and various information related to the captured image, that is, the patient's biological information at the time of capturing the captured image, the patient's personal information, X-ray images can be converted into the same data format and recorded in the same file. Therefore, when referring to various data, it is not necessary to operate a plurality of applications, and the operation is simple.

  Further, since various data are integrated in the image processor 20, it is not necessary to install a special device or software for image filing. Therefore, the entire system is not complicated and is economical.

  Further, when saving in the first and second saving formats, various data are saved in a juxtaposed manner as shown in FIGS. That is, since other data is not superimposed on a part of a certain data area, various data are saved in a complete state even when saved as an integrated file.

  In the present embodiment, the data format of the integrated file is a bitmap. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the data format may be selected by the user.

  The modes of the first and second storage formats are shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, respectively, but are merely examples and are not limited thereto. The data capacity of one file in the first storage format is 1920 × 960 pixels, and the data capacity of one file in the second storage format is 1280 × 1075 pixels, but the present invention is not limited to this.

  In the electronic endoscope system according to the present embodiment, various information such as image data related to image data acquired by the CCD 16 of the electronic scope 10 is received from an external input device such as the biological information monitor 40 or the X-ray device 50. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any external input device having an external output terminal such as a video camera may be used. Furthermore, the output method of the external input device that outputs image data is not limited to the NTSC method, and may be a PAL method, a SECAM method, or the like.

1 is a block diagram of an electronic endoscope system to which an embodiment according to the present invention is applied. It is a figure which shows the aspect of a 1st preservation | save format. It is a figure which shows the aspect of a 2nd preservation | save format. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of a data preservation | save. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of a preservation | save format selection.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Electronic scope 11 Operation part 20 Image processor 22 1st CPU
26 Second CPU
30 Main monitor 40 Biological information monitor 50 X-ray device 60 Keyboard

Claims (5)

Imaging means for imaging the patient's body;
Image processing means for performing images processing a captured image obtained by the imaging means,
Image data input means for inputting related information related to the state of the patient when the captured image was captured in the form of image data ;
Character data input means for inputting information related to the patient in the form of character data;
A first storage unit that stores the captured image, the related information, and the character data in a first integrated file that is integrated in the same data format;
A second storage means for storing the captured image and the character data in a second integrated file integrated in the same data format;
Third storage means for storing each of the captured image, the related information, and the character data in separate files;
An electronic endoscope system comprising: a selecting unit that selects any one of the first to third storing units . The image data input means includes a monitor device that detects biological information of the patient,
The electronic endoscope system according to claim 1, wherein the related information includes the biological information output from the monitor device. The image data input means includes an X-ray device for imaging the patient being imaged by the imaging means,
The electronic endoscope system according to claim 1, wherein the related information includes an X-ray image of the patient imaged by the X-ray apparatus. The character data input means includes an input device for inputting character data,
Wherein the related information, the electronic endoscope system according to claim 1, characterized in that includes personal information relating to the patient to be input by the input device. Captured image data obtained by subjecting image data acquired by a scope inserted into the body of a patient to image processing in an image processing apparatus connected to the scope, and input from an external device connected to the image processing apparatus And the related data related to the condition of the patient when the captured image data is captured and the character data related to the patient are integrated into the same data format and stored in the integrated first integrated file. First storage means to
A second storage unit that integrates the captured image data and the character data into the same data format and stores the integrated image data in the integrated second integrated file;
Third storage means for storing each of the photographed image data, the related data, and the character data in separate files;
A filing system comprising: a selecting unit that selects any one of the first to third storing units.

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