Abstract: The apparatus according to the present invention includes a level adjusting circuit that increases a gain of a G (or B) signal output from a color conversion circuit, a binarization circuit that forms a binarized image from this G signal and an edge detection circuit that extracts blood vessel position signals through edge detection based on this binarized signal. Then, the apparatus extracts RGB color signals making up a blood vessel image by using the above-described blood vessel position signals, increases the gains of these blood vessel color signals and then adds the blood vessel color signals to the color signals of an original image. This allows blood vessels to be displayed in high contrast to mucous membranes, etc. Furthermore, the apparatus can also amplify the R signal and B signal by using a signal obtained by differentiating the above-described G signal as a gain signal to highlight blood vessels.

Abstract: An endoscope includes a red component cut optical filter having a characteristic that a spectral transmittance becomes half at 630 nm and zero at 670 nm, for example between a light source and an infrared cut filter, to remove a long wavelength component mainly in a red band of illumination light. This restrains scattering of light on a long wavelength side of red light, and allows taking images of mucosa, blood vessels, and other tissue in good contrast in an object to be observed and satisfactorily observing them on a monitor. Further, reduction in light amount resulting from cutting a red component with the filter is eliminated by light amount control with an aperture and gain control of a signal.

Abstract: This application provides an electronic endoscope system allowing an accurate delay time corresponding to a length of an electronic scope to be set and allowing a configuration to be simplified. The electronic endoscope system is configured by connecting electronic endoscopes different in length to a processor unit and provided with a reference-delay-time generation circuit for generating a signal having a rough reference delay time and a short-delay-time generation circuit for generating a signal having a delay time shorter than the reference delay time by using a gate delay device or the like. A microcomputer in the processor unit reads delay-time-designation control data D1 and D2 from a ROM in an electronic scope, generates a delay drive clock signal by the two delay-time generation circuits in accordance with the control data D1 and D2, and executes preferable image processing in accordance with the delay signal.

Abstract: An electronic endoscope apparatus uses an image storage memory capable of storing image data of one or more examinations and records the image data on a recording medium. In response to a redisplay command, it judges whether the image size for a connected electronic scope matches the image size of the data in the image storage memory. If no match is found, the electronic endoscope apparatus changes the clock signal generated by a timing generator to the one suitable for the image size in the image storage memory and redisplays the image data read out of the image storage memory using the clock signal with this frequency on the monitor screen. This makes it possible to redisplay images of a finished examination easily in a constant screen display size.

Abstract: An electronic endoscope apparatus, comprising a media drive unit for recording image data, which is given digital processing, in a recording medium, judges a recordable amount of images by the detection of a free space of the above-mentioned recording medium, and displays a message, prompting the replacement of the recording medium in a monitor when this recordable amount becomes zero. Then, when the recording medium is replaced during the examination of the same patient, the electronic endoscope apparatus automatically creates a folder for a patient in this recording medium, and records remaining image data in this folder for a patient. In addition, also when the recordable amount becomes zero after the examination end switch was pushed, the electronic endoscope apparatus automatically creates a folder for the patient in a replaced recording medium, and records remaining image data in this folder.

Abstract: An electronic endoscope apparatus which records image data of an object under observation on a recording medium has an image storage memory capable of storing current image data for at least one examination in response to an image capture command and transfers the image data from the image storage memory to the recording medium and erases the image data stored in the image storage memory at the time of the first image capture during the next examination after an electronic scope is turned on. The image data stored in the image storage memory may also be erased at the time of the first image capture after new patient data is inputted or after the number of recorded images is reset.

Abstract: An electronic endoscope apparatus has the structure that an electronic scope is detachably connected to a processor unit. This processor unit comprises image storage memory which stores an object image imaged by a CCD, a signal processing circuit for outputting this image to external equipment, a scope power-off operation switch located separately from a main-power switch are provided. Only a scope power supply unit which supplies power to the electronic scope is turned off by this scope power-off switch. At this time, when a CCD drive pulse is being outputted or when communication between with the electronic scope is being performed, the outputting of this CCD drive pulse or the communication is stopped, and thereafter,the scope power supply unit is turned off. Thereby, the electronic scope can be removed from the processor unit which is outputting an image signal.

Abstract: In an electronic endoscope apparatus comprising a media drive unit for recording image data, which is given digital processing, on a recording medium, its aspect is that, while the free space of a recording medium is detected, a CCD pixel count (data volume of one image) of a connected electronic scope is judged, and hence, a current recordable amount on the recording medium is calculated by dividing the free space by the data volume of one image. Then, this recordable amount is displayed, for example on a part of four corners on the monitor. In addition, when a recording switch is pushed and the recording operation of one image is performed, the recordable amount is reduced by one, and this amount is displayed on the monitor. Owing to this, even when an electronic scope with a different pixel count is connected, it is possible to easily grasp and confirm the recordable amount.

Abstract: The present invention is an electronic-endoscope apparatus for compensating for lack of light quantity caused by a delayed response from a light shielding mechanism when an all-pixel reading system is used. In the case of, for example, a moving image, this apparatus reads pixel mix data out from a CCD to reproduce motions faithfully. For a still image, this apparatus reads out all pixels obtained by the CCD during a single exposure period using a light shielding period set by a light shielding plate, and outputs this data to a mixing circuit via memories to form a pixel mix signal. This configuration enables a high-quality still image to be obtained. In this case, however, the light quantity may be insufficient due to a delayed response from the light shielding plate. Thus, during the exposure period for still-image formation, the lamp voltage is increased above a normal amount or the diaphragm aperture is increased in order to compensate for the shortage of light quantity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a light control system for electronic endoscopes which provides sufficiently bright images during observation of distant objects, allows stable light control during observation of close objects, and prolongs lamp life. The light control system comprises a CCD drive circuit for controlling a CCD, a microcomputer, a diaphragm drive circuit for driving a diaphragm, a lamp voltage control circuit for variably controlling lamp voltage, and a DVP for generating a luminance signal, wherein the diaphragm drive circuit controls the opening of the diaphragm based on the luminance signal received from the DVP and a constant voltage V1 is normally supplied to the lamp, but a larger voltage up to V2 may be supplied on instructions from the microcomputer if the luminance of an image is insufficient even with the diaphragm fully open.

Abstract: The present electronic endoscope apparatus makes it possible to select either of a conventional pixel mixing and reading system and a new all-pixel reading system. For example, an electronic endoscope apparatus having a pixel mixing and reading system circuit section is configured so that an all pixel reading system circuit board for reading all pixel signals out of a CCD while using an opaque period can be selectively set to the electronic endoscope apparatus, it is judged by a microcomputer whether the all pixel reading system circuit board is present, and when the circuit board is present, an all-pixel reading system operation is executed. Moreover, it is permitted to use the pixel mixing and reading system and all-pixel reading system circuit sections as standard sections, normally execute all-pixel reading system operations, and when, for example, a freeze switch is pressed at power-on, pixel mixing and reading system operations may be executed.

Abstract: In an electronic endoscope of the present invention, an edge detection circuit detects a down edge section and an up edge section of both ends of a blood vessel in a width direction based on a G signal output from an RGB color conversion circuit, an R coefficient selector and a B coefficient selector select, for example, a coefficient smaller than 1 for the detected down edge section and select, for example, a coefficient larger than 1 for the up edge section, and a multiplier multiplies an R signal and a B signal by these coefficients. As a result, both ends of the blood vessel are highlighted with a left end part expressed blackish and a right end part expressed reddish, making it possible to clearly display blood vessels in mucous membranes on a monitor.

Abstract: The apparatus according to the present invention includes a level adjusting circuit that increases a gain of a G (or B) signal output from a color conversion circuit, a binarization circuit that forms a binarized image from this G signal and an edge detection circuit that extracts blood vessel position signals through edge detection based on this binarized signal. Then, the apparatus extracts RGB color signals making up a blood vessel image by using the above-described blood vessel position signals, increases the gains of these blood vessel color signals and then adds the blood vessel color signals to the color signals of an original image. This allows blood vessels to be displayed in high contrast to mucous membranes, etc. Furthermore, the apparatus can also amplify the R signal and B signal by using a signal obtained by differentiating the above-described G signal as a gain signal to highlight blood vessels.

Abstract: The invention provides an endoscope having a scope that takes an image enlarged by driving a movable lens of an optical zoom mechanism by a CCD and displays an image of an object to be observed, wherein a multiplier multiplies RGB color signals by a coefficient set in view of light distribution of illumination light depending on focusing distances of the movable lens, thus eliminating uneven brightness resulting from varying light distribution depending on the focusing distances in enlargement photography. A red component cut filter for cutting a long wavelength side in a red band of the illumination light is provided in a light source unit to improve redness. Further, a coefficient for averaging a brightness signal for a predetermined number of pixels for each horizontal line is calculated, and this coefficient calculation may eliminate unevenness.

Abstract: An endoscope according to the invention includes a red component cut optical filter having a characteristic that a spectral transmittance becomes half at 630 nm and zero at 670 nm, for example between a light source and an infrared cut filter, to remove a long wavelength component mainly in a red band of illumination light. This restrains scattering of light on a long wavelength side of red light, and allows taking images of mucosa, blood vessels, and other tissue in good contrast in an object to be observed and satisfactorily observing them on a monitor. Further, reduction in light amount resulting from cutting a red component with the filter is eliminated by light amount control with an aperture and gain control of a signal.

Abstract: A movable lens is provided at the tip of an electroscope, and an optically enlarged image can be observed by moving the movable lens by a motor. A microcomputer measures the entire moving time from a far end to a near end of the movable lens, and the moving time is used as the variable power position information about the movable lens. The variable power position information is displayed by a meter display, etc. on a monitor. Thus, an encoder, etc. is not required.

Abstract: This electronic endoscope apparatus is capable of forming a still image with high image quality by reading out all pixels obtained through an image-pickup device by one exposure and faithfully reproducing the movement concerning moving images. A switch between a pixel mix reading system, which mixes pixels accumulated on the image pickup device having a plurality of color filters arranged in units of pixels between upper and lower horizontal lines to read out from the image-pickup device, and an all-pixel reading system, which reads out signals of all pixels accumulated on the image-pickup device by one exposure uses a light shielding period set by a light shielded. This all-pixel reading system forms a still image, and the other pixel mix reading system forms a moving image.

Abstract: The present invention is a unit for eliminating the fluctuation of luminous energy reduction by keeping the response time of a shading mechanism constant even if a diaphragm opening degree differs when reading every pixel by setting a shading period. This unit is provided with a shading mask having a quadrangular or V-shaped opening and moves a shading shutter in the horizontal direction perpendicular to the vertically moving direction of a diaphragm plate. Therefore, a shading period is set in accordance with the constant response time of the shading shutter and the rate of luminous energy reduction becomes constant. Moreover, a high-quality static image having a stable brightness can be obtained by reading the signal of every pixel obtained by a CCD through one-time exposure while using the shading period and then pixel-mixing signals. Furthermore, it is possible to use the Archimedean spiral for the outer periphery of the diaphragm plate or the shading shutter.

Abstract: The present invention is a unit for eliminating the fluctuation of luminous energy reduction by keeping the response time of a shading mechanism constant even if a diaphragm opening degree differs when reading every pixel by setting a shading period. This unit is provided with a shading mask having a quadrangular or V-shaped opening and moves a shading shutter in the horizontal direction perpendicular to the vertically moving direction of a diaphragm plate. Therefore, a shading period is set in accordance with the constant response time of the shading shutter and the rate of luminous energy reduction becomes constant. Moreover, a high-quality static image having a stable brightness can be obtained by reading the signal of every pixel obtained by a CCD through one-time exposure while using the shading period and then pixel-mixing signals. Furthermore, it is possible to use the Archimedean spiral for the outer periphery of the diaphragm plate or the shading shutter.

Abstract: When a variable powers witch of an electroscope is operated, a motor is driven to move a movable lens, and an optically enlarged image can be obtained. Furthermore, the optical image is electrically enlarged by an electronically variable power circuit. When the optically variable power is switched into the electronically variable power and vice versa, the operation of the variable power switch can be temporarily nullified to stop the variable power operation, and the switch is operated again to resume the operation. Thus, an operator can recognize the switch between the optically variable power and the electronically variable power. Furthermore, a time lag for a predetermined time can be set to switch between the optically variable power and the electronically variable power.