JP2949039B2 - Endoscope imaging device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an endoscope for photographing a television monitor image projected by an external television camera or the like attached to an eyepiece of an optical endoscope using an electronic endoscope or an image guide. The present invention relates to a mirror image photographing device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, by inserting an elongated insertion portion into a body cavity, various organs and the like in the body cavity can be observed, and various treatments can be performed using a treatment tool inserted into a treatment tool channel as necessary. Endoscopes are widely used.

An electronic endoscope using a solid-state image pickup device such as a charge-coupled device (CCD) as an image pickup means has also been realized, and an observation image can be observed on a television monitor by the electronic endoscope. Recording and playback have also become easier.

Alternatively, even in an optical endoscope using an image guide, an endoscope image can be observed on a television monitor by attaching an external television camera to an eyepiece, and an electronic endoscope can be used. Similarly, storage and reproduction can be easily performed.

As described above, since it has become possible to observe an endoscope image on a television monitor, it has become popular to make a diagnosis by viewing the endoscope image on the monitor.

[0006] However, even now, when making a diagnosis, it is common to use a photograph by a reversal film as a diagnostic material, and there is a monitor image photographing device as a device for photographing. An example of these is an endoscope video system as shown in FIG.

In FIG. 7, an endoscope video system 51 is shown.
The video processor 63 can be selectively connected to a video scope (electronic endoscope) 53 having a built-in solid-state imaging device 52 or a fiber scope 55 having an image guide 54. An external television camera 58 having a built-in solid-state imaging device 57 can be attached to an eyepiece 56 of the fiber scope 55.

The system 51 has a connector connector 62 for connecting a general connector 59 of the video scope 53 or a light guide connector 60 of the fiber scope 55 and a signal connector 61 of an external television camera 58. Video processor 63 incorporating signal processing means and light source means capable of arbitrarily adjusting the amount of illumination light
And a monitor image capturing device 6 having a monitor 64 for displaying a video signal output from the video processor 63.
5 is provided.

By connecting another monitor 66 to the video processor 63, an endoscope image can always be displayed on the monitor 66.

Each of the video scope 53 and the fiber scope 55 has an elongated insertion portion 67, into which a light guide 68 for transmitting illumination light is inserted, and the illumination light transmitted by the light guide 68. Are emitted from the emission end face to the subject side through the light distribution lens 69.

An objective lens 71 is disposed at the tip end 70 of each of the insertion sections 67, and a video scope 5 is provided at the focal plane.
In the case of No. 3, the solid-state imaging device 52 is disposed, while the incident end face of the image guide 54 is disposed in the fiber scope 55.

In the case of the video scope 53, the light guide 68 inserted through the insertion portion 67 is inserted through a universal cord 72 extended from the operation portion 71 to the outside, and reaches a light guide connector 73. On the other hand, in the case of the fiber scope 55, the light passes through the light guide cable 74 from the operation unit 71 and reaches the light guide connector 60. These light guide connectors 73 and 60
Is connected to the light guide connector receptacle of the video processor 63, the light source device in the video processor 63
Illumination light is supplied to the scope.

A signal transmission cable 75 extends to an external television camera 58 that can be attached to the eyepiece 56 of the fiberscope 55, and the signal connector 61 is attached to the end of the cable 75.

The signal connector 76 of the video scope 53 and the signal connector 61 of the external television camera 58
Are connected to the signal connector receiver 62 of the video processor 63. As a result, a drive signal for signal reading is applied to the solid-state imaging device 52 or the external television camera 58, and video signal processing can be performed on the read signal. And video processor 63
Is a video signal processing and a predetermined video signal, for example, NTSC
The video signal is converted into a composite video signal (composite signal) or an RGB signal (component signal) of the system, and the video signal can be output to the monitor 66 and the monitor image capturing device 65 side.

The monitor image capturing device 65 includes a monitor 6
A photographing camera 79 can be attached to a photographing apparatus main body 77 incorporating the camera 4 via a camera adapter 78.

The photograph by the monitor image photographing device 65 can be obtained by using a color tone adjusting means or an illuminating light amount adjusting means of a light source provided in the video processor 63,
By using the color tone adjusting means provided in the monitor image photographing device 65 itself as shown in JP-9032-A, it is possible to obtain a photograph of an arbitrary color tone according to the user's preference.

However, there is a drawback in that a photograph of an arbitrary color tone according to one user's preference in a photograph taken by the monitor image photographing apparatus may lead to a different diagnosis result among the users.

In addition, when a doctor makes a diagnosis using an endoscopic image whose color tone is one of the diagnostic criteria, there is a similar problem, which cannot be prevented. That is, for example, when a doctor who observes an endoscope image on a monitor is different from a person who handles a monitor image photographing device, or when a diagnosis is made based on a photograph taken by another user, a mismatch or a mismatch in the diagnosis result occurs. Unity.

In order to prevent this, Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No.
In Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 3 (1993), a common color tone setting mechanism between users is provided separately from an arbitrary color tone adjustment mechanism, so that doctors can share diagnostic criteria.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the structure of a conventional monitor image photographing apparatus. In the figure, an RGB signal (component signal) output from an electronic endoscope system 51 is output from a reference color setting switch 81. The instruction is input to analog switches 82a, 82b, and 82c that select one of the two systems on the user adjustment side and the reference color setting side.

When it is desired to adjust the endoscope image to an arbitrary color tone, the user adjustment side is selected from the two signals.
On the user adjustment side, the level of the video signal is adjusted according to the user's preference by the user R adjustment VR83, the user G adjustment VR84, and the user B adjustment VR85, and in addition to the user brightness adjustment. By adjusting the VR 86 and the user adjustment contrast VR 87, an arbitrary adjustment value is given to the video signal correction circuit 88, whereby C
The chromaticity and luminance of the RT64 image can be arbitrarily adjusted.

In order to standardize the diagnostic criteria between the doctors, the reference color setting side is selected from the two signals. The reference color setting side includes a reference color R setting VR89, a reference color G setting VR90, and a reference color B setting VR91.
The level of the video signal is set to the reference color adjusted in advance at the factory or the like, and in addition to this, the reference color brightness setting VR
92, by adding the set value of the reference color contrast setting VR 93 to the video signal correction circuit 88,
The chromaticity and luminance of the image can be set as reference values that can be correlated with other users as diagnostic criteria.

The exposure of a photograph is determined as follows.

The luminance at a specific point, which is preferable for measuring the exposure amount of the CRT 64 by the photometric lens 94, is always guided to the photodiode 95, and the output corresponding to the luminance received by the photodiode 95, that is, the luminance on the CRT 64 screen. Information Y is input to the photometry control unit 96.

The photometric control unit 96 is configured as shown in FIG. 9, for example. When taking a photograph, a release switch 97 provided on the main body of the monitor image photographing device 65 is pressed, and the CPU 98 releases the release shown in FIG. Signal a
Is input from the CPU 98 to the FET 99 shown in FIG. 9 to turn off the FET 99. After the photometric signal b, a Hi-level shutter opening / closing signal e shown in FIG. Shutter control unit 10
In response to this, 0 sets the shutter 101 to the open state. FE
When T99 is turned off, the current generated by the photodiode 95 is integrated by the integration circuit including the capacitor 102 and the operational amplifier 103, and becomes an exposure amount integration signal c shown in FIG. The exposure integration signal c is output from the comparator 10
4 is compared with the reference voltage A, and when the exposure amount integration signal c becomes higher than the reference voltage A, FIG.
An exposure end signal d indicated by “0” is output from the comparator 104. A low-level shutter opening / closing signal e is input to the shutter control unit 100 from the CPU 98 receiving this. In response to this, the shutter control unit 100 closes the shutter 101.

Thus, the exposure time is determined by the Hi-level time of the shutter opening / closing signal e shown in FIG. 10, and the appropriate exposure amount set by the user in advance is set whether the endoscope image is bright or dark. The photographing lens 10 of the photographing camera 79
6 to the film 107.

[0027]

However, in order to standardize the diagnostic criteria among doctors disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2-131093, a common color tone setting between users is provided separately from an arbitrary color tone adjusting device. It is not enough to provide a mechanism. That is, the type (length, diameter, accessory functions, etc.) of the endoscope used may vary depending on the observation site, observation method, individual differences between patients, and the like, so that preset color reproduction is obtained. May not be possible.

Some electronic endoscopes have a videoscope at the tip of a video scope for imaging a white object to achieve white balance, and as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 63-240826, identification information means for the type of endoscope. There is also a mechanism that always maintains an appropriate white balance by providing the endoscope itself. However, it is difficult to provide such a mechanism in an optical endoscope (fiberscope) before an electronic endoscope (videoscope).

Also, as a decisive point, since the image of the fiberscope becomes yellowish than the image observed by the endoscope, when the input source of the monitor image capturing device is changed from a videoscope to an external television camera, If the color tone is adjusted as it is, the color reproduction will be different. To the physician, whether the examination device is a videoscope or a fiberscope, if the colors of the obtained photographs are not equal, misdiagnosis or oversight can be caused. Therefore, there is a general tendency to prefer the color tone of a used fiberscope.

Also, the CRT of the monitor image capturing apparatus itself has different color reproducibility due to the deflection of the electron beam due to the terrestrial magnetism, the temperature dependence of the emission characteristics of the phosphor, the aging of the cathode ray tube, and the like.

To correct for terrestrial magnetism, the monitor may be adjusted by giving terrestrial magnetism for each area to be used at the time of shipment at a monitor factory. For other variations, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Sho. Then, a test signal is input to the monitor for observation, the CRT surface information at that time is measured using a colorimeter, etc., and the data is compared with the basic data stored in the ROM to calculate the proper color reproduction of the monitor for observation. And had

However, the above-described method requires a special environmental testing machine room, a signal generator other than the endoscope system, and a special measuring instrument.

The present invention has been made to improve the above-mentioned point, and does not require a special measuring room or function in a manufacturing site, or a variety of endoscopes in a clinical testing site. It is an object of the present invention to provide an endoscope image photographing apparatus capable of always obtaining an endoscope photograph having a good color tone.

An endoscope image photographing apparatus according to the present invention comprises a means for measuring or estimating a light emission characteristic of an image display apparatus for displaying an image, and the image display apparatus based on a value obtained by the measuring or estimating means. Reproduction color calculation means for predicting a reproduction color relating to the image reproduced on a recording medium for recording an image by photographing the screen, and a density on the recording medium based on the reproduction color obtained by the reproduction color calculation means. Density calculation means for calculating, from the value of the density calculated by the density calculation means, color evaluation prediction means for predicting the subjective evaluation,
If the evaluation result in the color evaluation prediction means is good,
The signals constituting the image are directly supplied to the image display device.
If the result of the evaluation is poor while the
To optimize the concentration value obtained by the calculation means,
The signals constituting the image are obtained so that this proper density value is obtained.
Characterized in that it has a normalizing means which is configured to obtain optimal the signal is converted into a degree.

[0035]

According to the structure of the present invention, the density on the recording medium is calculated based on the reproduced color reproduced on the recording medium predicted based on the light emission characteristics of the image display device, and the value of this density is calculated. Since it performs a subjective evaluation from and optimizes the signal output to the image display device when necessary according to the result, no special measuring instrument or equipment is required at the manufacturing site, or at the site of clinical testing For various endoscopes, it is possible to always obtain an endoscope photograph having a good color tone.

[0036]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a basic conceptual diagram of the present invention. According to the present invention, when an endoscopic image displayed on a screen of an image display device such as a CRT is photographed and recorded on a film as a recording medium, various elements that change the color tone of the recorded image are changed. Even so, a good color tone can be obtained. The image display device is not limited to the CRT, but may be, for example, a liquid crystal display.

That is, in step S1 of FIG. 1, the average color of an image extracted on the CRT screen is known by measuring or estimating the color on the CRT screen, and this is considered as a subject, and in step S2, Estimate the reproduction color on the film.

Since the reproduced color is represented by the spectral characteristic, an arbitrary three-color density is calculated in step S3 using the reproduced color represented by the spectral characteristic.

Next, a subjective evaluation is predicted in step S4. For this reason, as shown in step S21 of FIG. 2, a discriminant (function) indicating the quality of a color derived by a subjective evaluation performed by an expert doctor on an endoscopic image taken on a large number of samples, based on a subjective evaluation. Is substituted for the density value in step S3 in FIG. 1 to predict the subjective evaluation. Step S2
2, the discriminant function is, for example, Z = f (Di).
(D: arbitrary three-color diffusion densities, i: R, G, B)), if a determination of “good” is obtained, the input signal obtained as the result is used as an input signal to the CRT. . That is, the input signal is optimal as it is.

On the other hand, when a "bad" judgment is obtained, the density of any three colors is optimized in step S5 in FIG. Subsequently, in step S6 in FIG. 1, based on the density value optimized in step S5, an optimum input signal to the CRT is calculated so that the CRT can obtain the above-described optimum density value. Then, in step S7, the obtained optimal input signal is used as the optimized input signal to the CRT.
Apply to

FIGS. 3 and 4 relate to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the endoscope image photographing apparatus. FIG. 4 shows a color CRT on which the operation of the flowchart shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an endoscope image photographing apparatus having the apparatus.

The endoscope image capturing apparatus 1 includes a video scope (electronic endoscope) 3 having a built-in solid-state image pickup device, a video processor 4 for processing signals picked up by the solid-state image pickup device of the video scope 3, and a monitor. And an image photographing device 9.

The connector 3a of the video scope 3 is detachably connected to the connector receiver 4a of the video processor 4. The connector of the video processor 4 may be connected to a connector of an external television camera which has an image guide and which can be attached to an eyepiece of a fiber scope and has a built-in solid-state imaging device, and may supply a signal.

The video processor 4 incorporates signal processing means (not shown) for receiving the output of the solid-state imaging device and converting it to a standard video signal, and light source means for adjusting the amount of illumination light arbitrarily. In addition, the illumination light is emitted toward the subject via a light guide (not shown) of the scope.

The video processor 4 performs processing such as AGC (auto gain control), WB (white balance), synchronization, and MATRIX on the input signal as its signal processing. The B output is output to the monitor image photographing device 9.

In FIG. 4, reference numeral 10 denotes an adjustment cap used when white balance is obtained by the video scope 3 or the like.

The monitor image photographing device 9 can mount a photographing camera 8 via a camera adapter 7 to a photographing device main body 6 having a built-in color CRT 5 for displaying an output signal of the video processor 4. . Color C
The image displayed on the RT 5 is the photographing lens 1 of the adapter 7.
1 is recorded on a film 12 in the camera 8. A shutter 29 is disposed between the adapter 7 and the film 12 in the photographing camera 8, and the opening and closing of the shutter 29 is controlled by the photographing apparatus main body 6.

The configuration and operation of the photographing apparatus main body 6 are roughly as follows. The R, G, and B signals from the video processor 4 are input to the frame memory 15 of the photographing apparatus main body 6.

As a premise, these R, G, and B signals are adjusted by a known method in advance to adjust the pedestal level of the CRT 5 and the video processor 4, the gamma and chromaticity of the CRT 5, and the white balance of the entire system including the video scope 3. This is a signal obtained in a state where the operation is performed. Then, light from a light source (not shown) in the video processor 4 is reflected by the subject, captured by the video scope 3, and input to the video processor 4 as subject information. AGC, WB, synchronization, MATRIX in video processor 4
And the like are applied to the imaged signal, and this output is input to the frame memory 15 as R, G, and B outputs.

These R, G, B signals are stored in the frame memory 1
After that, it is input to the relative average luminance distribution estimating circuit 16 through. Relative average luminance distribution estimation circuit 1
6, a relative average luminance distribution B in a fixed area in the center of the screen
(Λ) is calculated and input to the on-film reproduction color calculation circuit 17 as an output. Color reproduction circuit on film 17
Then, based on the relative average luminance distribution B (λ), the spectral transmittance R (λ) of the reproduced color on the film is obtained using the following equations (5) to (8). The signal obtained as the energy for each wavelength by the on-film reproduction color calculation circuit 17 is calculated by an arbitrary three-color diffusion density calculation circuit 18 by the following equation (9).
Is converted to an arbitrary three-color diffusion density Di (i = R, G, B). That is, here, the energy for each wavelength is divided into three blocks in the visible wavelength region, and is converted into the energy of each block.

The arbitrary three-color diffusion density Di is determined by the subjective evaluation / prediction circuit 19 as to whether or not subjectively good colors can be obtained from the R, G, and B outputs of the video processor 4 by the following equation (1).
It is determined in 3). If it is determined that a good color is obtained, a signal to that effect is output to the frame memory control circuit 20. Upon receiving this signal, the frame memory control circuit 20 controls the frame memory 15 to output the output of the video processor 4 through.

On the other hand, if the subjective evaluation / prediction circuit 19 determines that a good color cannot be obtained, it is corrected by the optimization circuit 21 and becomes the optimum value D'i. The optimum value D'i is obtained by the density voltage data ROM circuit 22 using D'i (i = R ',
Voltage data for obtaining G ', B') is recorded, and D'i is converted to voltage V'i (i = R ', G', B '). Under the control of the frame memory control circuit 20, the converted V'i is converted to the optimized R ', G',
It is output as a B 'signal.

The luminance and color information R ', G', B 'of the subject are input to the CRT 5 and displayed on the CRT 5 as a subject image. In the displayed image, set the release switch 23 to O
N, a proper exposure amount is set for the photographing camera 8.
Can be applied to the film 12 through the photographic lens 11.

Next, details of the operation of the photographing apparatus main body 6 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

In step S11, in the relative average luminance distribution estimating circuit 16, the color C
The image signal voltage Vi (i = R, G, B) for each pixel of each of the R, G, and B channels output to the RT5 is converted to a color CR.
It is determined by measuring the voltage input to T5. The measurement range is about 1/9 of the total area of the image in area ratio at the center of the image.
And Then, in step S12, assuming that the average voltage of each channel is Via, the average value Via is set for each channel.
Is calculated. At this time, It is. Here, n is the number of pixels of the measuring unit.

Since the input voltage to the CRT 5 and the light emission luminance are generally non-linear, the relationship is determined in advance, and this relationship is defined as fi (Via) (i = R, G, B). At this time, the intensity (brightness) coefficient Li of each of the R, G, and B channels
Is Can be expressed as Here, Loi is the luminance when the R, G, and B channels of the CRT 5 are fully lit.

If the spectral luminance distribution Boi (λ) of each phosphor at full emission on the color CRT 5 is measured in advance, And Li (i = R, G, B) in equation (2) is calculated. Here, λ means the wavelength, and ∫vis means to integrate the visible region. still, There is a relationship.

The intensity coefficient Li of each of the R, G, and B channels
Is determined, the color of the display image of the measuring unit obtained in step S13, that is, the spectral luminance distribution B (λ) can be expressed as follows.

[0059] That is, in step S13, the relative average luminance distribution estimating circuit 16 uses the spectral luminance distribution B using the equation (4).
(Λ) is calculated.

At this time, the exposure density Eh on the film 12 based on the spectral luminance distribution B (λ) is h: R, G, BT (λ): Spectral transmittance of the taking lens system Sh (λ): Spectral sensitivity distribution of the photographic film The γ characteristic of the film 12 is defined as γj (j = C,
M, Y), Assumed dye.Cj is as follows: Cj = γj · Eh (6)

Using the 3.times.3 matrix coefficient calculated by the actual photographing, the corrected dye amount C'j is obtained by the following equation (7). C′j = [Matrix] · Cj (7) When the amount of the dye is known, the transmittance R (λ) is determined by the following equation according to Lambert-Beer's law.

[0062] Here, Dj (λ) is the spectral analysis density of the dye.

R (λ) is the average spectral transmittance of a film image when a picture of a color CRT 5 is photographed. The calculations from the above equations (5) to (8) are processed by the on-film reproduction color calculation circuit 17 as step S14.

Next, assuming that the arbitrary three-color diffusion transmission density is Di, in step S15, the arbitrary three-color diffusion density calculation circuit 18
In the equation, the average spectral transmittance R (λ) of the image is calculated by the following equation (9).
And the calculation is performed.

[0065] Here, Mh (λ) is a spectral product necessary for a measuring instrument to obtain JIS K7653 status A density.

The arbitrary three-color diffusion density value Di (i = R,
G, B), the subjective evaluation of the color can be predicted by the subjective evaluation predicting circuit 19 in step S16, as described in Japanese Patent Application No. 4-263811 filed earlier by the applicant. . In the experiment, the visual diffuse transmission density Dv of the image
From the sample film in which Dv ≦ 0.5, the discriminant Z is as follows: If the red density DR, green density DG, and blue density DB of the status A are given, Z = 10.5-149.6 × DR + 284 .2 · DG-186.0 · DB (10) is obtained. That is, the arbitrary three-color diffusion densities are measured from a large number of sample films, the respective densities DR, DG, and DB of the status A of the sample films are statistically processed and input in the order of the dispersion ratio, and the discrimination coefficients a, b, and c are determined. , D, and the discriminant equation Z = aDR + bDG + cDB + d is used to obtain the above equation (1).
0) is obtained. When Dv ≦ 1.0, Z = 1.7−9.5 · DR + 73.8 · DG−60.8 · DB (11) In the range of Dv ≦ 2.0, Z = 4.1-7.1 · DR + 33.3 · DG−29.6 · DB (12) Regardless of Dv, Z = 11.6 from the data of only the central part of about 1/9 of the image area. −2.0 · DR + 30.2 · DG−35.0 · DB (13) The discriminant formula (13) is obtained, and a high correct answer rate is obtained in each case.

In the expression (13), the correct answer rate was 94%. Although any discriminant may be used, a discriminant (13) that does not depend on the value of Dv is used here.

In the case of a film on which an endoscopic image is projected, an important case is often brought to the center of the screen, and therefore, the illumination light is sufficiently rotated, and the image density is often appropriate. It is.

The appropriate concentration is a concentration that facilitates diagnosis, that is, a concentration range in which the eye discrimination ability is high, and is said to be Dv ≦ 2.0, preferably Dv ≦ 1.0.

In this evaluation, if it is estimated to be “good”, the initial image information may be input to the CRT 5.
For example, because the scope has changed, or if the previous user
When "defective" is displayed due to a change in the color adjustment dial of T5 or a change in terrestrial magnetism noise or the like due to movement of the apparatus, etc., in the optimization circuit 21, in step S17, the three-color diffuse transmission density is determined. Optimization of Di is performed.

In the data of 276 samples used to obtain the discriminant of equation (13), the range of Dv is 0.5
≤ Dv ≤ 1.93, but the possible value of Dv may be considered to be Dv ≤ 3.0, judging from the film density. In such a case, considering that the three-color diffuse transmission density Di also takes a value within this range, the optimization circuit 21 performs optimization with a minimum change amount of Di by a linear programming method. Optimized three-color diffuse transmission density D'i (i = R ', G', B ')
Is the density voltage data ROM circuit 22 in step S18.
Is converted into a voltage V'i (i = R ', G', B ').
Under the control of the frame memory control circuit 20, these V'i output the output of the frame memory 15 to R ',
G 'and B'. That is, voltages applied to the CRT 5 are obtained, and these are applied to the color CRT 5 as corrected input voltages R ', G', B '. Upon receiving these modified input voltages R ', G', B ', the camera 8 performs photography by emitting light of the image displayed by the CRT 5, and the photographing is completed.

By turning on the release switch 23, the displayed image can be given an appropriate amount of exposure to the film 12 through the photographing lens 11 of the photographing camera 8.

That is, the addition circuit 24 optimizes the input voltages R ', G', B '(the outputs R, G, B of the processor 4 when the subjective evaluation is "good") from each color information to the luminance Y. Is calculated by a known method, the luminance information Y is referred to in the data ROM 25, an appropriate exposure time is determined in the data ROM 25, and an instruction is given to the photometry control unit 26.

The photometric control section 26 is configured as shown in FIG. 9, for example. When a photograph is taken, the release switch 23 provided on the photographing apparatus main body 6 is depressed.
The release signal a shown in FIG.
The photometry signal b in FIG.
And the FET 99 is turned off. After the photometric signal b, the CPU 27 sends a signal to the shutter control unit 28 as shown in FIG.
Is input at a high level. In response to this, the shutter control unit 28 opens the shutter 29 of the camera 8. When the FET 99 is turned off, the current generated by the photodiode 95 is integrated by an integration circuit composed of the capacitor 102 and the operational amplifier 103, and becomes an exposure amount integration signal c shown in FIG.
The exposure amount integration signal c is compared with the reference voltage A by the comparator 104. When the exposure amount integration signal c becomes higher than the reference voltage A, the exposure end signal d shown in FIG. In response to this, the CPU 27 sends an L signal to the shutter control unit 28.
An ow level shutter opening / closing signal e is input. In response to this, the shutter control unit 28 closes the shutter 29.

As a result, the exposure time is determined by the Hi-level time of the shutter opening / closing signal e shown in FIG. 10, and the appropriate exposure amount preset by the user is set regardless of whether the endoscope image is bright or dark. The light can be applied to the film 12 through the photographing lens 11 of the photographing camera 8.

In this embodiment, an arbitrary three-color diffusion density on the film is calculated based on the spectral transmittance of a reproduced color reproduced on the film predicted based on the emission characteristics of the CRT.
From the result obtained by substituting the value of this density into a discriminant function indicating the quality of a color derived from a subjective evaluation made by a doctor from a number of samples, it is determined whether or not an appropriate color is reproduced.
If the result is "poor", the arbitrary three-color diffusion transmission density is optimized by, for example, a linear programming method in consideration of an appropriate density that is considered to have high discrimination ability. The transmission density is converted into an optimal voltage value at which desired light emission is performed by the CRT, and is applied to the CRT. In the present embodiment, by adopting such a configuration, a special measuring instrument or device is not required at the manufacturing site, or a good color tone is always provided for various endoscopes at the site of clinical examination. Can be obtained.

Further, in this embodiment, since the exposure time for photographing is controlled by using the optimized voltage signal applied to the CRT, an endoscope photograph having a proper and good color tone can always be obtained. it can.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an endoscope image photographing apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the monitor uses a monochrome (B / W) CRT.

In order to obtain a color photographic image using the monochrome CRT 5A shown in FIG. 5, an image is displayed on the monochrome CRT 5A with the luminance information of the R component of the subject, and an R image is placed between the photographed photographic material 12 and the monochrome CRT 5A. A filter is inserted and photographing is performed, and then information of the G component is photographed by inserting a G filter and superimposing the information on the R image. A multiple exposure method is generally used, in which the luminance information of the B component is finally photographed with a B filter.

For this reason, in the present embodiment, the separation filter 31 in which the R, G, and B filters are arranged, and the color separation filter for setting and controlling the exposing R, G, and B filters in the separation filter 31 are described. It has a control unit 32.

Further, in this embodiment, the configuration for obtaining an appropriate exposure amount is different, the addition circuit 24 of the first embodiment is omitted, and the light emitted from, for example, the central portion on the screen of the monochrome CRT 5A is removed. Photometric lens 33 that enters and transmits backward
And a red photodiode 34 for photoelectrically converting the light of the red component of the light incident through the photometric lens 33.

In a configuration employing such a method, the flowchart is substantially the same as that of FIG.
In (5), if fi (Vi) and Boi (λ) are set to values in consideration of each of the decomposition filters 31, the above holds true.

For example, equation (5) can be replaced by the following equation (5) '.

[0085] Here, Fi (λ) is the spectral transmittance of the color separation filter 31.

The other components and operations similar to those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted. Only the points different from the color CRT of the first embodiment will be described below.

First, color information of an image is sequentially detected from the frame memory 15.

When the red information of the image appears on the black-and-white CRT 5A as red luminance information, the luminance is expressed by the photometric lens 3.
The light is condensed at 3, and is sensed by the red photodiode 34. The sensed information is referred to in the data ROM 25 'to determine a red exposure time at which an appropriate color tone and brightness are obtained. Based on this information, the red filter of the color separation filter 31 controlled by the color separation filter control unit 32 is inserted between the monochrome CRT 5A and the photographic film 12 via the CPU 27 '. On the other hand, the previously determined exposure time is also transmitted to the shutter control unit 28 and the shutter 29 is closed in synchronization with the avoidance of the color separation filter 31 from the optical path. Below, green,
The same applies to blue exposure.

The other constructions and functions and effects are the same as those of the first embodiment, and the description is omitted.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an endoscope image photographing apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

The third embodiment is the same as the second embodiment in that a black-and-white CRT is used and a color image is obtained with a color separation filter 31 interposed therebetween. The difference is that the red photodiode 34 is excluded. In addition, the same configurations and operations as those of the first and second embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, description thereof will be omitted, and only different points will be described.

The addition circuit 24 calculates the luminance Y from the R, G, and B color information by a known method, and determines the exposure time of each color in the data ROM 25 'based on the calculated luminance information. Has become. The CPU 27 'controls the photometric control unit 26 and the shutter control unit 28 to control the opening time of the shutter 29 according to the determined exposure time. That is, in response to an exposure start instruction from the CPU 27 ', the shutter control unit 28 opens the shutter 29, and at the same time, the photometry control unit 26 integrates, for example, a luminance signal from the addition circuit 24, for example. , An exposure end signal is sent to the shutter control unit 28. Thereby, the shutter 29 is closed, and a proper exposure time is secured.

In these operations, an image is taken by inserting an R filter, and information of the G component is then inserted by inserting a G filter into the R image.
Superimpose on the image and shoot with the B filter,
The exposure time is set at each stage of the multiple exposure method. The other configuration and operation and effect are the same as those of the first embodiment, and the description is omitted.

[Appendix] As described in detail above, according to the embodiment of the present invention, the following configuration can be obtained.
That is, (1) means for measuring or estimating a light emission characteristic of an image display device for displaying an image, and photographing a screen of the image display device based on a value obtained by the means for measuring or estimating to record an image. Reproduction color calculation means for predicting a reproduction color of the image reproduced on the recording medium to be reproduced, density calculation means for calculating a density on the recording medium based on the reproduction color obtained by the reproduction color calculation means, From the density value calculated by the density calculation means, a color evaluation prediction means for predicting a subjective evaluation, and the image output to the image display device when necessary according to the result of the evaluation in the color evaluation prediction means. An endoscope image photographing apparatus, comprising: an optimizing means for optimizing a constituent signal and supplying the signal to the image display device.

(1-1) The image display device is a CRT
Alternatively, the endoscope image capturing apparatus according to Appendix 1, which is a liquid crystal display.

(2) The endoscopic image photographing apparatus according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein the recording medium is a film.

(3) The endoscope image according to appendix 1, wherein the measuring means is configured to measure a voltage value of a signal input to each of the R, G, and B channels to the image display device. Shooting equipment.

(4) The measuring means is configured to measure a voltage value of a signal corresponding to a predetermined range including a central portion of a screen of the image display device among signals input to the image display device. 2. The endoscope image photographing apparatus according to supplementary note 1.

(5) The measuring means finds an average value of the signal input to the image display device, and the reproduced color calculating means predicts a reproduced color based on the average value. Endoscope image capturing device.

(6) An endoscope according to appendix 1, wherein a signal constituting the image obtained from imaging means built in the endoscope or connected to the endoscope is displayed on the image display device. Mirror image capturing device.

(7) If the result of the evaluation by the color evaluation predicting unit is good, the optimizing unit supplies the signal constituting the image to the image display device as it is,
2. The endoscope image photographing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein if the result of the evaluation is poor, a signal constituting the image is optimized.

(8) The endoscopic image photographing apparatus according to appendix 1, wherein the reproduced color calculating means calculates the reproduced color as a spectral distribution.

(9) If the result of the evaluation is unsatisfactory, the optimizing means optimizes the density value obtained by the density calculating means so that the appropriate density value can be obtained. 2. The endoscope image photographing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the endoscope image photographing apparatus is configured to obtain an optimal signal by converting the signal into a signal constituting the image.

(10) Using the evaluation result obtained by the color evaluation predicting means and the signal output to the image display device optimized as necessary by the optimizing means, the image display device 2. The endoscope image photographing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an exposure amount determining unit that determines an exposure amount on the recording medium when the screen is photographed and the image is recorded.

(11) A means for measuring or estimating the light emission characteristics of the image display device for displaying an image, and taking a picture of the image display device based on the value obtained by the measurement or estimating means. Reproduction color calculation means for predicting a reproduction color for the image reproduced on the recording medium for recording, and density calculation means for calculating the density on the recording medium based on the reproduction color obtained by the reproduction color calculation means. ,
From the density value calculated by the density calculation means, a color evaluation prediction means for predicting a subjective evaluation, an evaluation result obtained by the color evaluation prediction means, and the image forming and output to the image display device And an exposure amount determining means for determining an exposure amount on the recording medium when the screen of the image display device is photographed and the image is recorded using the image signal. Endoscope image capturing device.

(12) A procedure for measuring or estimating the light emission characteristics of the image display device for displaying an image, and taking an image of the screen of the image display device based on the value obtained by the measurement or estimating procedure. A reproduction color calculation procedure for predicting a reproduction color relating to the image reproduced on the recording medium to be recorded; a procedure for calculating a density on the recording medium based on the reproduction color obtained in the reproduction color calculation procedure; and From the density value obtained in the procedure for calculating the color evaluation prediction procedure for predicting the subjective evaluation, and the image output to the image display device when necessary according to the evaluation result in the color evaluation prediction procedure. And optimizing the signals that constitute the above and supplying the same to the image display device.

[0107]

As described above, according to the endoscope image photographing apparatus of the present invention, the above-described reproduction color reproduced on a recording medium predicted based on the emission characteristics of the image display apparatus is used. Calculate the density on the recording medium, perform a subjective evaluation from this density value, and optimize the signal output to the image display device when necessary according to the result. There is an effect that an endoscope photograph having a good color tone can always be obtained for various types of endoscopes without using any equipment or at a clinical examination site.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a basic conceptual diagram of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart relating to prediction of subjective evaluation.

FIGS. 3 and 4 relate to the first embodiment, and FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the endoscope image photographing apparatus.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an endoscope image photographing apparatus having a color CRT.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an endoscope image photographing apparatus according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an endoscope image photographing apparatus according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram of an endoscope video system according to a conventional example.

FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram of a conventional monitor image photographing apparatus.

FIG. 9 is a circuit diagram showing a configuration example of a photometry control unit.

FIG. 10 is a waveform chart related to control of exposure time, that is, shutter control.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 endoscope image photographing device 3 video scope 4 video processor 5 color CRT 6 photographing device main body 7 camera adapter 8 camera 12 film 15 frame memory 16 relative average luminance distribution estimating circuit 17 Color reproduction circuit on film 18 Arbitrary three-color diffusion density calculation circuit 19 Subjective evaluation prediction circuit 20 Frame memory control circuit 21 Optimization circuit 22 Density voltage data ROM circuit 28 Shutter control unit

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuation of the front page (56) References JP-A-63-223612 (JP, A) JP-A-3-159391 (JP, A) JP-A-63-240826 (JP, A) JP-A 64-64 5526 (JP, A) JP-A-6-114012 (JP, A) JP-A-63-173482 (JP, A) JP-A-5-286259 (JP, A) JP-A-63-240191 (JP, A) (58) Field surveyed (Int.Cl. ⁶ , DB name) G02B 23/26 A61B 1/04 370 G02B 23/24

Claims (1)

(57) [Claims] 1. A means for measuring or estimating a light emission characteristic of an image display device for displaying an image, and photographing a screen of the image display device based on a value obtained by the measurement or estimating means to record an image. Reproduction color calculation means for predicting a reproduction color of the image reproduced on the recording medium to be reproduced, density calculation means for calculating a density on the recording medium based on the reproduction color obtained by the reproduction color calculation means, From the density value calculated by the density calculation means, a color evaluation prediction means for predicting the subjective evaluation, and if the evaluation result in the color evaluation prediction means is good,
The signals constituting the image are directly supplied to the image display device.
If the result of the evaluation is poor while the
To optimize the concentration value obtained by the calculation means,
The signals constituting the image are obtained so that this proper density value is obtained.
And an optimizing means configured to obtain an optimal signal by converting the signal into a signal .