JPH0244528B2 - - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Object of the Invention] (Industrial Application Field) This invention relates to a medical television camera device used with medical equipment such as an endoscope.

(Prior Art) When a television camera is attached to the eyepiece of an endoscope, the affected area in front of the tip of the endoscope can be observed on a television monitor. Using a TV monitor in this way improves operability because there is no need to operate the endoscope while placing your eye on the eyepiece. The TV monitor used at this time is
Usually a color TV is used. This is because it is difficult to understand the condition of the affected area in monochrome (black and white). In conventional color TV monitor equipment,
The color tone (color balance) of the monitor image is adjusted by operating the color adjustment knobs on the camera control unit or TV monitor. When performing color adjustment using such a conventional device, the operator must operate the knobs on the camera control unit or TV monitor while holding the camera head, which is a very troublesome task. In particular, when the camera head is attached to an endoscope,
Depending on the situation, it may not be possible to place the camera control unit (CCU) or TV monitor near the operator holding the camera head. In such a case, the operator must adjust the color tone with the help of a third party while viewing the monitor image. Furthermore, if the affected area to be observed is changed, the color tone that has been set may need to be readjusted. In such cases, it would be extremely inconvenient if the camera control unit and TV monitor were located in a position that was difficult for the operator to reach.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a medical television camera device that allows an operator to adjust color tone on the camera head side while viewing a monitor image.

[Structure of the Invention] (Means and Actions for Achieving the Problems of the Invention) In order to achieve the above object, the television camera device according to the present invention includes a camera control section and a TV camera device.
A color control knob is provided on the camera head that is separated from the monitor. Therefore, the operator can freely adjust the color tone of the monitor screen while holding the camera head attached to a medical instrument such as an endoscope, without touching the camera control unit or TV monitor that are far away.

(Example) Next, an example of the medical television camera device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the description, common or similar reference numerals are used for common or similar parts across multiple drawings to avoid redundant explanation.

FIG. 1 shows an example of a television camera device to which the present invention is applied. A camera head section 12 is attached to the eyepiece section of the endoscope 10. The camera head section 12 is provided with operation knobs 14R and 14B for adjusting color tone. The camera head unit 12 is coupled to a camera control unit (CCU) 18 via a connecting cable 16. A video signal output from the camera control section 18 is given to a color TV monitor 22 via a signal cable 20.

A light source device 24 is connected to the endoscope 10. The distal end portion 10 ₁ of the endoscope 10 is connected to the stomach 8, for example.
inserted within. A light guide and an objective lens are provided at the tip ₁₀₁ . The inside of the stomach 8 is illuminated by the light emitted from this light guide. The condition (optical image) of the inner wall of the stomach 8 is captured by the objective lens and sent to the imaging tube within the camera head section 12. A video signal corresponding to this optical image of the stomach 8 is sent to the TV monitor 22 via the camera control section 18. Then, TV monitor 22
A color image of the inner wall of the stomach 8 is reproduced on the CRT tube surface. In such a television camera device, the color tone of the reproduced image on the TV monitor 22 is determined by the knobs 14R, 1 provided on the camera head section 12.
It can be adjusted by 4B.

FIG. 2 shows the internal structure of the camera head section 12 and camera control section 18 shown in FIG. The optical image of the inner wall of the stomach 8 is formed on the target surface of the imaging tube 26 via an optical lens system (not shown). A deflection coil (not shown) of the image pickup tube 26 is driven by a deflection circuit 28, and the electron beam of the image pickup tube 26 is scanned. According to this scanning, an image signal E1 is output from the target of the image pickup tube 26. Signal E1
is amplified by preamplifier 30 to signal E2.

The signal E2 is input to the YC separation amplifier 32 in the camera control section 18. The Y signal (luminance signal) component E3 separated by the amplifier 32 is input to the Y process amplifier 34. This amplifier 34 performs signal processing such as γ correction, black level determination, and white compression. The C signal (color signal) component E4 separated by the amplifier 32 is input to the RB demodulation amplifier 36. RY signal (red signal) component E demodulated via the filter in the amplifier 36
5 is applied to the R process amplifier 40 through the color tone adjustment circuit 38R. B-Y signal (blue signal) component E demodulated via the filter in the amplifier 36
6 is applied to the B process amplifier 42 via the color tone adjustment circuit 38B. Amplifiers 34, 40, 42
The signals EY, ER, and EB output from each are
It is input to the color coder 44. color coder 4
4, a synchronization signal ES is generated from a synchronization signal generator 46.
is given. The color coder 44 receives signals EY,
Creates an NTSC type color video signal EV based on ER, EB and ES. This signal EV
is sent to the TV monitor 22 in FIG. Generator 46 also provides a horizontal drive signal to the deflection circuit 28.
Provides EH and vertical drive signal EV.

The above configuration is generally known, so
Further detailed explanation will be omitted. Next, we will move on to an explanation of how the present invention is applied to the above configuration. Reversible rotary motors 48R, 48B are connected to the adjustment circuits 38R, 38B. The adjustment circuits 38R and 38B each include a potentiometer (or variable resistor) for adjusting color tone. These potentiometers are coupled to the rotating shafts of motors 48R and 48B via speed reduction mechanisms such as gears. The first terminal of the motor 48R is connected to the first contact of the switch S1 and the switch S2.
is connected to the third contact of the terminal. The second terminal of the motor 48R is connected to the third contact of the switch S1 and the switch S
is connected to the first contact of 2. Similarly, a first terminal of motor 48B is connected to a third contact of switch S3 and a first contact of switch S4,
The second terminal of 8B is connected to the first contact of switch S3 and the third contact of switch S4. The contact terminals of switches S1 and S4 are connected to the positive terminal of DC power supply 50, and the contact terminals of switches S2 and S3 are connected to the negative terminal of DC power supply 50. Switches S1 and S2 constitute a two-circuit, three-contact operating switch S14R, and switches S3 and S4 constitute a two-circuit, three-contact operating switch S14R.
This constitutes a circuit three-contact operation switch S14B.
The switch S14R is switched by the operating knob 14R shown in FIG. 1, and the switch S14B is switched by the operating knob 14B.

Now, the operation knobs 14R and 14B shown in FIG.
The position of switches S14R and S in FIG.
14B is at the second contact selection position. In this case, motors 48R and 48B are not rotated.
If the reproduced image on the TV monitor 22 at this time is insufficiently reddish, the first contact of the switch S14R is selected by operating the knob 14R. Then, a current flows from the first terminal to the second terminal of the motor 48R, and the motor 48R rotates clockwise, for example. In accordance with this rotation, the reddish tint of the reproduced image becomes stronger. Once the desired color tone is obtained, turn knob 1.
4R to return switch S14R to the second contact selection position. Then, the rotation of the motor 48R is stopped and the desired color tone is maintained. If the reddish tint is too strong, turn switch S1 by operating knob 14R.
Select the third contact of 4R. Then motor 48R
rotates counterclockwise, and the reddish tinge of the reproduced image becomes weaker. When the desired color tone is obtained, if the switch S14R is returned to the second contact selection position, the color tone at that time is maintained. In this way, red balance adjustment is performed.

The color tone adjustment for the blue balance is also performed in the same way as for the red balance. That is, the operation knob 14B
When the first contact of the switch S14B is selected by the operation, the blue tint becomes stronger, and when the third contact is selected, the blue tint becomes weaker. Then, when the second contact is selected, the blue tone at that time is maintained. Any color tone adjustment is performed by operating the knobs 14R and 14B. Note that if a slip joint is used to connect the color tone adjustment potentiometer and the motors 48R, 48B, even if the motors 48R, 48B attempt to rotate at the rotation limit of the potentiometer, the slip of the slip joint prevents the motor from rotating. Excessive force is not applied to the potentiometer shaft. Or, the rotation limit of the potentiometer (two clockwise and counterclockwise ends)
A switch circuit is provided to detect the presence of
The power supply to the motors 48R and 48B may be cut off at this rotation limit. Further, the DC power supply 50 may be provided on the camera control unit 18 side.

The operation knobs 14R, 14B and operation switches S14R, S14B are connected to the camera head section 12.
This constitutes a color tone operation means included in the . Further, the motors 48R, 48B and the color tone adjustment circuit 38
R and 38B constitute a color tone adjusting means included in the camera control section 18.

FIG. 3 shows a modification of the color tone adjusting means in FIG. 2. In FIG. 3, one operation knob 14 is used to switch the operation switch S14, and one motor 48 is used to simultaneously adjust the red and blue color tones. For example, when the switch S14 selects the first contact point, the motor 48 rotates clockwise, and the reddish and bluish tints are enhanced at a constant ratio. Switch S14
selects the third contact, the motor 48 rotates to the left,
Reddish and bluish tints are attenuated at the same rate. When the switch S14 is switched to the second contact when the desired color tone is obtained, the color tone at that time is maintained. According to the configuration shown in FIG. 3, comprehensive color tone adjustment of red/blue components is performed. Note that the rate of change in redness and blueness can be arbitrarily set by adjusting the color tone adjustment circuits 38R and 38B in advance.

FIG. 4 shows another modification of the color tone adjustment means. Since the R (red) color tone adjustment circuit and the B (blue) color tone adjustment circuit can be configured in the same way, only the R color tone adjustment circuit will be described below. Color tone adjustment circuit 38R
includes a tone circuit 38 ₁ , a potentiometer 38 ₂ and resistors R10 and R12 that determine the amount of tone adjustment by this circuit 38 ₁ . Potentiometer ₃₈₂ constitutes a tone variable section driven by motor 48R, and resistors R10 and R12 constitute a tone fixing section that is preset to a predetermined tone position. Selection between the color tone variable section and the color tone fixed section is performed by relay 380.

The solenoid coil 380 ₁ of the relay 380 is
It is connected to the DC power supply 50 via switch S140. The first switch contact of relay 380 is resistor R
10 and R12, and the second switch contact is connected to the slider of potentiometer ₃₈₂ . When the solenoid coil ₃₈₀₁ is not energized, the color tone fixing section (R10+R12) is selected. The color tone at that time is preset by changing the resistor R10. On the other hand, Switch S
When 140 is turned on, coil 380 ₁ is energized,
The color tone variable section 38 ₂ is selected. The color tone at this time is changed according to the rotation of the motor 48R. Note that the relay 380 may be replaced with an electronic switch using a transistor or the like. Alternatively, a 1-circuit, 2-contact switch corresponding to the relay 380 may be provided in the camera head section 12 instead of the switch S140. In this case, relay 380 is not necessary.

In the configuration of FIG. 4, preset fixed color tones are normally used. When you want to change the color tone due to a change in the object observed by the endoscope 10, first turn on switch S140, then turn on switch S1.
Adjust to the desired color tone by operating 4R. When switch S140 is turned off, the preset fixed color tone is restored. The configuration of FIG. 4 may also be combined with the configuration of FIG. 3. In this case, if both switches S140 of the two systems are on, the color tone of the color tone adjustment circuits 38R and 38B can be changed simultaneously by one motor 48R. Also, when the R system switch S140 is on, the motor 48R
The red tone can be adjusted by using the B system switch S1.
When 40 is on, the blue tone can be adjusted by motor 48R.

FIG. 5 shows still another modification of the color tone adjusting means. Here, three variable resistors 38 ₃ , 38 ₄ and 38 ₅ form a plurality of color tone fixing sections. The variable resistors 38 ₃ , 38 ₄ , 38 ₅ are each preset to a predetermined color tone. variable resistance 3
The sliders 8 ₃ , 38 ₄ and 38 ₅ are respectively connected to first, second and third contacts of an operation switch S14R provided on the camera head section 12 side. Knob 1 connected to switch S14R
By operating 4R, one of the three color tones is selected. Although only the R system is shown in FIG. 5, the B system can be configured in exactly the same way. 3
one of the two variable resistors, for example 38 ₅ ,
As shown in FIG. 4, it may be continuously varied by a motor 48R.

FIG. 6 shows still another modification of the color tone adjusting means. Here, variable resistor 38 ₃ for color tone adjustment
is provided in the camera head section 12.

The advantages of the above-mentioned medical television camera device according to the present invention can be briefly summarized as follows.

(1) Even if the operator is away from the camera control section 18 and TV monitor 22, the operator can use the knobs 14R and 14B provided on the camera head section 12 at hand.
You can freely change the tone of the reproduced image by operating (for example, Fig. 2, Fig. 3,
Figure 6).

(2) The operator can freely switch between a predetermined color tone and an arbitrary color tone by operating a knob on the camera head section 12 at hand (FIG. 4).

(3) The operator can arbitrarily select several predetermined color tones by operating the knob on the camera head section 12 at hand (FIG. 5).

Note that the embodiments disclosed in this specification and illustrated in the drawings are not intended to limit the invention. Various substitutions, changes, etc. can be made within the spirit of the invention and the scope of the claims. for example,
The arrangement shown in FIG. 4 may be used for R-based color tone adjustment, and the arrangement shown in FIG. 5 may be used for B-based color tone adjustment. Furthermore, the camera control unit 18
2 may be integrated. In this case, the color tone adjustment circuit in the TV monitor 22 is
operated by.

[Effects of the Invention] With the medical TV camera device of the present invention, the operator holding the camera head can check the color tone of the affected area being photographed using the camera head at hand without having to reach for a color TV monitor installed at a distant location. In addition to being able to easily switch between a predetermined color tone and any desired color tone, or select any number of predetermined color tones by simply operating the camera head at hand.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a medical television camera device according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the internal configuration of the camera head section and camera control section shown in FIG. 1, and FIGS. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a modification of the configuration for performing color tone adjustment in the camera control section of FIG. 2. 8... Stomach, 10... Endoscope (medical equipment), 1
0 ₁ ...Tip part, 12...Camera head part, 14
R, 14B...operation knob, 16...connection cable, 18...camera control section, 20...signal cable, 22...color TV monitor, 24...light source device, 26...imaging tube, 28...deflection circuit, 30
...Preamplifier, 32...YC isolation amplifier, 34
... Y process amplifier, 36 ... RB demodulation amplifier, 38R, 38B, 38 ... Color tone adjustment circuit, 4
0...R process amplifier, 42...B process amplifier, 44...color coder, 46...synchronous signal generator, 48R, 48B, 48...reversible rotary motor, 50...DC power supply, S14R, S14B, S
14... Operation switch (2 circuits 3 contacts), 38 ₁ ...
...Color tone circuit, 38 ₂ ... Potentiometer (color tone variable part), 380 ... Relay, 380 ₁ ... Solenoid coil, S140 ... Switch, 38 ₃ , 3
8 ₄ , 38 ₅ ... Variable resistance (color tone fixing part).

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A medical device such as an endoscope that is separated from a color TV monitor; a camera head unit that is connectable to the medical device and includes a color tone operation means;
a camera control section that is separated from and connected to the camera head section, includes color tone adjustment means, and outputs a color video signal corresponding to the optical image given to the camera head section to the color TV monitor; The color tone adjustment means has a plurality of color tone fixing parts each preset at a predetermined position, or a color tone variable part and a color tone fixing part preset at a predetermined position, A medical television camera device in which the operation of the color tone adjustment means is controlled by the color tone operation means of the camera head section by selectively operating the variable part by the color tone operation means.