U.S. patent application number 10/047025 was filed with the patent office on 2003-07-03 for endoscopic imaging system making it possible to detachably attach expansion unit having external expansion facility and add expansion facility for improving capability of system.
This patent application is currently assigned to Olympus Optical Co., Ltd.. Invention is credited to Hagihara, Masahiro, Kami, Kuniaki, Kusamura, Noboru, Matsumoto, Kanichi, Mochida, Akihiko, Nakatsuchi, Kazutaka, Ogasawara, Kotaro, Ohno, Wataru, Saito, Katsuyuki, Tashiro, Hideki, Tsunakawa, Makoto, Yamashita, Shinji.
Application Number | 20030122927 10/047025 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 27475855 |
Filed Date | 2003-07-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030122927 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Saito, Katsuyuki ; et
al. |
July 3, 2003 |
Endoscopic imaging system making it possible to detachably attach
expansion unit having external expansion facility and add expansion
facility for improving capability of system
Abstract
In an endoscopic imaging system, a signal representing an object
image produced by a scope and projected by a camera head is
processed by a CCU and displayed as an endoscopic image on a TV
monitor. The object image is stored as digital image data on a
memory in the CCU, read as image data of a still image, and
recorded on a PC card mounted in a PC card slot. The PC card slot
is formed in the front panel or the like of the CCU. A lid member
or the like functioning as an anti-liquid invasion member and
shield can be located at an opening of the slot.
Inventors: |
Saito, Katsuyuki; (Tokyo,
JP) ; Mochida, Akihiko; (Tokyo, JP) ;
Ogasawara, Kotaro; (Tokyo, JP) ; Kusamura,
Noboru; (Tokyo, JP) ; Tsunakawa, Makoto;
(Tokyo, JP) ; Tashiro, Hideki; (Tokyo, JP)
; Yamashita, Shinji; (Tokyo, JP) ; Matsumoto,
Kanichi; (Tokyo, JP) ; Ohno, Wataru; (Tokyo,
JP) ; Hagihara, Masahiro; (Tokyo, JP) ;
Nakatsuchi, Kazutaka; (Tokyo, JP) ; Kami,
Kuniaki; (Tokyo, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
OSTROLENK FABER GERB & SOFFEN
1180 AVENUE OF THE AMERICAS
NEW YORK
NY
100368403
|
Assignee: |
Olympus Optical Co., Ltd.
|
Family ID: |
27475855 |
Appl. No.: |
10/047025 |
Filed: |
January 17, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10047025 |
Jan 17, 2002 |
|
|
|
09120559 |
Jul 22, 1998 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
348/72 ; 348/76;
348/E7.087 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 1/045 20130101;
A61B 1/00039 20130101; H04N 2005/2255 20130101; A61B 2560/0475
20130101; H04N 1/00286 20130101; A61B 1/00105 20130101; A61B
1/00055 20130101; A61B 1/00042 20220201; A61B 1/317 20130101; H04N
1/00127 20130101; A61B 1/3132 20130101; A61B 1/307 20130101; H04N
7/183 20130101; A61B 1/00022 20130101; A61B 2560/0276 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
348/72 ;
348/76 |
International
Class: |
H04N 007/18; H04N
009/47 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jul 23, 1997 |
JP |
H9-197114 |
Jul 28, 1997 |
JP |
H9-201565 |
Jul 31, 1997 |
JP |
H9-206679 |
Aug 1, 1997 |
JP |
H9-208123 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An endoscopic imaging system, characterized in that: a main
processor unit having a signal processing means for processing a
video signal of an object image projected by an imaging means is
provided with an expansion slot to which an expansion unit having
an external expansion facility is freely detachably connected.
2. An endoscopic imaging system according to claim 1, wherein a PC
card is connected as said expansion unit to said expansion slot of
said main processor unit, and digital still image data relevant to
said video signal is recorded on the PC card.
3. An endoscopic imaging system according to claim 1, wherein said
expansion slot portion of said main processor unit has an
anti-liquid invasion structure.
4. An endoscopic imaging system according to claim 1, wherein said
expansion slot portion of said main processor unit has a shielded
structure to be shielded by a shield means.
5. An endoscopic imaging system according to claim 1, wherein said
expansion slot portion of said main processor unit has an
anti-liquid invasion structure and a shielded structure to be
shielded by a shield means.
6. An endoscopic imaging system according to claim 3 or 5, wherein
a projection having a width larger than said expansion slot is
formed as said anti-liquid invasion structure on the upper margin
of an opening of said expansion slot.
7. An endoscopic imaging system according to claim 3 or 5, wherein
a lid member is formed as said anti-liquid invasion structure over
an opening of said expansion slot so that the lid member can be
opened or closed freely.
8. An endoscopic imaging system according to claim 3 or 5, wherein
an inner lower surface of said expansion slot near an opening
thereof is shaped like a slope, which is inclined toward the
opening, so that the inner lower surface can serve as said
anti-liquid invasion structure.
9. An endoscopic imaging system according to claim 5, wherein a lid
member made of a conducting material is formed as said anti-liquid
invasion structure and shielded structure over an opening of said
expansion slot so that the lid member can be opened or closed
freely; a contact member that is conducting electricity to a
housing shield portion of said main processor unit is formed on the
perimeter of the opening of said expansion slot; and a constraining
means is included for causing said lid member to close and meet
said contact member when said expansion unit is not mounted.
10. An endoscopic imaging system according to claim 9, wherein the
surfaces of a back end portion of said expansion unit, which comes
back when said expansion unit is inserted, is coated with a
conductive member in order to realize a conductor; and when said
expansion unit is mounted, said conductor and contact member meet
and the back end portion of said expansion unit blocks the opening
of said expansion slot.
11. An endoscopic imaging system, comprising: an imaging means for
projecting an object image of an object in a body cavity; a digital
signal converting means for converting an image signal sent from
said imaging means into a digital signal; a signal processing means
for processing said digital signal sent from said digital signal
converting means; a discrimination signal appending means for
appending a given discrimination signal to said digital signal
processed by said signal processing means; a compressing means for
determining a level of compressibility according to said
discrimination signal appended by said discrimination signal
appending means, and compressing said digital signal processed by
said signal processing means; and a recording means for recording
said digital signal compressed by said compressing means on a
recording medium.
12. An endoscopic imaging system according to claim 11, wherein
said discrimination signal is produced according to at least any of
a type of imaging means, a type of endoscope, a level of
enhancement performed by said signal processing means, and given
data recorded in advance on said recording medium.
13. An endoscopic imaging system according to claim 12, wherein
said given data recorded in advance on said recording medium is
medical-field data or patient data.
14. An endoscopic imaging system, comprising: a signal processing
means for processing a video signal sent from an imaging means; a
plurality of adjusting means for adjusting the properties of a
video signal sent from said signal processing means; an external
storage means for storing adjustment values to be set in said
adjusting means; and a control means for modifying settings for
operations of said adjusting means according to said adjustment
values stored in said external storage means.
15. An endoscopic imaging system according to claim 14, wherein
said adjusting means include at least one of a white balance
adjusting means, a light adjusting means, a tone adjusting means,
and a contour enhancing means.
16. An endoscopic imaging system according to claim 14, wherein
said adjusting means can detachably be attached to a signal
processing apparatus including said signal processing means and
adjusting means.
17. An endoscopic imaging system according to claim 16, wherein a
plurality of kinds of adjustment values is stored as said
adjustment values to be set in said adjusting means on separate
external storage means.
18. An endoscopic imaging system according to claim 16, wherein a
plurality of kinds of adjustment values are specified as said
adjustment values to be set in said adjusting means for each field
in which said endoscopic imaging system is used, and these sets of
adjustment values specified for fields are stored on separate
external storage means.
19. An endoscopic imaging system according to claim 16, wherein a
plurality of kinds of adjustment values are specified as said
adjustment values to be set in said adjusting means for each
operator handling said endoscopic imaging system, and these sets of
adjustment values specified for operators are stored on separate
external storage means.
20. An endoscopic imaging system according to claim 18 or 19,
further comprising an alarming means for giving an alarm when an
external storage means different from an external storage means, on
which adjustment values associated with an intended field or
operator are stored, out of said plurality of external storage
means is mounted.
21. An endoscopic imaging system, comprising: an imaging means for
projecting an object image produced by an endoscope; a signal
processing means for processing a video signal representing the
object image projected by said imaging means; an image display
means for displaying said video signal as an endoscopic image on a
monitor; a PC card serving as a portable recording medium to be
freely detachably attached to said signal processing means; an
image recording means for recording digital still image data
relevant to the object image projected by said imaging means on
said PC card; a connection sensing means for sensing the connected
state of said PC card; a remaining capacity sensing means for
sensing a remaining storage capacity on said PC card; an arithmetic
calculation means for calculating the number of remaining
recordable images according to the remaining storage capacity
sensed by said remaining capacity sensing means; and a medium
information display means for displaying medium information, which
includes at least one of the connected state of said PC card and
the number of remaining recordable images, on said monitor or any
other display.
22. An endoscopic imaging system according to claim 21, wherein
said medium information display means superimposes said medium
information on said endoscopic image on said monitor.
23. An endoscopic imaging system according to claim 21, further
comprising a liquid crystal monitor for displaying said medium
information independently of said monitor, wherein said medium
information display means displays said medium information on said
liquid crystal monitor.
24. An endoscopic imaging system according to claim 23, wherein
said liquid crystal monitor is located on the front panel of a
camera control unit including said signal processing means.
25. An endoscopic imaging system according to claim 21, wherein
every time a user records still image data on said PC card, or only
when the number of images recordable on said PC card becomes a
given number of recordable images, said medium information display
means displays said medium information on said monitor or any other
display.
26. An endoscopic imaging system according to claim 21, wherein
every time a user records still image data on said PC card, or only
when the number of images recordable on said PC card becomes zero,
said medium information display means displays said medium
information on said monitor or any other display.
27. An endoscopic imaging system according to claim 25 or 26,
further comprising a voice notification means for notifying a user
of said medium information with voice while said medium information
is displayed.
28. An endoscopic imaging system according to claim 21, further
comprising a voice notification means for, every time a user
records still image data on said PC card or only when the number of
images recordable on said PC card becomes a given number of
recordable images, notifying the user of said medium
information.
29. An endoscopic imaging system according to claim 21, further
comprising a voice notification means for, every time a user
records still image data on said PC card or only when the number of
images recordable on said PC card becomes zero, notifying the user
of said medium information.
30. An endoscopic imaging system according to claim 21, further
comprising an image compressing means for compressing digital still
image data relevant to an object image projected by said imaging
means on said PC card, and an image stretching means for stretching
compressed still image data stored on and read from said PC card,
wherein said image display means displays still image data, which
has been stretched by said image stretching means, on said monitor.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to an endoscopic imaging
system in which a view image produced by an endoscope is
projected.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] Endoscopes having elongated insertion units thereof inserted
into body cavities or the like and thus assisting in observation of
object regions, various kinds of examinations, and cures and
treatments have been widely adopted in the past. Assume that an
optical endoscope such as a rigid scope or fiberscope is employed.
In this case, generally, a camera head included in an endoscopic
imaging system is attached to an eyepiece unit of the endoscope,
and an endoscopic image is projected and viewed on a monitor or
recorded for future diagnosis. Moreover, various types of
endoscopic imaging systems including an electronic endoscope that
is provided with an imaging device such as a CCD have been put to
use.
[0005] An endoscopic image projected an endoscopic imaging system
may be recorded for use in a clinical record or thesis. In this
case, generally, the image has been filmed as a photograph in the
past. Alternatively, the image has been recorded as a motion
picture on videotape by means of a VTR, or recorded as digital
image data on an information-recording device such as a hard disk.
Recently, a PC card having a memory incorporated as a card-shaped
compact portable recording medium therein has called people's
attention.
[0006] A conventional endoscopic imaging system has not been
designed so that a freely-detachable compact portable recording
medium such as a PC card or any other expansion unit that has an
external expansion facility can be detachably attached to a main
processor unit such as a camera control unit. If a medium can be
mounted directly in the main processor unit, it would be quite
convenient for reading image data on the PC card or the like and
help expand the capability of the system readily. However, as far
as the conventional system is concerned, an expansion slot in which
the expansion unit is mounted must be included separately. This may
lead to a complex system configuration and time-consuming handling
and invite an increase in cost.
[0007] Moreover, a conventional endoscopic image to be recorded as
a digital signal is compressed at a certain level of
compressibility and then written on a recording medium according to
the JPEG or the like. This poses a problem of poor use efficiency
of the recording medium. Otherwise, an endoscopic imaging system
permitting manual change of levels of compressibility is available.
However, since a level of compressibility must be changed to
another at every endoscopic examination, there arises a problem
that handling becomes a nuisance. Another problem is that this
feature is unacceptable at a medical site at which it is hard to
touch the system.
[0008] Moreover, image quality such as a resolution requested for a
medical image varies depending on an employed endoscope or
solid-state imaging device, a medical field, or a lesion concerned.
Image quality dealt with ranges from high quality permitting a high
resolution to low quality suffering from a low resolution. If a
certain level of compressibility is always used for compression,
image data may be recorded at an unnecessarily low level of
compressibility. This poses a problem that the use efficiency of a
recording medium deteriorates.
[0009] Moreover, the situation of an object to be represented by an
endoscopic image varies depending on a field in which the
endoscopic imaging system is employed. For example, when a
large-diameter laparoscope is employed, a picture size corresponds
to a full size of a monitor screen. The tone of an object image is
reddish as a whole. In the field of urology, a small-diameter rigid
scope is employed. The picture size corresponds to the size of part
of the monitor screen. The tone of an object image is whitish.
[0010] For coping with the various use situations, a technology has
been disclosed in, for example, Japanese Unexamined Patent
Publication No. 7-194527. Herein, a ROM in which set data is stored
is incorporated in an endoscope. A control unit reads the set data,
and modifies a sequence of controlling light adjustment or the
like. However, a rigid scope employed in a surgical procedure and a
camera head included in an endoscopic imaging system may be used in
combination. A plurality of types of endoscopes may be attached to
the camera head. There is difficulty in storing the set data in the
endoscopes. Even when the camera head is provided with a ROM for
storing the set data, it is rather meaningless.
[0011] As mentioned above, a ROM in which set data is stored is
incorporated in an endoscope, and a control unit references the set
data to modify setting for an operation such as light adjustment.
Thus, the conventional system is adjusted to specifications for
endoscopes that are different from field to field, situations of
objects, and other different use situations. However, an endoscope
system may be constructed by combining an optical endoscope such as
a rigid scope and a camera head included in an endoscopic imaging
system. In this case, there are problems that it is hard to store
set data in the endoscope, and setting for an operation such as
light adjustment cannot be modified according to a use
situation.
[0012] Moreover, when the conventional endoscopic imaging system is
employed, a produced endoscopic image may be recorded on a compact
portable recording medium, which is freely attachable and
detachable, such as a PC card. In this case, the recorded situation
of image data on the medium is unclear to a user. This may result
in such a drawback that necessary image data cannot be recorded or
stored reliably, that is, an image cannot be recorded because of
insufficient capacity, or previously recorded image data is
overwritten. Moreover, if the connected state of a PC card is
imperfect, recording of an image may fail.
OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] An object of the present invention is to provide an
endoscopic imaging system making it possible to detachably attach
an expansion unit, which has an external expansion facility, to a
main unit, and to readily add an expansion facility for improving
the capability of the system.
[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide an
endoscopic imaging system making it possible to automatically
compress an endoscopic image at an optimal level of
compressibility, and to thus improve the use efficiency of a
recording medium.
[0015] Still another object of the present invention is to provide
an endoscopic imaging system making it possible to readily achieve
proper setting for an operation according to a use situation.
[0016] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an
endoscopic imaging system making it possible to readily check the
recorded situation of image data on a medium, and to thus prevent
occurrence of an error during image recording.
[0017] In an endoscopic imaging system according to the present
invention, a main processor unit including a signal processing
means for processing a video signal representing an object image
projected by an imaging means is provided with an expansion slot to
which an expansion unit having an external expansion facility is
freely detachably connected. When an expansion unit having an
external expansion facility is detachably attached to the main
unit, the expansion facility can be added to the system readily.
Thus, the capability of the system can be improved.
[0018] Other features and advantages of the present invention will
be fully apparent from the description below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] FIGS. 1 and 3 relate to the first embodiment of the present
invention;
[0020] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration
of an endoscopic imaging system;
[0021] FIG. 2 is a front view showing a configuration of a front
panel of a camera control unit shown in FIG. 1;
[0022] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a variant of the camera control
unit, which is shown in FIG. 1, included in the endoscopic imaging
system whose capability can be expanded;
[0023] FIGS. 4 and 5 relate to the second embodiment;
[0024] FIG. 4 is a front view showing a structure of an expansion
slot;
[0025] FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the expansion slot shown in
FIG. 4;
[0026] FIGS. 6 and 7 relate to the third embodiment of the present
invention;
[0027] FIG. 6 is a sectional view showing a structure of an
expansion slot;
[0028] FIG. 7 is a sectional view showing a structure of a variant
of the expansion slot shown in FIG. 6;
[0029] FIGS. 8 to 16 relate to the fourth embodiment of the present
invention;
[0030] FIG. 8 is a sectional view showing a structure of an
expansion slot;
[0031] FIG. 9 is a sectional view showing a structure of an outer
side of the expansion slot shown in FIG. 8 and its surroundings
with an expansion unit mounted in the expansion slot;
[0032] FIG. 10 is an oblique view showing component members to be
assembled into the expansion slot shown in FIG. 8;
[0033] FIG. 11 is an oblique view showing a structure of the
expansion unit shown in FIG. 9 which is seen from the face
thereof;
[0034] FIG. 12 is an oblique view showing the structure of the
expansion unit shown in FIG. 9 which is seen from the back
thereof;
[0035] FIG. 13 is an oblique view showing a structure of a variant
of the expansion unit shown in FIG. 11;
[0036] FIG. 14 is a sectional view showing a structure of a first
variant of the expansion slot shown in FIG. 8;
[0037] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a structure of a second variant
of the expansion slot shown in FIG. 8;
[0038] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a structure of a third variant
of the expansion slot shown in FIG. 8;
[0039] FIGS. 17 to 20 relate to the fifth embodiment of the present
invention;
[0040] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a configuration of an
endoscopic imaging system;
[0041] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a configuration of an expansion
unit shown in FIG. 17;
[0042] FIG. 19 is a flowchart describing the operation of the
endoscopic imaging system shown in FIG. 17;
[0043] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a configuration of a variant of
the endoscopic imaging system shown in FIG. 17;
[0044] FIGS. 21 to 29 relate to the sixth embodiment of the present
invention;
[0045] FIG. 21 is an oblique view showing the overall appearance of
an endoscopic imaging system;
[0046] FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram showing a system
configuration permitting connection of a plurality of types of
endoscopes;
[0047] FIG. 23 is a block diagram showing a functional
configuration of an endoscopic imaging system;
[0048] FIG. 24 is a front view showing a layout of components on
the front panel of a camera control unit;
[0049] FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram showing a situation in
which an object image produced by a small-diameter scope is
displayed;
[0050] FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram showing a situation in
which an object image produced by a large-diameter scope is
displayed;
[0051] FIG. 27 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of set
data representing adjustment values associated with fields;
[0052] FIG. 28 is a flowchart describing an alarming operation to
be carried out when an incorrect memory card is inserted;
[0053] FIG. 29 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an
alarm display;
[0054] FIGS. 30 and 31 relate to the seventh embodiment of the
present invention;
[0055] FIG. 30 is an explanatory diagram showing a memory card
dedicated to Dr. A out of a plurality of kinds of memory cards
associated with doctors;
[0056] FIG. 31 is an explanatory diagram showing a memory card
dedicated to Dr. B out of the plurality of kinds of memory cards
associated with doctors;
[0057] FIGS. 32 to 36 relate to the eighth embodiment of the
present invention;
[0058] FIG. 32 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration
of an endoscopic imaging system;
[0059] FIG. 33 is a front view showing a layout of components on
the front panel of a camera control unit;
[0060] FIG. 34 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an
image recording unit;
[0061] FIG. 35 is a block diagram showing a functional
configuration of a JPEG compression circuit;
[0062] FIG. 36 is an explanatory diagram showing a screen display
on a monitor;
[0063] FIGS. 37 and 38 relate to the ninth embodiment of the
present invention;
[0064] FIG. 37 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration
of an endoscopic imaging system;
[0065] FIG. 38 is an explanatory diagram showing an information
display on a liquid crystal display placed on the front panel of
the camera control unit;
[0066] FIGS. 39 and 40 relate to the tenth embodiment of the
present invention;
[0067] FIG. 39 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration
of an endoscopic imaging system;
[0068] FIG. 40 is an explanatory diagram showing a screen display
on a monitor;
[0069] FIGS. 41 and 42 relate to the eleventh embodiment of the
present invention;
[0070] FIG. 41 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration
of an endoscopic imaging system;
[0071] FIG. 42 is an explanatory diagram showing a screen display
on a monitor;
[0072] FIGS. 43 and 44 relate to the twelfth embodiment of the
present invention;
[0073] FIG. 43 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration
of an endoscopic imaging system;
[0074] FIG. 44 is a front view showing a layout of components on
the front panel of a camera control unit;
[0075] FIG. 45 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a drawback
of a conventional system that when liquid such as water is spilled
over a CCU, the liquid invades into the interior of an expansion
slot; and
[0076] FIG. 46 is an explanatory diagram showing a setting
modification screen associated with a doctor in the conventional
system.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
First Embodiment
[0077] As shown in FIG. 1, an endoscopic imaging system 1 of this
embodiment comprises a camera head 2 having an imaging means
incorporated therein, a scope 3 connected to the camera head 2, a
light source apparatus 4 for supplying illumination light to the
scope 3, a camera control unit (hereinafter a CCU) serving as a
main processor unit for processing a signal sent from the imaging
means incorporated in the camera head 2, and a TV monitor 6 for
displaying a standard video signal processed by the CCU 5. The
scope 3 is a rigid endoscope such as a laparoscope used for, for
example, a surgical procedure in the field of surgery.
[0078] When the endoscope imaging system 1 is in use, a light guide
8 of the scope 3 is, as shown in FIG. 1, linked to the light source
apparatus 4. Illumination light emanating from a lamp in the light
source apparatus 4 passes through a diaphragm that is not shown, is
converged by a lens, and falls on the opposed end surface of the
light guide 8. The illumination light is transmitted to the scope 3
over the light guide 8, passes through the scope 3, and is emitted
forward through the distal end of the scope 3. Thus, an object in a
patient's body cavity or the like is illuminated. An image
represented by light reflected from the illuminated object is
formed by the scope 3. A resultant object image is projected by the
imaging means in the camera head 2 through the scope 3.
[0079] A CCD 7 serving as the imaging means is located on the focal
plane of an imaging lens in the camera head 2. The object image is
formed on the image plane of the CCD 7, and photoelectrically
converted. The CCD 7 is connected to the CCU 5 over a camera cable
9 having a CCD driving signal transmission line and CCD output
signal transmission line inserted therein. An output signal of the
CCD 7 is sent to the CCU 5, and subjected to various kinds of
signal processing. A video signal output from the CCU 5 is sent to
the TV monitor 6. A view image of the object is then displayed on
the TV monitor 6.
[0080] The CCU 5 is provided with a CCD driver 10. The CCD driver
10 supplies a CCD driving signal to the CCD 7 over the CCD driving
signal transmission line in the camera cable 9, and reads a signal
charge accumulated in the CCD 7. Moreover, the CCU 5 is provided
with a preamplifier 11 and pre-processing circuit 12. A CCD output
signal read by the CCD 7 is transmitted to the CCU 5 over the CCD
output signal transmission line in the camera cable 9. After the
CCD output signal is amplified by the preamplifier 11 in the CCU 5
in order to compensate for a loss occurring on the cable, it is
input to the pre-processing circuit 12.
[0081] On the succeeding stage of the pre-processing circuit 12,
there are an A/D converter 13 and Y/C separation circuit 14. The
CCD output signal input to the pre-processing circuit 12 is
pre-processed by carrying out correlation double sampling (CDS) and
sample-and-hold (S/H). The resultant CCD output signal is input to
the A/D converter 13 and converted into a digital signal, and then
input to the Y/C separation circuit 14.
[0082] On the succeeding stage of the Y/C separation circuit 14,
there are an RGB matrix circuit 15 and a white balance/black
balance adjustment circuit 16. The digital signal input to the Y/C
separation circuit 14 is recomposed according to the
line-sequential system. Three digital signals Y, CR, and CB
propagating through different channels and constituting the digital
signal are then separated from one another, input to the RGB matrix
circuit 15, and converted into an RGB digital signal. Thereafter,
the white balance/black balance adjustment circuit 16 adjusts the
white balance and black balance of the RGB digital signal.
[0083] On the succeeding stage of the white balance/black balance
adjustment circuit 16, there are a digital video processing circuit
17, a D/A converter 18, and a post-processing circuit 19. The RGB
digital signal having undergone balance adjustment is digitally
processed through enhancement, gamma correction, and character
convolution carried out by the digital video processing circuit 17.
Thereafter, the resultant signal is converted into an analog signal
by the D/A converter 18, and then input to the post-processing
circuit 19. The analog signal that is input to the post-processing
circuit 19 is converted into a standard video signal, and then
output to the TV monitor 6.
[0084] Moreover, on the succeeding stage of the digital video
processing circuit 17, there are a memory 20, a JPEG compression
circuit 21, and a PC card driver 22. A PC card slot 23 is connected
to the PC card driver 22. The digital signal having undergone
various kinds of signal processing is stored in the memory 20. A PC
card 24 having a memory incorporated therein is mounted in the PC
card slot 23. A digital image signal read from the memory 20 is
compressed by the JPEG compression circuit 21, and then recorded on
the PC card 24 via the PC card driver 22.
[0085] Furthermore, the CCU 5 is provided with a CPU 25 responsible
for various kinds of control including control of image recording
on the PC card 24, and a font generator 26 for outputting a display
of medium information including the number of image data items
recordable on the PC card 24. Located on the front panel 28 of the
CCU 5 are a release switch 29 used to given a handling instruction
(release instruction) for image recording and an LED 27 for
displaying the medium information.
[0086] As shown in FIG. 2, a power switch 30, a connector receptor
31 into which the camera head 2 is plugged, the PC card slot 23,
the LED 27, and operation switches 32 including the release switch
29 are arranged on the front panel 28 of the CCU 5. A compact
memory card 33 such as a smart medium is detachably attached to the
PC card 24.
[0087] In the endoscopic imaging system 1 having the foregoing
components, an image signal produced by the scope 3 and visualized
and processed by the camera head 2 is output to the TV monitor 6
and displayed in the form of an image. Besides, the image signal is
stored in the memory 20.
[0088] When the release switch 29 is pressed for recording an
endoscopic image, the CPU 25 sends a release signal to the memory
20. Image data representing a still image is read from the memory
20. The read image data is compressed by the JPEG compression
circuit 21. The image data is then sent to the PC card 24 mounted
in the PC card slot 23 via the PC card driver 22, and then
recorded.
[0089] Moreover, for image recording, medium information including
the frequency of releasing image data representing a still image,
that is, the number of image data items recorded on the PC card 24
is sent from the CPU 20 to the font generator 26. The font
generator 26 outputs the information as character information. The
character information is then displayed in the LED 27 for
displaying medium information on the front panel. The releasing
frequency indicated with numerals in the LED 27 is incremented by
one with every release.
[0090] When an endoscopic image is thus recorded using the PC card,
recording and storage of a still image whose quality has little
deteriorated can be realized easily at low cost. Thus, medium
information including the number of image data items recorded on
the PC card is displayed in the LED on the front panel of the CCU.
This allows a user to readily check the number of remaining
recordable images.
[0091] Moreover, the PC card slot may be formed in the front panel
of the CCU so that the PC card can be detachably attached directly.
This makes it possible to expand the capability of the system with
ease and good handling efficiency. Consequently, the capability of
the system can be improved.
[0092] FIG. 3 shows a variant of an endoscopic imaging system whose
capability can be expanded. In the CCU 5 of this variant, a PC card
35 to which a remote control unit 34 can be connected is detachably
attached to the PC card slot 23 in the front panel. The remote
control unit 34 has a CPU, which controls remote control-related
facilities on a centralized basis and is independent of the CPU in
the CCU 5, incorporated therein. When the remote control unit 34 is
plugged into a remote control terminal 36 of the PC card 35, the
CCU 5 or the like can be handled and controlled using the remote
control unit 34.
[0093] In other words, the remote control unit is connected to the
PC card slot 23 instead of the PC card for recording image data as
described in conjunction with the previous embodiment. Thus,
control signals or the like can be transferred via a digital
input/output interface in the slot.
[0094] According to this configuration, a remote control facility
desired by a user can be controlled without use of the CPU in the
CCU. This obviates the necessity of including an interface
dedicated to remote control in the CCU. Consequently, the
configuration of the system can be simplified and the cost thereof
can be minimized.
[0095] An expansion unit to which the remote control unit is
connected is not limited to the PC card. The remote control unit
may be connected to any other expansion unit that can be detachable
attached to the CCU. Otherwise, a CPU or the like may be
incorporated in an expansion unit itself so that the remote control
facilities can be installed in the CPU.
[0096] In this embodiment, an expansion slot in which an expansion
unit is mounted is formed in a main processor unit included in an
endoscopic imaging system. The expansion unit intended for external
expansion of capability, for example, a compact portable recording
medium, which is freely detachable and attachable, such as a PC
card can be detachably attached to the expansion slot. In this
case, liquid may be split over the main processor unit because of
user's carelessness during an examination or surgical procedure.
The liquid may then invade into the expansion slot. This would
bring about a short circuit between electrical contacts or
corrosion in the main processor unit. A structure for preventing
invasion of liquid is therefore needed.
Second Embodiment
[0097] The conventional system does not have an anti-liquid
invasion structure formed around an expansion slot. When liquid 38
such as water is split over a CCU 37 as shown in FIG. 45, the
liquid invades into the interior of an expansion slot 39 in which
an expansion unit 40 is mounted. This may invite a short circuit
between electrical contacts or corrosion in the CCU.
[0098] For improving the safety of medical equipment including a
CCU with an expansion slot, the expansion slot is provided with an
anti-liquid invasion means. An example of a structure including the
anti-liquid invasion means will be described as another
embodiment.
[0099] FIGS. 4 and 5 show a structure of an expansion slot in
accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a front view and FIG. 5 is a sectional view.
[0100] An eaves-like projection 42 is formed on the upper margin of
the opening of an expansion slot 41 formed in the face or lateral
side of a CCU 5 over a range wider than the width of the opening.
Liquid that has been split over the top of the CCU because of
user's carelessness and flowing down will be blocked by the
projection 42 as indicated with an arrow 43. The liquid will not
invade directly into the expansion slot 41.
[0101] According to the second embodiment, invasion of liquid into
the expansion slot can be prevented by a simple structure.
Eventually, the fear of causing a short circuit between electrical
contacts and corrosion in the CCU can be eliminated.
Third Embodiment
[0102] In the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, a slope 44 is
formed as part of an inner lower surface of an expansion slit 41
near the opening of the expansion slot. Owing to the slope 44,
invasion of liquid into the expansion slot can be prevented as
indicated with an arrow 43. Moreover, in a variant shown in FIG. 7,
the whole expansion slot 41 may be formed on a slope 45. The same
operation and advantage as those mentioned above can still be
exerted.
[0103] According to the third embodiment, another member such as an
eaves-like projection need not be formed. Besides, like the second
embodiment, invasion of liquid into the expansion slot can be
prevented despite the simple structure.
Fourth Embodiment
[0104] The fourth embodiment is an example of a structure of an
expansion slot having an anti-liquid invasion means and a shield
means for shielding unnecessary radiative electromagnetic waves for
attaining electromagnetic compatibility (EMC).
[0105] A housing case 51 of a CCU is made of a conducting material,
thus realizing a shield structure against unnecessary
electromagnetic waves radiated from the interior of the CCU. As
shown in the sectional view of FIG. 8 and the diagram showing
components to be assembled of FIG. 10, the housing case 51 has a
case opening 53 bored for detachably attaching the expansion unit
52 shown in FIG. 9. A unit mount 54 into which an expansion unit 52
is fitted during mounting of the expansion unit is formed in the
case opening 53. A contact connector 55 that is electrically
coupled with the expansion unit 52 when the expansion unit is
mounted and that transfers an electrical signal or the like to or
from the expansion unit 52 is formed at the deep end of the unit
mount 54.
[0106] A contact member 56 is sandwiched between the housing case
51 near the case opening 53 and the unit mount 54 so that the
contact member 56 will be electrically coupled with the housing
case 51. The portion of the contact member 56 bordered by the upper
side and lateral sides of the case opening 53 is jutting to be a
contact portion 56a. A hinge member 57 realized with a conductive
member made of a metal or conducting rubber is located on the lower
side of the case opening 53. One extreme portion of the hinge
member 57 is fixed as a stationary portion 57a so that the portion
will be electrically coupled with the housing case 51. The other
extreme portion of the hinge member 57 can be opened or closed as a
lid portion 58. The lid portion is constrained to move in a
direction (direction of an arrow A in FIG. 8), in which it meets
the contact portion 56a on the upper side of the case opening 53,
by means of a spring member 59 attached to the hinge member 57.
[0107] Furthermore, the portion of the inner lower surface of the
unit mount 54 inside the hinge member 57 is formed as a slope 60
opening on the outside of the housing case 51.
[0108] The expansion unit 52 has, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, a
conductor 61. The conductor 61 is realized with a conductive member
coated over the circumferential surfaces of a back portion of the
expansion unit 52 which comes back when the expansion unit is
inserted into the expansion slot. When the expansion unit 52 is
mounted in the expansion slot, as shown in FIG. 9, the contact
portion 56a of the contact member 56 over the upper side and
lateral sides of the case opening meets the conductor 61 extending
over the upper and lateral surfaces of the expansion unit 52. An
end of the lid portion 58 of the hinge member 57 meets the portion
of the conductor 61 over the lower surface of the expansion unit
52. This causes the lid portion 58 to conduct.
[0109] FIG. 13 shows a variant of the expansion unit 52. An
expansion unit 62 of the variant has a card slot 63 formed in a
lateral surface thereof. A memory card 64 such as a PC card can be
mounted in the card slot. Like the structure shown in FIG. 11, a
conductor 61 is formed on the back portion of the expansion unit
that comes back when the expansion unit is inserted.
[0110] When the expansion unit 52 is not mounted in the thus-formed
expansion slot, the lid portion 58 of the hinge member 57 is
constrained to move in the direction of an arrow A in FIG. 8 by
means of the spring member 59. This causes the lid portion 58 to
meet the contact portion 56a of the contact member 56 and thus
conduct. The lid portion 58 is positioned to block the case opening
53. Thus, the lid portion 58 of the hinge member 57 fills the role
of a lid for covering the case opening 53. Liquid flowing in from,
for example, the top of the housing case 51 will flow along an
arrow B in FIG. 8 but will not invade directly into the interior of
the unit mount 54. Moreover, liquid invading into the interior of
the housing case 51 through a chink in the hinge member 57 can be
prevented from invading into the interior of the unit mount 54
owing to the slope 60 of the unit mount 54.
[0111] Moreover, when the expansion unit 52 is mounted, the
conductor 61 on the expansion unit 52, the contact portion 56a of
the contact member 56, and the end of the lid portion 58 of the
hinge member 57 meet, as shown in FIG. 9, to conduct. This disables
shielding, which is intended to attain EMC, of the case opening 53.
Consequently, release of unnecessary radiative noises can be
prevented. At this time, since the case opening 53 is blocked by
the expansion unit 52, liquid can be prevented from invading into
the interior of the unit mount 54 in the same manner as that when
the expansion unit is not mounted.
[0112] FIG. 14 shows the first variant of the expansion slot of the
fourth embodiment. The first variant has such a structure that a
slope 65 is formed on a back portion of the expansion unit 52 that
comes back when the expansion unit is inserted. Owing to the slope
65, even when the expansion unit 52 is mounted, liquid flowing in
from the top of the housing case 51 flows in the direction of an
arrow C in FIG. 13. This structure can therefore prevent invasion
of liquid into the interior of the unit mount 53 more reliably than
the structure shown in FIG. 9.
[0113] FIG. 15 shows the second variant of the expansion slot of
the fourth embodiment. The second variant has such a structure that
bent parts 66 are formed as parts of lateral ends of the lid
portion 58 of the hinge member 57. Owing to the bent parts 66, the
lateral sides of the case opening 53 can meet the contact member 56
more reliably. This leads to improved effects of preventing
invasion of liquid and of shielding.
[0114] FIG. 16 shows the third variant of the expansion slot of the
fourth embodiment. The third variant has such a structure that a
lid member 67 formed with a resin member and bent in the middle is
substituted for the hinge member 57. A metallic film 68 is bonded
to the surface of the lid member 67. Owing to the lid member 67, a
mechanical chink is not created in a hinge 69. Consequently, an
effect of preventing invasion of liquid can be exerted more
efficiently.
[0115] As mentioned above, according to the fourth embodiment, an
expansion slot can be realized to have both an anti-liquid invasion
structure for preventing invasion of liquid into the expansion slot
and a shield structure of achieving shielding for attaining EMC.
This results in improved safety of medical equipment including a
CCU having the expansion unit.
[0116] The adaptation of the endoscopic imaging system of this
embodiment is not limited to an endoscope system for surgery in
which a camera head is mounted on a rigid endoscope as described in
conjunction with the previous embodiments. The endoscopic imaging
system of this embodiment can also be adapted to an endoscope
system for internal medicine in which a camera head is mounted on a
soft endoscope or an electronic endoscope having an imaging device
incorporated therein.
[0117] Moreover, a PC card is not limited to a card having a memory
incorporated therein. A card to which a compact memory card such as
a smart medium can be detachably attached, or a card having a
compact hard disk incorporated therein can also be employed. Even
when any expansion unit other than the PC card is mounted in an
expansion slot, the structure of the expansion slot can be adapted
to the aforesaid embodiments.
Fifth Embodiment
[0118] (Configuration)
[0119] As shown in FIG. 17, an endoscopic imaging system 101 of
this embodiment comprises a TV camera-mounted endoscope 104 having
a TV camera 103 mounted on a rigid endoscope 102, a light source
apparatus 105 for supplying illumination light to the rigid
endoscope 102, a camera control unit (CCU) 107 for processing a
signal sent from a charge-coupled device (CCD) that is a
solid-state imaging device incorporated in the TV camera 103, a
color monitor 108 for displaying an endoscopic image represented by
a video signal output from the CCU 107, and an expansion unit 110
to be freely detachably plugged into a digital video output
terminal 109 formed in the CCU 107. As shown in FIG. 18, a
recording medium can be connected to the expansion unit 110. For
example, a PC card 112 serving as a recording medium can be freely
detachably connected to a PC card slot 111.
[0120] As shown in FIG. 17, the rigid endoscope 102 includes an
elongated insertion unit 121, a hand-held unit 122 formed at the
back end of the insertion unit 121, and an eyepiece unit 123 formed
at the back end of the hand-held unit 122. The hand-held unit 122
has a light guide base 124, and is connected to the light source
apparatus 105 over a light guide cable 125.
[0121] Illumination light emanating from a lamp in the light source
apparatus 105 is converged by a condenser, and supplied to an
incident end surface of a light guide in the light guide cable 125.
The illumination light is emitted forward through the distal end
surface of the light guide fitted in an illumination window located
at the distal end of the insertion unit 121 over the light guide
lying through the rigid endoscope 102. Thus, an object such as a
lesion is illuminated.
[0122] Moreover, an objective lens is fitted in an observation
window adjacent to the illumination window located at the distal
end of the insertion unit 121. The objective lens forms an
objective image at an image formation position. The formed image is
transmitted by a system of relay lenses that are arranged in the
insertion unit 121 and opposed to the objective lens. The image is
then re-formed near the eyepiece unit 123. The image is then
re-formed on the CCD 106 by an eyepiece lens included in the
eyepiece unit 123, and an image formation lens 126 included in the
TV camera 103 and opposed to the eyepiece lens.
[0123] Incidentally, a mosaic filter that is not shown is located
in front of the image plane (photoelectric conversion plane) of the
CCD 106. Color components of light incident on each pixel are
optically separated from one another. That is to say, an imaging
means of this embodiment is a simultaneous imaging means for
acquiring a color image signal under white illumination light. The
CCD 106 of the TV camera 103 is connected to the CCU 107. A CCD
driving signal is applied from a CCD driver 131 in the CCU 107 to
the CCD 106, and photoelectrically converted into a CCD output
signal (image signal). The CCD output signal is then input to an
amplifier 132 in the CCU 107. The signal amplified by the amplifier
132 is input to a pre-processing circuit 133.
[0124] The CCD output signal input to the pre-processing circuit
133 is pre-processed by performing correlation double sampling
(CDS) and sample-and-hole (S/H). The resultant signal is then input
to an A/D converter 134 and converted into a digital signal. The
digital signal is input to a digital signal processor (DSP)
135.
[0125] The DSP 135 recomposes the input digital signal according to
the line-sequential system. Consequently, three digital signals Y,
Cr, and Cb propagating through different channels are separated
from one another, and then converted into an RGB digital signal
according to a matrix conversion formula. The RGB digital signal
resulting from the matrix conversion has the white balance or black
balance thereof adjusted. Thereafter, the resultant signal is
digitally processed by performing enhancement, gamma correction,
and character convolution, and then input to a D/A converter
136.
[0126] The digital signal input to the D/A converter 136 is
converted into an analog signal, converted into a standard video
signal by a post-processing circuit 137, and then output to a color
monitor 108.
[0127] Moreover, the CCU 107 is provided with a reference signal
generator (SSG) 138. Based on a clock signal generated by the SSG
138, a timing signal generator (TG) generates a timing signal. The
CCD driver 131 drives the CCD 106 in response to the timing signal.
The clock signal sent from the SSG 138 is also output to the
pre-processing circuit 133, A/D converter 134, DSP 135, and D/A
converter 136. The CCD output signal (image signal) sent from the
CCD driver 131 is processed synchronously with the clock
signal.
[0128] Moreover, a digital video signal sent from the DSP 135 is
output to a digital interface 141 under the control of the CPU 140.
The digital interface 141 appends a control signal sent from the
CPU 140 and a discrimination signal that will be described later to
the digital video signal, and outputs a resultant signal to the
expansion unit 110. Moreover, an enhancement switch 142 and a
display panel 143 are connected to the CPU 140. By handling the
enhancement switch 142, a magnitude of enhancement to be achieved
by the DSP 135 can be specified.
[0129] The discrimination signal to be appended to the digital
video signal by the digital interface 141 indicates the number of
pixels and angular field of view permitted by the CCD 106 in the TV
camera 103, and a set value of the enhancement switch 142. The CPU
140 allows the DSP 135 to read these parameters and output them to
the digital interface 141. Moreover, the parameters are displayed
on the display panel 143.
[0130] As shown in FIG. 18, the expansion unit 110 includes a
discrimination circuit 151 for inputting an uncompressed digital
video signal, to which a discrimination signal is appended by the
digital interface 141, extracting the discrimination signal,
appending a compressibility signal proportional to the
discrimination signal to the uncompressed digital video signal, and
outputting the resultant digital video signal. The expansion unit
110 further includes a compression circuit 152 for compressing an
uncompressed digital video signal, to which the compressibility
signal sent from the discrimination circuit is appended, at a level
of compressibility indicated by the compressibility signal, and a
recording unit 153 for recording the compressibility signal and
digital video signal on a PC card 112 via a PC card slot 111.
[0131] The PC card 112 is divided into segments associated with a
plurality of kinds, for example, patients or medical fields.
Associated patient data items and medical-field data items are
recorded in the segments. The discrimination circuit 151 can select
a level of compressibility according to patient data or
medical-field data recorded on the PC card 112, and provide a
discrimination signal indicating the level of compressibility.
[0132] (Operation)
[0133] Next, the operation of the endoscopic imaging system 101 of
this embodiment having the foregoing components will be
described.
[0134] For example, when the abdomen is operated under endoscopic
observation, the TV camera 103 is mounted on the rigid endoscope
102 and connected to the light source apparatus 105 and CCU 107.
The color monitor 108 is connected to the CCU 107. Moreover, the
expansion unit 110 is plugged into the digital video output
terminal 109 of the CCU 107. The PC card 112 is connected to the PC
card slot 111 of the expansion unit 110.
[0135] The insertion unit 121 of the rigid endoscope 102 is thrust
into the patient's abdomen by piercing the abdominal wall using a
trocar and cannula. Thus, an organ in the abdomen can be observed.
An (endoscopic) image of the organ is displayed on the color
monitor 108. An operator views the image. When an image the
operator wants to record is displayed on the color monitor 108, the
operator handles a hand release switch or foot switch that is not
shown. Thus, an endoscopic image can be recorded on the PC card 112
in the same manner as photography. The recorded image can be
utilized later by handling a personal computer or the like.
[0136] At this time, the CCD 106 of the TV camera 103 is driven
synchronously with a clock signal sent from the SSG 138. The
pre-processing circuit 133, A/D converter 134, and DSP 135 process
a digital video signal synchronously with the clock signal.
[0137] The CPU 140 receives, as shown in FIG. 19, a signal sent
from the DSP 135 so as to read the number of pixels permitted by
the CCD 106 as a parameter at step S11. At step S12, Table 1 is
referenced in relation to the read number of pixels, and then a
discrimination signal is output to the digital interface 141. The
digital interface 141 appends the discrimination signal to a
digital video signal sent from the DSP 135.
1 TABLE 1 Parameter (Number of pixels) Discrimination signal 250
thousand pixels 01 h 410 thousand pixels 02 h 800 thousand pixels
03 h 3 CCD 04 h . . . . . .
[0138] Thereafter, at step S13, the discrimination circuit 151 in
the expansion unit 110 reads the discrimination signal appended to
the digital video signal. The discrimination circuit 151 then
references Table 2 in relation to the discrimination signal, and
appends a compressibility signal to the digital video signal. The
resultant digital video signal is then output to the compression
circuit 152.
2 TABLE 2 Discrimination signal Compressibility 01 h a 02 h b 03 h
c 04 h d . . . . . .
[0139] Then, at step S14, the compression circuit 152 compresses
the digital video signal at a level of compressibility indicated by
the compressibility signal. At step S15, the recording unit 153
records the resultant digital video signal on the PC card 112
together with the compressibility signal via the PC card slot 111.
Thus, the compressibility signal is recorded together with the
compressed digital video signal on the PC card 112. The compressed
image can therefore be stretched properly by handling a personal
computer or the like when it must be stretched.
[0140] The parameter used at step S12 in FIG. 19 is not limited to
the number of pixels permitted by the CCD 106. Alternatively, the
type of rigid endoscope 102 defined by an angular field of view
permitted by the rigid endoscope will do. In this case, the CPU 140
uses as a parameter any of a first endoscope, second endoscope,
third endoscope, etc., which are sorted in that order from the
smallest-diameter endoscope to the largest-diameter one, to select
a discrimination signal.
3 TABLE 3 Parameter (Angular field of view) Discrimination signal
First endoscope 01 h Second endoscope 02 h Third endoscope 03 h
Fourth endoscope 04 h . . . . . .
[0141] Moreover, the parameter used at step S12 in FIG. 19 may be a
set value of the enhancement switch 142. Based on the set value,
Table 4 may be referenced for selection.
4 TABLE 4 Parameter (Enhancement) Discrimination signal Level 1 01
h Level 2 02 h Level 3 03 h Level 4 04 h . . . . . .
[0142] Moreover, the discrimination signal to be read at step S13
in FIG. 19 may represent medical-field data listed in Table 5 or
patient data listed in Table 6. Based on the data, the
discrimination circuit 151 selects a level of compressibility.
[0143] The medical data or patient data may be recorded as data on
the PC card 112 in advance. The discrimination circuit 151 may read
the data to determine a level of compressibility.
5 TABLE 5 Discrimination signal Compressibility General surgery a
Urology b Otorhinology c Orthopedics d . . . . . .
[0144]
6 TABLE 6 Discrimination signal Compressibility Patient a a Patient
b b Patient c c Patient d d . . . . . .
[0145] (Advantage)
[0146] As mentioned above, the endoscopic imaging system 101 of
this embodiment makes it possible to change levels of
compressibility automatically according to an endoscopic image for
compressing image data, and then record resultant data on a
recording medium such as the PC card 112. Consequently, the use
efficiency of a recording area on the recording medium can be
improved, and the load imposed on an operator during handling can
be alleviated.
[0147] Incidentally, the expansion unit 110 may be formed with a PC
card. Moreover, the structure of the expansion unit 101 may be, as
shown in FIG. 20, included in the CCU 107.
[0148] Moreover, this embodiment has been described by taking the
TV camera-mounted endoscope 104, which is the rigid endoscope 102
having the TV camera 103 mounted thereon, for instance. The
embodiment is not limited to this type of endoscope. Alternatively,
a TV camera-mounted soft endoscope, which is a soft endoscope
having the TV camera mounted thereon, or an electronic endoscope
having a CCD incorporated in a distal part of an insertion unit
thereof will do.
Sixth Embodiment
[0149] An endoscopic imaging system of this embodiment comprises,
as shown in FIG. 21, a camera head 202 to be mounted on, for
example, a rigid endoscope 201 for surgery, and a camera control
unit (hereinafter a CCU) 203 for processing a video signal
representing an object image projected by the camera head 202. A
signal cable 204 is extending from the camera head 202. The camera
head 202 is connected to the CCU 203 via a connector 205 attached
to an end of the signal cable 204. A card slot 206 is formed in a
lateral side of the CCU 203. A memory card 207 in which set data or
the like that will be described later is stored can be inserted
into the card slot 206.
[0150] A plurality of endoscopes can be, as shown in FIG. 22,
connected to the camera head 202. For example, a small-diameter
scope 201a employed in the field of urology or the like, a
large-diameter scope 201b used as a laparoscope or the like, and
any other endoscope having different specifications can be
alternately mounted for use.
[0151] The CCU 203 includes, as shown in FIG. 23, a CCD drive
circuit 210 for driving a CCD 209 that is an imaging device
incorporated in the camera head 202, a pre-processing circuit 211
for pre-processing a signal output from the CCD 209, a wave
detector 212 for detecting the waveform of an output of the
pre-processing circuit 211, a light adjustment control circuit 214
for sending a control signal to the CCD drive circuit 210 and a
light source control circuit 213 for controlling an amount of light
emanating from a light source, which is not shown, so as to adjust
light. On the succeeding stage of the pre-processing circuit 211,
there are an AGC circuit 215 for controlling a gain automatically,
a white balance circuit 216 for adjusting the white balance of an
output image, a tone circuit 217 for adjusting the tone of an
output image, a contour enhancement circuit 218 for enhancing the
contour of an output image, and an encoder 219 for converting a
video signal into a standard video signal. Thus, a video signal
representing an object image is output to a monitor that is not
shown.
[0152] Moreover, the CCU 203 is provided with a CPU 220 for
controlling the light adjustment control circuit 214, white balance
circuit 216, tone circuit 217, and contour enhancement circuit 218,
a memory card driver 221 connected to the memory card 207 for
driving the memory card 207 or transferring data to or from the
memory card 207, and a front panel 222 having an indicator for
indicating setting for an operation and operation switches arranged
thereon.
[0153] Arranged on the front panel 222 are, as shown in FIG. 24, a
power switch 223, a connector receptor 224 into which the connector
205 of the camera head 202 is plugged, a group of operation
switches 225 for use in instructing an operation such as white
balance adjustment or contour enhancement, a luminance setting
indicator 226 for indicating a set level of luminance for an output
image, and a tone setting indicator 227 for indicating a set level
of tone for an output image.
[0154] Next, the operation of the endoscopic imaging system of this
embodiment will be described. In the endoscopic imaging system of
this embodiment, a video signal representing an object image is
photoelectrically converted by the CCD 209 in the camera head 202,
and then input to the CCU 203. The pre-processing circuit 211, AGC
circuit 215, white balance circuit 216, tone circuit 217, contour
enhancement circuit 218, and encoder 219 incorporated in the CCU
203 process the video signal. The object image is then displayed on
the monitor that is not shown. At this time, the wave detector 212
detects the waveform of an output of the CCD 209, and outputs a
wave detection signal. Based on the wave detection signal, the
light adjustment control circuit 214 controls the CCD drive circuit
210 and light source control circuit 213 to control light
adjustment for adjusting the brightness of an image.
[0155] With a difference in field in which an endoscope is
employed, the state of an object differs, and a way of displaying a
produced image and the tone of the image differ. Adjustment values
including a white balance set value, a tone set value, a level of
enhancement, and a frequency must therefore be varied depending on
an object region to be observed. Setting for an operation must thus
be attained properly.
[0156] For example, for an examination or surgical procedure in the
field of urology, the camera head 202 is mounted on the
small-diameter scope 201a in order to visualize an object. The
object image is, as shown in FIG. 25, displayed in part of the
center of the monitor screen on the monitor 228. For the field of
surgery using a laparoscope, the camera head 202 is mounted on the
large-diameter scope 201b in order to visualize an object. The
object image is, as shown in FIG. 26, displayed in substantially
the whole of the monitor screen.
[0157] In this embodiment, a memory card 207 in which appropriate
adjustment values are stored is prepared for each object field.
When the endoscopic imaging system is put to use, the camera head
202 is mounted on an associated endoscope 201, and a memory card
207 associated with an intended field is inserted into the card
slot 206. The CPU 220 reads set data, which represent adjustment
values and is stored in the memory card 207, via the memory card
driver 221. The CPU 220 then sends a control signal to each of the
light adjustment control circuit 214, white balance circuit 216,
tone circuit 217, and contour enhancement circuit 218. Thus,
various adjustment values are modified.
[0158] FIG. 27 shows an example of set data representing adjustment
values in relation to object fields. For the field of urology or
for the field using an arthroscope, the adjustment values are
specified in order to attain a low speed of light adjustment, a low
level of light adjustment, a bluish level of tone, and a high
degree of contour enhancement. Moreover, for the field using a
laparoscope, the adjustment values are specified in order to attain
a high speed of light adjustment, a high level of light adjustment,
a reddish level of tone, and a low degree of contour
enhancement.
[0159] For the field of urology or for the field using an
arthroscope, the picture size of an object image is small. The
image tends to hunch or cause halation. The adjustment values are
therefore specified in order to attain a speed of light that is
lower than the one for the field using a laparoscope, and a lower
level of light adjustment. A halogen light source is often adopted
for the field of urology or for the field using an arthroscope,
while a xenon light source is often adopted for the field using a
laparoscope. Halogen light is more reddish than xenon light. For
the field of urology or for the field using the arthroscope, tone
is set to a bluish level. As for contour enhancement, since an
object in the field of urology or the field using the arthroscope
is often solely white, contour enhancement is set to a rather high
level.
[0160] Since settings for operations of light adjustment control,
tone adjustment and contour enhancement are thus modified, the
endoscopic imaging system can be set to a state suitable for an
object field by carrying out simple handling. Endoscopic
observation can therefore be carried out in an optimal operational
environment all the time.
[0161] Moreover, the endoscopic imaging system of this embodiment
includes an alarming means for giving an alarm to a user when an
incorrect memory card inconsistent with an intended object field is
inserted. The operation of the alarming means will be described in
conjunction with FIGS. 28 and 29.
[0162] The CPU 220 in the CCU 203 reads, as described in the
flowchart of FIG. 28, set data representing adjustment values from
the memory card 207 inserted into the card slot 206 at step S21. At
step S22, a picture size for an object image is sensed according to
wave detection-related information represented by an image signal
output from the CCD 209. At step S23, the wave detection-related
information indicating the picture size for the object image is
compared with object field information corresponding to the set
data stored in the memory card 207. It is then judged whether or
not the picture size agrees with a picture size specified for an
object field defined by the type of connected endoscope or a region
to be observed.
[0163] If the picture size agrees with the picture size specified
for the object field, it is judged that a correct memory card has
been inserted. Control is then passed to step S24. Subsequent
setting modification or the like is carried out. By contrast, if
the picture size disagrees therewith, it is judged that an
incorrect memory card has been inserted. Control is passed to step
S25. Alarm display is carried out. Alarm display is, for example,
such that an alarm having the contents shown in FIG. 29 is
displayed in a screen of the monitor 228.
[0164] Owing to the alarming means, even when an incorrect memory
card is inserted, a user can be informed of the fact and aware of
incorrect use. A fear of establishing a set state unintended by the
user can be eliminated.
Seventh Embodiment
[0165] The seventh embodiment is an example in which a memory card
on which proper adjustment values are stored is prepared for each
doctor, and settings for various operations can be modified. A
memory card 207a dedicated to Dr. A shown in FIG. 30 and a memory
card 207 dedicated to Dr. B shown in FIG. 31 are made available.
When either of the doctors uses the endoscopic imaging apparatus,
his/her own memory card is inserted into the card slot 206 of the
CCU 203. Like the sixth embodiment, settings for operations of
light adjustment control, tone adjustment, and contour enhancement
are modified so that desired adjustment values can be
specified.
[0166] For example, assuming that Dr. A likes a bright and reddish
image, set data associated with such an image is stored on the
memory card 207a. Specifically, the brightness of the image is set
to a higher level and the tone thereof is set to a bluish level.
Moreover, assuming that Dr. B likes a dark and bluish image, set
data associated with such an image is stored on the memory card
207b. Specifically, the brightness of the image is set to a lower
level and the tone thereof is set to a bluish level.
[0167] In the conventional system, a setting menu screen shown in
FIG. 46 is displayed on the monitor or the like. Settings of tone
and brightness are modified for each doctor. Handling for setting
modification is therefore a rather nuisance. Moreover, an amount of
data representing adjustment values, which can be stored, is
limited because of the storage capacity of a memory. This leads to
a drawback that many set items cannot be stored. By contrast,
according to this embodiment, setting for an operation concerning a
desired item can be modified readily merely by inserting a memory
card. Thus, the item can be set to an optimal value. Settings
desired by a doctor can be attained by performing simple handling.
Thus, a state suitable for a user can be established by performing
simple handling, and endoscopic observation can be achieved under
an optimal operational environment all the time.
[0168] According to the foregoing embodiment, simple handling or
insertion of an associated memory card should merely be carried out
according to a use situation, that is, an object field relevant to
an endoscopic examination or a doctor in charge thereof. Thus,
proper adjustment values can be set in various adjusting means for
carrying out light adjustment control, tone adjustment, and contour
enhancement. A proper operational environment can be established
readily.
[0169] Incidentally, the endoscopic imaging system of this
embodiment is not limited to an endoscope system for surgery in
which a camera head is mounted on a rigid endoscope as described in
conjunction with the previous embodiments. The endoscopic imaging
system can also be adapted to an endoscope system for internal
medicine in which a camera head is mounted on a soft endoscope or
to an electronic endoscope having an imaging device incorporated
therein.
[0170] Moreover, the memory card is not limited to a PC card having
a memory incorporated therein. A card to which a compact memory
card such as a smart medium can be detachably attached, or a card
having a compact hard disk incorporated therein can also be adapted
to the aforesaid embodiments.
[0171] Moreover, the card slot to which the memory card is
connected is not limited to a structure formed in a lateral side of
a CCU. Alternatively, a structure separated from the CCU and
detachably attached to the CCU may be adopted.
Eighth Embodiment
[0172] As shown in FIG. 32, an endoscopic imaging system 301 of
this embodiment comprises a camera head 302 having an imaging means
incorporated therein, a scope 303 connected to the camera head 302,
a light source apparatus 304 for supplying illumination light to
the scope 303, a camera control unit (hereinafter a CCU) for
processing a signal sent from the imaging means in the camera head
302, and a TV monitor 306 for displaying a standard video signal
processed by the CCU 305. The scope 303 is a rigid endoscope such
as a laparoscope used for, for example, a surgical procedure in the
field of surgery.
[0173] When the endoscope imaging system 301 is put to use, a light
guide 308 of the scope 303 is, as shown in FIG. 32, linked to the
light source apparatus 304. Illumination light emanating from a
lamp in the light source apparatus 304 passes through a diaphragm
that is not shown, is converged by a lens, and falls on an opposed
end surface of the light guide 308. The illumination light is
transmitted to the scope 303 over the light guide 308, propagated
through the scope, and emitted forward through the distal end of
the scope 303. An object such as a patient's body cavity is then
illuminated. An image represented by light reflected from the
illuminated object is formed by the scope 303. The object image is
projected by the imaging means in the camera head 302 through the
scope 303.
[0174] A CCD 307 serving as the imaging means is located on the
focal plane of an imaging lens in the camera head 302. The object
image is formed on the image plane of the CCD 307 and converted
photoelectrically. The CCD 307 is connected to the CCU 305 over a
camera cable 309 in which a CCD driving signal transmission line
and a CCD output signal transmission line are inserted. An output
signal of the CCD 307 is sent to the CCU 305 and subjected to
various kinds of signal processing. A video signal output from the
CCU 305 is sent to the TV monitor 306. A view image of the object
is then displayed on the TV monitor 306.
[0175] The CCU 305 is provided with a CCD driver 310. The CCD
driver 310 supplies a CCD driving signal to the CCD 307 over the
CCD driving signal transmission line in the camera cable 309. A
signal charge accumulated in the CCD 307 is then read. Moreover,
the CCU 305 is provided with a preamplifier 311 and a
pre-processing circuit 312. A CCD output signal read by the CCD 307
is transmitted to the CCU 305 over the CCD output signal
transmission line in the camera cable 309. After the CCD output
signal is amplified by the preamplifier 311 in the CCU 305 in order
to compensate for a loss occurring during cable transmission, it is
input to the pre-processing circuit 312.
[0176] On a succeeding stage of the pre-processing circuit 312,
there are an A/D converter 313 and a Y/C separation circuit 314. A
CCD output signal input to the pre-processing circuit 312 is
pre-processed by performing correlation double sampling (CDS) and
sample-and-hold (S/H). The resultant signal is then input to the
A/D converter 313 and converted into a digital signal. The digital
signal is then input to the Y/C separation circuit 314.
[0177] On a succeeding stage of the Y/C separation circuit 314,
there are an RGB matrix circuit 315 and a white balance/black
balance adjustment circuit 316. A digital signal input to the Y/C
separation circuit 314 is recomposed in conformity with the line
sequential system. Digital signals Y, CR, and CB to be propagated
through three channels are separated from one another, and input to
the RGB matrix circuit 315. The digital signals are then converted
into an RGB digital signal. Thereafter, the white balance/black
balance adjustment circuit 316 adjusts the white balance and black
balance of the signal.
[0178] On a succeeding stage of the white balance/black balance
adjustment circuit 316, there are a digital video processing
circuit 317, a D/A converter 318, and a post-processing circuit
319. An RGB digital signal whose balance has been adjusted is
digitally processed through enhancement, gamma correction, and
character convolution performed by the digital video processing
circuit 317. Thereafter, the signal is converted into an analog
signal by the D/A converter 318, and then input to the
post-processing circuit 319. The analog signal that is input to the
post-processing circuit 319 is converted into a standard video
signal and output to the TV monitor 306.
[0179] On the succeeding stage of the digital video processing
circuit 317, there are a memory 320, a JPEG compression circuit
321, and a PC card driver 322. A PC card slot 323 is connected to
the PC card driver 322. A digital signal having undergone various
kinds of signal processing is stored in the memory 320. A PC card
324 having a memory incorporated therein is mounted in the PC card
slot 323. After a digital image signal read from the memory 320 is
compressed by the JPEG compression circuit 321, it is recorded on
the PC card 324 via a PC card driver 322.
[0180] Furthermore, a CPU 325 responsible for various kinds of
control including control of recording of image on the PC card 324,
a connection sensing means 326 for sensing the connected state of
the PC card 324, and a character generator 327 for outputting
medium information that includes the recorded situation of image
data on the PC card 324 and appears as a display screen are
included in the CCU 305. A release switch 329 used to give a
handling instruction (release instruction) for image recording is
formed on the front panel 328 of the CCU 305.
[0181] As shown in FIG. 33, a power switch 330, a connector
receptor 331 to which the camera head 302 is plugged, the PC card
slot 323, and operation switches 332 including the release switch
329 are arranged on the front panel 328 of the CCU 305.
[0182] Referring to FIGS. 32, 34 and 35, the configuration and
operation of an image recording unit for compressing and recording
data of a projected image will be described. An image signal
visualized and processed by the camera head 302 via the scope 303
is output to the TV monitor 306, displayed as an image on the TV
monitor and then stored in the memory 320.
[0183] When the release switch 329 is pressed in order to record an
endoscopic image, the CPU 325 sends a release signal to the memory
320. Image data representing a still image is read from the memory
320. The read image data is compressed by the JPEG compression
circuit 321. The resultant data is sent to and recorded on the PC
card 324 mounted in the PC card slot 323 via the PC card driver
322.
[0184] The JPEG compression circuit 321 is designed to carry out
unilateral encoding based on the discrete cosine transform (DCT).
The JPEG compression circuit 321 consists of a DCT circuit 335, a
quantization circuit 336, a quantization table 337, an entropy
encoder 338 and a Huffman coding table 339. Compression of image
data is carried out as described below.
[0185] Assume that the precision or resolution of input image data
is eight bits. The input image data is divided into blocks each
composed of 8 by 8 pixels. The DCT circuit 335 performs
two-dimensional DCT on a block composed of 8 by 8 pixels.
Thereafter, the quantization circuit 336 linearly quantizes a DCT
coefficient using the quantization table 337 that lists a set of
discrete values in steps whose size is different from coefficient
to coefficient. By modifying the values listed in the quantization
table 337, image quality and a magnitude of encoding can be
controlled. The entropy encoder 338 uses the Huffman coding table
339 to encode image data as entropy. Specifically, a DC component
and AC components of a quantized DCT coefficient are encoded
independently. Resultant code data is output as image data. Herein,
the Huffman coding is adopted as the entropy encoding.
[0186] During image recording, the CPU 325 reads information of a
storage capacity for image data on the PC card 324 and information
of the connected state of the PC card 324 sensed by the connection
sensing means 326. Information of the recorded situation of the
image data on the medium is output. The connected state of the PC
card 324 is sensed by checking a high-level or low-level signal
that is output from the connection sensing means 326 according to
whether or not the PC card 324 is inserted in the PC card slot
323.
[0187] The CPU 325 includes a remaining capacity sensing means for
sensing a remaining storage capacity on the PC card 324, and an
arithmetic calculation means for calculating the number of
recordable images according to the sensed remaining storage
capacity. Medium information including the number of recordable
images, which is output from the CPU 325, is output as character
information from the character generator 327. The character
information is superimposed on an image in a screen on the TV
monitor 306.
[0188] FIG. 36 shows an example of a display screen on the TV
monitor 306. Medium information 342 concerning the connected state
of the PC card 324 and the recorded state of image data on the PC
card 324 is displayed together with an endoscopic image 341
projected by the camera head 302 at, for example, a right lower
corner of the screen on the TV monitor 306. "PC card connected"
indicating that the PC card 324 has been connected normally, and
"The number of remaining images is 3" indicating the number of
images recordable on the PC card 324 are displayed.
[0189] When an endoscopic image is thus recorded using a PC card, a
still image whose quality has little deteriorated can be recorded
and stored at low cost. Moreover, when the image is recorded,
medium information such as the recorded situation of image data on
the PC card can be superimposed on a view image on a monitor. A
user can therefore recognize the connected state of the PC card and
the number of remaining recordable images readily.
[0190] When digital image data is compressed and recorded on a
medium such as a PC card, the number of remaining recordable images
varies depending on a level of compressibility of data or a storage
capacity on a medium. It is therefore hard for a user to grasp the
recorded situation of image data. According to this embodiment,
medium information can be checked accurately. It can be prevented
that recording a necessary image fails because of imperfect
connection of the PC card or an insufficient storage capacity.
Ninth Embodiment
[0191] The ninth embodiment is an example of a configuration where
medium information is displayed on a liquid crystal display
(hereinafter an LCD) on the front panel of a CCU.
[0192] As shown in FIG. 37, the CCU 305 has, in addition with the
components of the eighth embodiment shown in FIG. 32, an LCD 345
formed on the front panel thereof. The CCU 305 also has an LCD
driver 346 for driving the LCD 345 therein. The LCD driver 346 is
connected to the CPU 325 and character generator 327. Character
information of medium information generated by the character
generator 327 is displayed on the LCD 345.
[0193] The components of this embodiment other than the components
relevant to display of medium information and the operation thereof
are identical to those of the eighth embodiment. The description
will be omitted.
[0194] During image recording, the CPU 325 reads information of a
storage capacity for image data on the PC card 324 and information
of the connected state of the PC card sensed by the connection
sensing means 326 in the same manner as that if the eighth
embodiment. The number of recordable images or the like is then
calculated. The information of the recorded situation of image data
on the medium is then output. Medium information such as the number
of recordable images output from the character generator 327 is
output as character information from the character generator 327 to
the LCD driver 346. The medium information is displayed on the LCD
345 on the front panel of the CCU 305.
[0195] FIG. 38 shows an example of an information display on the
LCD 345. Medium information identical to the one in the eighth
embodiment, that is, medium information 347 concerning the
connected state of the PC card and the recorded state of image data
on the PC card 324 is displayed on the LCD 345. "PC card connected"
indicating that the PC card 324 has been connected normally, and
"The number of remaining images is 3" indicating that the number of
remaining images recordable on the PC card 324 are displayed.
[0196] Medium information such as the recorded situation of image
data on a PC card is displayed on the front panel of a CCU or the
like separately from a view image on a monitor. A user can
therefore recognize the connected state of the PC card and the
number of remaining recordable images as readily as he/she can in
the eighth embodiment. Moreover, according to the ninth embodiment,
an endoscopic image alone is displayed on the monitor. The display
of medium information will not hinder viewing of an endoscopic
image. The user can recognize the state of a medium any time
without hampering observation or surgery.
Tenth Embodiment
[0197] The tenth embodiment is an example of a configuration
including an alarming means for displaying medium information only
when it is needed and for giving an alarm to a user.
[0198] The CCU 305 has, in addition to the components of the eighth
embodiment shown in FIG. 32, as shown in FIG. 39, a loudspeaker 351
for alarming. The loudspeaker 351 is connected to a loudspeaker
driver 352 for converting a notification signal output from the CPU
325 into a voice signal. The components of the tenth embodiment
other than the components relevant to the alarming means are
identical to those of the eighth embodiment. The description of the
components will be omitted.
[0199] According to the tenth embodiment, when needed, or
specifically, when the PC card 324 is not mounted normally or the
number of remaining images recordable on the PC card 324 becomes
zero, medium information is displayed or superimposed on an image
in a screen on the TV monitor 306. Thus, a user' attention is
called.
[0200] The CPU 325 calculates the number of recordable images using
information of a storage capacity for image data on the PC card
324, and information of the connected state of the PC card 324
sensed by the connection sensing means 326. When it is necessary to
inform a user of medium information, for example, when image
recording cannot be achieved normally, the medium information is
output to the character generator 327. At the same time, a
notification signal is output to the loudspeaker driver 352. The
medium information sent from the CPU 325 is output as character
information from the character generator 327 and superimposed on an
image in a screen on the TV monitor 306. In addition, an alarming
voice saying, for example, "Replace the PC card with a new one," is
uttered by the loudspeaker 351.
[0201] FIG. 40 shows an example of a display screen on the TV
monitor 306. Medium information 353 concerning the connected state
of the PC card 324 and the recorded state of image data on the PC
card 324 is displayed together with an endoscopic image 341, which
is projected by the camera head 302, at, for example, the right
lower corner of a screen on the TV monitor 306 only when it is
needed. In this example, when the number of images recordable on
the PC card 324 becomes zero, a message saying "The number of
remaining images is zero. Replace the PC card with another." is
displayed in order to prompt a user to replace a medium with
another.
[0202] As mentioned above, only when medium information such as the
recorded situation of image data on the PC card is needed, it is
superimposed on a view image on the monitor or a voice is uttered.
A user can therefore recognize the connected state of the PC card
or the recorded situation of image data readily at a right time
without discontinuing observation or hampering surgery. Thus, a
failure in recording an image, the loss of a necessary image due to
overwriting of a recorded image, or any other mistake can be
prevented from being made during image recording.
[0203] According to a variant concerning notification of medium
information, before the number of recordable images becomes zero,
when the number of recordable images becomes equal to or smaller
than a given value (for example, 2), a display may be provided in
order to inform a user of the fact.
Eleventh Embodiment
[0204] The eleventh embodiment is an example of a configuration
including a reproducing means for reproducing image data of a still
image recorded on a PC card.
[0205] The CCU 305 has, in addition to the components of the eighth
embodiment shown in FIG. 32, a JPEG stretch circuit 335 connected
in parallel to the JPEG compression circuit 321 between the PC card
driver 322 and memory 320. The JPEG stretch circuit 355 processes
data by reversing the procedure followed by the JPEG compression
circuit 321. In other words, the JPEG stretch circuit 355 stretches
image data that has been encoded to be compressed, and thus
restores it to original image data. The components other than the
components relevant to the reproducing means are identical to those
of the eighth embodiment. The description of the components will be
omitted.
[0206] For reproducing image data of a still image recorded on the
PC card 324, image data is read from the PC card 324 via the PC
card driver 323 in response to an instruction sent from the CPU
325. The image data is stretched by the JPEG stretch circuit 355,
and then stored in the memory 320. The stretched image data is read
from the memory 320, and converted into a standard video signal by
the D/A converter 318 and post-processing circuit 319. The
resultant image data is output to and displayed on the TV monitor
306.
[0207] FIG. 42 shows an example of a display screen on the TV
monitor 306. A still image 356 recorded on the PC card 324 is
reproduced and displayed in a screen on the TV monitor 306.
[0208] Since a still image recorded on a PC card can thus be
displayed, a user can check if the recorded image is necessary.
Consequently, unnecessary images can be identified and deleted. A
larger number of necessary images can be recorded on the PC card.
Moreover, a PC card must be replaced with another at a minimum
frequency during an endoscopic examination. The labor of replacing
a medium with another can be minimized, and the cost required for
the running of a medium can be reduced.
Twelfth Embodiment
[0209] The twelfth embodiment is an example of a configuration
including an LED for displaying a releasing frequency on the front
panel of a CCU.
[0210] The CCU 305 has, in addition to the components of the eighth
embodiment shown in FIG. 32, as shown in FIG. 43, an LED 361 for
displaying numerals, such as, a seven-segment display formed on the
front panel thereof. Moreover, a font generator 362 for driving the
LED 361 for display is incorporated in the CCU 305. The font
generator 362 is connected to the CPU 325. Based on information
concerning release performed during image recording, which is
output from the CPU 325, information of a releasing frequency is
indicated with numerals on the LED 361. The components of the
twelfth embodiment other than the components relevant to display of
the releasing frequency are identical to those of the eighth
embodiment. The description of the components will be omitted.
[0211] When the release switch 329 is pressed in order to record an
endoscopic image, the CPU 325 sends a release signal to the memory
320. Image data of a still image is then read from the memory 320.
The read image data is compressed by the JPEG compression circuit
321, and sent to and recorded on the PC card 324 mounted in the PC
card slot 323 via the PC card driver 322. At this time, the CPU 325
sends release information to the font generator 362, and numerals
indicating a releasing frequency are displayed on the LED 361. The
releasing frequency is incremented by one with every release.
[0212] As mentioned above, a display means for displaying medium
information concerning the number of images that are represented by
image data and recordable on the PC card is formed on the front
panel of a CCU or the like. A user can therefore readily recognize
the recorded situation of image data such as the number of
remaining images recordable on the PC card.
[0213] The adaptation of the endoscopic imaging system of this
embodiment is not limited to an endoscope system for surgery in
which a camera head is mounted on a rigid endoscope as described in
conjunction with the previous embodiments. The endoscopic imaging
system can also be adapted to an endoscope system for internal
medicine in which a camera head is mounted on a soft endoscope or
an electronic endoscope having an imaging device incorporated
therein.
[0214] Moreover, the PC card is not limited to a card having a
memory incorporated therein. Even a card to which a compact memory
card such as a smart medium can be detachably attached or a card
having a compact hard disk incorporated therein can be adapted to
the aforesaid embodiments.
[0215] Moreover, the PC card slot to which a PC card is connected
is not limited to a structure formed on the front panel of a CCU.
Alternatively, a structure provided separately from the CCU and
detachably attached thereto will do.
[0216] According to the present invention, it is apparent that a
wide range of different embodiments can be constructed without a
departure from the spirit and scope of the present invention. This
invention is limited to the appended embodiments but not restricted
to any specific embodiments.
* * * * *