U.S. patent application number 09/837787 was filed with the patent office on 2001-12-27 for operation microscope.
Invention is credited to Fukaya, Takashi, Kinukawa, Masahiko, Mizoguchi, Masakazu, Morita, Kazuo, Nakamura, Motokazu, Nakanishi, Kazuhito, Ohno, Wataru, Shinmura, Toru, Shioda, Keiji, Ueda, Masaaki.
Application Number | 20010055062 09/837787 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 27531495 |
Filed Date | 2001-12-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010055062 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Shioda, Keiji ; et
al. |
December 27, 2001 |
Operation microscope
Abstract
There is disclosed an operation microscope in which an observing
and displaying means of an operating instrument are selected, and
an endoscope image for observing a dead angle of the microscope and
a navigation image are selectively displayed in a microscope
observation field, so that a tomographic image, three-dimensionally
constructed image, and the like can be selectively displayed in a
display screen in accordance with a treatment position displayed in
a monitor or an observation position of the operation
microscope.
Inventors: |
Shioda, Keiji;
(Hachioji-shi, JP) ; Nakanishi, Kazuhito;
(Hachioji-shi, JP) ; Mizoguchi, Masakazu;
(Tsukui-gun, JP) ; Fukaya, Takashi; (Tama-shi,
JP) ; Ohno, Wataru; (Hachioji-shi, JP) ;
Kinukawa, Masahiko; (Sagamihara-shi, JP) ; Ueda,
Masaaki; (Sagamihara-shi, JP) ; Nakamura,
Motokazu; (Hino-shi, JP) ; Shinmura, Toru;
(Hachioji-shi, JP) ; Morita, Kazuo; (Hachioji-shi,
JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Scully, Scott
Murphy & Presser
400 Garden City Plaza
Garden City
NY
11530
US
|
Family ID: |
27531495 |
Appl. No.: |
09/837787 |
Filed: |
April 18, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
348/79 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G02B 21/22 20130101;
A61B 1/042 20130101; A61B 1/00042 20220201; A61B 8/4245 20130101;
A61B 1/00188 20130101; A61B 1/00147 20130101; A61B 1/00149
20130101; A61B 8/0816 20130101; G02B 21/0012 20130101; A61B 1/00039
20130101; A61B 8/5238 20130101; A61B 1/0005 20130101; A61B 8/12
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
348/79 |
International
Class: |
H04N 007/18 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 20, 2000 |
JP |
2000-119995 |
Jun 15, 2000 |
JP |
2000-180224 |
Jun 26, 2000 |
JP |
2000-191476 |
Jun 27, 2000 |
JP |
2000-193223 |
Jun 28, 2000 |
JP |
2000-194807 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An operation microscope having a microscope body including an
optical eyepiece system for stereoscopically observing an operative
portion of a surgical operation, said microscope comprising: a
microscope image observer for observing an observation image formed
for stereoscopic observation by the microscope body; a plurality of
image forming sections for forming images other than the
observation image of said microscope image observer; an image
display for selectively displaying the respective images of said
plurality of image forming sections in said microscope image
observer; a display driver for controlling display states of the
plurality of images formed by said plurality of image forming
sections independently of one another; and a controller for
controlling an operation of the display driver.
2. The operation microscope according to claim 1, wherein said
image display comprises: an in-field display for displaying the
image of any one of said image forming sections in a field of the
observation image of said microscope image observer; and an
out-of-field display for displaying the image of said image forming
section other than the image of said in-field display outside the
field of the observation image of said microscope image
observer.
3. The operation microscope according to claim 2, wherein said
in-field display is formed by a small screen display, formed by
cutting a part of the field of the observation image of said
microscope image observer, for displaying another image formed by
said image forming section in the cut part.
4. The operation microscope according to claim 2, wherein said
in-field display is formed by an image superimposing section for
superimposing and displaying the image other than said observation
image in the field of the observation image of said microscope
image observer.
5. The operation microscope according to claim 2, wherein said
in-field display comprises: a small screen display, formed by
cutting a part of the field of the observation image of said
microscope image observer, for displaying another image formed by
said image forming section in the cut part; and an image
superimposing section for superimposing and displaying the image
other than said observation image and the display image of said
small screen display in the field of the observation image of said
microscope image observer.
6. The operation microscope according to claim 1, wherein said
image display comprises: an in-field display for displaying the
image of any one of said image forming sections in a field of the
observation image of said microscope image observer, and said
in-field display comprises: a small screen display, formed by
cutting a part of the field of the observation image of said
microscope image observer, for displaying another image formed by
said image forming section in the cut part; and an image
superimposing section for superimposing and displaying the image
other than said observation image and the image of said small
screen display in the field of the observation image of said
microscope image observer.
7. The operation microscope according to claim 1, wherein said
display driver comprises: an image selector for selecting
respective display images of said plurality of image forming
sections; a display controller for displaying the image selected by
said image selector in said corresponding image display; and an
operation input section for operating said display controller and
the image selector.
8. The operation microscope according to claim 7, wherein said
operation input section comprises: detection means for detecting an
image source state of said plurality of image forming sections; and
an automatic controller for automatically controlling at least one
of said display controller and said image selector based on a
detection result of the detection means.
9. The operation microscope according to claim 1, wherein said
plurality of image forming sections comprise: an endoscope image
forming section for forming the observation image by an endoscope;
a navigation image forming section, provided with a diagnosis image
memory apparatus incorporated therein, for forming a navigation
image by a navigation apparatus including correlation processing
means for calculating a correlation between the diagnosis image and
the observation image of said microscope image observer; an image
data forming section for forming character data and various image
data such as an arrow; and an operation information data forming
section for forming operation information data for displaying
operation information of said operator.
10. The operation microscope according to claim 5, wherein said
display driver comprises an XY driver for driving said small screen
display in an XY direction in XY coordinates crossing at right
angles to each other in the field of the observation image of said
microscope image observer, and said controller comprises: an XY
direction operation switch for operating said XY driver in said XY
direction; an image selection switch for selecting the respective
images of said plurality of image forming sections; and a display
selection switch for selecting said image display.
11. The operation microscope according to claim 7, wherein said
image forming section comprises a nerve monitor for inspecting a
function of a cranial nerve, and displaying an inspection result
with a waveform, and said image selector comprises waveform monitor
means of said nerve monitor, and changes a display state of said
nerve monitor in accordance with a state of the waveform monitor
means.
12. The operation microscope according to claim 3, wherein said
microscope is connected to an external operation input section
disposed outside an operating theater, and comprises a data
transmitter for displaying an instruction from said external
operation input section in said small screen display.
13. The operation microscope according to claim 7, wherein said
image forming section comprises a menu image forming section for
forming a menu image by which an image to be displayed in said
image display is selected, and said image selector comprises a
selection section of a menu display position for selecting a
display place of said menu image in accordance with the display
state of the image displayed in said image display.
14. The operation microscope according to claim 4, wherein said
microscope comprises a TV camera for picking up the observation
image of said microscope image observer, an image pickup range of
said TV camera is set to be smaller than an image superimposing
range of said image superimposing section, and said display driver
superimposes information necessary after the surgical operation in
said camera image pickup range, and displays information necessary
only during the surgical operation outside said camera image pickup
range.
15. The operation microscope according to claim 2, wherein said
microscope comprises: a holder for movably supporting said
microscope body; and a holder fixing section for fixing a moving
position of the holder in such a manner that the moving position
can be fixed or released, and said image display changes a display
mode of a plurality of display images of said in-field display in
accordance with a state of said holder fixing section.
16. The operation microscope according to claim 2, wherein said
image forming section comprises an ultrasonic observation image
forming section for forming an image indicating an observation
result of an ultrasonic observation apparatus, and said image
selector detects an observation/non-observation state of said
ultrasonic observation apparatus, and changes a display mode of a
plurality of display images of said in-field display in accordance
with the state.
17. The operation microscope according to claim 6, wherein said
microscope comprises a foot switch for controlling an operation,
and said display driver allots a function of said foot switch to
image source control in accordance with an image source selected by
said in-field display.
18. The operation microscope according to claim 17, wherein said
display driver comprises a display for displaying an identification
mark in the image to which the function of said foot switch is
allotted in accordance with the image source selected by said
in-field display.
19. The operation microscope according to claim 6, wherein said
microscope body comprises an endoscope holding hook for holding an
endoscope so that the endoscope is attachable or detachable, and
said display driver detects whether or not said endoscope is held
by said endoscope holding hook and controls said image display.
20. The operation microscope according to claim 2, wherein said
image forming section comprises a scale display for calculating an
image scale of said endoscope and displaying the image scale in
said in-field display.
21. The operation microscope according to claim 20, wherein said
scale display calculates a scale of the observation image of said
microscope image observer and overlays and displays the scale in
the observation image of said microscope image observer.
22. The operation microscope according to claim 20, wherein said
scale display comprises a stereoscopic index display for displaying
a stereoscopic index in said in-field display.
23. The operation microscope according to claim 9, wherein said
image forming section displays an image of an ultrasonic probe and
said navigation image in said image display with a progress of the
surgical operation when said ultrasonic probe is used.
24. The operation microscope according to claim 23, wherein said
ultrasonic probe changes an image display direction in accordance
with an insertion direction of the ultrasonic probe of a front
scan.
25. The operation microscope according to claim 2, wherein said
out-of-field display is disconnectably connected to said microscope
body.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is based upon and claims the benefit of
priority from the prior Japanese Patent Applications No.
2000-119995, filed Apr. 20, 2000; No. 2000-180224, filed Jun. 15,
2000; No. 2000-191476, filed Jun. 26, 2000; No. 2000-193223, filed
Jun. 27, 2000; and No. 2000-194807, filed Jun. 28, 2000, the entire
contents of all of which are incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates particularly to an operation
microscope for use in a surgical operation of a fine portion in
cranial nerve surgery, and the like.
[0003] In conventional cranial nerve surgery, to absolutely perform
a delicate operation, an operation microscope for stereoscopically
enlarging an image of a portion being subjected to the operation
has been utilized in many cases. Furthermore, in recent years, to
certainty carry out an operation, endoscope observation is
performed in a conventional operation concurrently with the
operation microscope. Therefore, it has been desired that an
operation microscope observation image and an endoscope observation
image can be simultaneously observed in a field of view of the
operation microscope. Moreover, it has also been desired that not
only the operation microscope observation image, endoscope
observation image, and nerve monitor information but also
preoperative CT and MR images can be simultaneously observed during
the operation.
[0004] Examples of a known prior art include Jpn. Pat. Appln. KOKAI
Publication Nos. 9-56669, 11-258514 and Published Japanese Patent
No. 11-288328. In these publications, at least a part of an
observation image of a second observation means is displayed as an
in-field display image in a field of the microscope observation
image as first observation means for observing the operative
portion. For example, a liquid crystal filter is used to shield the
microscope observation image, an image is projected into the
shielded portion, and the observation image of the second
observation means can be displayed in an arbitrary position in a
field of the microscope observation image. Thereby, a dead angle
portion which cannot be observed with the microscope observation
image and a state inside a body tissue can be recognized by the
observation image of the second observation means.
[0005] However, in the aforementioned prior art, since the size or
the like of the in-field display image displayed in the field of
the microscope observation image cannot be freely changed, the
image display itself can possibly interfere with the orientation
handling of endoscope observation. Furthermore, since the
observation image of the second observation means cannot be
observed as a large image, there is a problem that the observation
image of the second observation means cannot be as finely observed
as the large image.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention has been developed in consideration of
the aforementioned situations, and an object thereof is to provide
an operation microscope by which an endoscope observation image for
observing a dead angle of a microscope observation image, image
information of a microscope or endoscope observation position by a
navigation apparatus, and image information such as an endoscope
observation direction are displayed alone or as an arbitrary
combination thereof. An operating person can obtain desired image
information in accordance with an operational situation, and an
operation can be efficiently carried out.
[0007] To achieve the aforementioned object, according to the
present invention, there is provided an operation microscope
provided with a microscope body including an optical eyepiece
system for stereoscopically observing an operative portion of a
surgical operation, and
[0008] a microscope image observer for observing an observation
image formed for stereoscopic observation by the microscope body,
the operation microscope comprising:
[0009] a plurality of image forming sections for forming images
other than the observation image of the microscope image
observer;
[0010] an image display for selectively displaying the respective
images of the plurality of image forming sections in the microscope
image observer;
[0011] a display driver for controlling display states of the
plurality of images formed by the plurality of image forming
sections independently of one another; and
[0012] an operator for controlling an operation of the display
driver.
[0013] Moreover, in the present invention, the plurality of image
forming sections form the images other than the observation image
of the microscope image observer, and the image display selectively
displays the respective images of the plurality of image forming
sections in the microscope image observer. In this case, the
operator controls the operation of the display driver, and controls
the display states of the plurality of images formed by the
plurality of image forming sections independently of each
other.
[0014] Therefore, according to the present invention, images other
than the observation image of the microscope image observer, such
as an endoscope observation image for observing a dead angle of a
microscope, image information of a microscope or endoscope
observation position by a navigation apparatus, and a plurality of
pieces of image information such as endoscope observation direction
image information, are displayed alone or as an arbitrary
combination thereof. An operating person can obtain appropriate
image information in accordance with the operating situation, and
the surgical operation can be efficiently carried out.
[0015] Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be
set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be
obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the
invention. The objects and advantages of the invention may be
realized and obtained by means of the instrumentalities and
combinations particularly pointed out hereinafter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING
[0016] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of the specification, illustrate presently
preferred embodiments of the invention, and together with the
general description given above and the detailed description of the
preferred embodiments given below, serve to explain the principles
of the invention.
[0017] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an optical constitution of a
binocular eyepiece lens tube in an operation microscope according
to a first embodiment of the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 2 is a side view showing a left side observation
optical system in the binocular eyepiece lens tube of the operation
microscope of the first embodiment.
[0019] FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of an overlay
display unit in the operation microscope of the first
embodiment.
[0020] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an LCD optical system
in the operation microscope of the first embodiment.
[0021] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a control system of an XY table
in the operation microscope of the first embodiment.
[0022] FIG. 6 is a schematic constitution view of the entire
operation microscope system in the first embodiment.
[0023] FIG. 7 is a process explanatory view showing a first image
display state of a field of microscope observation in the operation
microscope of the first embodiment.
[0024] FIG. 8 is a process explanatory view showing a second image
display state of the microscope observation field in the operation
microscope of the first embodiment.
[0025] FIG. 9 is a monitor block diagram of a nerve monitor in the
operation microscope according to a second embodiment of the
present invention.
[0026] FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a monitor display in the operation
microscope of the second embodiment.
[0027] FIG. 11 is a process explanatory view showing the first
image display state of the microscope observation field in the
operation microscope of the second embodiment.
[0028] FIG. 12 is a process explanatory view showing the second
image display state of the microscope observation field in the
operation microscope of the second embodiment.
[0029] FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a main constitution in
the operation microscope according to a third embodiment of the
present invention.
[0030] FIG. 14 is a process explanatory view showing an image
display state of the microscope observation field in the operation
microscope of the third embodiment.
[0031] FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the image display state of
the microscope observation field in the operation microscope
according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
[0032] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a menu display in the operation
microscope of the fourth embodiment.
[0033] FIG. 17 is a process explanatory view showing an image
display state of the microscope observation field in the operation
microscope of the fourth embodiment.
[0034] FIG. 18 is a longitudinal sectional view of an overlay
display unit in the operation microscope of a fifth embodiment of
the present invention.
[0035] FIG. 19 is a process explanatory view showing an image
display state of the microscope observation field in the operation
microscope of the fifth embodiment.
[0036] FIG. 20 is a block diagram showing a main constitution of a
bipolar treatment apparatus in the operation microscope of the
fifth embodiment.
[0037] FIG. 21 is a schematic constitution diagram showing the
entire system of an operation microscope apparatus according to a
sixth embodiment of the present invention.
[0038] FIG. 22 is a perspective view showing a scope holder in the
operation microscope apparatus of the sixth embodiment.
[0039] FIG. 23 is a schematic constitution diagram of a microscope
body in the operation microscope apparatus of the sixth
embodiment.
[0040] FIG. 24 is a block diagram showing a control system in the
operation microscope apparatus of the sixth embodiment.
[0041] FIG. 25 is a diagram showing the microscope observation
field in the operation microscope apparatus of the sixth
embodiment.
[0042] FIG. 26A is an explanatory view showing a first image
selection state by a switch detector in the operation microscope
apparatus of the sixth embodiment.
[0043] FIG. 26B is an explanatory view showing a second image
selection state by a switch detector in the operation microscope
apparatus of the sixth embodiment.
[0044] FIG. 27 is a diagram showing the microscope observation
field during fixing of the scope holder in the operation microscope
apparatus of the sixth embodiment.
[0045] FIG. 28 is a diagram showing the microscope observation
field during moving of the scope holder in the operation microscope
apparatus of the sixth embodiment.
[0046] FIG. 29 is a block diagram showing the control system of the
operation microscope apparatus according to a seventh embodiment of
the present invention.
[0047] FIG. 30A is an explanatory view showing the first image
selection state by the switch detector in the operation microscope
apparatus of the seventh embodiment.
[0048] FIG. 30B is an explanatory view showing the second image
selection state by the switch detector in the operation microscope
apparatus of the seventh embodiment.
[0049] FIG. 31 is a diagram showing the microscope observation
field during fixing of the scope holder in the operation microscope
apparatus of the seventh embodiment.
[0050] FIG. 32 is a diagram showing the microscope observation
field during moving of the scope holder in the operation microscope
apparatus of the seventh embodiment.
[0051] FIG. 33 is a block diagram of the control system in the
operation microscope apparatus according to an eighth embodiment of
the present invention.
[0052] FIG. 34 is a schematic constitution diagram showing a usage
state of an ultrasonic probe in the operation microscope apparatus
of the eighth embodiment.
[0053] FIG. 35A is an explanatory view showing the image selection
state during ultrasonic observation in the operation microscope
apparatus of the eighth embodiment.
[0054] FIG. 35B is an explanatory view showing the image selection
state during discontinuation of ultrasonic observation in the
operation microscope apparatus of the eighth embodiment.
[0055] FIG. 36 is a diagram showing the microscope observation
field during discontinuation of ultrasonic observation in the
operation microscope apparatus of the eighth embodiment.
[0056] FIG. 37 is a diagram showing the microscope observation
field during ultrasonic observation in the operation microscope
apparatus of the eighth embodiment.
[0057] FIG. 38 is a block diagram of the control system in the
operation microscope apparatus according to a ninth embodiment of
the present invention.
[0058] FIG. 39 is a diagram showing the microscope observation
field during use of an endoscope in the operation microscope
apparatus of the ninth embodiment.
[0059] FIG. 40 is a diagram showing the microscope observation
field whilst using the ultrasonic probe in the operation microscope
apparatus of the ninth embodiment.
[0060] FIG. 41 is a plan view of a foot switch in the operation
microscope apparatus of the ninth embodiment.
[0061] FIG. 42 is a process explanatory view of an XY switch when
an endoscope observation image is displayed in the microscope
observation field in the operation microscope apparatus of the
ninth embodiment.
[0062] FIG. 43 is a process explanatory view of the XY switch when
an ultrasonic probe observation image is displayed in the
microscope observation field in the operation microscope apparatus
of the ninth embodiment.
[0063] FIG. 44 is a block diagram of the control system of the
operation microscope apparatus according to a tenth embodiment of
the present invention.
[0064] FIG. 45 is a diagram showing one example of a superimposed
display state of the microscope observation field in the operation
microscope apparatus of the tenth embodiment.
[0065] FIG. 46 is a diagram showing another example of the
superimposed display state of the microscope observation field in
the operation microscope apparatus of the tenth embodiment.
[0066] FIG. 47 is a diagram showing one example of the microscope
observation field in the operation microscope apparatus according
to an eleventh embodiment of the present invention.
[0067] FIG. 48 is a diagram showing another example of the
microscope observation field in the operation microscope apparatus
of the eleventh embodiment.
[0068] FIG. 49 is a front view showing the microscope body of the
operation microscope apparatus according to a twelfth embodiment of
the present invention.
[0069] FIG. 50 is a block diagram of the control system of the
operation microscope apparatus of the twelfth embodiment.
[0070] FIG. 51 is a diagram showing one example of the microscope
observation field in the operation microscope apparatus of the
twelfth embodiment.
[0071] FIG. 52 is a diagram showing another example of the
microscope observation field in the operation microscope apparatus
of the twelfth embodiment.
[0072] FIG. 53A is a schematic constitution diagram of a main part
of a rigid endoscope used together with the operation microscope
according to a thirteenth embodiment of the present invention.
[0073] FIG. 53B is a schematic constitution diagram showing a scale
generation apparatus in the operation microscope of the thirteenth
embodiment.
[0074] FIG. 54 is a schematic constitution diagram of the main part
showing a state in which an insertion member tip end of the rigid
endoscope used together with the operation microscope of the
thirteenth embodiment is inserted into a pore of the portion
subjected to the operation.
[0075] FIG. 55 is a plan view showing image information in which an
emission index is displayed in the observation image of the rigid
endoscope used together with the operation microscope of the
thirteenth embodiment.
[0076] FIG. 56 is a plan view showing the image information in
which no emission index is displayed in the operation image of the
rigid endoscope of the thirteenth embodiment.
[0077] FIG. 57 is a plan view showing the image information only of
the emission index in the operation microscope of the thirteenth
embodiment.
[0078] FIG. 58 is a plan view showing the image in which the
emission index and a scale character is superposed onto each other
in the same screen of the observation image of the rigid endoscope
in the operation microscope of the thirteenth embodiment.
[0079] FIG. 59 is a plan view showing the observation image of the
operation microscope displayed in a field of view of the operation
microscope according to the thirteenth embodiment, and the image in
which the scale having an appropriate length with respect to a
diameter of microscope field of view and the character are
displayed in the observation image of the rigid endoscope displayed
in a sub-screen.
[0080] FIG. 60 is a plan view showing a case in which the display
of the scale in the operation microscope field of the thirteenth
embodiment and the character indicating the length of the scale is
deleted.
[0081] FIG. 61 is a schematic constitution diagram showing the
entire system of the operation microscope according to a fourteenth
embodiment of the present invention.
[0082] FIG. 62 is a schematic constitution diagram of the optical
system in the microscope body in the operation microscope of the
fourteenth embodiment.
[0083] FIG. 63 is a schematic constitution diagram showing a
connection state of a workstation in the operation microscope of
the fourteenth embodiment.
[0084] FIG. 64 is a plan view showing an image in which a
preoperative image is displayed in the sub-screen in the microscope
observation image displayed in a field of view of an eyepiece in
the operation microscope of the fourteenth embodiment.
[0085] FIG. 65 is a perspective view showing a conical character
generated by the workstation in the operation microscope of the
fourteenth embodiment.
[0086] FIG. 66 is a plan view showing an image in which the
character is superposed in the microscope observation image in the
operation microscope of the fourteenth embodiment.
[0087] FIG. 67A is a schematic constitution diagram showing a main
part of the rigid endoscope used together with the operation
microscope according to a fifteenth embodiment of the present
invention.
[0088] FIG. 67B is a plan view showing three emission indexes
attached to the rigid endoscope.
[0089] FIG. 68 is a schematic constitution diagram showing the
inside of the rigid endoscope in the operation microscope of the
fifteenth embodiment.
[0090] FIG. 69 is a schematic constitution diagram showing
peripherals of the rigid endoscope in the operation microscope of
the fifteenth embodiment.
[0091] FIG. 70 is a schematic constitution diagram of the main part
showing a state in which the insertion member tip end of the rigid
endoscope used together with the operation microscope of the
fifteenth embodiment is inserted into the pore of the portion
subjected to the operation.
[0092] FIG. 71 is a plan view showing an image in which the
observation image of the rigid endoscope is displayed in the
sub-screen of the observation image of the operation microscope
according to the fifteenth embodiment.
[0093] FIG. 72 is a plan view showing an image in which the
character is superposed in the observation image of the rigid
endoscope in the operation microscope of the fifteenth
embodiment.
[0094] FIG. 73 is a perspective view of the microscope body in the
operation microscope according to a sixteenth embodiment of the
present invention.
[0095] FIG. 74 is a perspective view of the entire operation
microscope apparatus of the sixteenth embodiment.
[0096] FIG. 75 is a control block diagram of the operation
microscope apparatus of the sixteenth embodiment.
[0097] FIG. 76 is an explanatory view showing an ultrasonic
observation state in the operation microscope apparatus of the
sixteenth embodiment.
[0098] FIG. 77 is a flowchart showing an ultrasonic observation
process in the operation microscope apparatus of the sixteenth
embodiment.
[0099] FIG. 78A is a diagram showing one example of the microscope
observation field in which the microscope image of the ultrasonic
probe in the operation microscope apparatus of the sixteenth
embodiment is displayed.
[0100] FIG. 78B is a diagram showing another example of the
microscope observation field in which the microscope image of the
ultrasonic probe in the operation microscope apparatus of the
sixteenth embodiment is displayed.
[0101] FIG. 79 is a longitudinal sectional view of the tip end of
the ultrasonic probe according to a seventeenth embodiment of the
present invention.
[0102] FIG. 80 is a control block diagram of the seventeenth
embodiment.
[0103] FIG. 81 is a diagram showing a first ultrasonic observation
state of the seventeenth embodiment.
[0104] FIG. 82 is a diagram showing a second ultrasonic observation
state of the seventeenth embodiment.
[0105] FIG. 83 is a diagram showing a third ultrasonic observation
state of the seventeenth embodiment.
[0106] FIG. 84 is a constitution diagram of the entire microscope
body section of the operation microscope according to an eighteenth
embodiment of the present invention.
[0107] FIG. 85 is a diagram of a cross section as seen along arrow
A in FIG. 84, showing an internal optical constitution of the
binocular eyepiece lens tube of the eighteenth embodiment.
[0108] FIG. 86 is a side view showing a left side optical
observation system of the operation microscope of the eighteenth
embodiment.
[0109] FIG. 87 is a longitudinal side sectional view of an eye
distance adjustment mechanism of the binocular eyepiece lens tube
in the operation microscope of the eighteenth embodiment.
[0110] FIG. 88 is a sectional view taken along line 88-88 of FIG.
87.
[0111] FIG. 89 is a perspective view showing a housing constitution
of an eye distance adjustment section in the operation microscope
of the eighteenth embodiment.
[0112] FIG. 90 is a diagram showing arrangement (movement) of an
optical eyepiece system when eye distance adjustment is performed
in the operation microscope of the eighteenth embodiment.
[0113] FIG. 91 is a diagram showing an image display state in the
operation microscope observation field of the eighteenth
embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0114] Respective embodiments of the present invention will be
described hereinafter with reference to the drawings.
[0115] FIG. 1 to FIG. 8 show a first embodiment. FIG. 1 shows an
internal optical system constitution of a binocular eyepiece lens
tube of an operation microscope 101 (see FIG. 6), and FIG. 2 is a
diagram showing a left side optical observation system of FIG. 1.
Additionally, a right side optical observation system of the
binocular eyepiece lens tube has the same constitution as that of
the left optical observation system of FIG. 2, and only the
constitution of the left side optical observation system of FIG. 2
will be described here.
[0116] As shown in FIG. 1, a fixed housing 7, and a movable housing
16 are disposed in a microscope body 104 (see FIG. 6) of the
binocular eyepiece lens tube of the operation microscope 101 of the
present embodiment. A pair of left and right image forming lenses
8a, 8b are disposed inside the fixed housing 7. The respective
image forming lenses 8a, 8b are optically connected to a first
optical observation system 1A. Additionally, besides the first
observation optical system 1A, a plurality of optical observation
systems, for example, two optical observation systems, as described
later in the present embodiment (second and third observation
optical systems 1B and 1C) are incorporated in the microscope body
104 of the binocular eyepiece lens tube of the present
embodiment.
[0117] Moreover, mirrors 9a, 9b for reflecting left and right
observation fluxes incident via the image forming lenses 8a, 8b
outwardly by 90.degree. are disposed in the first observation
optical system 1A. Image rotator prisms 10a, 10b are disposed on
outgoing light axes of the mirrors 9a, 9b. Prisms 11a, 11b for
reversing each observation flux by 180.degree. are disposed behind
the image rotor prisms 10a, 10b. Furthermore, triangular prisms
12a, 12b for reflecting the outgoing light axes from the prisms
11a, 11b in parallel with left and right observation light axes OL,
OR by an optical eyepiece system described later are disposed/fixed
behind the reversing prisms. First, intermediate image forming
points 13a, 13b at which images are formed by the image forming
lenses 8a, 8b are positioned behind the triangular prisms 12a,
12b.
[0118] Here, upper surfaces of prisms 14a, 14b as light guiding
means, as described later, are disposed so as to be aligned
substantially on the same plane in the vicinity of the first
intermediate image forming points 13a, 13b. Furthermore, relay
lenses 15a, 15b for relaying the images are disposed/fixed behind
the first intermediate image forming points 13a, 13b.
[0119] Moreover, the prisms 11a, 11b, triangular prisms 12a, 12b,
and relay lenses 15a, 15b are contained in the movable housing 16.
The movable housing 16 is rotatably connected to the fixed housing
7 via connection members 17a, 17b so as to be rotatable around a
rotation axis O, that is, the incident light axes of the prisms
11a, 11b.
[0120] Furthermore, each of the rotator prisms 10a, 10b can rotate
centering on the rotation axis O by an angle of 1/2 with respect to
rotation of the movable housing 16 to the fixed housing 7 by a cam
mechanism (not shown).
[0121] Additionally, a pair of left and right eye distance
adjustment housings 4a, 4b are disposed on respective outgoing
light paths from the left and right relay lenses 15a, 15b in the
movable housing 16. Parallel prisms 18a, 18b as reflection members
are contained in these eye distance adjustment housings 4a, 4b. AS
shown in FIG. 2, incident reflection surfaces 19a, 19b and outgoing
reflection surfaces 20a, 20b are disposed in the respective
parallel prisms 18a, 18b.
[0122] Here, images transmitted via the relay lenses 15a, 15b from
the first intermediate image forming points 13a, 13b are formed on
second intermediate image forming points 21a, 21b from outgoing
reflection surfaces 20a, 20b of the parallel prisms 18a, 18b in the
eye distance adjustment housings 4a, 4b.
[0123] Moreover, the pair of left and right eye distance adjustment
housings 4a, 4b are connected to left and right eyepiece housings
5a, 5b. Moreover, the images formed on the second intermediate
image forming points 21a, 21b are guided to a pair of optical
eyepiece systems 22a, 22b contained in the eyepiece housings 5a,
5b, and observation light axes OR, OL as microscope optical
observation images of the first optical observation system 1A are
constituted.
[0124] Furthermore, the eye distance adjustment housings 4a, 4b are
connected to the movable housing 16 such that the housings 4a, 4b
can rotate around axes substantially corresponding to the outgoing
light axes (vertical direction in FIG. 2) from the triangular
prisms 12a, 12b. Here, as shown in FIG. 2, stoppers 23a, 23b are
attached to connection members of the eye distance adjustment
housings 4a, 4b with respect to the movable housing 16. Moreover,
the eye distance adjustment housings 4a, 4b are supported by the
respective stoppers 23a, 23b such that the housings 4a, 4b are
immobile in an axial direction with respect to the movable housing
16. Additionally, the present structure and parallel prisms 18a,
18b constitute a so-called G ten top eye distance adjustment
mechanism.
[0125] Moreover, as shown in FIG. 2, a second eyepiece housing 30
for containing the second observation optical system 1B is disposed
outside the eye distance adjustment housings 4a, 4b in the first
observation optical system 1A.
[0126] The second optical observation system 1B is constituted as
follows. FIG. 2 only shows the left light path, because the right
light path is similar in structure to the left light path. Numeral
31a denotes a small-sized LCD monitor, controlled by a display
controller 46 described later (see FIG. 5), for displaying an image
of an endoscope or the like as an electronic image. This
small-sized LCD monitor 31a is disposed/fixed between the eye
distance adjustment housing 4a and the movable housing 16 disposed
below the housing.
[0127] Reference numerals 32a, 33a denote an optical relay system
disposed on an outgoing light axis O2L from the LCD monitor 31a,
and a prism 34a for reflecting the light axis O2L substantially by
90.degree. is disposed inside.
[0128] Moreover, numeral 35a denotes a prism for deflecting the
light axis reflected by the prism 34a in a direction of an
observation light axis OL. A second optical eyepiece system 36a is
optically disposed/connected on the outgoing light axis O2L of the
prism 35a. Moreover, the observation light axes OL and O2L
intersect each other in the vicinity of an emission pupil position.
Thereby, an operating person changes a state in which a line of
sight is turned in a direction of the observation light axis OL and
a state in which the line of sight is turned in a direction of the
outgoing light axis O2L of the prism 35a in the same place, and can
observe different display screens. Here, when the operating person
turns the line of sight in the direction of the observation light
axis OL, the operating person can observe a microscope optical
observation image of the first optical observation system 1A.
Moreover, when the line of sight is turned in the direction of the
outgoing light axis O2L of the prism 35a, the state can be changed
to a second observation state for observing a display image W1 of
the LCD monitor 31a.
[0129] Furthermore, the operation microscope 101 of the present
embodiment is provided with an overlay display unit 81 for
overlaying/displaying image data such as character data and an
arrow in the observation image of the operation microscope 101 as
shown in FIG. 3. The overlay display unit 81 includes a microscope
body 82 disposed in the light axis of the observation image of the
operation microscope 101. The microscope body 82 contains an
optical objective system 83 and variable power optical system 84,
and a pair of left and right light paths are disposed. Here, a
variable focus mechanism and focal distance detecting sensor are
disposed in the optical objective system 83. Furthermore, a
variable power mechanism and variable power detecting sensor are
disposed in the variable power optical system 84.
[0130] Furthermore, a half mirror 85 and image insertion optical
system 86 as light path insertion means are disposed in the
microscope body 82 of the overlay display unit 81. The optical
image insertion system 86 combines fluxes emitted from a displaying
monitor 87 of a navigation apparatus 59 as an afocal flux, and
allows the afocal flux to be incident upon the half mirror 85.
Additionally, numeral 87a denotes the cable for transmitting an
image signal to the image superimposing monitor 87 from the
navigation apparatus 59. The image data such as the character data
and arrow are displayed in the image superimposing monitor 87.
[0131] Moreover, in the half mirror 85 of the overlay display unit
81, the observation image of the operation microscope 101 is sent
toward the microscope body 104 of the binocular eyepiece lens tube
while the image data such as the character data and arrow displayed
in the image superimposing monitor 87 are overlaid/displayed in the
observation image of the operation microscope 101 incident from the
optical objective system 83.
[0132] Furthermore, left and right LCD optical systems 26a, 26b are
disposed as the third optical observation system 1C for display in
a field of view in side positions of the prisms 14a, 14b in the
movable housing 16. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the LCD optical
systems 26a, 26b. The respective LCD optical systems 26a, 26b are
provided with a pair of small-sized LCD monitors 24a, 24b,
controlled by a controller (not shown), for displaying the image of
the endoscope or the like, and image forming lenses 25a, 25b as
optical projection systems disposed on the outgoing light axes of
the respective LCD monitors 24a, 24b. Furthermore, these components
are arranged/fixed in such a manner that the images of the LCD
monitors 24a, 24b are formed on the upper surfaces of the prisms
14a, 14b. Here, one LCD monitor 24a, image forming lens 25a, and
prism 14a constitute, for example, the left side LCD optical system
26a. Furthermore, the other LCD monitor 24b, image forming lens
25b, and prism 14b constitute the right side LCD optical system
26b.
[0133] Additionally, the LCD optical systems 26a, 26b are
integrally fixed to a fixing plate 27. This fixing plate 27 is
provided with holes 27a, 27b for avoiding fluxes. The fixing plate
27 is fixed onto an XY table 28a as drive means. The XY table 28a
is disposed so that the table can move in XY directions on a plane
crossing at right angles to the light axes of the LCD optical
systems 26a, 26b.
[0134] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view showing an internal
constitution of the XY table 28a and a block diagram of a control
system. In the XY table 28a an X table 29a and Y table 29b are
disposed so that the tables can move in x and Y directions crossing
at right angles to each other. The X table 29a is provided with a
rack 29a1 and shaft bearing 29a2. The rack 29a1 meshes with a
pinion gear 71a fixed to a rotation shaft of an X table motor 70a.
Moreover, a guide shaft 72a is passed through the shaft bearing
29a2. The X table motor 70a and guide shaft 72a are fixed to the Y
table 29b as described later. Furthermore, the fixing plate 27 is
fixed onto the X table 29a.
[0135] The Y table 29b is provided with a rack 29b1 and shaft
bearing 29b2. The rack 29b1 meshes with a pinion gear 74a fixed to
a rotation shaft of a Y table motor 73a. Moreover, a guide shaft
75a is passed through the shaft bearing 29b2.
[0136] The X and Y table motors 70a and 73a include encoders, and
are electrically connected to a control system described later.
That is, the X table motor 70a is connected to a motor drive
circuit 41, and the encoder is connected to an X table position
detection circuit 42. Moreover, the Y table motor 73a is connected
to a motor drive circuit 43, and the encoder is connected to a Y
table position detection circuit 44. Furthermore, the motor drive
circuit 41, x table position detection circuit 42, motor drive
circuit 43 and Y table position detection circuit 44 are connected
to an XY table controller 45.
[0137] On the other hand, a controller 51 is operation input means,
actuated by the operating person. The controller 51 includes
four-direction XY switches 52 for actuating the XY table 28a in
four XY directions, observer selection switch 53, and display
selection switch 54.
[0138] The controller 51 is connected to the display controller 46.
The display controller 46 is connected to the XY table controller
45. The display controller 46 is connected to an image conversion
circuit 37 and in-field image selector 38. The in-field image
selector 38 is connected to an endoscope TV camera 58 and
navigation apparatus 59. Moreover, the image conversion circuit 37
is connected to the LCD monitor 24a via a display drive circuit 65
and further to the LCD monitor 24b via a display drive circuit
66.
[0139] The display controller 46 is further connected to an image
selector 39 for observing the image and a navigation image
superimposing image selector 40. The image observing image selector
39 is also connected to the endoscope TV camera 58 and navigation
apparatus 59. Furthermore, the navigation image superimposing image
selector 40 is connected to the navigation apparatus 59 and also to
a nerve monitor 100.
[0140] The image observing image selector 39 is connected to one
(left light path) LCD monitor 31 via a display drive circuit 67,
and further to the other (right light path) LCD monitor 31 via a
display drive circuit 68. Moreover, the navigation image
superimposing image selector 40 is connected to the displaying
monitor 87 of the navigation apparatus 59 via a display drive
circuit 69.
[0141] Moreover, FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a
constitution of the entire system of an operation microscope
apparatus. As shown in FIG. 6, the operation microscope apparatus
includes the operation microscope 101 having a solid microscope,
endoscope 121 formed of a rigid endoscope for obtaining an
observation image other than the observation image of the operation
microscope 101, and displaying monitor 141 as display means for
displaying the observation images of the operation microscope 101
and endoscope 121.
[0142] Moreover, a base 102, balance arm 103 disposed on an upper
part of the base 102, and microscope body 104 supported by the
balance arm 103 are disposed in the operation microscope 101.
Additionally, the respective first to third optical observation
systems 1A to 1C shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 are incorporated in the
microscope body 104.
[0143] Here, the balance arm 103 includes a plurality of movable
arms, and six rotation axes 105a to 105f. Furthermore, the
respective rotation axes 105a to 105f are provided with
electromagnetic locks (not shown) for switching a locking state in
which rotation positions of the respective rotation arms of the
balance arm 103 are fixed and an unlocked state in which the locked
rotation positions are released. Moreover, the microscope body 104
is supported in such a manner that the microscope body 104 can move
in a spatial position centering on the respective six rotation axes
105a to 105f of the respective rotation arms of the balance arm 103
with a switching operation for locking/unlocking the
electromagnetic locks.
[0144] Moreover, the microscope body 104 includes a sensor arm 106
and a grip 107 for controlling a position of the microscope body
104. The grip 107 is provided with respective operation switches
for focus adjustment, variable power operation, and arm
operation.
[0145] Furthermore, the operation microscope 101 incorporates a
microscope body controller 111 and arm controller 112. The
respective switches of the grip 107 are connected to the microscope
body controller 111 and arm controller 112. Additionally, the
microscope body controller 111 and arm controller 112 are connected
to a foot switch 113 including respective switches for focus
adjustment and variable power operation similarly as the respective
switches of the grip 107.
[0146] Moreover, the endoscope 121 is supported by a scope holder
122 attached to an operating table (not shown). This scope holder
122 is constituted by an articulated arm including a plurality of
movable arms 123. Joints among the respective movable arms 123 are
rotatably connected to one another. Moreover, the endoscope 121 is
movably supported by the scope holder 122.
[0147] Furthermore, each rotary member of the scope holder 122 is
provided with electromagnetic locking for switching a locking state
in which rotation positions of the respective rotation arms 123 of
the scope holder 122 are fixed and an unlocked state in which the
locked rotation positions are released. Moreover, the endoscope 121
is supported so that the endoscope 121 can move with a switching
operation for locking/unlocking the electromagnetic locks.
[0148] Moreover, the electromagnetic lock of each rotation member
is connected to a scope holder controller 124. Furthermore, a
switch 122A for actuating the electromagnetic lock is disposed on a
tip end of the scope holder 122. The switch 122A is connected to
the scope holder controller 124. Additionally, a TV camera 125 and
substantially V-shaped endoscope sensor arm 126 are attached to the
endoscope 121.
[0149] Furthermore, a digitizer 134 as a photographing apparatus
for detecting observation positions of the operation microscope 101
and endoscope 121 is disposed. The digitizer 134 detects the sensor
arm 106 of the operation microscope 101 and the sensor arm 126 in
the endoscope 121, and the navigation apparatus 59 calculates the
correlation of the information with a reference index attached to a
patient's head (not shown), to detect the observation positions of
the operation microscope 101 and endoscope 121.
[0150] The digitizer 134 is connected to the navigation apparatus
59. The navigation apparatus 59 incorporates a memory for
diagnosing the image, and also includes correlation processing
means with respect to image diagnosis. Furthermore, the navigation
apparatus 59 is connected to the display monitor 141, and an
interface unit 136. Additionally, image information obtained by the
digitizer 134 is inputted to the navigation apparatus 59, and the
navigation apparatus 59 calculates the correlation of the
information with a reference index attached to the patient's
head.
[0151] An action of the present embodiment constituted as described
above will next be described. During use of the system of the
operation microscope apparatus of the present embodiment, the
operating person actuates the balance arm 103 of the operation
microscope 101 to dispose/fix the microscope body 104 in a desired
position. Subsequently, the movable housing 16 is rotated around
the axial direction centering on the rotation axis O, and the
optical eyepiece systems 22a, 22b are disposed near the operating
person's eyes. In this case, the image rotator prisms 10a, 10b in
the fixed housing 7 are rotated by 1/2 of the rotation of the
movable housing 16 around the rotation axis O.
[0152] In this state, an operated portion is observed by the
operation microscope 101. In this case, light emitted from the
operated portion is incident upon the image forming lenses 8a, 8b
of the first optical observation system 1A via an optical
magnification system (not shown) in the microscope body 104. Left
and right fluxes are passed through the image rotator prisms 10a,
10b, and rotation of the image is corrected by rotating the movable
housing 16 around the axis O. Subsequently, the light is reflected
by the prisms 11a, 11b and triangular prisms 12a, 12b, and images
are formed in the first intermediate image forming points 13a,
13b.
[0153] Subsequently, the light is transmitted via the relay lenses
15a, 15b, and reflected by the parallel prisms 18a, 18b.
Thereafter, the image is again formed in the second intermediate
image forming point. Then, the image is guided to the optical
eyepiece systems 22a, 22b. Therefore, when the operating person
looks into the optical eyepiece systems 22a, 22b, stereoscopic
observation of the microscope image is performed at a desired
scaled-up magnification.
[0154] Moreover, when a distance between the left and right
observation light axes OL and OR deviates from an operating
person's eye distance and stereoscopic observation is impossible,
the eye distance adjustment housings 4a and 4b are rotated around
an axes substantially agreeing with the outgoing light axes from
the triangular prisms 12a, 12b with respect to the movable housing
16. Thereby, so-called eye distance adjustment is performed in
order to adjust the left and right observation light axes OL, OR in
accordance with the operating person's eye distance.
[0155] On the other hand, when the endoscope observation image and
images of CT, MR, and the like are to be observed simultaneously
with the microscope image, the operating person actuates the
controller 51, so that desired image data is displayed in the LCD
monitors 24a, 24b of the third optical observation system 1C. In
this case, the light emitted by the LCD monitors 24a, 24b is formed
into the images on the upper surfaces of the prisms 14a, 14b by the
image forming lenses 25a, 25b. Since the upper surfaces of the
prisms 14a, 14b are in the vicinity of the first image forming
point, the image data of the LCD monitors 24a, 24b, for example, an
endoscope image M is displayed on a microscope observation field O
as shown by a first image display state of FIG. 7.
[0156] Here, when the endoscope image M is displayed on the
microscope observation field O, the following process is performed.
First, the endoscope TV camera 58 (endoscope image) and navigation
apparatus 59 (navigation image) are selected by the display
selection switch 54 of the controller 51.
[0157] Subsequently, while the endoscope TV camera 58 (endoscope
image) is selected by the display selection switch 54, the observer
selection switch 53 of the controller 51 is turned ON. In this
case, as shown by the first image display state of FIG. 7, a part
of the microscope observation field O is cut, and the endoscope
image M is displayed in this cut part. Then, the four-direction
switch 52 is in a step mode, and turned OFF to obtain a free mode.
In this state, when the four-direction switch 52 is selectively
turned ON, the XY table 28a is driven in an arbitrary direction and
the position of the endoscope image M on the microscope observation
field O can be moved in the desired direction.
[0158] For example, when the X table motor 70a is driven via the
motor drive circuit 41 by operating the four-direction switch 52,
the pinion gear 71a rotates. Here, for the X table 29a, the bearing
29a2 is supported by the guide shaft 72a fixed to the Y table 29b.
Therefore, the rack 29a1 moves in the X direction along the guide
shaft 72a with the rotation of the pinion gear 71a. Thereby, the
fixing plate 27a fixed onto the X table 29a also moves, and the
prism 14a moves in the X direction on the first intermediate image
forming point 13a. As a result, the endoscope image M moves in the
X direction.
[0159] Moreover, when the Y table motor 73a is driven via the motor
drive circuit 43 by operating the four-direction switch 52, the
pinion gear 74a rotates. For the Y table 29b, the bearing 29b2 is
supported by the guide shaft 75a fixed to the X table 29a.
Therefore, the rack 29b1 moves in the Y direction along the guide
shaft 75a with the rotation of the pinion gear 74a. Thereby, the
fixing plate 27a fixed onto the Y table 29b also moves, and the
prism 14a moves in the Y direction on the first intermediate image
forming point 13a. As a result, the endoscope image M moves in the
Y direction.
[0160] Moreover, when the observer selection switch 53 and display
selection switch 54 of the controller 51 are operated, as shown in
FIG. 7, the endoscope observation image M for observing a dead
angle of the microscope 101, image P of the endoscope 121 observed
in the microscope observation field O, and perspective direction
(arrow) R of the endoscope 121 by navigation can selectively be
displayed in the microscope observation field O. In this case, a
tomographic image or a three-dimensionally constructed image is
displayed in the display screen W1 of the LCD monitors 31a, 31b of
the second optical observation system 1B in accordance with
treatment positions displayed in the LCD monitors 24a, 24b of the
third observation optical system 1C, or the observation position of
the operation microscope 101.
[0161] That is, three-directional images (respective tomographic
image information of sagital, coronal and axial directions) 140a to
140c in accordance with the treatment positions, or the observation
positions of the operation microscope 101, and a
three-dimensionally constructed image (3D) 140d prepared based on
the tomographic images are displayed in the display screen W1 of
the LCD monitors 31a, 31b of the second optical observation system
1B. The three-dimensionally constructed image 140d is based on the
detection of a microscope observation position, and is a
superimposed image of a target (a set pathologically changed
portion) indicating an observation point, observation direction,
and pre-operation or another simulation result. Additionally, a
data display area 140e of a microscope observation position
detection apparatus is disposed beside the display screen W1 of the
LCD monitors 31a, 31b.
[0162] Therefore, the microscope observation image of the operated
portion by the first optical observation system 1A and display
images of the LCD monitors 24a, 24b can simultaneously be observed
through the optical eyepiece systems 22a, 22b of the operation
microscope 101. In this case, when the operating person looking
into the optical eyepiece systems 22a, 22b casts eyes in an oblique
direction, for example, in an outgoing light axis O2L direction
from the LCD monitors 31a, 31b of the second observation optical
system 1B as shown in FIG. 2, the operating person can observe the
displayed screen W1 on the LCD monitors 31a, 31b of the second
optical observation system 1B disposed under the microscope
observation field O by the optical eyepiece systems 22a, 22b of the
operation microscope 101 in FIG. 7. Moreover, the
three-dimensionally constructed image 140d is displayed in the LCD
monitors 24a, 24b of the third optical observation system 1C, and
characters (3D) are displayed in the display images of the LCD
monitors 24a, 24b.
[0163] Moreover, the state can be changed to the second image
display state of the microscope observation field O shown in FIG. 8
by operating the observer selection switch 53 and display selection
switch 54 of the controller 51. Additionally, FIG. 8 shows a case
in which a tumor outline shape display S constituted by a
pre-operative diagnosis image obtained by the navigation apparatus
59 is selectively displayed. Here, the observed image P of the
endoscope 121, tumor outline shape display S by the preoperative
diagnosis image by the navigation apparatus 59, and image displayed
in the displaying monitor 87 of the navigation apparatus 59, that
is, the oblique direction (arrow) R of the endoscope 121 are
superimposed/displayed in the microscope observation field O.
Furthermore, the three-dimensional tomographic images 140a to 140c,
in accordance with the treatment position by the LCD monitors 24a,
24b or the observation position of the operation microscope, and
the three-dimensionally constructed image (3D) 140d are displayed
in a part of the microscope observation field O. Moreover, the
endoscope image M of the endoscope 121 of that time is displayed in
the display screen W1 on the LCD monitors 31a, 31b of the second
optical observation system 1B.
[0164] Then, the following effect is produced in the aforementioned
constitution. That is, in the operation microscope 101 of the
present embodiment, the first optical observation system 1A, the
additional two optical observation systems (second and third
optical observation systems 1B and 1C), and further overlay display
unit 81 are disposed in the microscope body 104 of the binocular
eyepiece lens tube. Moreover, the operating person stereoscopically
observes the microscope image of the operated portion by the first
optical observation system 1A of the operation microscope 101 by
looking into the optical eyepiece systems 22a, 22b. Furthermore,
the endoscope image M displayed in the LCD monitors 24a, 24b of the
third optical observation system 1C can be displayed in a part of
the microscope observation field O as shown by the first image
display state of FIG. 7. In this case, the tomographic image in
accordance with the treatment position displayed in the LCD
monitors 24a, 24b of the third optical observation system 1C, or
the observation position of the operation microscope 101, and the
three-dimensionally constructed image can simultaneously be
displayed in the display screen W1 of the LCD monitors 31a, 31b of
the second optical observation system 1B. Furthermore, the
character data, and image data such as the arrow can be
overlaid/displayed in the observation image of the operation
microscope 101 by the overlay display unit 81 if necessary.
Therefore, when the operating person manually operates the observer
selection switch 53 and display selection switch 54 of the
controller 51 in accordance with operation situations in the
operation microscope 101 of the present embodiment, for example,
the endoscope observation image M for observing the dead angle of
the microscope 101, image information of the microscope and
endoscope observation positions by the navigation apparatus 59, and
a plurality of pieces of image information such as the endoscope
observation direction can be obtained alone or as an arbitrary
combination thereof and can simultaneously be displayed. Since
desired image information can be obtained in this manner, the
operation can efficiently and effectively be carried out.
[0165] As described above, two display units are provided, each
comprising one LCD monitor and one image selector. One of the
display units displays an image that has parallax with respect to
the image displayed by the other display unit. Hence, the display
units cooperate to display a three-dimensional image. Nonetheless,
it may be suffices to use only one display unit. In this case, a
two-dimensional image will be displayed, not a three-dimensional
image.
[0166] Moreover, FIG. 9 to FIG. 12 show a second embodiment of the
present invention. The second embodiment is obtained by changing
the constitution of the operation microscope 101 of the first
embodiment (see FIG. 1 to FIG. 8) as follows.
[0167] That is, in the second embodiment, an image input function
from the nerve monitor 100 as an operation diagnosis apparatus for
checking a function of a cranial nerve is added to the constitution
of the operation microscope 101 of the first embodiment.
Furthermore, waveform monitor means for monitoring a waveform of
the nerve monitor 100 is disposed, the result is used to change the
display state of the nerve monitor 100 in accordance with the state
of the waveform monitor means, and the waveform can be displayed in
the microscope observation field O.
[0168] FIG. 9 is a block diagram for monitoring the nerve monitor
100. Here, a setting input section 151 is connected to an image
converter 153 via a comparison calculator 152. The nerve monitor
100 is connected to the comparison calculator 152 and image
converter 153. Furthermore, the comparison calculator 152 is
connected to a display controller 154 connected to the image
converter 153.
[0169] FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a nerve monitor display. FIG. 11
shows the first image display state of the microscope observation
field O. As shown in FIG. 10, in step S1 a display state is set via
the setting input section 151, and it is checked in step S2 as to
whether or not an amplitude frequency per unit time decreases. If
YES in the step S2, a process shifts to step S3 to display a
monitored waveform in the displaying monitor 87.
[0170] Moreover, if NO in step S3, the process advances to the next
step S4. It is checked in step S4 whether a peak value is not more
than a preset value. If YES in step S4, the monitored waveform is
displayed in the displaying monitor 87 in the next step S5. If NO
in step S4, the process returns to step S2.
[0171] FIG. 11 shows a state in which characters "NERVE" are
superimposed/displayed in the microscope observation field O of the
operation microscope 101, and a waveform Q of the nerve monitor 100
is displayed as an electronic image in the display screen W1 of the
LCD monitor 31. Therefore, when the operating person looks into the
optical eyepiece systems 22a, 22b of the operation microscope 101
in this state, the operating person can observe the
three-directional tomographic images 140a to 140c in accordance
with the observation position of the operation microscope 101,
further the three-dimensionally constructed image 140d and the
image P of the endoscope 121 in the microscope observation field O.
Furthermore, when the operating person looking into the optical
eyepiece systems 22a, 22b casts eyes in the direction of the
outgoing light axis O2L from the LCD monitors 31a, 31b of the
second optical observation system 1B, the operating person can
observe the monitored waveform Q of the electronic image displayed
in the display screen W1 of the LCD monitors 31a, 31b.
[0172] Therefore, according to the operation microscope 101 of the
second embodiment, when the vicinity of the cranial nerve is
treated, the image can easily be monitored by the nerve monitor
100, and the operation can be certainty carried out.
[0173] FIG. 12 shows the second image display state different from
the state of FIG. 11. Here, the image P of the endoscope 121 and
the waveform Q of the nerve monitor 100 can be simultaneously
displayed in the microscope observation field O, and additionally
the endoscope image M by the endoscope 121 is displayed in the
field. In this case, the three-directional tomographic images 140a
to 140c, and three-dimensionally constructed image 140d are
simultaneously displayed in the display screen W1 of the LCD
monitors 31a, 31b in accordance with the observation position of
the operation microscope.
[0174] Moreover, when the operating person looks into the optical
eyepiece systems 22a, 22b of the operation microscope 101 in the
state of FIG. 12, the operating person can simultaneously observe
the image P of the endoscope 121 and waveform Q of the nerve
monitor 100 in the microscope observation field O, and can
additionally observe the endoscope image M in the field.
Furthermore, when the operating person looking into the optical
eyepiece systems 22a, 22b casts eyes in the outgoing light axis O2L
direction from the LCD monitors 31a, 31b of the second optical
observation system 1B, the operating person can observe the
three-directional tomographic images 140a to 140c in accordance
with the observation position of the operation microscope 101, and
further, the three-dimensionally constructed image 140d in the
display screen W1 of the LCD monitors 31a, 31b.
[0175] Therefore, also in this case, when the vicinity of the
cranial nerve is treated, the image can easily be monitored by the
nerve monitor 100, and the operation can be certainty carried
out.
[0176] Moreover, FIG. 13 and FIG. 14 show a third embodiment. The
third embodiment is constituted by adding the following function of
the constitution of the operation microscope 101 of the first
embodiment (see FIG. 1 to FIG. 8).
[0177] That is, the third embodiment additionally includes a
function of transmitting a microscope observation image O
photographed in an operating theater to a conference room outside
the operating room, so that input image information can be
displayed in an image display of the microscope 101 in the
operating theater by pen touch input in an external conference
room. Thereby, an instruction can directly be given to the
operating person who is carrying out the operation from an external
conference room.
[0178] In FIG. 13, numeral 155 denotes an operating theater, and
156 denotes a conference room. The rooms are partitioned by a wall
157. The microscope observation image of the operation microscope
101 photographed in the operating theater 155 is transmitted to a
monitor 160 via an image synthesis apparatus 159 of the conference
room 156 from an interface 158. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 14, the
microscope observation image O of the operation microscope 101 is
displayed in the monitor 160 of the conference room 156.
[0179] Moreover, the image synthesis apparatus 159 is provided with
a pen type input tool 161. Moreover, when an instruction image 162
is inputted into the monitor 160 by pen touch from the pen type
input tool 161, the instruction image 162 is displayed in the LCD
monitors 31a, 31b of the second optical observation system 1B in
the operation microscope 101. Thereby, an operator in the
conference room 156 can give an instruction to the operating person
in the operating theater 155.
[0180] Therefore, in the third embodiment, when the operating
person looking into the optical eyepiece systems 22a, 22b of the
operation microscope 101 casts eyes in the outgoing light axis O2L
direction from the LCD monitors 31a, 31b of the second optical
observation system 1B, the person can easily and precisely receive
the instruction image 162 from an experienced doctor displayed in
the display screen W1 of the LCD monitors 31a, 31b and can take the
necessary steps depending on the circumstances.
[0181] FIG. 15 to FIG. 17 show a fourth embodiment. The fourth
embodiment is constituted by changing the constitution of the
operation microscope 101 of the first embodiment (see FIG. 1 to
FIG. 8) as follows.
[0182] That is, in the fourth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 17, an
operation inputting menu screen is overlaid/displayed in the
microscope observation field o of the operation microscope 101 of
the first embodiment, and the display image can selectively be
operated.
[0183] FIG. 15 is a menu process flowchart, FIG. 16 is a menu
display state into PinP, and FIG. 17 is a menu superimposed display
state.
[0184] In the fourth embodiment, during a process of
overlaying/displaying the menu screen for inputting the process
into the microscope observation field O of the operation microscope
101, the process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 15 is performed.
First, it is judged in step S1 whether or not a menu SW is turned
ON by the foot switch or the like. If YES in step S1, the process
advances to step S2. If NO in step S1, the process returns to a
start.
[0185] It is judged in step S2 whether or not PinP is displayed. If
YES, the process advances to step S3 to judge whether or not
overlay display is being displayed. If YES in step S3, the process
advances to step S4 to synthesize a menu and overlay/display an
operation inputting menu screen in the microscope observation field
O. If NO in step S3, the process advances to step S5 to
overlay/display the menu.
[0186] If NO in step S2, the process advances to step S6 to display
the menu in PinP. Subsequently, the process advances to step S7,
and the controller 51 is operated to move a cursor. Furthermore,
after the menu display is changed by inputting the process in the
next step S8, EXIT is selected in step S9 to end the process.
[0187] Therefore, as shown in FIG. 17, characters "MENU" and a menu
content are overlaid/displayed in the microscope observation field
O. Additionally, the three-directional tomographic images 140a to
140c, corresponding to the observation position of the operation
microscope 101, and the three-dimensionally constructed image 140d
are displayed in the field. Furthermore, the endoscope image M from
the endoscope 121 is simultaneously displayed in the LCD monitors
31a, 31b of the second optical observation system 1B. Therefore,
when the operating person looking into the optical eyepiece systems
22a, 22b of the operation microscope 101 casts eyes in the outgoing
light axis O2L direction from the LCD monitors 31a, 31b of the
second optical observation system 1B, the person can observe the
endoscope image M displayed in the display screen W1 of the LCD
monitors 31a, 31b.
[0188] The operating person can select the display of PinP,
overlaid/displayed image, and image observation in the microscope
observation field O. Therefore, the operation can be carried out,
while efficiently selecting, displaying and observing the necessary
image information.
[0189] FIG. 18 to FIG. 20 show a fifth embodiment. The fifth
embodiment is constituted by changing the constitution of the
operation microscope 101 of the first embodiment (see FIG. 1 to
FIG. 8) as follows. FIG. 18 is a sectional view showing a
modification example of the overlay display unit 81 shown in FIG.
3, FIG. 19 is a view showing the microscope observation field, and
FIG. 20 is a block diagram of a bipolar treatment apparatus.
[0190] That is, in the fifth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 18, a TV
camera image pickup device 171 is disposed on an opposite side of
the LCD monitor 87 via the half mirror 85 and an image forming lens
170 in the microscope body 82 of the overlay display unit 81.
[0191] In the fifth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 19, a TV camera
image pickup range 172 by the TV camera image pickup device 171 is
set to be different from an image superimposing range 173 in which
the image is superimposed, and the image superimposing range 173 is
set to be larger than the TV camera image pickup range 172.
Moreover, a VTR recording situation is confirmed/displayed, and a
treatment apparatus information is displayed in an information
display range 174 which is not photographed by a TV camera.
[0192] As the treatment apparatus, for example, a bipolar treatment
tool 175 for warm/hot treatment is used as shown in FIG. 20. The
bipolar treatment tool 175 is connected to a controller 177
including a foot switch 176. The controller 177 is connected to a
display controller 179 via an interface 178. Moreover, VTR 180 is
also connected to the display controller 179 via an interface
181.
[0193] In this constitution, during image recording by the VTR 180,
information only required during the operation, such as characters
"REC", is displayed in the information display range 174, and
information also required after the operation, such as an output
state of the bipolar treatment tool 175, can be displayed in the TV
camera image pickup range 172.
[0194] Therefore, in the fifth embodiment, when the operating
person looks into the optical eyepiece systems 22a, 22b of the
operation microscope 101, the person can confirm a recording state
in the VTR, a state of the treatment apparatus, and the like in the
microscope observation field O.
[0195] FIG. 21 to FIG. 28 show a sixth embodiment. FIG. 21 is a
schematic constitution diagram of the entire system of the
operation microscope apparatus. In an operation microscope 201, a
base 204 movable on a floor surface, and a support 205 vertically
disposed on the base 204 form a stand 203. Furthermore, one end of
a first arm 206 including a light source (not shown) is attached to
an upper part of the support 205 so as to be rotatable centering on
an axis O1.
[0196] Furthermore, the other end of the first arm 206 is attached
to one end of a second arm 207 rotatably centering on an axis O2.
The second arm 207 is a pantograph arm constituted of a link
mechanism and balance adjusting spring member, and vertically
moves. The other end of the second arm 207 is attached to one end
of a third arm 208 rotatably centering on an axis O3. The other end
of the third arm 208 is connected to a microscope body 202. Here,
the third arm 208 can support the microscope body 202 so that the
microscope body 202 can move back and forth centering on an axis O4
with respect to an operating person's observation direction, and
can move in an operating person's horizontal direction centering on
an axis O5.
[0197] Furthermore, rotating members (joints) in the rotation axes
O1 to O5 are provided with electromagnetic brakes (not shown) in
order to arbitrarily adjust and fix a spatial position of the
microscope body 202. The electromagnetic brake is connected to an
electromagnetic brake power source circuit (not shown) incorporated
in the support 205.
[0198] Additionally, an LED control apparatus 209 is disposed in
the operating theater. The LED control apparatus 209 is connected
to a measurement apparatus 210. The measurement apparatus 210 is
connected to a workstation 212 via an A/D converter 211. The
workstation 212 is connected to a monitor 213. Moreover,
pre-operative tomographic image data prepared by image diagnosis
apparatuses (not shown) such as CT and MRI, and three-dimensional
data constructed again by processing the tomographic image data are
recorded in the workstation 212. Furthermore, numeral 214 denotes
an operating person, 215 denotes an assistant, and 216 denotes a
patient.
[0199] Numeral 217 denotes a digitizer (optical position detection
apparatus) for detecting a position of the sensor arm disposed in
the microscope body 202 in a three-dimensional coordinate. The
digitizer 217 is constituted as a receiving member by a camera
support member 219 and stand 220 for fixing two CCD cameras 218a,
218b, and installed in the operating theater. Moreover, a reference
position sensor is disposed on the patient 216.
[0200] FIG. 22 shows a scope holder apparatus. The apparatus is
provided with an endoscope 221 formed of a rigid endoscope, and a
scope holder 224 for holding the endoscope 221. The endoscope 221
is provided with an insertion member 222 to be inserted into a body
cavity. A base end of the insertion member 222 is provided with a
connection member 223 connected to the scope holder 224.
[0201] Moreover, the scope holder 224 is disconnectably connected
to the connection member 223 of the endoscope 221. The scope holder
224 is constituted by an image pickup unit 225 for picking up the
observation image obtained by the endoscope 221, a holding arm 226
for holding the endoscope 221 via the image pickup unit 225, and an
attachment member 227 detachably attached to a side rail of an
operating bed, for example, shown in FIG. 21.
[0202] The attachment member 227 of the scope holder 224 is formed
by an attachment member main body 228a, and a base 228b extended
from the attachment member main body 228a. A hook-shaped engagement
member 229 to be hooked/attached to the operating bed side rail is
attached to the attachment member main body 228a.
[0203] A fixing knob 230 is attached to the attachment member main
body 228a. This fixing knob 230 is screwed and attached to the
attachment member main body 228a, and includes a screw member
extending toward the engagement member 229. Therefore, when the
engagement member 229 is hooked on the side rail and the fixing
knob 230 is fastened, the attachment member main body 228a can be
fixed to the side rail.
[0204] A vertical arm 231 constituting the holding arm 226 is
rotatably attached to the base 228b of the attachment member 227.
This vertical arm 231 vertically extends upward from the base 228b,
and can rotate centering on a first vertical axis O6 corresponding
to a longitudinal direction axis.
[0205] Moreover, an adjustment knob 232 for adjusting a rotating
force amount of the vertical arm 231 centering on the first axis O6
is screwed and attached to the base 228b. One end of a first link
arm 234 constituting the holding arm 226 is rotatably attached to
an upper end of the vertical arm 231 via a joint 233. In this case,
the first link arm 234 can rotate centering on a second axis O7
crossing at right angles to the first axis O6.
[0206] One end of a second link arm 236 is rotatably attached to
the other end of the first link arm 234 via a joint 235. In this
case, the second link arm 236 can rotate centering on a third axis
O8 parallel to the second axis O7, and can rotate centering on a
fourth axis O9 crossing at right angles to the third axis O8.
Moreover, the image pickup unit 225 can be rotatably attached to
the other end of the second link arm 236 via a joint 235a. In this
case, the image pickup unit 225 can rotate centering on a fifth
axis O10 crossing at right angles to the fourth axis O9.
[0207] An optical lighting system of the endoscope 221 is connected
to a light guide cable 237 passed through the scope holder 224. The
light guide cable 237 is connected to a light source apparatus 238.
Moreover, an optical observation system of the endoscope 221 is
connected to a TV cable 239 passed through the scope holder 224.
The TV cable 239 is connected to a monitor 241 via a camera control
unit 240.
[0208] FIG. 23 shows a binocular lens tube 251 incorporated in the
microscope body 202 of the operation microscope 201. Left and right
observation light paths for stereoscopic observation are
constituted in the binocular lens tube 251. Moreover, an objective
lens (not shown) and variable power optical system (not shown) are
disposed as the left and right observation light paths in the
microscope body 202.
[0209] A right-eye optical observation system 251A and a left-eye
optical observation system (not shown) are disposed in the
binocular lens tube 251. Additionally, FIG. 23 shows a constitution
of a part of the right-eye observation optical system 251A seen
from the side surface of the binocular lens tube 251. The left-eye
optical observation system of the binocular lens tube 251 is
constituted similarly to the right-eye optical observation system
251A, and a description thereof is omitted.
[0210] Moreover, a binocular lens tube optical system 252 for
guiding the observation image of the operation microscope 201, and
an optical image projection system 253 for observing arbitrary
image information different from the observation image are disposed
in the right-eye optical observation system 251A of the present
embodiment. Here, an optical image forming system 254, image
rotator 255, parallelogram prism 256, and optical eyepiece system
257 are disposed in the optical binocular lens tube system 252. The
observation image of the operation microscope 201 incident upon the
optical binocular lens tube system 252 is guided to the optical
eyepiece system 257 via the image rotator 255 and parallelogram
prism 256 in order from the optical image forming system 254.
[0211] Furthermore, the optical image projection system 253 is
constituted of a fixed member 258 which is immobile with respect to
eye distance adjustment of the binocular lens tube 251, and a
movable member 259 moving integrally with an eyepiece image surface
which moves during the eye distance adjustment of the binocular
lens tube 251. Here, the fixed member 258 is constituted of an LCD
display 260, mirror 261, optical collimating system 262, and prism
263. Furthermore, the movable member 259 is constituted of a fixed
prism 264, optical image forming system 265, and movable prism 266.
The movable prism 266 is disposed on the light path so that the
prism can be inserted or detached by a mechanism moving motor (not
shown). Moreover, the arbitrary image information displayed in the
LCD display 260 is guided to the optical eyepiece system 257 via
the mirror 261, optical collimating system 262, prism 263, fixed
prism 264, optical image forming system 265, and movable prism 266
in order.
[0212] Furthermore, the observation image of the operation
microscope 201 transmitted via the binocular optical lens tube
system 252, and arbitrary image information transmitted via the
optical image projection system 253 can simultaneously be observed
in the eyepiece optical system 257.
[0213] Additionally, an in-field display operating switch 267 is
disposed in a grip (not shown) of the operation microscope 201.
This switch 267 is connected to an operation input circuit 268
constituted by a logic circuit.
[0214] This operation input circuit 268 is connected to an in-field
display controller 269, and to an image selector 271 as image
signal selection means via a display image controller 270. Here,
the in-field display controller 269 is constituted of a drive
control circuit of a motor (not shown) for controlling
insertion/detachment of the movable prism 266 incorporated in the
binocular lens tube 251, and a display control circuit of the LCD
display 260. Furthermore, an output signal from the switch 267 is
inputted into the operation input circuit 268, and a selecting
operation signal outputted from the operation input circuit 268 is
inputted to the in-field display controller 269 and image selector
271.
[0215] Moreover, the image selector 271 is connected to an image
calculation processor 272, and a large screen LCD 274 via an LCD
driver 273. Furthermore, a position detection display image signal
outputted from the image calculation processor 272 and an image
signal outputted from the LCD driver 273 are inputted to the image
selector 271. Additionally, the image signal selected by the image
selector 271 is sent to the in-field display controller 269.
[0216] Furthermore, a second image display unit 275 with a second
optical observation system contained therein is disposed adjacent
to the optical eyepiece system 257 in the binocular lens tube 251
of the sixth embodiment. The second optical observation system is
constituted as follows. FIG. 23 shows only a left light path of the
second optical observation system. Numeral 276 denotes a small
sized LCD monitor, controlled by a controller (not shown), for
displaying the image of the endoscope or the like as the electronic
image.
[0217] Furthermore, a prism 277 for reflecting the light axis O2L
substantially by 90.degree., and a plurality of relay lenses 278,
279 are disposed on the outgoing light axis O2L from the LCD
monitor 276.
[0218] Additionally, numeral 280 denotes a prism for deflecting the
light axis reflected by the prism 277 in the direction of the
observation light axis OL. A second optical eyepiece system 281 is
optically disposed/connected on the outgoing light axis O2L of the
prism 280. Moreover, the observation light axes OL and 02L
intersect each other in the vicinity of an emission pupil position.
Additionally, numeral 282 denotes an eyepiece housing in which the
second optical observation system of the second image display unit
275 including the second optical eyepiece system 281 is integrally
contained.
[0219] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 24, the image calculation
processor 272 is connected to an operation switch 283 disposed in
the connection member 223 of the endoscope 221 via a switch
detector 284.
[0220] As shown in FIG. 25, a small screen 285a, as an in-field
display screen, is superimposed onto a part of a microscope
observation field 285 displayed in the optical eyepiece system 257
of the binocular lens tube 251. Furthermore, a large screen 287
displayed in the second image display unit 275 is disposed in the
vicinity of the microscope observation field 285. Additionally, an
endoscope observation image 286 is displayed in the small screen
285a of the microscope observation field 285, and the electronic
image by the LCD monitor 276 is displayed in the large screen
287.
[0221] Moreover, the operation switch 283 locks and unlocks the arm
of the scope holder 224, and selects the images displayed in the
large screen 287 and small screen 285a in accordance with the state
of the switch detector 284 as shown in FIG. 26A or FIG. 26B.
[0222] Furthermore, when the operation switch 283 of the scope
holder 224 is on (during movement), as shown in FIG. 28, the
endoscope image P is displayed in the microscope observation field
285, and the endoscope observation image 286 is displayed in the
small screen 285a. In this case, a state in which nothing is
displayed is held in the large screen 287. Additionally, when the
operation switch 283 of the scope holder 224 is off (during
fixing), as shown in FIG. 27, the endoscope image P is displayed in
the microscope observation field 285, and the endoscope observation
image 286 is displayed in the large screen 286. In this case, the
state in which nothing is displayed is held in the small screen
285a.
[0223] Additionally, the following effect is achieved in the
aforementioned constitution. That is, in the sixth embodiment, a
fixed/released state of the scope holder 224 is detected by the
switch detector 284, and display modes of a plurality of display
images can be changed for in-field display of the microscope
observation field 285 in accordance with the fixed/released state
of the scope holder 224. Therefore, since the in-field display
screen of the microscope observation field 285 can be automatically
changed in accordance with a usage state of the scope holder 224
without troubling the operating person, an operating time can be
shortened, and fatigue of the operating person can be reduced. When
the scope holder 224 moves, the endoscope image P is displayed in
the microscope observation field 285, and the endoscope observation
image 286 is displayed in the small screen 285a. Therefore, the
operating person can simultaneously see the endoscope image and
microscope observation image without moving the line of sight. In
this case, nothing is displayed in the large screen 287. Therefore,
no display image of the large screen 287 is possibly emitted into
the eyes of the operating person who observes a moving state of the
scope holder 224 in the microscope observation field 285, and the
scope holder 224 can smoothly be moved.
[0224] Furthermore, when the scope holder 224 is fixed, the
microscope observation image is not interrupted by the small screen
285a, and therefore the microscope observation image can be clearly
and easily observed.
[0225] FIG. 29 to FIG. 32 show a seventh embodiment. The seventh
embodiment is based on the system constitution of the operation
microscope apparatus of the sixth embodiment, and is constituted by
adding an image linked with navigation to the display mode.
Additionally, the same constituting components as those of the
sixth embodiment (see FIG. 21 to FIG. 28) are denoted by the same
reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.
[0226] FIG. 29 is a block diagram of the control system. As shown
in FIG. 29, a camera control unit 288 is connected to the image
calculation controller 272, and a digitizer 289 and microscope body
controller 290 are connected to the image calculation controller
272 via a workstation 291.
[0227] Moreover, in the seventh embodiment, during
locking/unlocking of the arm of the scope holder 224 by the
operation switch 283, the image to be displayed in the large and
small screens 287 and 285a is selectively changed in accordance
with the state of the switch detector 284. The image is set to be
selected as shown in FIG. 30A when the scope holder 224 is fixed,
and as shown in FIG. 30B when the scope holder 224 moves.
[0228] Moreover, in the seventh embodiment, when the operation
switch 283 of the scope holder 224 is turned on, and the state of
movement of the scope holder 224 is detected by the switch detector
284, as shown in FIG. 32, the endoscope image P is displayed in the
microscope observation field 285 of the operation microscope 201,
and the endoscope observation image 286 is displayed in the small
screen 285a. In this case, nothing is displayed in the large screen
287. Additionally, the observation position of the scope holder 224
can be displayed in the large screen 287 during operation of the
scope holder 224 (FIG. 32).
[0229] Furthermore, when the operation switch 283 of the scope
holder 224 is off (during fixing), as shown in FIG. 31, the
endoscope image P is observed in the microscope observation field
285, a pre-operative image and scope holder observation position
are displayed in the small screen 285a, and the endoscope
observation image 286 is displayed in the large screen 287.
[0230] Additionally, the following effect is achieved in the
aforementioned constitution. That is, in the seventh embodiment,
since the screen can automatically be changed in accordance with
the usage state of the scope holder 224 without troubling the
operating person, the operating time can be shortened, and the
fatigue of the operating person can be reduced.
[0231] When the scope holder 224 moves, as shown in FIG. 32, the
endoscope image P is displayed in the microscope observation field
285 of the operation microscope 201, and the endoscope observation
image 286 is displayed in the small screen 285a. Therefore, the
operating person can simultaneously see the endoscope image and
microscope image without moving the line of sight. In this case,
nothing is displayed in the large screen 287. Therefore, no display
image of the large screen 287 is possibly emitted into the eyes of
the operating person who observes the moving state of the scope
holder 224 in the microscope observation field 285, and the scope
holder 224 can be smoothly moved.
[0232] Furthermore, when the scope holder 224 is fixed, as shown in
FIG. 31, the endoscope image P is observed in the microscope
observation field 285, the preoperative image and scope holder
observation position are displayed in the small screen 285a, and
the endoscope observation image 286 is displayed in the large
screen 287. Therefore, the preoperative image and the endoscope
image can be observed at the same time without interrupting the
microscope observation.
[0233] FIG. 33 to FIG. 37 show an eighth embodiment. The eighth
embodiment is constituted by adding an ultrasonic observation
apparatus 300 to the system constitution of the operation
microscope apparatus of the sixth embodiment (see FIG. 21 to FIG.
28) and seventh embodiment (see FIG. 29 to FIG. 32). In the present
constitution, an observation/non-observation state of the
ultrasonic observation apparatus 300 is detected, and the display
modes of a plurality of display images for the display in the
microscope observation field 285 are changed in accordance with the
detected state. Additionally, in FIG. 33 to FIG. 37, the same
constituting components as those of the sixth and seventh
embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals and
description thereof is omitted.
[0234] FIG. 33 is a block diagram of an ultrasonic observation
control system. The ultrasonic observation apparatus 300 is
connected to ultrasonic drive means 303 including a motor 301 and
encoder 302. An ultrasonic probe 304 is disconnectably connected to
the ultrasonic drive means 303. The ultrasonic observation
apparatus 300 includes a foot switch 305. The ultrasonic
observation apparatus 300 is connected to the image calculation
processor 272 via a drive detector 306. Moreover, the image to be
displayed in in-field display means is selected and displayed based
on a detection result of a drive state of the ultrasonic
observation apparatus 300 detected by the drive detector 306.
[0235] FIG. 34 shows a state in which the ultrasonic probe 304 is
inserted into a patient's operating field, and an affected portion
in the operating field is observed by the ultrasonic probe 304.
[0236] Moreover, during the use of the ultrasonic probe 304 of the
eighth embodiment, the drive detector 306 detects the drive state
of the ultrasonic observation apparatus 300. Moreover, when the
foot switch 305 is turned on and the ultrasonic observation
apparatus 300 is driven, that is, when an ultrasonic observation
state is detected by the drive detector 306, the state of the
apparatus is changed as shown in FIG. 35A. That is, the
preoperative image (ultrasonic observer plane image) is displayed
in the small screen 285a in the microscope observation field 285,
and an ultrasonic observation image N is displayed in the large
screen 287. Furthermore, when the foot switch 305 is turned off and
the ultrasonic observation apparatus 300 is stopped, that is, when
an ultrasonic observation discontinued state is detected by the
drive detector 306, the state of the apparatus is changed as shown
in FIG. 35B. That is, the preoperative image (the entire head
image) is displayed in the small screen 285a in the microscope
observation field 285, and the ultrasonic observation image N is
displayed in the large screen 287.
[0237] Moreover, in the eighth embodiment, when the ultrasonic
observation state is detected by the drive detector 306, as shown
in FIG. 37, the preoperative image (ultrasonic observer plane
image) is displayed in the small screen 285a in the microscope
observation field 285, and the ultrasonic observation image N is
displayed in the large screen 287.
[0238] Furthermore, when the ultrasonic observation discontinued
state is detected by the drive detector 306, as shown in FIG. 36,
the preoperative image (the entire head image) is displayed in the
small screen 285a in the microscope observation field 285, and the
ultrasonic observation image N is displayed in the large screen
287. Additionally, the position of an ultrasonic probe or a
tomographic image direction is displayed in the preoperative
image.
[0239] Therefore, in the eighth embodiment, since the screen
displayed in the small screen 285a and large screen 287 in the
microscope observation field 285 can be automatically changed in
accordance with the usage state of the ultrasonic probe 304 without
troubling the operating person during use of the ultrasonic probe
304, the operating time can be shortened, and the fatigue of the
operating person can be reduced during use of the ultrasonic probe
304. Moreover, during ultrasonic observation, the microscope
observation image can be compared with the ultrasonic observation
image N without discontinuing the microscope observation.
Furthermore, in a case other than ultrasonic observation, the
position of the ultrasonic probe 304 is confirmed, and the
ultrasonic probe 304 can be positioned in a position desired by the
operating person.
[0240] FIG. 38 to FIG. 43 show a ninth embodiment. The ninth
embodiment is constituted by changing the system constitution of
the operation microscope apparatus of the eighth embodiment (see
FIG. 33 to FIG. 37) as follows. Additionally, in FIG. 38 to FIG.
43, the same constituting components as those of the eight
embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and
description thereof is omitted.
[0241] In the constitution of the ninth embodiment, a function of a
foot switch 310 is allotted to control the image source, in
accordance with the image source (endoscope, ultrasonic wave, and
the like) selected for the in-field display of the microscope
observation field 285. That is, when a plurality of apparatuses,
for example, the endoscope and ultrasonic probe are used together,
the image source is changed by the foot switch 310 of the operation
microscope without selecting the image source displayed in the
in-field display means.
[0242] As shown in FIG. 38, the foot switch 310 of the operation
microscope according to the ninth embodiment includes an XY switch
311 and a mode changeover switch 312. The foot switch 310 is
connected to an operation signal processor 313, and the operation
signal processor 313 is connected to a stand controller 314 and
microscope body controller 315 of the operation microscope.
[0243] The operation signal processor 313 is connected to the
endoscope 221 via a camera control unit 316 and light source
apparatus 317. Furthermore, the operation signal processor 313 is
connected to the ultrasonic probe 304 via the ultrasonic
observation apparatus 300 and ultrasonic drive means 303.
[0244] Moreover, the camera control unit 316 is connected to an
image signal processor 319 via a first tone correction circuit 318.
The ultrasonic observation apparatus 300 is connected to the image
signal processor 319 via a second tone correction circuit 320. The
image signal processor 319 is connected to the image calculation
processor 272, and the operation signal processor 313.
[0245] Furthermore, when the endoscope 221 is used, the image is
displayed in the in-field display means via the first tone
correction circuit 318, and the image signal processor 319 detects
that the endoscope image is displayed in the in-field display
means.
[0246] In this state, when the operating person turns on the mode
changeover switch 312 of the foot switch 310, the operation signal
processor 313 changes to endoscope control from operation
microscope control. Moreover, when the XY switch 311 of the foot
switch 310 is turned on, zoom, focus, and light source of the
endoscope 221 can be adjusted. This also applies to ultrasonic
observation. When the operating person turns on the mode changeover
switch 312 of the foot switch 310, the operation signal processor
313 changes to ultrasonic probe control from the operation
microscope control.
[0247] Therefore, since the observation apparatus can be operated
without selecting the image source, the operating person is not
troubled. Moreover, even when the endoscope 221 and ultrasonic
probe 304 are used as the observation apparatus, color reproduction
is performed in accordance with the observation apparatus and
in-field display means. Therefore, as it is unnecessary to change
the setting for the display, the operating time can be shortened,
and the operating person's fatigue can be reduced.
[0248] FIG. 39 and FIG. 40 show the microscope observation field
285. When the endoscope 221 is used, as shown in FIG. 39, the
endoscope image P is observed in the field 285, and the endoscope
observation image M is superimposed/displayed in the small screen
285a.
[0249] Moreover, when the ultrasonic probe 304 is used, as shown in
FIG. 40, an ultrasonic probe image R is observed in the field 285,
and the ultrasonic probe observation image N is displayed in the
small screen 285a.
[0250] FIG. 41 shows the foot switch 310, FIG. 42 shows a process
content when the endoscope observation image M is displayed in the
microscope observation field 285, and FIG. 43 shows a content when
the ultrasonic probe observation image N is displayed in the
microscope observation field 285.
[0251] Here, when the endoscope observation image M is displayed in
the microscope observation field 285, the XY switch 311 of the foot
switch 310 is operated as shown in FIG. 42.
[0252] X+: endoscope zoom-up
[0253] X-: endoscope zoom-down
[0254] Y+: endoscope light amount up
[0255] Y-: endoscope light amount down
[0256] Moreover, when the ultrasonic probe observation image N is
displayed in the microscope observation field 285, the XY switch
311 of the foot switch 310 is operated as shown in FIG. 43.
[0257] X+: scan start
[0258] X-: scan stop
[0259] Y+: display image right rotation
[0260] Y-: display image left rotation
[0261] FIG. 44 to FIG. 46 show a tenth embodiment. The tenth
embodiment is constituted by adding the LCD driver 273 for display
in the large screen and LCD 274 for the large screen to the system
constitution of the operation microscope apparatus of the ninth
embodiment (see FIG. 38 to FIG. 43) as shown in FIG. 44.
Furthermore, a tone setting table 321 for performing color
reproduction of the large screen of the in-field display means in
accordance with the small screen is added.
[0262] In the tenth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 45, the endoscope
image P is observed in the microscope observation field 285, and
the endoscope observation image M is superimposed/displayed in the
small screen 285a as a part of the field 285. In this case, nothing
is displayed in the large screen 287.
[0263] Furthermore, in FIG. 46 both the endoscope image P and the
ultrasonic probe image R are observed in the microscope observation
field 285, the endoscope observation image M is
superimposed/displayed in the small screen 285a as a part of the
field, and the ultrasonic image N is displayed in the large screen
287. In this case, color reproduction of the large screen 287 is
performed in accordance with the small screen 285a by the tone
setting table 321.
[0264] Moreover, FIG. 47 and to FIG. 48 show an eleventh
embodiment. In addition to the system constitution of the operation
microscope apparatus of the ninth embodiment (see FIG. 38 to FIG.
43), in the constitution of the eleventh embodiment, an
identification mark is displayed in an image to which a function of
the foot switch 310 (see FIG. 41) is allotted. Furthermore, in the
eleventh embodiment, every time the mode changeover switch 312 of
the foot switch 310 is pressed, an endoscope operation, ultrasonic
observation apparatus operation, and operation microscope operation
are changed thereamong.
[0265] Moreover, in the eleventh embodiment, as shown in FIG. 47,
both the endoscope image P and the ultrasonic probe image R are
observed in the microscope observation field 285, the endoscope
observation image M is superimposed/displayed in the small screen
285a, and the ultrasonic image N is displayed in the large screen
287. In this state, a mark F is displayed in a part of the
endoscope observation image M to indicate that the image is
controlled by the foot switch 310.
[0266] Furthermore, in FIG. 48, both the endoscope image P and the
ultrasonic probe image R are observed in the microscope observation
field 285, the endoscope observation image M is
superimposed/displayed in the small screen 285a, and the ultrasonic
image N is displayed in the large screen 287. Here, the mark F is
displayed in a part of the ultrasonic image N of the large screen
287 to indicate that the image is controlled by the foot switch
310.
[0267] FIG. 49 to FIG. 52 show a twelfth embodiment. In the
constitution of the twelfth embodiment, an endoscope holding hook
331 for hooking and holding the endoscope 221 is disposed in a
microscope body 330 of the operation microscope shown in FIG. 49,
it is detected whether or not the endoscope 221 is held by the
holding hook 331, and the operation microscope and in-field display
apparatus are controlled. Here, a holding switch 332 is disposed in
a fixed portion of the endoscope holding hook 331. Moreover, when
the endoscope 221 is hooked and held onto the hook 331 of the
microscope body 330, the holding switch 332 is turned on.
[0268] Moreover, FIG. 50 is a block diagram of the control system
of the operation microscope. Here, the holding switch 332 is
connected to the stand controller 314 and microscope body
controller 315 via a signal transmitter 333. The stand controller
314 is connected to respective electromagnetic brakes 334 disposed
in arm joints. The microscope body controller 315 is connected to a
variable power optical system driver 335 of a variable power
optical system 336. Furthermore, the signal transmitter 333 is
connected to the camera control unit 316 and light source apparatus
317, and to the image calculation processor 272 via an operation
input circuit 337.
[0269] Furthermore, when the operating person removes the endoscope
221 from the hook 331, the holding switch 332 is turned on, and a
signal flows to the stand controller 314 via the signal transmitter
333. Thereby, the respective electromagnetic brakes 334 operate to
lock the respective arms. Additionally, the variable power optical
system driver 335 operates via the microscope body controller 315
so that a magnification of the variable power optical system 336 is
minimized. The light source apparatus 317 and camera control unit
316 of the endoscope 221 are started up to obtain a state in which
endoscope observation is possible.
[0270] Therefore, when the endoscope 221 is unused, that is, when
the endoscope 221 is held by the hook 331, and even when the
operation microscope stand is moved, the endoscope 221 is prevented
from contacting or breaking the operation microscope. Moreover,
since the endoscope 221 can be set without troubling the operating
person, the operating person's fatigue can be reduced, and the
operating time can also be shortened.
[0271] Additionally, FIG. 51 shows the microscope observation field
285 of a state in which the endoscope 221 is caught by the hook
331, the endoscope 221 is unused and the variable power optical
system 336 has a maximum magnification. Moreover, FIG. 52 shows the
microscope observation field 285 of a state in which the endoscope
221 is used and the variable power optical system 336 has a minimum
magnification. Here, the endoscope image P is displayed in the
microscope observation field 285, and the endoscope observation
image M is superimposed/displayed in the small screen 285a.
[0272] Moreover, FIG. 53A to FIG. 60 show a thirteenth embodiment
of the present invention. In the thirteenth embodiment, a rigid
endoscope 434 used together with an operation microscope 401 as
shown in FIG. 54 is constituted as shown in FIG. 53A. A tip end
slope 439 obliquely intersecting an insertion axis (center line) O1
of an insertion member 435 is formed in a tip end of the insertion
member 435 of the rigid endoscope 434. Here, an intersection angle
between a center line 02 of the tip end slope 439 and the insertion
axis O1 of the insertion member 435 is set to a constant angle
.alpha..
[0273] Furthermore, an objective lens 441, a lighting lens 442, and
two projection windows (projection means) 443, 444 are disposed in
the tip end slope 439. Thereby, the observation light axis O2 of
the objective lens 441 is set to intersect the insertion axis O1 of
the insertion member 435 at the constant intersection angle
.alpha..
[0274] Moreover, a relay lens (not shown) is disposed in the
insertion member 435. Furthermore, the objective lens 441, relay
lens, and eyepiece member 437 are optically connected to one
another.
[0275] Furthermore, a tip end of a light guide cable (not shown) is
disposed opposite to a lens surface inside the lighting lens 442. A
base end of the light guide cable is connected to a light guide
base 438 disposed at a base end of the insertion member 435 as
shown in FIG. 54.
[0276] One end of a light guide 445 is connected to the light guide
base 438. The other end of the light guide 445 is connected to a
light source apparatus (not shown). Moreover, a lighting light
emitted from the light source apparatus is guided to the light
guide cable of the light guide base 438 from the light guide 445,
and an operative portion P is irradiated with the lighting light
guided by the light guide cable from the lighting lens 442.
[0277] Moreover, a TV camera 447 for photographing the observation
image of the rigid endoscope 434 is connected to the eyepiece
member 437 of the rigid endoscope 434. One end of a camera cable
448 is connected to the TV camera 447. The other end of the camera
cable 448 is connected to an input end of a camera control unit
(CCU) 449 (shown in FIG. 53B) for converting an electric signal of
the observation image photographed by the rigid endoscope 434 to an
image signal.
[0278] One projection window 443 of two projection windows 443, 444
of the tip end slope 439 in the insertion member 435 of the rigid
endoscope 434 is disposed on a base end of the tip end slope 439,
and the other projection window 444 is disposed on a tip end of the
tip end slope 439.
[0279] Furthermore, one end of a light guide cable 451 for guiding
an irradiation light for an index to two projection windows 443,
444 is connected into the insertion member 435. The other end of
the light guide cable 451 is disposed in a part which is opposite
to a reflective mirror 452 from an axial direction of the insertion
member 435.
[0280] Additionally, in the light guide base 438, an image forming
lens 453 is disposed in a part opposite to the reflective mirror
452 from a direction crossing at right angles to an axial direction
of the insertion member 435. Furthermore, two laser diodes (light
emission means) 454 as a light source for guiding the indexing
irradiation light to the projection windows 443, 444 are disposed
in the light source apparatus. Additionally, the indexing
irradiation light emitted from two laser diodes 454 in the light
source apparatus is guided to the image forming lens 453 of the
light guide base 438 via the light guide 445. Furthermore, light
guide means 455 for guiding the respective indexing irradiation
lights to two projection windows 443, 444 via the reflective mirror
452 and light guide cable 451 is constituted. Since respective
constitutions of the light guide means 455 for guiding the indexing
irradiation light to two projection windows 443, 444 are the same,
only the projection window 444 side light guide means 455 is shown
in FIG. 53A.
[0281] Here, laser diodes having different wavelengths are used in
two laser diodes 454 in the light source apparatus. Thereby, the
indexing irradiation lights having different colors are guided to
the respective projection windows 443, 444, the projection windows
443, 444 emit the indexing irradiation lights having different
colors, and emission indexes 459a, 459b are projected as shown in
FIG. 55.
[0282] Moreover, a laser diode operation circuit 456 is connected
to the laser diode 454. The laser diode operation circuit 456 is
connected to a laser diode lighting switch 457. Furthermore, when
two laser diodes 454 in the light source apparatus are turned on,
the irradiation light as the index is guided in parallel with the
observation light axis O2 of the objective lens 441 from two
projection windows 443, 444 of the tip end slope 439 in the
insertion member 435 of the rigid endoscope 434, and the emission
indexes 459a, 459b are projected to the operative portion P.
[0283] Furthermore, in the thirteenth embodiment, a scale
generation apparatus 461 is disposed for generating scales S1, S2
having appropriate lengths, and characters indicating the lengths
with respect to a field diameter of the microscope field in an
observation image K1 of the operation microscope 401 displayed in a
field of an eyepiece lens 410 of an eyepiece lens tube 433 of the
operation microscope 401, and an observation image E1 (in-field
display image) of the rigid endoscope 434 displayed in a sub-screen
N inserted into the microscope observation image K1 as shown in
FIG. 59.
[0284] In the scale generation apparatus 461, a control circuit is
connected to the CCu 449 of the operation microscope 401 as shown
in FIG. 53B. Changeover means 462 connected to the CCU 449 is
disposed in the control circuit. The changeover means 462 is
connected to the laser diode operation circuit 456, first memory
463, and second memory 464. Here, the changeover means 462 has a
function of detecting an operation state of the laser diode
operation circuit 456, and changing an outputting memory to either
the first memory 463 or the second memory 464, and a function of
transmitting the image signal.
[0285] Furthermore, a subtraction circuit 465 for subtracting
information of the first and second memories 463 and 464 is
connected to the first memory 463 and second memory 464. The
subtraction circuit 465 is connected to a workstation 466.
[0286] The workstation 466 is connected to: a mixer 467 for
synthesizing the image signal; an image calculation processor 432;
a microscope body controller 468 for detecting focus and
magnification information of a microscope body 402 of the operation
microscope 401 and transmitting the detected information to the
workstation 466; and a switch 469 for turning off the scale display
displayed in the field of the operation microscope 401. Moreover, a
monitor 470 is connected to the CCU 449 via the mixer 467.
[0287] Operation of the thirteenth embodiment constituted as
described above will next be described. In the thirteenth
embodiment the operation microscope 401 and rigid endoscope 434 are
used together as shown in FIG. 54. Moreover, the rigid endoscope
434 is inserted into the operative portion P, and a tip end of the
rigid endoscope 434 is brought to the operative portion P in a
desired position.
[0288] In this case, the observation image of the operative portion
P observed by the rigid endoscope 434 is guided to the eyepiece
member 437 via the objective lens 441 and relay lens, formed on the
image pickup device in the TV camera 447, and converted to an
electric signal. This electric signal is transmitted to the CCU 449
via the camera cable 448, and converted to an image signal by the
CCU 449. Moreover, an output signal from the CCU 449 is transmitted
to the monitor 470 via the mixer 467, and the observation image of
the rigid endoscope 434 photographed by the TV camera 447 is
displayed in the monitor 470. In this case, the light emitted from
the projection windows 443, 444 of the tip end slope 439 of the
insertion member 435 of the rigid endoscope 434 is projected to a
wall surface A of the operative portion P. Moreover, an operating
person 458 who looks into the eyepiece lens 410 of the eyepiece
lens tube 433 of the operation microscope 401 observes an image in
accordance with an insertion position of the rigid endoscope 434
inserted in the operative portion P.
[0289] Moreover, when the operating person 458 wants to know the
length of the rigid endoscope 434 in the field, and the length of
the operation microscope 401 in the microscope field, the following
operation is performed. First, when the laser diode 454 is not on,
the laser diode 454 is lit. In this case, when the laser diode
lighting switch 457 is turned on, the output signal from the laser
diode operation circuit 456 is inputted to the changeover means
462. Thereby, the changeover means 462 detects that the laser diode
operation circuit 456 is in an operation state, and information
outputted from the changeover means 462 is stored in the first
memory 463.
[0290] In this case, image information M0 (observation image of the
rigid endoscope 434 photographed by the TV camera 447) in which
emission indexes 459a2, 459b2 are displayed in an observation image
E1 of the rigid endoscope 434 as shown in FIG. 55 is transmitted to
the CCU 449. Subsequently, the image information M0 of FIG. 55 is
inputted to the first memory 463 via the changeover means 462.
Thereby, screen information for one screen displayed in the monitor
470 is recorded as a unit in the first memory 463.
[0291] Subsequently, the laser diode 454 is turned off by the laser
diode lighting switch 457. During the off operation of the laser
diode lighting switch 457, the operation of the laser diode
operation circuit 456 is stopped. Moreover, when the changeover
means 462 detects that the laser diode operation circuit 456 is not
operating, an output of the changeover means 462 is switched to a
second memory 464 side.
[0292] In this case, image information M1 in which the emission
indexes 459a2, 459b2 are not displayed in the observation image E1
of the rigid endoscope 434 as shown in FIG. 56 is transmitted to
the CCU 449. Subsequently, the image information M1 of FIG. 56 is
inputted to the second memory 464 via the changeover means 462.
Thereby, the screen information for one screen displayed in the
monitor 470 is recorded as the unit in the second memory 464,
similar to the first memory 463.
[0293] Moreover, when the image information M1 for a first screen
is stored in the second memory 464, the information is transmitted
to the subtraction circuit 465. The subtraction circuit 465, having
received the information, takes the image information M0 for the
last screen stored in the first memory 463. Therefore, the image
information M0 of the operative portion P during LD lighting and
the image information M1 during LD non-lighting are inputted to the
subtraction circuit 465.
[0294] Subsequently, the subtraction circuit 465 performs
subtraction processing of the image information M1 and M0.
Therefore, image information M2 only of the emission indexes 459a2,
459b2 can be obtained because of a difference between lighting and
non-lighting of the LD 454 on the output side of the subtraction
circuit 465. The image information M2 is transmitted to the
workstation 466 from the subtraction circuit 465.
[0295] Furthermore, field size data of the rigid endoscope 434 by a
lighting position of the LD 454 is recorded beforehand in the
workstation 466. Subsequently, when the image information M2 from
the subtraction circuit 465 is inputted to the workstation 466, a
field size of the rigid endoscope 434 is calculated in accordance
with the emission indexes 459a2, 459b2 of the image information
M2.
[0296] Subsequently, a character indicating the shorter scale S2 is
prepared from the calculated field diameter in the workstation 466.
The character of the scale S2 is transmitted to the image
calculation processor 432 and mixer 467. In this case, the mixer
467 synthesizes the output signals from the CCU 449 and workstation
466. Then, the synthesized image signal is transmitted to the
monitor 470 from the mixer 467. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 58, an
image in which the emission indexes 459a2, 459b2 and the character
of the scale S2 are superposed/displayed in the same screen is
displayed in the observation image E1 of the rigid endoscope
434.
[0297] Moreover, the microscope body controller 468 transmits the
magnification and focus information of the microscope body 402 of
the operation microscope 401 to the workstation 466. Furthermore,
the workstation 466 calculates the field diameter of the
observation image K1 of the operation microscope 401 based on the
output signal of the microscope body controller 468.
[0298] Furthermore, the workstation 466 generates the scale S1
having an appropriate length and the character indicating the
length with respect to the calculated field diameter of the
observation image K1 of the operation microscope 401. Here, the
generated scale S1 and character are transmitted as the image
signal to the image calculation processor 432. As shown in FIG. 59,
images (microscope observation image, and infield display image)
are obtained in which the scales S1, S2 having appropriate lengths,
and characters indicating the lengths with respect to the field
diameter of the microscope field are displayed in the observation
image K1 of the operation microscope 401 displayed in the field of
the eyepiece lens 410 of an eyepiece lens tube 433 of the operation
microscope 401, and the observation image E1 of the rigid endoscope
434 displayed in the sub-screen N inserted into the microscope
observation image K1. Therefore, the operating person can recognize
the field size of the observation image K1 of the operation
microscope 401 and the field size of the observation image E1 of
the rigid endoscope 434 by observing the microscope observation
image and in-field display image of FIG. 59. The operating person
can move the rigid endoscope 434 or obtain size information of the
operative portion P based on the recognized sizes.
[0299] Moreover, when the switch 469 is pressed, the workstation
466 does not transmit the image observation image of the scales S1,
S2 and characters indicating the scale lengths to the image
calculation processor 432. As shown in FIG. 60, the usual
observation image K1 of the operation microscope 401, and the
in-field display image of the observation image E1 of the rigid
endoscope 434 displayed in the sub-screen N inserted into the
microscope observation image K1 are displayed.
[0300] Therefore, the following effect is achieved in the
aforementioned constitution. That is, in the thirteenth embodiment,
there is provided the scale generation apparatus 461 for generating
the scales S1, S2 having appropriate lengths, and characters
indicating the lengths with respect to the field diameter of the
microscope field in the observation image K1 of the operation
microscope 401 displayed in the field of the eyepiece lens 410 of
the eyepiece lens tube 433 of the operation microscope 401, and the
observation image E1 of the rigid endoscope 434 displayed in the
sub-screen N inserted into the microscope observation image K1 as
shown in FIG. 59. Therefore, correlation between the field diameter
of the observation image K1 of the operation microscope 401 and the
field diameter of the in-field display by the observation image E1
of the rigid endoscope 434 can be obtained.
[0301] Consequently, the operating person 458 gazes at the field of
the observation image K1 of the operation microscope 401 displayed
in the field of the eyepiece lens 410 of the eyepiece lens tube 433
of the operation microscope 401, and thereafter observes the
observation image E1 of the rigid endoscope 434 as the in-field
display image displayed in the sub-screen N. Even in this case, the
operating person can easily grasp the size of the operative portion
P in the display image, select the appropriate rigid endoscope 434
in accordance with the field, and objectively grasp a movement
amount of the rigid endoscope 434 during observation.
[0302] Moreover, the size of the affected part of the operative
portion P can be accurately known by visually confirming the
character of the scale S2 in the observation image E1 of the rigid
endoscope 434, and the character of the scale S1 in the observation
image K1 of the operation microscope 401. Therefore, information
such as the patient's condition and worsening degree can be brought
to the attention of the operating person 458. Therefore, the
operating time is further shortened, and burdens on the operating
person and patient are effectively reduced.
[0303] Furthermore, FIG. 61 to FIG. 66 show a fourteenth embodiment
of the present invention. In the system of the operation microscope
401 of the fourteenth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 61, a digitizer
(observation position detection means) 481 for detecting the
position of the microscope body 402 is disposed. Moreover, an
emission index 482 by which the digitizer 481 detects a
three-dimensional coordinate of the microscope body 402 is attached
to the microscope body 402. Here, as shown in FIG. 61, the
digitizer 481 is disposed on a base side of a bed 403 (e.g., feet
side of a patient 404 on the bed 403) in the operating theater.
[0304] This digitizer 481 is constituted of two CCD cameras 483a,
483b as receiving members, a camera support member 484 for fixing
positions of the respective CCD cameras 483a, 483b, and a stand
485. Moreover, the respective CCD cameras 483a, 483b are connected
to a workstation (character preparation means) 486 via a
measurement apparatus (not shown) and A/D converter. Preoperative
tomographic image data from an image diagnosis apparatus (not
shown) such as CT or MRI, and data (preoperative diagnosis image)
three-dimensionally re-constructed by processing the tomographic
image data are stored in a storage section incorporated in the
workstation 486.
[0305] Moreover, as shown in FIG. 62, the fourteenth embodiment
incoporates an in-field image insertion apparatuses 487a, 487b for
inserting the image into the field of the operation microscope 401.
The apparatuses 487a and 487b are identical in structure. In the
in-field image insertion apparatus 487a, as shown in FIG. 62, a
half mirror 488a is disposed between an image forming lens 409a and
a variable power optical system 408a in the microscope body 402a.
Furthermore, an LCD (character display means) 489a for displaying
the image signal, and a lens 490a for leading the image to the half
mirror 488a are disposed. Additionally, left and right opposite-eye
optical observation systems 407A and 407B are similarly constituted
(see FIG. 62).
[0306] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 63, the LCDs 489a, 498b are
connected to the workstation 486 via an LCD drivers 491a, 491b for
driving the LCDs 489a, 489b. The workstation 486 is connected to a
microscope body controller (observation position detection means)
492 for detecting magnification and focus information of the
microscope body 402, a foot switch (not shown) to which an LCD
display switch 493 for turning ON/OFF image signal display in the
LCDs 489a, 489b are attached, and the image calculation processor
432. Here, the microscope body controller 492 is disposed in the
microscope body 402. Additionally, as shown in FIG. 62, a focus
knob 495 is disposed in the microscope body 402.
[0307] Operation of the fourteenth embodiment constituted as
described above will next be described. In the fourteenth
embodiment, when the operation microscope 401 is used, the
operating person 458 moves the microscope body 402, adjusts the
focus and magnification of the left and right opposite-eye optical
observation systems 407A, 407B, and observes the operative portion
P.
[0308] Moreover, when an operating person 458 turns on a foot
switch 427 during observation by the operation microscope 401,
in-field display of the operation microscope 401 starts. At the
start of the in-field display, an image selector (not shown)
selects a preoperative image corresponding to a focus position of
the microscope body 402 from the workstation 486. Thereby, the
in-field image insertion apparatus 487 displays a preoperative
image R1 corresponding to the focus position of the microscope body
402 of the operation microscope 401 in the sub-screen N in the
observation image K1 of the operation microscope 401 displayed in
the field of the eyepiece lens 410 of the operation microscope 401
as shown in FIG. 64.
[0309] Furthermore, the magnification and focus information of the
left and right opposite-eye optical observation systems 407A, 407B
detected by the microscope body controller 492, and position
information of the microscope body 402 detected by the digitizer
481 are transmitted to the workstation 486 during observation by
the operation microscope 401. A substantially conical character 496
is generated based on the information as shown in FIG. 65.
Additionally, upper and lower ends of the character 496 indicate a
focus depth range.
[0310] In the character 496, a focus position display ring 497
indicating the focus position of the left and right opposite-eye
optical observation systems 407A, 407B is displayed in the entire
outer peripheral surface of a cone. Furthermore, graduations 498
are displayed at constant intervals on front and back parts of the
focus position display ring 497.
[0311] Subsequently, when the operating person 458 turns on the LCD
display switch 493 of the foot switch to start the display of the
LCDs 489a, 489b, the workstation 486 sends operation signals for
starting the operation of the LCD drivers 491a, 491b and the image
signal of the generated character 496 to the LCDs driver 491a,
491b.
[0312] In this case, the LCDs driver 491a, 491b transmits the
operation signal to the LCDs 489a, 489b, starts the operation of
the LCDS 489a, 489b, and transmits the image signals of the
character 496 to the LCDs 489a, 489b. Thereby, the character 496 is
displayed in the LCDs 489a, 489b.
[0313] Furthermore, the character 496 displayed in the LCDs 489a,
489b is reflected by the half mirrors 488a, 488b via the lenses
490a, 490b, and transmitted to the eyepiece lenses 410a, 410b side
through the image forming lenses 409a, 409b. Thereby, as shown in
FIG. 66, the character 496 is superposed onto the observation image
K1 of the operation microscope 401 displayed in the field of the
eyepiece lenses 410a, 410b, and reaches the eyes of the operating
person 458. Additionally, in FIG. 66, part X of the character 496
contacts an operative surface, and the focus position display ring
497 is disposed above the operative surface.
[0314] In this case, the operating person 458 confirms the position
of the character 496, and moves the position of the focus position
display ring 497 downward. Moreover, the operating person 458
confirms a deviation of the preoperative image by a navigation
technique displayed in the in-field display screen from the
operative surface. Additionally, even when the operative surface is
above the focus position display ring 497, the same applies.
[0315] Moreover, when the operating person 458 changes an
observation field, and adjusts the magnification and focus, the
microscope body controller 492 transmits the changed position,
magnification and focus information to the workstation 486. The
conical character 496 including the focus position display ring 497
of the left and right opposite-eye optical observation systems
407A, 407B and graduations 498 on the front and back parts of the
ring is newly generated based on the new information. Thereafter,
the character 496 is superposed and displayed in the observation
image K1 of the operation microscope 401 displayed in the field of
the eyepiece lenses 410a, 410b as described above.
[0316] Moreover, when the display of the character 496 is
unnecessary, the LCD display switch 493 is pressed. Then, the
workstation 486 emits the operation signal for ending the operation
of the LCD drivers 491a, 491b, and the LCD drivers 491a, 491b
having received the signal ends the display operation of the LCDs
489a, 489b. Thereby, the operation of the LCD drivers 491a, 491b
ends.
[0317] In this case, the following effect is achieved in the
aforementioned constitution. That is, in the fourteenth embodiment,
the operating person 458 checks a deviation size of the focus
position display ring 497 of the character 496 displayed in the
observation image K1 of the operation microscope 401 displayed in
the field of the eyepiece lenses 410a, 410b from the graduations
498 by which the character 496 seems to overlap the operative
surface. Thereby, a deviation amount between the focus position of
the left and right opposite-eyes optical observation systems 407A,
407B and the operative surface can be confirmed. Therefore, focus
can easily be adjusted to an object surface without depending on an
eye adjustment function of the operating person 458, and the focus
position can effectively be adjusted.
[0318] The process of moving the microscope body 402, changing the
magnification of the left and right opposite-eye optical
observation systems 407A, 407B and adjusting the focus many times
is troublesome for the operating person 458. Therefore, when the
operative surface is in the focus depth of the left and right
opposite-eye optical observation systems 407A, 407B, the operation
is supposedly continued. In this case, since the preoperative image
of the navigation technique deviates from the operative surface,
the deviation can effectively be confirmed by visually observing
the character 496.
[0319] The character 496 may be composed of two images that have
parallax to each other. If so, the LDC monitors 489a and 489b will
cooperate to display a three-dimensional image.
[0320] FIG. 67A to FIG. 72 show a fifteenth embodiment of the
present invention. The fifteenth embodiment is constituted by
changing the system constitution of the operation microscope 401 of
the fourteenth embodiment (see FIG. 61 to FIG. 66) as follows.
[0321] That is, in the system of the operation microscope 401
according to the fifteenth embodiment, a rigid endoscope 501 shown
in FIG. 67A is used together. Additionally, a peripheral
constitution of the operation microscope 401 is substantially
similar to that of FIG. 61. Additionally, in the constitution of
the digitizer 481, the emission index 482 attached to the
microscope body 402 of the operation microscope 401, and three
emission indexes 502a to 502c attached to the rigid endoscope 501
can be distinguished and detected as shown in FIG. 67B.
[0322] Moreover, the rigid endoscope 501 includes a thin
longitudinal straight tubular insertion member 503 to be inserted
into a body cavity as shown in FIG. 67A. A grip member 504 and
light guide base 505 are disposed on a base end of the insertion
member 503.
[0323] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 67B, three emission indexes
502a, 502b, 502c are disposed on the upper surface of the grip
member 504 of the rigid endoscope 501. Furthermore, one end of a
light guide 506 is connected to the light guide base member 505.
The other end of the light guide 506 is connected to a light source
apparatus 507.
[0324] Moreover, as shown in FIG. 68, an objective lens 508 is
disposed in the tip end of the insertion member 503 inside the
rigid endoscope 501. Furthermore, a relay lens 509 is disposed
inside the insertion member 503.
[0325] Furthermore, in the grip member 504, a prism 510 is disposed
opposite to the relay lens 509 on a connection member side with the
insertion member 503, and a pair of left and right CCDs 511a, 511b
are disposed in the other end of the grip member. Additionally, a
reflective mirror 512a and image forming lens 513a are successively
disposed between the prism 510 and the left CCD 511a, and a
reflective mirror 512b and image forming lens 513b are also
successively disposed between the prism 510 and the right CCD 511b.
Here, the left and right reflective mirrors 512a, 512b are disposed
on opposite sides of the prism 510.
[0326] Additionally, the observation image incident from the
objective lens 508 on the tip end of the insertion member 503 is
transmitted toward the grip member 504 through the relay lens 509.
The transmitted observation image is reflected and branched to two
light paths by the prism 510. One light reflected by the prism 510
is formed into the image by the CCD 511a via the image forming lens
513a from the reflective mirror 512a, and the other light reflected
by the prism 510 is formed into the image by the CCD 51b via the
image forming lens 513b from the reflective mirror 512b. Moreover,
the observation images observed via the rigid endoscope 501 are
converted and outputted as the electric signals via these CCDs
511a, 511b.
[0327] Moreover, one end of a cable 514 is connected to the grip
member 504. The other end of the cable 514 is connected to a camera
control unit (CCU) 515. Output signals from the CCDs 511a, 511b are
transmitted to the CCU 515 via the cable 514.
[0328] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 69, one input end of a left
mixer 516a for superposing the image signal, and one input end of a
right mixer 516b are connected to the CCU 515. Each of the left and
right mixers 516a and 516b is provided with two input ends and one
output end. Additionally, the workstation 486 is connected to the
other input end of the left mixer 516a and the other input end of
the right mixer 516b.
[0329] Moreover, the output ends of the left and right mixers 516a
and 516b are connected to input ends of a 3D converter 518 for
calculating/processing a flat image signal and preparing a
three-dimensional image. Output ends of the 3D converter 518 are
connected to a 3D monitor 519 for displaying the three-dimensional
image and an image calculation processor 520.
[0330] Furthermore, the digitizer 481 for specifying the position
of the rigid endoscope 501 is connected to the workstation 486.
Additionally, a character display switch 521, the microscope body
controller 492 for detecting the magnification and focus
information of the microscope body 402 of the operation microscope
401, and a monitor 522 are connected to the workstation 486.
[0331] Operation of the fifteenth embodiment constituted as
described above will next be described. In the fifteenth
embodiment, when the operation microscope 401 and rigid endoscope
501 are used together as shown in FIG. 70, the operating person 458
moves the microscope body 402 of the operation microscope 401 to a
desired position, sets the microscope body in the observation
position of the operative portion P, and fixes the rigid endoscope
501 in a position desired by the operating person.
[0332] In this case, the observation image by the rigid endoscope
501 is passed through the relay lens 509 from the tip-end objective
lens 508, and divided into two light paths by the prism 510.
Moreover, some of the light reflected by the prism 510 is formed
into the image by the CCD 511a via the image forming lens 513a from
the reflective mirror 512a, and some of the light reflected by the
prism 510 is formed into the image by the CCD 511b via the image
forming lens 513b from the reflective mirror 512b. Furthermore, the
observation image formed on the CCDs 511a, 511b is converted into
an electric signal.
[0333] Moreover, the electric signals outputted from the CCDs 511a,
511b are inputted to the CCU 515, and the image signals outputted
from two CCDs 511a, 511b are separated from each other.
Furthermore, the two image signals are separately inputted to the
left and right mixers 516a and 516b, three-dimensionally converted
by the 3D converter 518 to form stereoscopic endoscope observation
images, and inputted to the image calculation processor 520 and 3D
monitor 519, so that the endoscope image can be observed.
[0334] Furthermore, when the operating person presses an in-field
display operation switch (not shown), disposed on the foot switch,
for starting in-field display, the image selector selects the
endoscope observation image inputted from the 3D converter 518 via
the image calculation processor 520. As shown in FIG. 71, the
sub-screen N is inserted into the microscope field (observation
image K1 of the operation microscope 401), and the observation
image E1 of the rigid endoscope 501 is displayed in the sub-screen
N.
[0335] Furthermore, when the rigid endoscope 501 is used, the
digitizer 481 detects the emission indexes 502a, 502b, 502c of the
rigid endoscope 501, and a position detection signal is transmitted
to the workstation 486. Here, the workstation 486 performs a
calculation processing based on the position detection signal, and
defines the position of the rigid endoscope 501.
[0336] Additionally, the magnification and focus information from
the microscope body controller 492, and the position information of
the microscope body 402 from the digitizer 481 are transmitted to
the workstation 486. The workstation 486 calculates the observation
position of the microscope 401 based on the information.
Furthermore, the workstation 486 selects the preoperative image
corresponding to the calculated observation position of the
microscope 401, and the monitor 522 displays the preoperative
image.
[0337] Moreover, when the operating person 458 presses the
character display switch 521, the workstation 486 generates the
character 496 indicating the focus of the left and right optical
observation systems 407A, 407B of the microscope 401 and the length
scale of the microscope 401 before and after focus with respect to
the direction of the observation light axis O based on the
calculated observation position of the microscope 401.
[0338] Furthermore, in the workstation 486, arithmetic operation is
performed so that the focus position of the left and right optical
observation systems 407A, 407B of the microscope 401 can be
displayed in the observation field of the rigid endoscope 501. The
image signal provided with horizontal parallax is constructed in
order to display the character 496 in the position.
[0339] The image signal provided with the horizontal parallax is
inputted to the left and right mixers 516a, 516b, and superimposed
onto the observation image E1 of the rigid endoscope 501. Here, the
superimposed left and right signals are further superimposed by the
3D converter 518, and the superimposed image signal is transmitted
to the image calculation processor 520 and displayed in the 3D
monitor 519 as shown in FIG. 72. Thereby, the character 496
indicating the focus position of the respective optical observation
systems 407A, 407B of the microscope 401 is displayed in the field
of the rigid endoscope 501 used together with the operation
microscope 401.
[0340] Then, an effect similar to that of the fourteenth embodiment
is obtained in the aforementioned constitution. Additionally, in
the fifteenth embodiment, the character 496 indicating the focus
position of the left and right optical observation systems 407A,
407B of the microscope 401 is displayed in the field of the rigid
endoscope 501 used together with the operation microscope 401.
Therefore, while the operating person 458 observes the observation
image of the rigid endoscope 501, the person can effectively
confirm the position of the image selected by the navigation
technique in the observation image of the rigid endoscope 501.
[0341] Moreover, FIG. 73 to FIG. 78 show a sixteenth embodiment.
FIG. 73 is a perspective view of a microscope body 604 of an
operation microscope 601, and FIG. 74 is a constitution diagram of
the entire system of the operation microscope apparatus. As shown
in FIG. 74, the operation microscope apparatus includes the
operation microscope 601 provided with a solid microscope.
[0342] The operation microscope 601 includes a stand 602, a balance
arm 603 disposed on an upper part of the stand 602, and the
microscope body 604 supported by the balance arm 603. Here, the
balance arm 603 includes a plurality of movable arms, and six
rotation axes 605a to 605f. Furthermore, the respective rotation
axes 605a to 605f are provided with electromagnetic locks (not
shown) for switching a locked state in which the rotation positions
of the respective rotation arms of the balance arm 603 are fixed
and an unlocked state in which the locked rotation positions are
released. Moreover, the microscope body 604 is supported in such a
manner that the microscope body 604 can move in the spatial
position centering on the respective six rotation axes 605a to 605f
of the respective rotation arms of the balance arm 603 with the
switching operation for locking/unlocking the electromagnetic
locks.
[0343] Moreover, as shown in FIG. 74, the microscope body 604
includes a center arm 606 and a grip 607 for controlling the
position of the microscope body 604. The grip 607 is provided with
respective operation switches for focus adjustment, variable power
operation, and arm operation.
[0344] Furthermore, the operation microscope 601 incorporates a
microscope body controller 611 and arm controller 612. The
respective switches of the grip 607 are connected to the microscope
body controller 611 and arm controller 612. Additionally, the
microscope body controller 611 and arm controller 612 are connected
to a foot switch 613 including respective switches for focus
adjustment and variable power operation similarly as the respective
switches of the grip 607.
[0345] Moreover, the microscope body controller 611 and arm
controller 612 are connected to a navigation apparatus 615 via an
interface unit 614. A monitor 616 for navigation is disposed on the
navigation apparatus 615.
[0346] The navigation apparatus 615 is connected to a digitizer
617. Furthermore, the image information from the digitizer 617 is
inputted to the navigation apparatus 615, and the navigation
apparatus 615 calculates a correlation with a reference index
attached to a patient's head.
[0347] As shown in FIG. 73, an eyepiece lens tube 608 and a probe
holder 609 are disposed in the microscope body 604. In the eyepiece
lens tube 608, an in-field image displaying monitor and optical
projection system for displaying the image in the microscope
observation field are disposed (FIG. 75 shows a small screen
display 631a of a left eye monitor). Moreover, a monitor and an
optical overlay system for overlaying/displaying the image
information in the microscope optical observation image are
disposed. Furthermore, a microscope observation field monitor and a
second image observing optical eyepiece system different from the
microscope optical eyepiece system are disposed.
[0348] Furthermore, an ultrasonic probe 620 is disposed in the
probe holder 609. The ultrasonic probe 620 is constituted of a
straight pipe 621, an ultrasonic transmitting cap 622 disposed on a
tip end of the straight pipe 621, and a handle member 623 disposed
on a base end of the straight pipe 621. A sensor arm 623a is
disposed in the handle member 623.
[0349] Moreover, the ultrasonic probe 620 is connected to an
ultrasonic observation apparatus 625 shown in FIG. 75 via a
flexible tube 624. Additionally, the operating person can hold the
handle member 623 and insert a part of the ultrasonic transmitting
cap 622 of the ultrasonic probe 620 into an operative portion
610.
[0350] FIG. 75 is a control block diagram of the operation
microscope 601. In an operation input section 639, a four-direction
switch 640, a display switch 641 and first display 642, and a
selection switch 643 and second display 644 are disposed. The
operation input section 639 is connected to a selector 637 via a
display controller 638. The navigation apparatus 615 and ultrasonic
observation apparatus 625 are connected to the selector 637.
[0351] Here, a left-side (left-eye) eyepiece section in the
eyepiece lens tube 608 of the microscope body 604 is
displayed/constituted. A right-side (right-eye) eyepiece section is
also disposed, but description thereof is omitted.
[0352] Numeral 630a of FIG. 75 denotes a left-eye microscope
observation field. The selector 637 is connected to a first display
drive controller 634a for driving the small screen display 631a as
a left-eye field image display, a second display drive controller
635a for driving an overlay display 632a for an image superimposing
display and a third display drive controller 636a for driving a
large screen display 633a for another image observation.
[0353] Operation of the sixteenth embodiment constituted as
described above will next be described. FIG. 76 shows a normal
ultrasonic observation state of the ultrasonic probe 620. During
ultrasonic observation, the ultrasonic probe 620 is inserted into
the operative portion 610, and an ultrasonic wave is radiated to
all peripheries by 360 degrees via the tip-end ultrasonic
transmitting cap 622. In this case, the ultrasonic wave reflected
by a tumor portion 610a of the operative portion 610 is received by
a sensor (not shown) of the ultrasonic probe 620 and transmitted to
the ultrasonic observation apparatus 625.
[0354] The ultrasonic observation apparatus 625 analyzes the signal
transmitted from the ultrasonic probe 620, processes the image, and
displays a tumor tomographic image in the microscope observation
field 630a. Additionally, in this case, a microscope image L of the
ultrasonic probe 620 inserted into the microscope observation field
630a is also displayed.
[0355] FIG. 77 is a flowchart of an automatic ultrasonic
observation by the ultrasonic probe 620. As shown in FIG. 77, in
step S1 the ultrasonic probe 620 is inserted into the microscope
observation field 630a. Subsequently, in step S2 a navigation image
is displayed in the small screen display 631a in the microscope
observation field 630a. Thereafter, in the next step S3 the
ultrasonic image is displayed in the large screen display 633a.
[0356] Therefore, as shown in FIG. 78A, the navigation image
(three-dimensionally constructed image 3D) displayed in the small
screen display 631a in the microscope observation field 630a, and
the ultrasonic image displayed in the large screen display 633a are
simultaneously displayed together with the microscope image L of
the ultrasonic probe 620 displayed in the microscope observation
field 630a.
[0357] Moreover, it is judged in the next step S4 whether or not
there is an input of the selection switch 643. If YES, the process
advances to the next step S5. In the step S5, screens to be
displayed in the small screen display 631a in the microscope
observation field 630a and in the large screen display 633a are
changed in accordance with an input state of the selection switch
643. Here, a state in which the navigation image is displayed in
the large screen display 633a and the ultrasonic image is displayed
in the small screen display 631a is selected. Then, as shown in
FIG. 78B, the ultrasonic image is displayed in the small screen
display 631a in the microscope observation field 630a in which the
microscope image L of the ultrasonic probe 620 is displayed. The
navigation image (three-directional tomographic image, respective
sagital, coronal and axial tomographic image information, and
three-dimensionally constructed image 3D prepared based on the
information) is displayed in the large screen display 633a.
[0358] Then, the following effect is achieved in the aforementioned
constitution. That is, according to the sixteenth embodiment,
during use of the ultrasonic probe 620, the ultrasonic image from
the ultrasonic probe 620 is displayed in the microscope observation
field 630a as it is. Additionally, an "outer shape display" in
which position correlation in the microscope observation field 630a
is obtained via the navigation apparatus 615 is superimposed onto
an optical image. Then, the navigation image and ultrasonic image
can simultaneously be observed in the microscope observation field
630a.
[0359] Furthermore, the screens to be displayed in the small screen
display 631a in the microscope observation field 630a and in the
large screen display 633a, and the overlay display can be changed
in accordance with the input state of the selection switch 643.
Therefore, the image of the ultrasonic probe 620, and the
navigation image can be displayed in an optimum state whilst the
operation progresses. Therefore, the operating person can obtain
high-resolution tomographic image information in accordance with
the operational situation, and can efficiently carry out the
operation. Additionally, when the ultrasonic probe 620 is inserted,
the image may be ON, or the image may be replaced.
[0360] FIG. 79 to FIG. 83 show a seventeenth embodiment. The
seventeenth embodiment is constituted by changing the constitution
of the operation microscope apparatus of the sixteenth embodiment
(see FIG. 73 to FIG. 78) as follows. Additionally, the same
constituting components as those of the sixteenth embodiment are
denoted with the same reference numerals, and description thereof
is omitted.
[0361] FIG. 79 is a longitudinal sectional view of a tip end of an
ultrasonic probe 650 according to the seventeenth embodiment. In
the ultrasonic probe 650 an ultrasonic transmitting cap 652 is
disposed on a tip end of a probe pipe 651. A flexible shaft 653 is
passed through the probe pipe 651, and the tip end of the shaft
extends into the ultrasonic transmitting cap 652.
[0362] Moreover, in the ultrasonic transmitting cap 652, an
ultrasonic piezoelectric transducer 654 is fixed to the flexible
shaft 653. A mirror 655 for reflecting the ultrasonic wave is
disposed opposite to the ultrasonic piezoelectric transducer 654 in
such a manner that the mirror can advance or retreat. The mirror
655 can be moved forward or backward by operation of a hand
operator.
[0363] FIG. 80 is a control block diagram of the operation
microscope apparatus. An image display direction display 656 is
disposed between the ultrasonic observation apparatus 625 and the
selector 637. This display is connected to a navigation apparatus
615a. Other constitutions are the same as those of the sixteenth
embodiment.
[0364] Operation of the seventeenth embodiment constituted as
described above will next be described. First, when ultrasonic
observation is performed by the ultrasonic probe 650, the mirror
655 is moved beforehand in the axial direction in accordance with
an ultrasonic observation type. In FIG. 79, a position of the
mirror 655 is set to either a solid-line position or a dotted-line
position. Here, for example, when the mirror 655 is moved to the
solid-line position in FIG. 79, the mirror 655 is set in a position
retreating from the ultrasonic piezoelectric transducer 654. In
this state, the ultrasonic probe 650 is inserted into the operative
portion 610. Subsequently, when the ultrasonic probe 650 reaches a
target portion, the probe is driven.
[0365] During driving of the ultrasonic probe 650, the ultrasonic
wave outputted from the ultrasonic piezoelectric transducer 654 is
radiated to all peripheries by 360 degrees via the ultrasonic
transmitting cap 652. In this case, the ultrasonic wave reflected
by the tumor portion 610a of the operative portion 610 is received
by the sensor (not shown) of the ultrasonic probe 650 and
transmitted to the ultrasonic observation apparatus 625. Thereby,
the tomographic image of a horizontal direction in the tip end of
the ultrasonic probe 650 is observed.
[0366] Here, the ultrasonic observation apparatus 625 analyzes the
signal transmitted from the ultrasonic probe 650, processes the
image, and displays the ultrasonic observation image. This
ultrasonic observation image is displayed as the tumor tomographic
image in the large screen display 633a of the microscope
observation field 630a in FIG. 81. Additionally, the navigation
image (three-directional tomographic image, respective sagital,
coronal and axial tomographic image information, and
three-dimensionally constructed image 3D prepared based on the
information) is displayed in the small screen display 631a together
with the microscope image L of the ultrasonic probe 650 in the
microscope observation field 630a.
[0367] In FIG. 81, M denotes image information of a tumor tissue of
a pathologically changed portion in the ultrasonic probe 650. An
outer shape of the tumor portion is extracted, and superimposed on
the microscope observation image. In this case, the tumor tissue
can similarly be superimposed/displayed based on the preoperative
diagnosis image using the navigation apparatus. On the other hand,
the display in the image by the ultrasonic probe 650 includes a
tumor tissue position change (brain shift) under operation, and the
entire tumor image can be grasped correctly. Additionally, for the
image information M of the tumor tissue of the pathologically
changed portion, only a color Doppler image may be
extracted/displayed in order to see a blood flow state.
[0368] Moreover, when the mirror 655 of the ultrasonic probe 650 is
moved to the dotted-line position in FIG. 79, the mirror 655 is set
in a position opposite to the ultrasonic piezoelectric transducer
654. In this state, the ultrasonic probe 650 is inserted into the
operative portion 610. Subsequently, when the ultrasonic probe 650
reaches the target portion, the probe is driven.
[0369] During driving of the ultrasonic probe 650, the ultrasonic
wave outputted from the ultrasonic piezoelectric transducer 654 is
reflected forward by the mirror 655, and radiated to the front of
the ultrasonic transmitting cap 652. In this case, the ultrasonic
wave reflected by the tumor portion 610a of the operative portion
610 is received by the sensor (not shown) of the ultrasonic probe
650 and transmitted to the ultrasonic observation apparatus 625.
Subsequently, the ultrasonic observation apparatus 625 analyzes the
signal transmitted from the ultrasonic probe 650, processes the
image, and displays the tumor tomographic image in the large screen
display 633a as shown in FIG. 82. Furthermore, the navigation image
(three-dimensionally constructed image 3D) is displayed in the
small screen display 631a together with the microscope image L of
the ultrasonic probe 650 in the microscope observation field
630a.
[0370] Moreover, when an image display direction is reversed by the
image display direction display 656, as shown in FIG. 83, the
direction of the tumor tomographic image displayed in the large
screen display 633a can horizontally be changed. Therefore, when
the ultrasonic probe 650 for observing the tomographic image of a
front direction is used, the tomographic image is displayed in
accordance with the insertion direction of the probe.
[0371] Therefore, according to the seventeenth embodiment, in
addition to the effect similar to that of the operation microscope
apparatus of the sixteenth embodiment, the image display direction
can be changed in accordance with the insertion direction of the
ultrasonic probe 650 for forward scanning. This facilitates
recognition of the position of the ultrasonic image, and the
operation can be securely carried out.
[0372] FIG. 84 to FIG. 91 show an eighteenth embodiment. FIG. 84 is
a constitution diagram of the entire microscope body of the
operation microscope, FIG. 85 is a diagram of a binocular eyepiece
lens tube as seen along arrow A in FIG. 84, showing an internal
optical constitution of the tube, FIG. 86 is a side view showing a
left side optical observation system in FIG. 85, FIG. 87 is a
diagram showing details of an eye distance adjustment mechanism of
the binocular eyepiece lens tube, FIG. 88 is a sectional view taken
along line 88-88 of FIG. 87, FIG. 89 is a diagram showing a housing
constitution of an eye distance adjustment section, FIG. 90 is a
diagram showing arrangement (movement) of the optical eyepiece
system when eye distance adjustment is performed, and FIG. 91 is a
diagram showing an image display state in the observation field of
the operation microscope.
[0373] An entire constitution of an operation microscope body 701
will be described with reference to FIG. 84. This operation
microscope body 701 includes a pair of left and right optical
observation systems. A tip end 702 of the operation microscope body
701 is attached to a stand arm (not shown), and can be
disposed/fixed in a three-dimensionally free position.
[0374] Moreover, an eyepiece lens tube 703 is disposed in the
operation microscope body 701. The eyepiece lens tube 703 similarly
includes a pair of left and right optical systems for receiving
left and right observation fluxes emitted from the microscope body
701. Furthermore, the eyepiece lens tube 703 is provided with a
pair of left and right eye distance adjustment housings 704a, 704b
including a parallel prism described later.
[0375] A pair of left and right first eyepiece housings 705a, 705b
including a first optical eyepiece system described later are
attached on an operating person's eye side of the eye distance
adjustment housings 704a, 704b. Furthermore, in the constitution, a
second pair of left and right eyepiece housings 706a, 706b
including a second optical observation system described later can
integrally be attached to the first eyepiece housings 705a,
705b.
[0376] A constitution of the eyepiece lens tube 703 will next be
described with reference to FIG. 85 and FIG. 86. A fixed housing
707 is integrally attached to the microscope body 701 via a
connection member 708. A pair of left and right image forming
lenses 709a, 709b are disposed in the fixed housing 707. The image
forming lenses 709a, 709b are optically connected to the optical
observation system (not shown) of the microscope body 701.
Moreover, the left and right observation fluxes emitted from the
microscope body 701 are incident upon the image forming lenses
709a, 709b.
[0377] Furthermore, mirrors 710a, 710b for reflecting the fluxes
incident through the image forming lenses 709a, 709b outwardly by
90.degree. are disposed inside the image forming lenses 709a, 709b.
Image rotator prisms 711a, 711b are disposed on outgoing light axes
of the respective mirrors 710a, 710b.
[0378] Prisms 712a, 712b for reversing the opposite observation
fluxes by 180.degree. are disposed behind the image rotator prisms
711a, 711b. Furthermore, triangular prisms 713a, 713b are optically
disposed/fixed behind the prisms. Additionally, the outgoing light
axes from the respective prisms 712a, 712b are reflected in
parallel to observation light axes OL, OR by the first optical
eyepiece system described later by the triangular prisms 713a,
713b. These prisms 712a, 712b, and triangular prisms 713a, 713b are
contained in a movable housing 714.
[0379] The movable housing 714 can rotate around an axis O, that
is, incident light axes to the prisms 712a, 712b via a connection
member 700. Moreover, the image rotator prisms 711a, 711b can
rotate centering on the axis O by an angle of 1/2 of an angle of
rotation of the movable housing 714 with respect to the fixed
housing 707 by a cam mechanism (not shown).
[0380] Moreover, parallel prisms 715a, 715b are contained in the
eye distance adjustment housings 704a, 704b. As shown in FIG. 86,
the parallel prisms 715a, 715b include incident reflection surfaces
716a, 716b and outgoing reflection surfaces 717a, 717b.
Furthermore, the fluxes from the outgoing reflection surfaces 717a,
717b of the respective parallel prisms 715a, 715b are led to a
first pair of left and right optical eyepiece systems 718a, 718b
contained in the respective eyepiece housings 705a, 705b. This
constitutes the left and right observation light axes OL, OR of the
microscope optical observation image observed by the first pair of
left and right optical eyepiece systems 718a, 718b.
[0381] Moreover, the second optical observation system contained in
the second eyepiece housings 706a, 706b (only one second eyepiece
housing 706a is shown in FIG. 86) is constituted as follows. FIG.
86 shows only the left light path, but the right light path is
similarly constituted. Bent sections 720a, 720b bent substantially
in L shapes are formed in lower parts of the second eyepiece
housings 706a, 706b. The bent sections 720a, 720b are disposed
between the second eyepiece housings and the movable housing 714
disposed under the eye distance adjustment housings 704a, 704b.
[0382] Moreover, small-sized LCD monitors 721a, 721b are disposed
in terminal ends of the respective bent sections 720a, 720b. The
endoscope image is displayed as the electronic image in each of the
small-sized LCD monitors 721a, 721b by control from a controller
(not shown).
[0383] Furthermore, prisms 723a, 723b for reflecting outgoing light
axes OMa, OMb from the LCD monitors 721a, 721b are disposed in
connection sections with the respective bent sections 720a, 720b in
the second eyepiece housings 706a, 706b. Additionally, optical
relay systems 722a, 722b are disposed before and after respective
prisms 723a, 723b on the outgoing light axes OMa, OMb from the LCD
monitors 721a, 721b.
[0384] Moreover, prisms 724a, 724b for deflecting the light axes
reflected by the prisms 723a, 723b in directions of the observation
light axes OL, OR are disposed on upper ends of the second eyepiece
housings 706a, 706b. Furthermore, second optical eyepiece systems
725a, 725b are optically disposed/connected on outgoing light axes
O2L, O2R of the respective prisms 724a, 724b. Additionally, the
observation light axes OL and O2L, or OR and O2R intersect each
other in the vicinity of the emission pupil position.
[0385] A constitution of an eye distance adjustment mechanism will
next be described with reference to FIG. 87. Only shows the left
light path in FIG. 87, but the right light path is similarly
constituted as described above. Here, a cylindrical member 730a is
integrally attached to a lower end of the eye distance adjustment
housing 704a. This cylindrical member 730a is attached to the fixed
housing 714 so that the body can rotate around incident light axis
O1 of the parallel prism 715a, and a so-called G ten top eye
distance adjustment mechanism is constituted.
[0386] Moreover, a gear 731a is integrally attached to the
cylindrical member 730a. Furthermore, washers 732a, 733a are
attached on opposite sides of the gear 731a in an outer periphery
of the cylindrical member 730a. Here, one washer 732a is inserted
between the gear 731a and the movable housing 714, and the other
washer 733a is inserted between the gear 731a and the eye distance
adjustment housing 704a.
[0387] Moreover, a first idle gear 734a meshes with the gear 731a.
The first idle gear 734a is supported so as to be rotatable around
a shaft 735a attached to the eye distance adjustment housing 704a.
Furthermore, a second idle gear 737a meshes with the first idle
gear 734a. The second idle gear 737a is similarly supported to be
rotatable around a shaft 738a attached to the eye distance
adjustment housing 704a. Additionally, washers 736a, 739a are
inserted between the idle gears 734a, 737a and the eye distance
adjustment housing 704a, respectively.
[0388] Furthermore, a gear 740a is integrally attached to the bent
section 720a of the second eyepiece housing 706a. The gear 740a
meshes with the idle gear 737a.
[0389] Additionally, the gear 731a is constituted of the same
number of teeth and modules as those of the gear 740a. That is, a
transmission mechanism of a gear mechanism with a reduction ratio
of 1 is constituted by the gears 731a, 740a and idle gears 734a,
737a.
[0390] Moreover, a connection portion 741a projects from a side
portion of the second eyepiece housing 706a. The connection portion
741a is integrally connectable to a connection mount 742a of the
first eyepiece housing 705a. Furthermore, while the connection
portion 741a is connected to the connection mount 742a, a position
relation is constituted such that a rotation center of the gear
740a agrees with the observation light axis OL of the first optical
eyepiece system 718a.
[0391] Furthermore, a cylindrical member 743a is integrally
disposed on a lower end of the first eyepiece housing 705a. A
center axis of the cylindrical member 743a agrees with the
observation light axis OL. Furthermore, a washer 744 is inserted
between the first eyepiece housing 705a and the eye distance
adjustment housing 704a around the cylindrical member 743a.
[0392] Additionally, as shown in FIG. 88, the connection portion
741a of the second eyepiece housing 706a is formed in a male
dovetail sectional shape which is broadened toward a tip end and
gradually narrowed toward a root side. Moreover, engaging slopes
745a are formed on opposite sides of the connection portion
741a.
[0393] Furthermore, a female dovetail shaped engagement groove
corresponding to the male dovetail sectional shape of the
connection portion 741a is formed in the connection mount 742a of
the first eyepiece housing 705a. Moreover, a pressing pin 746 is
attached to a side portion of the first eyepiece housing 705a. A
male screw 747 is formed on a tip end of the pressing pin 746.
Furthermore, the male screw 747 of the pressing pin 746 can be
detachably attached to the slope 745a of the connection portion
741a.
[0394] Operation of the eighteenth embodiment will next be
described. The operating person operates the stand arm (not shown)
and disposes/fixes the microscope body 701 in a desired position.
Furthermore, the movable housing 714 of the eyepiece lens tube 703
is rotated around the axis O, and the first optical eyepiece
systems 718a, 718b are disposed in an operating person's eye
positions. In this case, the image rotator prisms 711a, 711b in the
fixed housing 707 of the eyepiece lens tube 703 are rotated by 1/2
with respect to the rotation of the movable housing around the axis
O.
[0395] A light emitted from the operative portion is incident upon
the image forming lenses 709a, 709b via an optical magnification
system (not shown) in the microscope body 701. In this case, the
left and right fluxes are passed through the image rotator prisms
711a, 711b, and, by the rotation of the movable housing 714 around
the axis O, the rotation of the image is corrected. Thereafter, the
fluxes are reflected by the triangular prisms 713a, 713b, passed
through the parallel prisms 715a, 715b, and led to the first
optical eyepiece systems 718a, 718b. The operating person performs
stereoscopic observation at a desired enlargement
magnification.
[0396] On the other hand, when the endoscope observation image, and
the CT or MR image are simultaneously observed with the microscope
observation image, the operating person operates a control unit
(not shown), and displays the desired electronic image in the LCD
monitors 721a, 721b. In this case, the lights emitted from the LCD
monitors 721a, 721b are passed through the optical relay systems
722a, 722b. Furthermore, the light axes OMa, OMb are bent
substantially in parallel to the observation light axes OL, OR by
the prisms 723a, 723b. Subsequently, through the prisms 724a, 724b,
light axes O2L, O2R forming an angle .alpha. with the observation
light axes OL, OR are led to the second optical eyepiece systems
725a, 725b. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 91, the observation image by
the second optical eyepiece systems 725a, 725b, that is, an
electronic image 751 by the LCD monitor is displayed below an
optical observation image 750 by the first optical eyepiece system
718a, 718b. The operating person can observe the electronic image
similarly as the optical image only by turning the line of sight
downward substantially by the angle of .alpha. without largely
moving the face.
[0397] Subsequently, when the operating person observes the
operative portion straight on, the person turns both eyes to a
front side of the lens eyepiece tube 703 away from the first and
second optical eyepiece systems 718a, 718b, 725a, 725b. In this
case, the second optical observation systems contained in the
second eyepiece housings 706a, 706b partially enter the lower parts
of the eye distance adjustment housings 704a, 704b by the prisms
723a, 723b. Therefore, the operating person moves the face only to
avoid the projections of the second eyepiece housings 706a, 706b,
and observes the operative portion straight on.
[0398] Eye distance adjustment performed by the operating person to
align the emission pupils of the eyepiece lens tube 703 with the
operating person's left and right pupil positions will next be
described. First, the operating person adjusts the distance between
the observation light axes OL and OR to match their eyes by
changing a distance between the left and right observation light
axes OL and OR of the first optical eyepiece systems 718a, 718b to
L1 from L in FIG. 90. In this case, the left and right eye distance
adjustment housings 704a, 704b are rotated in the directions of
arrows B and G. Then, the gear 731a of the left light path eye
distance adjustment housing 704a similarly rotates in the direction
B. A rotary force is applied to the gear 740a of the second
eyepiece housing 706a in a direction of an arrow F successively via
the first idle gear 734a and second idle gear 737a. Thereby, the
first eyepiece housing 705a and second eyepiece housing 706a of the
left light path are rotated by the same angle (.beta. in FIG. 90)
as that of the eye distance adjustment housing 704a in a direction
of an arrow H centering on a center line Oa of the cylindrical
member 730a.
[0399] Similarly, the first eyepiece housing 705b and second
eyepiece housing 706b of the right light path are also rotated in
the direction of the arrow H by the angle .beta.. That is, parallel
states of the first optical eyepiece systems 718a, 718b, and the
second optical eyepiece systems 725a, 725b are held. The horizontal
light axis interval is changed to L1 from L. Therefore, the
operating person can observe both the microscope observation image
and the electronic observation image with opposite eyes.
[0400] Subsequently, in a case in which the operating person
requires no electronic image, when the male screw 747 of the
pressing pin 746 disposed on the first eyepiece housing 705a is
loosened, the pressure of the pressing pin 746 on the slope 745a of
the connection portion 741a is released. Therefore, the connection
portion 741a can be detached from the connection mount 742a, and
the second eyepiece housing 706a can be detached from the first
eyepiece housing 705a.
[0401] Moreover, similarly for the second eyepiece housing 706b of
the right light path, when the male screw 747 of the pressing pin
746 is similarly loosened, the second eyepiece housing can be
removed from the first eyepiece housing 705b. Therefore, in the
case in which no electronic image is necessary, it is possible to
observe the operative portion in an enlarged size with an operation
feeling similar to that of the usual binocular eyepiece lens tube
without being limited by the second eyepiece housings 706a,
706b.
[0402] Therefore, the following effect is achieved in the
aforementioned constitution. That is, in the eighteenth embodiment,
the second eyepiece housings 706a, 706b can easily be removed from
the first eyepiece housings 705a, 705b as desired by the operating
person. Therefore, it is easy to use only the first optical
observation system as the usual optical observing observation lens
tube.
[0403] Additional advantages and modifications will readily occur
to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention in its
broader aspects is not limited to the specific details and
representative embodiments shown and described herein. Accordingly,
various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit
or scope of the general inventive concept as defined by the
appended claims and their equivalents.
* * * * *