U.S. patent application number 13/853908 was filed with the patent office on 2013-09-05 for imaging apparatus, imaging method, and endoscope apparatus.
This patent application is currently assigned to Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba. The applicant listed for this patent is KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA. Invention is credited to Shogo Yamaguchi.
Application Number | 20130229506 13/853908 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46064012 |
Filed Date | 2013-09-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130229506 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Yamaguchi; Shogo |
September 5, 2013 |
Imaging Apparatus, Imaging Method, and Endoscope Apparatus
Abstract
A head separated type imaging apparatus includes a head unit and
a main unit which are separated, the main unit processing an image
signal transmitted from the head unit. The main unit includes a
first communication unit transmitting/receiving data to/from the
head unit via wireless communication, a second communication unit
transmitting/receiving data to/from the head unit via wired
communication, and a control unit detecting whether the second
communication unit is communicable, and continuing, when the first
and second communication units are switched based on a detection
result therefrom, transmission/reception of the data which is
performed before the switching.
Inventors: |
Yamaguchi; Shogo;
(Kawasaki-shi, JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA |
Tokyo |
|
JP |
|
|
Assignee: |
Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
Tokyo
JP
|
Family ID: |
46064012 |
Appl. No.: |
13/853908 |
Filed: |
March 29, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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13111811 |
May 19, 2011 |
|
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13853908 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
348/73 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 1/00016 20130101;
A61B 1/0002 20130101; A61B 1/045 20130101; H04N 5/367 20130101;
H04N 7/18 20130101; H04N 2005/2255 20130101; H04N 5/361 20130101;
A61B 1/00009 20130101; H04N 7/183 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
348/73 |
International
Class: |
H04N 7/18 20060101
H04N007/18 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 24, 2010 |
JP |
2010-261140 |
Claims
1. A head separated type imaging apparatus comprising a head unit
and a main unit which are separated, the main unit processing an
image signal transmitted from the head unit, wherein the head unit
comprises: a rechargeable battery; and a first memory configured to
store correction data of the image signal; and wherein the main
unit comprises: a first terminal configured to connect the head
unit to receive the image signal; a plurality of second terminals
configured to charge the rechargeable battery of the head unit, the
second terminals being provided at positions different from the
first terminal and charge the rechargeable batteries; and a control
unit configured to establish wired communication upon a detection
of a connection of the head unit to one of the plurality of second
terminals, and obtain the correction data from the first memory
during charging of the rechargeable battery.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first memory is configured
to store an identifier; wherein the control unit is configured to
obtain the correction data after obtaining the identifier from the
first memory.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the main unit further
comprises; a counter configured to count number of data transmitted
by the wired communication; and wherein the main unit is configured
to continue transmission/reception of the data based on number of
count of the counter.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the main unit further
comprises; a second memory configured to store initialization data
of the head; and wherein the control unit is configured to transmit
the initialization data stored in the second memory to the head
after obtaining the correction data from the first memory.
5. An operation method using a head separated type imaging
apparatus comprising a head unit and a main unit which are
separated, the main unit processing an image signal transmitted
from the head unit, the method comprising: establishing wired
communication upon a detection of a connection of the head unit to
one of plurality of second terminals configured to charge a
rechargeable battery of the head unit, the second terminals being
provided at positions different from a first terminal configured to
connect the head unit to receive the image signal; and obtaining
correction data of the image signal stored in the head unit during
charging of the rechargeable battery.
6. The method of claim 5, obtaining the correction data after
obtaining an identifier from the first memory.
7. The method of claim 5, wherein the main unit further comprises;
a counter configured to count number of data transmitted by the
wired communication; and continuing transmission/reception of the
data based on number of count of the counter.
8. The method of claim 5, transmitting initialization data stored
in the main unit to the head after obtaining the correction
data.
9. A head separated type endoscope apparatus comprising a head unit
and a main unit which are separated, the head unit including a
scope to be inserted into a subject to be inspected and imaging an
inside of the subject to be inspected and the main unit processing
an image signal transmitted from the head unit, wherein the head
unit comprises: a rechargeable battery; and a first memory
configured to store correction data of the image signal; and
wherein the main unit comprises: a first terminal configured to
connect the head unit to receive the image signal; a plurality of
second terminals configured to charge the rechargeable battery of
the head unit, the second terminals being provided at positions
different from the first terminal and charge the rechargeable
batteries; and a control unit configured to establish wired
communication upon a detection of a connection of the head unit to
one of the plurality of second terminals, and obtain the correction
data from the first memory during charging of the rechargeable
battery.
10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the first memory is
configured to store an identifier; wherein the control unit is
configured to obtain the correction data after obtaining the
identifier from the first memory.
11. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the main unit further
comprises; a counter configured to count number of data transmitted
by the wired communication; and wherein the main unit is configured
to continue transmission/reception of the data based on number of
count of the counter.
12. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the main unit further
comprises; a second memory configured to store initialization data
of the head; and wherein the control unit is configured to transmit
the initialization data stored in the second memory to the head
after obtaining the correction data from the first memory.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation and is based upon and
claims the benefit of priority from U.S. application Ser. No.
13/111,811 and is based upon and claims the benefit of priority
from the prior Japanese Patent Application No. 2010-261140, filed
on Nov. 24, 2010; the entire contents of which are incorporated
herein by reference.
FIELD
[0002] Embodiments described herein relate generally to a head
separated type imaging apparatus including a head unit and a main
unit which are separated, the head unit imaging a subject and the
main unit processing an image signal transmitted from the head
unit, and to an imaging method and an endoscope apparatus.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Among conventional imaging apparatuses, there is one in
which a camera device (head unit) including an image sensor (for
example, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) sensor, a CMOS
(Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) sensor, or the like)
which images a subject is attached detachably to a host device
(main unit). When the camera device is used in a state of being
detached from the host device, the image signal of an image
captured by the camera device is transmitted to the host device via
wireless communication, and when the camera device is used in a
state of being attached to the host device, the image signal of an
image captured by the camera device is transmitted to the host
device via wired communication.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] FIG. 1 is a structural diagram of an endoscope apparatus
according to a first embodiment.
[0005] FIG. 2 is a structural diagram of a head.
[0006] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of correction data.
[0007] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a correcting method.
[0008] FIG. 5 is a structural diagram of a CCU.
[0009] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating operation of the
endoscope apparatus.
[0010] FIG. 7 is a structural diagram of an endoscope apparatus
according to a second embodiment.
[0011] FIG. 8 is a structural diagram of a head.
[0012] FIG. 9 is a structural diagram of a CCU.
[0013] FIG. 10 is a structural diagram of an endoscope apparatus
according to a third embodiment.
[0014] FIG. 11 is a structural diagram of a head.
[0015] FIG. 12 is a structural diagram of a CCU.
[0016] FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating operation of the
endoscope apparatus.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017] An imaging apparatus according to an embodiment is a head
separated type imaging apparatus including a head unit and a main
unit which are separated, the main unit processing an image signal
transmitted from the head unit. The main unit includes a first
communication unit transmitting/receiving data to/from the head
unit via wireless communication, a second communication unit
transmitting/receiving data to/from the head unit via wired
communication, and a control unit detecting whether the second
communication unit is communicable, and continuing, when the first
and second communication units are switched based on a detection
result therefrom, transmission/reception of the data which is
performed before the switching.
[0018] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be
described in detail with reference to the drawings.
First Embodiment
[0019] In a first embodiment, the structure of ahead separated type
endoscope apparatus as an example of an imaging apparatus will be
described. Further, an embodiment using CMOS (Complementary Metal
Oxide Semiconductor) sensors as an image sensor (imaging device)
will be described. However, any other sensor such as a CCD (Charge
Coupled Device) sensor or the like may be used instead of the CMOS
sensors.
[0020] FIG. 1 is a structural diagram of an endoscope apparatus 1
according to the first embodiment. The endoscope apparatus 1
includes a scope 10 provided with an objective lens 10a on a
leading end and inserted into a subject to be inspected, a head 20
transmitting via wireless communication or wired communication an
image signal captured by an image sensor 21 (imaging unit) situated
on an imaging plane of the objective lens 10a, a CCU (camera
control unit) 30 processing the image signal transmitted from the
head 20, a light source 40 for exposing an imaging area, and an
optical fiber 60 for guiding the light from the light source 40 to
a leading end portion of the scope 10. In addition, the scope 10 is
attached detachably to the head 20. A camera cable 50 is a cable
for wired communication between the head 20 and the CCU 30, and
houses signal wires for transmitting/receiving correction data, an
image signal, a control signal, and so on.
(Structure of the Head 20)
[0021] FIG. 2 is a structural diagram of the head 20. The head 20
includes the image sensor 21, a memory 22, a wired communication
unit 23, a wireless communication unit 24, an internal antenna 25,
a transfer control unit 26, a battery 27, a connection terminal T1,
and a charging terminal T2. The image sensor 21 is a three plate
type image sensor, and is made up of a prism 21a separating the
light from the objective lens 10a into three colors of R (red), G
(Green), and B (Blue), and CMOS sensors 21b to 21d converting the
light separated into the colors of R, G, B to electric signals. The
three plate type image sensor has a characteristic in that it
excels in color reproducibility because this sensor retains
information of RGB for every pixel. The image sensor 21 is a color
image sensor corresponding to full HD (high definition).
[0022] The image sensor 21 may be a single plate type instead of
the three plate type. The single plate type image sensor has a
color filter on each pixel of a CMOS sensor, and separates an
electric signal outputted from the CMOS sensor into R, G, B signals
in a circuit. This sensor has a characteristic in that it can be
produced inexpensively because it is unnecessary to adhere the
prism and the CMOS sensor to each other. In addition, examples of
the array of color filters include color difference line sequential
array and Bayer array. However, in the first embodiment it is not
limited to the color difference line sequential array and Bayer
array, and any one of various array types can be used.
[0023] The memory 22 is a non-volatile memory which is electrically
rewritable (for example, a flash memory or the like) in which
correction data (correction information) and setting conditions
(for example, frame rate, gain, sensitivity, and so on) of the
image sensor 21, ID (identifier), and so on are stored. In
addition, for the memory storing the correction data, the setting
conditions, and so on, any memory other than the flash memory may
be used as long as it is rewritable.
(Correction Data)
[0024] In the image sensor 21, there exist two types of noise
called fixed pattern noise (FPN) and random noise. In the first
embodiment, correction data (correction information) of the fixed
pattern noise are stored in advance in the memory 22 of the head
20. The correction data are transferred from the head 20 to the CCU
30 when the endoscope apparatus 1 is activated, and the image
signal transmitted from the image sensor 21 is corrected using the
transferred correction data.
[0025] Among the fixed pattern noise, there are base noise whose
level (intensity) does not change due to external environment (for
example, temperature and luminance) and defect noise (for example,
white spot and black spot) whose level changes due to the external
environment. In the memory 22, correction data for these two types
of noise are stored. The respective correction data for the base
noise and the defect noise will be described below.
(Correction Data for the Base Noise)
[0026] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of correction data for the
base noise. The base noise generates constant noise irrespective of
the external environment. Accordingly, the base noise of the CMOS
sensors provided in the image sensor 21 is measured in advance for
every pixel, and correction data which cancel out the base noise as
illustrated in FIG. 3 are stored for every pixel in the memory 22.
The correction data of the base noise are stored in the memory 22
in the order of addresses of the pixels.
(Correction Data for Defective Pixels)
[0027] A white spot as defect noise refers to a pixel defect such
that pixel data with values higher than those which should be
originally outputted are outputted, and the pixel corresponding to
the light receiving element thereof appears to be white, and occurs
mainly due to a dark current. The dark current refers to a weak
current which flows in the CMOS sensors even when no light is
radiated, and occurs mainly due to a thermal factor or insulation
failure. When the dark current is large, it causes noise in the
image.
[0028] Further, a black spot as defect noise refers to a pixel
defect such that pixel data with values lower than those which
should be originally outputted are outputted, and the pixel
corresponding to the light receiving element thereof appears to be
black, and occurs mainly due to dust in the CMOS sensors. It is a
failure which occurs when the dust blocks the light to be incident
on pixels of the CMOS sensors or when circuits of the CMOS sensors
are short circuited.
[0029] Among all the pixels of the CMOS sensors provided in the
image sensor 21, addresses at which pixel defects such as white
spot and black spot have occurred are stored in the memory 22 as
correction data for defective pixels. FIG. 4 is an explanatory
diagram of a method for correcting a defective pixel. As
illustrated in FIG. 4, correction of defective pixels is performed
such that image signals of both left and right adjacent pixels of a
defective pixel are added and the added value is divided by two,
and the resultant value is designated as an image signal of the
defective pixel, thereby correcting the image signal of the
defective pixel.
[0030] As described above, the following information is stored as
the correction data in the memory 22. Further, when the correction
data stored in this memory 22 are read, they are read in the order
of 1.fwdarw.2.fwdarw.3.
1: The number of correction data. 2: Correction data (plural data)
of base noise. 3: Correction data (plural data) of defective
pixels.
[0031] Here, as the correction data of the base noise, correction
data of respective pixels of the CMOS sensors of the image sensor
21 are stored together with addresses in the order of addresses of
the pixels, and as the correction data of the defective pixels,
addresses of the defective pixels are stored in the order of
addresses of the pixels.
[0032] The wired communication unit 23 includes a serializer, an
LVDS (low voltage differential signaling) conversion circuit, and
so on, and transmits the correction data stored in the memory 22
and the image signal outputted from the image sensor 21 to the CCU
30 via the camera cable 50 connected to the connection terminal T1.
Further, the communication unit receives initialization data (for
example, resolution, clock, mode, and so on) transmitted from the
CCU 30, which will be described later. In addition, the image
signal is transmitted as a digital signal as it is to the CCU
30.
[0033] The wireless communication unit 24 transmits the correction
data stored in the memory 22 and the image signal outputted from
the image sensor 21 to the CCU 30 via the internal antenna 25.
Further, the communication unit receives initialization data
transmitted from the CCU 30, which will be described later. In
addition, for the wireless communication, for example, methods
defined by IEEE802.11a/b/g/n and Wireless HD can be used.
[0034] A transfer control unit 26 transfers the correction data and
data of image signal, and the like to the CCU 30 based on an
instruction from the CCU 30.
[0035] The battery 27 is a power source supplying power to
respective circuits (image sensor 21, memory 22, wired
communication unit 23, wireless communication unit 24, internal
antenna 25, transfer control unit 26, and so on) provided in the
head 20. The battery 27 is charged by an external power source (for
example, a wall outlet) connected to the charging terminal T2. In
addition, power lines for supplying power to the head 20 may be
housed in the camera cable 50, and the battery 27 may be charged by
power supplied via this camera cable 50.
(Structure of the CCU 30)
[0036] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the structure of the CCU
30. The CCU includes a connection terminal T3, a wired
communication unit 31, an internal antenna 32, a wireless
communication unit 33, an image signal processing circuit 34, an
image output circuit 35, a system control circuit 36, a power
supply circuit 37, and a communication establishment determining
unit 38. To the connection terminal T3, the camera cable 50 is
connected.
[0037] The wired communication unit 31 includes a deserializer 31b
and an LVDS conversion circuit 31b. When power of the CCU 30 is
turned on, the wired communication unit 31 starts establishing
communication with the wired communication unit 23 of the head 20
and outputs, when the communication is established, the correction
signal transmitted from the head 20 via the camera cable 50 to the
system control circuit 36 and the image signal to the image signal
processing circuit 34. Further, the wired communication unit 31
transmits a control signal and initialization data, which will be
described later, outputted from the system control circuit 36 to
the head 20 via the camera cable 50 connected to the connection
terminal T3.
[0038] When power of the CCU 30 is turned on, the wireless
communication unit 33 starts establishing communication with the
wireless communication unit 24 of the head 20 and outputs, when the
communication is established, the correction signal received via
the internal antenna 32 to the system control circuit 36 and the
image signal to the image signal processing circuit 34. Further,
the wireless communication unit 33 transmits the control signal and
initialization data outputted from the system control circuit 36 to
the head 20 via the internal antenna 32. Here, when wireless
communication is established, the wireless communication unit 33
transmits a signal periodically to the wireless communication unit
24 of the head 20, and maintains the state that the wireless
communication with the wireless communication unit 24 is
established.
[0039] The image signal processing circuit 34 includes an image
signal processing unit 34a and a synchronous signal generating unit
34b. The image signal processing unit 34a processes the image
signal outputted from the wired communication unit 31 and outputs
the processed signal to the image output circuit 35. The image
signal processing unit 34a sorts image signals outputted from the
wired communication unit 31 in the order of the addresses of
pixels, and thereafter corrects the image signals based on the
correction data read from the memory 22 of the head 20 and stored
in a memory 36a by an MPU 36c, which will be described later.
(Correction of the Base Noise)
[0040] The image signal processing unit 34a sorts the image signals
in the order of addresses, and thereafter adds the correction data
stored in the memory 36a to image signals having the same
addresses, to thereby correct the image signals. The correction
data stored in the memory 36a by the MPU 36c are created to cancel
out the base noise of the CMOS sensors provided in the image sensor
21, and thus image signals can be corrected by adding the
correction data to the image signals having the same addresses.
(Correction of the Defective Pixel Noise)
[0041] The image signal processing unit 34a recognizes an image
signal of a defective pixel from the addresses of defective pixels
stored in the memory 36a, adds image signals of both left and right
adjacent pixels of this defective pixel and divides the added value
by two, and designates the resultant value as the image signal of
the defective pixel. The image signal of the defective pixel is
corrected.
[0042] The image signal processing unit 34a performs enhancement
processing such as de-mosaicking processing, knee correction, gamma
correction, detail or matrix processing, or the like on the image
signal after correction, and inputs the resultant signal to the
image output circuit 35.
[0043] The synchronous signal generating unit 34b generates a
synchronous signal used for imaging with the image sensor 21. The
synchronous signal is generated at predetermined intervals
corresponding to a set frame rate. The generated synchronous signal
is outputted to the MPU 36c, and is transmitted from the wired
communication unit 31 or the wireless communication unit 33 to the
head 20.
[0044] The image output circuit 35 includes a D/A converter 35a and
a DVI (digital visual interface) transmitter 35b, and outputs an
image signal processed in the image signal processing circuit 34 to
an external monitor (not illustrated) as an analog and digital RGB
(red, green, blue) signals. In addition, the image output circuit
may include an HD-SDI (high definition serial digital interface)
transmitter or an HD-DVI (high definition digital visual interface)
instead of the DVI transmitter 35b.
[0045] The system control circuit 36 includes the memory 36a, an
OSD (on-screen display) controller 36b, the MPU (micro processing
unit) 36c, a receiving unit 36d, and an operation accepting unit
36e, and controls the entire endoscope apparatus 1. The memory 36a
is an EEPROM which is electrically rewritable. The memory 36a
stores setting conditions (for example, exposure period, gain, and
so on) of the CCU 30, initialization data of the head 20, and the
number of initialization data (hereinafter referred to as
initialization data number).
[0046] The exposure period is a parameter for adjusting the
brightness of an image captured by the image sensor 21, and is
equivalent to a shutter speed. As the exposure period, it will
suffice to have a few types (for example, 1/240 seconds, 1/120
seconds, and the like). Setting of this exposure period can be
changed through an external PC (personal computer) or operation
keys, which will be described later.
[0047] For the memory storing these setting conditions, any memory
other than the EEPROM may be used as long as it is rewritable. The
OSD controller 36b displays text data, bit map, and/or the like in
a superposed manner on the image of an image signal processed in
the image signal processing unit 34a.
[0048] The MPU 36c controls the head 20, the CCU 30, and the light
source 40 based on a remote control signal received in the
receiving unit 36d, a processing content accepted in the operation
accepting unit, and set information stored in the memory 36a.
(Transfer of the Correction Data)
[0049] Further, the MPU 36c specifies whether to transmit data via
wired communication or via wireless communication, and instructs
the transfer control unit 26 of the head 20 to transmit ID and
correction data stored in the memory 22 of the head 20. The MPU 36c
stores the ID and the correction data transmitted from the transfer
control unit 26 of the head 20 in the memory 36a.
[0050] First, the MPU 36c instructs the transfer control unit 26 to
transmit the ID stored in the memory 22 of the head 20, and stores
the transmitted ID in the memory 36a. Then, the MPU 36c instructs
the transfer control unit 26 to transmit the correction data number
stored in the memory 22 of the head 20, and stores the transmitted
correction data number in the memory 36a.
[0051] Furthermore, the MPU 36c instructs the transfer control unit
26 to transmit the correction data of base noise and the address of
a pixel from the memory 22 of the head 20, and stores the
transmitted correction data of base noise and the transmitted
address of a pixel in the memory 36a.
[0052] Next, the MPU 36c instructs the transfer control unit 26 to
transmit correction data (address of a pixel) of a defective pixel
from the memory 22 of the head 20, and stores the transmitted
correction data of a defective pixel in the memory 36a of the CCU
30. The MPU 36c stores read-out correction data of pixel defect
noise (addresses of defective pixels) in the order of reading them
out, that is, the order of addresses.
[0053] Here, the MPU 36c increments the value of an internal
counter every time the transmitted correction data are stored in
the memory 36a, and at the point the value of this internal counter
becomes equal to the correction data number in the memory 22, the
MPU determines that reading of the correction data is finished and
resets the value of the internal counter.
(Transfer of the Initialization Data)
[0054] The MPU 36c further transmits the initialization data stored
in the memory 36a to the head 20 via the wired communication unit
31 or the wireless communication unit 33. The transmitted
initialization data are stored in the memory 22 by the transfer
control unit 26. Here, the MPU 36c increments the value of an
internal counter every time the initialization data are read out
and transmitted to the head 20, and at the point the value of this
internal counter becomes equal to the initialization data number
stored in the memory 36a, the MPU determines that transmission of
the initialization data is finished and resets the value of the
internal counter.
[0055] In addition, generally wired communication has a fast
transmission speed and high stability of communication compared to
wireless communication. Thus, the MPU 36c uses wired communication
in priority when both wireless communication and wired
communication are established.
[0056] The receiving unit 36d receives the control signal for
remote control which is transmitted from an external PC or the
like, and outputs the received signal to the MPU 36c. In addition,
communication with the external PC is performed via an RS232-C
serial port. The operation accepting unit 36e accepts processing
operated by an external operation key, and outputs the accepted
processing to the MPU 36c. Examples of the operation to be accepted
by the operation accepting unit 36e include an operation about
performing/not performing correction of an image signal (ON/OFF
operation of correction), and an operation of a set value of
gain.
[0057] The power supply circuit 37 converts externally supplied
power into a predetermined voltage, and supplies the converted
voltage to respective circuits in the CCU 30. Further, the power is
also supplied to the head 20 via the camera cable 50 connected to
the connection terminal T3.
[0058] The communication establishment determining unit 38
determines whether wired communication and wireless communication
are established with the head 20 or not. Various methods can be
used for determining this establishment of communication in the
communication establishment determining unit 38. For example, in
the first embodiment, LVDS is used when an image signal is
transmitted via wired communication. In the LVDS the image signal
is transmitted by differential signals, and thus it is possible to
determine whether wired communication is established or not between
the wired communication unit 31 and the wired communication unit 23
of the head 20 from the presence of voltage between two
transmission paths.
[0059] Upon establishment of wired communication from a state that
wired communication is not established, the communication
establishment determining unit 38 outputs a "wired communication
establishment signal" to the MPU 36c of the system control circuit
36. Further, when changing from the state that the wired
communication is established to a state that the wired
communication is not established, the communication establishment
determining unit 38 outputs a "wired communication disconnection
signal" to the MPU 36c of the system control circuit 36.
[0060] Further, when establishment of communication in wireless
communication is to be determined, for example, data transmission
for confirming connection defined by IEEE8020.11a/b/g/n or Wireless
HD is performed, and then whether wireless communication is
established or not between the wireless communication unit 33 and
the wireless communication unit 24 of the head 20 can be determined
by whether there are response data (Ack) from the wireless
communication unit 24 of the head 20 or not.
[0061] Upon establishment of wireless communication from a state
that wireless communication is not established, the communication
establishment determining unit 38 outputs a "wireless communication
establishment signal" to the MPU 36c of the system control circuit
36. Further, when changing from the state that the wireless
communication is established to a state that the wireless
communication is not established, the communication establishment
determining unit 38 outputs a "wireless communication disconnection
signal" to the MPU 36c of the system control circuit 36.
[0062] The light source 40 includes a lamp and a lens. Further, the
optical fiber 60 is connected to the light source 40. The lamp is,
for example, a xenon lamp and emits light for exposing the imaging
area of the image sensor 21. The lens guides the light emitted from
the lamp into the optical fiber 60. The light guided into the
optical fiber 60 is led to the leading end portion of the scope 10
for exposing the imaging area of the image sensor 21.
(Operation of the Endoscope Apparatus 1 when Activated)
[0063] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating operation of the
endoscope apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment.
Hereinafter, the operation of the endoscope apparatus 1 according
to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 6.
Note that in the following description, the operation of the
endoscope apparatus 1 will be described taking an example that one
of wired communication and wireless communication is established.
Further, in FIG. 6, the initialization data are transferred after
transferring the correction data, but the correction data may be
transferred after the initialization data are transferred.
(Step S101)
[0064] When power of the CCU 30 is turned on, the MPU 36c resets
the image signal processing circuit 34 and the image output circuit
35. The reset mentioned here is, specifically, initialization of
image processing setting. Further, the light source 40 turns on the
lamp based on a control signal from the MPU 36c. The light from the
lamp is guided into the optical fiber 60 and is radiated via the
leading end portion of the scope 10 for exposing the imaging area
of the image sensor 21.
(Step S102)
[0065] The MPU 36c reads out the setting conditions (for example,
exposure period, gain, and so on) of the CCU 30 from the memory
36a, and changes the set values of the image signal processing
circuit 34 and the image output circuit 35 to the values read from
the memory 36a.
(Step S103)
[0066] The wired communication unit 31 of the CCU 30 starts
communication with the wired communication unit 23 of the head 20.
Further, the wireless communication unit 33 of the CCU 30 starts
communication with the wireless communication unit 24 of the head
20. The communication establishment determining unit 38 outputs the
"wired communication establishment signal" when the communication
between the wired communication unit 31 of the CCU 30 and the wired
communication unit 23 of the head 20 is established. Further, the
communication establishment determining unit 38 outputs the
"wireless communication establishment signal" when the
communication between the wireless communication unit 33 of the CCU
30 and the wireless communication unit 24 of the head 20 is
established.
(Step S104)
[0067] The MPU 36c determines which of wired communication and
wireless communication is established based on the "wired
communication establishment signal" or the "wireless communication
establishment signal" outputted from the communication
establishment determining unit 38.
(Step S105)
[0068] The MPU 36c starts obtaining the correction data from the
memory 22 of the head 20 when the "wired communication
establishment signal" or the "wireless communication establishment
signal" is outputted from the communication establishment
determining unit 38. At this time, when the "wired communication
establishment signal" is outputted from the communication
establishment determining unit 38, the MPU 36c instructs the
transfer control unit 26 to transmit the correction data from the
memory 22 of the head 20 via wired communication. On the other
hand, when the "wireless communication establishment signal" is
outputted from the communication establishment determining unit 38,
the MPU 36c instructs the transfer control unit 26 to transmit the
correction data from the memory 22 of the head 20 via wireless
communication.
(Step S106)
[0069] First, the MPU 36c instructs the transfer control unit 26 to
transmit the ID and the correction data number, and stores the
transmitted ID and correction data number in the memory 36a.
[0070] Next, the MPU 36c instructs the transfer control unit 26 to
sequentially transmit the correction data, and stores the
transmitted correction data in the memory 36a. At this time, the
MPU 36c increments the value of the internal counter every time a
piece of the correction data is stored in the memory 22.
(Step S107)
[0071] The MPU 36c determines whether the piece of the correction
data stored in step S106 is the last piece of the correction data
or not. Specifically, the MPU 36c determines whether or not the
value of the internal counter is equal to the correction data
number stored in the memory 36a.
[0072] When the value of the internal counter is not equal to the
correction data number stored in the memory 36a (No in Step S107),
the MPU 36c repeats the operation of step S105 to step S107 until
the value of the internal counter becomes equal to the correction
data number stored in the memory 36a.
(Step S108)
[0073] When the value of the internal counter is equal to the
correction data number stored in the memory 36a (Yes in Step S107),
the MPU 36c reads out the initialization data (for example,
resolution, clock, mode, and so on) from the memory 36a and
transmits the read data to the head 20. The initialization data
transmitted to the head 20 are stored in the memory 22 by the
transfer control unit 26.
(Step S109)
[0074] The MPU 36c increments the value of the internal counter
every time a piece of the initialization data is transferred.
(Step S110)
[0075] The MPU 36c determines whether the piece of the
initialization data transferred in the step S108 is the last piece
of the initialization data or not. Specifically, the MPU 36c
determines whether or not the value of the internal counter is
equal to the initialization data number stored in the memory
36a.
[0076] When the value of the internal counter is not equal to the
initialization data number stored in the memory 36a (No in Step
S110), the MPU 36c repeats the operation of step S108 to step S110
until the value of the internal counter becomes equal to the
initialization data number stored in the memory 36a.
[0077] When the value of the internal counter is equal to the
initialization data number stored in the memory 36a (Yes in Step
S110), the MPU 36c proceeds to the next step.
(Step S111)
[0078] The synchronous signal generating unit 34b generates a
synchronous signal and transmits the generated synchronous signal
to the head 20 at predetermined time intervals.
(Step S112)
[0079] Upon reception of the synchronous signal transmitted from
the synchronous signal generating unit 34b, the image sensor 21
accumulates a charge in a phototransistor for every scanning line,
converts the accumulated charges in respective phototransistors
into voltages, and amplifies and reads out the voltages.
(Step S113)
[0080] The charges accumulated in the respective phototransistors
of the image sensor 21 are converted into voltages for every
scanning line, and thereafter amplified, read out, and transmitted
to the CCU 30 as an image signal.
(Step S114)
[0081] The image signal processing unit 34a of the image signal
processing circuit 34 performs sorting of pixel information in the
image signal transmitted from the head 20, and performs correction
on this sorted image signal. The image signal processing unit 34a
corrects the image signal based on the correction data stored in
the memory 36a. Furthermore, the image signal processing unit 34a
performs enhancement processing and/or the like on the image signal
after correction, and then outputs the processed image signal to
the image output circuit 35.
(Step S115)
[0082] The image output circuit 35 outputs the image signal
outputted from the image signal processing unit 34a to an external
monitor (not illustrated) as an analog and digital RGB (red, green,
blue) signals, and a corrected image is displayed on this
monitor.
(Operation of the Endoscope Apparatus 1 when Transferring Data)
[0083] Next, operation of the endoscope apparatus 1 when
transferring data according to the first embodiment will be
described with respect to the following three cases.
Case 1: Wireless communication is established, and then wired
communication is established. Case 2: Wired communication is
established, and then wireless communication is established. Case
3: Wired communication is established and then wireless
communication is established, and thereafter the wired
communication is disconnected.
(Case 1)
[0084] The case 1 will be described. As the situation that wireless
communication is established and then wired communication is
established, for example, it is conceivable that the endoscope
apparatus 1 is activated in a state that the camera cable 50 is
removed, and thereafter the head 20 and the CCU 30 are connected by
the camera cable 50.
[0085] When wireless communication is established first in step
S103 of FIG. 6, the communication establishment determining unit 38
outputs the "wireless communication establishment signal". The MPU
36c determines that wireless communication is established based on
the "wireless communication establishment signal" outputted from
the communication establishment determining unit 38, and instructs
the transfer control unit 26 to transmit the ID and the correction
data via wireless communication.
[0086] When wired communication is established and the
communication establishment determining unit 38 outputs the "wired
communication establishment signal" while the ID and the correction
data are obtained via wireless communication, the MPU 36c
determines that wired communication is established based on the
"wired communication establishment signal" outputted from the
communication establishment determining unit 38, and instructs the
transfer control unit 26 to switch the communication with the head
20 from wireless communication to wired communication.
[0087] The MPU 36c instructs the transfer control unit 26 to
transmit the ID via wired communication. The MPU 36c determines
whether the ID transmitted from the transfer control unit 26 and
the ID obtained when the wired communication is established are the
same or not. When the IDs are the same, the MPU 36c determines to
what point the correction data have been transferred from the value
of the internal counter, and instructs the transfer control unit 26
to transfer the rest of the correction data via wired
communication. Further, when the IDs are not the same, the MPU 36c
resets the value of the internal counter, and instructs the
transfer control unit 26 to transfer the correction data from the
beginning.
[0088] Although the operation when the correction data are
transferred has been described above, note that operation when the
initialization data and the image signal are transferred is the
same. That is, when wired communication is established while the
initialization data are transferred, the MPU 36c switches the
communication with the head 20 from wireless communication to wired
communication, determines to what point the initialization data
have been transferred from the value of the internal counter, and
transfers the rest of the initialization data via wired
communication. Further, when wired communication is established
while the image signal is transferred, the MPU 36c instructs the
transfer control unit 26 to switch the communication with the head
20 from wireless communication to wired communication and transmit
the image signal via wired communication.
(Case 2)
[0089] The case 2 will be described. As the situation that wired
communication is established and then wireless communication is
established, for example, it is conceivable that the endoscope
apparatus 1 is activated in a state that the camera cable 50 is
attached. Generally, wired communication is faster in communication
speed than wireless communication, and thus it is conceivable that
the wired communication is established first when the endoscope
apparatus 1 is activated in a state that the camera cable 50 is
attached.
[0090] When wired communication is established first in step S103
of FIG. 6, the communication establishment determining unit 38
outputs the "wired communication establishment signal". The MPU 36c
determines that wired communication is established based on the
"wired communication establishment signal" outputted from the
communication establishment determining unit 38, and instructs the
transfer control unit 26 to transmit the ID and the correction data
via wired communication. When wireless communication is established
while the ID and the correction data are transmitted via wired
communication, the communication establishment determining unit 38
outputs the "wireless communication establishment signal".
[0091] The MPU 36c determines that wireless communication is
established based on the "wireless communication establishment
signal" outputted from the communication establishment determining
unit 38. However, since the wired communication is faster in
communication speed and higher in stability of communication than
the wireless communication, the MPU 36c continues transmission of
the correction data via wired communication without switching the
communication.
[0092] Although the operation when the correction data are
transferred has been described above, note that operation when the
initialization data and the image signal are transferred is the
same. That is, when wireless communication is established while the
initialization data or image signal is transferred, the
communication is not switched, and transfer of the rest of the
initialization data or image signal is continued via wired
communication without switching the communication.
(Case 3)
[0093] The case 3 will be described. As the situation that wired
communication is established and then wireless communication is
established, and thereafter the wired communication is
disconnected, for example, it is conceivable that the endoscope
apparatus 1 is activated in a state that the camera cable 50 is
attached, and thereafter the camera cable 50 is removed.
[0094] When wired communication is established first in step S103
of FIG. 6, the communication establishment determining unit 38
outputs the "wired communication establishment signal". The MPU 36c
determines that wired communication is established based on the
"wired communication establishment signal" outputted from the
communication establishment determining unit 38, and instructs the
transfer control unit 26 to transmit the ID and the correction data
via wired communication. When wireless communication is established
while the ID and the correction data are transmitted via wired
communication, the communication establishment determining unit 38
outputs the "wireless communication establishment signal".
[0095] The MPU 36c determines that wireless communication is
established based on the "wireless communication establishment
signal" outputted from the communication establishment determining
unit 38. However, since the wired communication is faster in
communication speed and higher in stability of communication than
the wireless communication, the MPU 36c continues transfer of the
rest of the correction data via wired communication without
switching the communication.
[0096] Thereafter, when the camera cable 50 is removed while the
correction data are transferred, the communication establishment
determining unit 38 detects the disconnection of wired
communication and outputs the "wired communication disconnection
signal". The MPU 36c determines that the wired communication is
disconnected based on the "wired communication disconnection
signal" outputted from the communication establishment determining
unit 38, and switches the communication with the head 20 from wired
communication to wireless communication.
[0097] After the communication is switched, the MPU 36c instructs
the transfer control unit 26 to transmit the ID via wireless
communication. The MPU 36c determines whether the ID transmitted
from the transfer control unit 26 and the ID obtained when the
wired communication is established are the same or not. When the
IDs are the same, the MPU 36c determines to what point the
correction data have been transferred from the value of the
internal counter, and instructs the transfer control unit 26 to
transfer the rest of the correction data via wireless
communication. Further, when the IDs are not the same, the MPU 36c
resets the value of the internal counter, and instructs the
transfer control unit 26 to transfer the correction data from the
beginning.
[0098] Although the operation when the correction data are
transferred has been described above, note that operation when the
initialization data and the image signal are transferred is the
same. That is, when wired communication is disconnected while the
initialization data are transferred, the MPU 36c switches the
communication with the head 20 from wired communication to wireless
communication, determines to what point the initialization data
have been transferred from the value of the internal counter, and
transfers the rest of the initialization data via wireless
communication. Further, when wired communication is disconnected
while the image signal is transferred, the MPU 36c instructs the
transfer control unit 26 to switch the communication with the head
20 from wired communication to wireless communication and transmit
the image signal via wireless communication.
[0099] As has been described, since the endoscope apparatus 1
according to the first embodiment stores to what point the
correction data and the initialization data are transferred by
using the counter, it is unnecessary to start over the transfer of
the correction data and the initialization data from the beginning
when the communication state is switched from wireless
communication to wired communication or switched from wired
communication to wireless communication, allowing efficient
transfer of data.
[0100] Further, the endoscope apparatus 1 according to the first
embodiment uses wired communication in priority. Generally, wired
communication has a fast transmission speed and high stability of
communication compared to wireless communication. Thus, by using
wired communication in priority, the communication speed and the
stability can be secured.
[0101] Furthermore, since the state that wireless communication is
established is maintained even when wired communication is
established first, the communication can be switched immediately to
the wireless communication to continue transfer of data when the
wired communication is disconnected while the data are
transmitted.
[0102] In addition, in the above description, although
establishment of wired communication and wireless communication is
started from the CCU 30 side, it may be structured such that
establishment of wired communication and wireless communication is
started from the head 20 side.
Second Embodiment
[0103] In a second embodiment, an embodiment will be described
which transfers the correction data and the initialization data in
different file formats via wired communication and wireless
communication. Note that the same components as those of the
endoscope apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment which are
described with FIG. 1, FIG. 2, and FIG. 5 are denoted by the same
numerals, and duplicated descriptions are omitted.
[0104] FIG. 7 is a structural diagram illustrating an endoscope
apparatus 2 according to the second embodiment. As illustrated in
FIG. 7, the endoscope apparatus 2 according to the second
embodiment is different in structure from the endoscope apparatus 1
according to the first embodiment described with FIG. 1 in that it
includes a head 20A and a CCU 30A.
[0105] FIG. 8 is a structural diagram of the head 20A provided in
the endoscope apparatus 2 according to the second embodiment. As
illustrated in FIG. 8, the head 20A of the endoscope apparatus 2
according to the second embodiment is different from the head 20 of
the endoscope apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment in that
it includes a coding/decoding unit 28.
[0106] The coding/decoding unit 28 of the head 20A lossless
compresses the correction data and data of the image signal to be
transferred from the memory 22 to the CCU 30A based on an
instruction from the transfer control unit 26. Further, the
coding/decoding unit 28 decodes the initialization data transferred
from the CCU 30A to the memory 22 based on an instruction from the
transfer control unit 26.
[0107] Specifically, when the correction data and data of the image
signal are transferred to the CCU 30A using wireless communication,
the transfer control unit 26 instructs the coding/decoding unit 28
to lossless compress (code) the correction data and data of the
image signal to be transferred to the CCU 30A, and the transfer
control unit 26 transfers the correction data and data of the image
signal which are lossless compressed in the coding/decoding unit 28
to the head 20A. Further, when the initialization data are
transmitted from the CCU 30A using wireless communication, the
transfer control unit 26 instructs the coding/decoding unit 28 to
decode the lossless compressed initialization data to return them
to the data before being compressed, and stores the decoded
initialization data in the memory 22.
[0108] FIG. 9 is a structural diagram of the CCU 30A provided in
the endoscope apparatus 2 according to the second embodiment. As
illustrated in FIG. 9, the CCU is different from the CCU 30 of the
endoscope apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment in that a
system control circuit 36A provided in the CCU 30A of the endoscope
apparatus 2 according to the second embodiment includes a
coding/decoding unit 36f.
[0109] The coding/decoding unit 36f of the CCU 30A lossless
compresses the initialization data to be transferred from the
memory 36a to the head 20A based on an instruction from the MPU
36c. Further, the coding/decoding unit 36f decodes the lossless
compressed correction data and data of the image signal transferred
from the head 20A based on an instruction from the MPU 36c.
[0110] Specifically, when transmitting the initialization data to
the head 20A using wireless communication, the MPU 36c instructs
the coding/decoding unit 36f to lossless compress the
initialization data to be transmitted, and transmits the
initialization data lossless compressed in the coding/decoding unit
36f to the head 20. Further, when the correction data and data of
the image signal are transmitted to the CCU 30A using wireless
communication, the MPU instructs the coding/decoding unit 36f to
decode the correction data and data of the image signal to return
them to the data before being compressed, and stores the decoded
correction data and data of the image signal in a memory 236a.
[0111] As described above, when data (correction data,
initialization data, and image signal data) are transferred via
wireless communication, the endoscope apparatus 2 according to the
second embodiment transfers lossless compressed data. Generally,
wireless communication has a slow communication speed compared to
wired communication, but while performing wireless communication,
the volume of data is reduced by lossless compressing the data to
be transferred, and thus the time taken for data transfer can be
shortened.
Third Embodiment
[0112] FIG. 10 is a structural diagram of an endoscope apparatus 3
according to a third embodiment. Hereinafter, the endoscope
apparatus 3 according to the third embodiment will be described.
The same components as those of the endoscope apparatus 1 according
to the first embodiment which are described with FIG. 1, FIG. 2,
and FIG. 5 are denoted by the same numerals, and duplicated
descriptions are omitted.
[0113] The endoscope apparatus 3 according to the third embodiment
includes a plurality of heads 20a, 20b, and a CCU 30B used in
common between the heads 20a, 20b. The CCU 30B includes a plurality
of terminals 30a, 30b for charging batteries provided in the heads
20a, 20b, and performs transfer of the correction data and the
initialization data while the batteries of the heads 20a, 20b
connected to the terminals 30a, 30b are charged.
[0114] Here, in the third embodiment, the head in use (head 20a in
FIG. 10) communicates with the CCU 30B via wireless communication,
and the other head (head 20b in FIG. 10) is connected to one of the
terminals 30a, 30b of the CCU 30B to have the battery charged.
[0115] FIG. 11 is a structural diagram of the head 20a. Note that
the heads 20a, 20b have the same structure, and thus only the head
20a will be described here. As illustrated in FIG. 11, the head 20a
of the endoscope apparatus 3 according to the third embodiment is
different from the head 20 of the endoscope apparatus 1 according
to the first embodiment described with FIG. 2 in that it includes a
terminal T3 combining a connection terminal for the wired
communication unit 23 and a charging terminal for the battery 27.
By connecting this terminal T3 to one of the terminals 30a, 30b of
the CCU 30B, it becomes possible to perform wired communication
with the CCU 30B and to charge the battery 27. In addition, IDs
(identifiers) different from each other are stored in the memories
22 of the heads 20a, 20b, respectively.
[0116] Further, the connection terminal for the wired communication
unit 23 and the charging terminal for the battery 27 need not
necessarily be combined, and can be structured of separate
terminals as long as they have shapes such that contacts with both
the terminals are made when the head is brought into contact with
the CCU 30B.
[0117] FIG. 12 is a structural diagram of the CCU 30B. As
illustrated in FIG. 12, the CCU 30B includes the plurality of
terminals 30a, 30b and a connection detecting circuit 39. Each of
the terminals 30a, 30b is a terminal combining a connection
terminal for the wired communication unit 31 and a charging
terminal for the battery 27 provided in the head 20a, 20b. Each of
the terminals 30a, 30b is connected to the wired communication unit
31 and the power supply circuit 37, and when the terminal T3 of the
head 20a, 20b is connected thereto, it becomes possible to perform
wired communication with the head 20a, 20b and charge the battery
27 of the head 20a, 20b.
[0118] The connection detecting circuit 39 detects connection of
the head 20a, 20b to the terminal 30a, 30b. When the terminal T3 of
the head 20a, 20b is connected to the terminal 30a, 30b, the
connection detecting circuit 39 notifies the MPU 36c and the power
supply circuit 37 of the terminal to which the head 20a, 20b is
connected.
[0119] Next, operation while the head 20a, 20b provided in the
endoscope apparatus 3 according to the third embodiment is charged
will be described. FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating the
operation of the endoscope apparatus 3 according to the third
embodiment. Note that in the following, operation in the case where
the head 20a is in use and the head 20b is connected to the
terminal 30b of the CCU 30B will be described.
(Step S201)
[0120] When the terminal T3 of the head 20b is connected to the
terminal 30b provided in the CCU 30B, the connection detecting
circuit 39 detects that one of the head 20a and the head 20b is
connected to the terminal 30b. The connection detecting circuit 39
notifies the MPU 36c and the power supply circuit 37 of the
connection of the head to the terminal 30b.
(Step S202)
[0121] Based on the notification from the connection detecting
circuit 39, the power supply circuit 37 supplies power to the
terminal 30b which is notified, thereby starting charging of the
battery 27 of the head 20b.
(Step S203)
[0122] The MPU 36c instructs the wired communication unit 31 to
establish wired communication with the head 20b based on the
notification from the connection detecting circuit 39. The wired
communication unit 31 establishes wired communication with the
wired communication unit 23 of the head 20b via the terminal 30b
based on the instruction from the MPU 36c.
(Step S204)
[0123] Once the wired communication is established, the MPU 36c
instructs the transfer control unit 26 to transmit the ID from the
memory 22 of the head 20b, and stores the transmitted ID in the
memory 36a.
(Step S205)
[0124] Once the ID is stored, the MPU 36c instructs the transfer
control unit 26 to transmit the correction data from the memory 22
of the head 20b, and stores the transmitted correction data in the
memory 36a in association with the ID which is read in advance.
(Step S206)
[0125] First, the MPU 36c instructs the transfer control unit 26 to
transmit the number of correction data, and stores the transmitted
correction data number in the memory 36a. Next, the MPU 36c
instructs the transfer control unit 26 to sequentially transmit the
correction data stored in the memory 22, and stores the transmitted
correction data in the memory 36a. At this time, the MPU 36c
increments the value of the internal counter every time a piece of
the correction data is stored in the memory 36a.
(Step S207)
[0126] The MPU 36c determines whether the piece of the correction
data stored in the memory 36a in step S106 is the last piece of the
correction data or not. Specifically, the MPU 36c determines
whether or not the value of the internal counter is equal to the
correction data number stored in the memory 36a.
[0127] When the value of the internal counter is not equal to the
correction data number stored in the memory 36a (No in step S207),
the MPU 36c repeats the operation of step S205 to step S207 until
the value of the internal counter becomes equal to the correction
data number stored in the memory 36a.
(Step S208)
[0128] When the value of the internal counter is equal to the
correction data number stored in the memory 36a (Yes in step S207),
the MPU 36c reads out the initialization data (for example,
resolution, clock, mode, and so on) from the memory 36a and
transmits the read data to the head 20. The initialization data
transmitted to the head 20 are stored in the memory 22 by the
transfer control unit 26.
(Step S209)
[0129] The MPU 36c increments the value of the internal counter
every time a piece of the initialization data is transferred.
(Step S210)
[0130] The MPU 36c determines whether the piece of the
initialization data transferred in the step S208 is the last piece
of the initialization data or not. Specifically, the MPU 36c
determines whether or not the value of the internal counter is
equal to the initialization data number stored in the memory
36a.
[0131] When the value of the internal counter is not equal to the
initialization data number stored in the memory 36a (No in Step
S210), the MPU 36c repeats the operation of step S208 to step S210
until the value of the internal counter becomes equal to the
correction data number stored in the memory 36a.
[0132] When the value of the internal counter is equal to the
initialization data number stored in the memory 36a (Yes in Step
S110), the MPU 36c finishes the transfer of initialization
data.
[0133] As described above, the endoscope apparatus 3 according to
the third embodiment includes the plurality of heads 20a, 20b, and
the CCU 30B used in common between the heads 20a, 20b, and performs
transfer of the correction data and the initialization data while
the batteries in the head 20a, 20b connected to the terminals 30a,
30b of the CCU 30 are charged. Thus, it is unnecessary to transfer
the correction data and the initialization data via wireless
communication, which has slow communication speed compared to wired
communication, when the heads 20a, 20b are used, and the image
signal transferred from the heads 20a, 20b can be corrected
immediately to obtain a clear image. Accordingly, convenience for
the user improves.
[0134] In the imaging apparatus or the endoscope apparatus
according to at least one of the above-described embodiments, a
main unit (CCU) includes a first communication unit (wireless
communication unit) transmitting/receiving data to/from the head
unit via wireless communication, a second communication unit (wired
communication unit) transmitting/receiving data to/from the head
unit via wired communication, and a control unit (MPU) detecting
whether the second communication unit is communicable, and
continuing, when the first and second communication units are
switched based on a detection result therefrom,
transmission/reception of the data which is performed before the
switching. Thus, even when the communication state changes,
transfer of data can be performed continuing from the data which
have been transferred.
[0135] While certain embodiments have been described, these
embodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are not
intended to limit the scope of the inventions. Indeed, the novel
embodiments described herein may be embodiment in a variety of
other forms; furthermore, substitutions and changes in the form of
the embodiments described herein may be made without departing from
the spirit of the inventions. The accompanying claims and their
equivalents are intended to cover such forms or modifications as
would fall within the scope and spirit of the inventions.
* * * * *