Image pickup system comprising signal processing device which uses exclusive adaptor in probes different in image pickup system from each other

• US 5,335,662 A
• Filed: 06/25/1993
• Issued: 08/09/1994
• Est. Priority Date: 08/28/1992
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Olympus Optical Company Ltd. (Olympus Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Olympus Optical Company Ltd. (Olympus Corporation)
• Inventors: Kimura, Kenji, Tsuji, Kiyoshi
• Primary Examiner(s): Sykes, Angela D.
• Assistant Examiner(s): MANUEL, GEORGE C
• Application Number:
  US08/081,141
• Time in Patent Office: 410 Days
• Field of Search: 73/621, 73/628, 128/24 AA, 128/662.06, 128/660.01, 128/662.03, 367/7
• US Class Current: 600/459
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00059 provided with identification means for the endoscope
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/05 characterised by the image sensor, e.g. camera, being in the distal end portion
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 23/2484 Arrangements in relation to a camera or imaging device processing or control of video signals generated by an endoscope H04N23/60, H04N23/70
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/555 for picking-up images in sites, inaccessible due to their dimensions or hazardous conditions, e.g. endoscopes or borescopes
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 25/00 Circuitry of solid-state image sensors [SSIS]; Control thereof
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/18 Closed-circuit television [CCTV] systems, i.e. systems in which the video signal is not broadcast

Abstract

A plurality of probes having image pickup elements differing from each other in image pickup system from each other are used to display an image image-picked-up on a monitor, and a connector of the used image pickup probe is connected to an exclusive adaptor, whereby a drive adapted for the image pickup element is applied to subject the image pickup element to preprocess processing suited for an output signal outputted from the image pickup element. The adaptor is mounted on a signal processing apparatus body, whereby substantially common process processing is subjected to a signal after the preprocess processing by the signal processing apparatus body, to generate a standard image signal. Thus, the standard image signal is displayed on a monitor.

Claims

1. An image pickup system comprising:

a first probe having an elongated first inserting section, and first image pickup means arranged adjacent to a forward end of said first inserting section, for forming an image of an object;

a second probe having an elongated second inserting section, and second image pickup means arranged adjacent to a forward end of said second inserting section and different in signal form/function from said first image pickup means;

a first adaptor unit detachably connected to said first probe through a cable for generating a drive signal adapted for signal form/function of said first image pickup means;

a second adaptor unit detachably connected to said second probe through a cable for generating a drive signal adapted for signal form/function of said second image pickup means, said second adaptor unit being separate from said first adaptor unit;

a body unit having a single connecting port to which one of either said first or second adaptor units is detachably connected, said body unit performing signal processing adapted for both said first and second image pickup means, to generate a standard image signal; and

a monitor connected to said body unit, for displaying said image signal.

2. An image pickup system according to claim 1, wherein at least one of said first and second image pickup means comprises an electronic endoscope in which first and second image pickup elements having respective functions thereof performing photoelectric transfer are arranged respectively on focal surfaces of respective objective optical systems arranged adjacent to forward ends of the respective first and second inserting sections.

3. An image pickup system according to claim 2, wherein said electronic endoscope comprises an electronic endoscope of concurrent type in which a color filter array for color separation is arranged in front of image pickup surfaces of the respective first and second image pickup elements.

4. An image pickup system according to claim 2, wherein said electronic endoscope comprises an electronic endoscope of surface sequential image pickup type having no color filter array for color separation, in front of image pickup surfaces of the respective first and second image pickup elements.

5. An image pickup system according to claim 2, wherein aid electronic endoscope comprises a freeze switch for displaying a still picture.

6. An image pickup system according to claim 1, wherein at least one of said first and second probes comprises an endoscope of type in which a TV camera is mounted on the outside, comprising an optical endoscope including an image guide having one end surface thereof which is arranged on a focal surface of the objective optical system arranged adjacent to the forward ends of the respective first and second inserting sections, for transmitting an optical image to the other end surface, and a TV camera detachably connected to said optical endoscope and provided with first and second image pickup elements for photoelectrically transferring the optical image transmitted by said image guide.

7. An image pickup system according to claim 1, wherein at least one of said first and second image pickup means comprises an ultrasonic endoscope comprising first and second image pickup elements having such function as to perform photoelectric transfer on a focal surface of an objective optical system arranged adjacent to the forward ends of the respective first and second inserting sections, and an ultrasonic vibrator arranged adjacent to the forward ends of the respective first and second inserting sections, for performing image picking-up of an ultrasonic image.

8. An image pickup system according to claim 1, wherein at least one of said first and second image pickup means includes an ultrasonic vibrator arranged adjacent to the forward ends of the respective first and second inserting sections, for performing image picking-up of an ultrasonic image.

9. An image pickup system according to claim 1, wherein said first and second adaptor units include first and second drive-signal generating circuits for forming respectively said first and second image pickup means, for applying drive signals for outputting image pickup signals different in signal form from each other, image-picked-up from first and second image pickup elements having respective functions for conversion to electric signals.

10. An image pickup system according to claim 9, wherein one of the image pickup signals outputted respectively from said first and second image pickup elements consists of a color signal of time series, while the other consists of a coincidence color signal.

11. An image pickup system according to claim 1, wherein said first and second drive-signal generating circuits generate drive signals corresponding respectively to the numbers of picture elements different from each other.

12. Am image pickup system according to claim 1, wherein said first and second adaptor units include signal generating means for generating discrimination signals which distinguish said first and second adaptor units.

13. An image pickup system according to claim 1, wherein said signal generating means comprises either an electrical or mechanical structure.

14. An image pickup system according to claim 1, wherein said body unit comprises discrimination means for discriminating said first or second adaptor unit which is connected to said body unit.

15. An image pickup system according to claim 14, wherein said body unit changes signal processing in said body unit with respect to said first or second image pickup means, on the basis of an output from said discrimination means.

16. An image pickup system according to claim 1, wherein said first and second probes include functions for generating discrimination signals for distinguishing said first and second probes from each other.

17. An image pickup system according to claim 16, wherein said first or second adaptor unit comprises discrimination means for discriminating said first and second probes from said discrimination signal.

18. An image pickup system according to claim 17, wherein an output from said discrimination means selects either a processing system of said first or second adaptor unit.

19. An image pickup system according to claim 1, wherein one of said first and second image pickup means comprises an image pickup element of concurrent type for performing color image pickup under white illumination, while the other image pickup means comprises an image pickup element of surface sequential type for performing color image pickup under surface-sequential illumination.

20. An image pickup system according to claim 1, wherein at least one of said first and second probes comprises an ultrasonic vibrator which sends and receives an ultrasonic wave.

21. An image pickup system according to claim 20, wherein at least one of said first and second adaptor units comprises an ultrasonic-vibrator drive circuit for driving said ultrasonic vibrator.

22. An image pickup system according to claim 20, wherein said body unit comprises an ultrasonic image-signal generating circuit performing signal processing for generating an image signal from a signal received by said ultrasonic vibrator.

23. An image pickup system according to claim 1, wherein said first image pickup means comprises an objective optical system arranged adjacent to a forward end of said first inserting section, a first image pickup element arranged in the vicinity of the focal surface of said objective optical system and having function performing photoelectric transfer, and an actuator for moving one of said objective optical system and said first image pickup element in an optical-axis direction.

24. An image pickup system according to claim 23, wherein said first adaptor unit comprises a driven circuit for driving said actuator.

25. An image pickup system according to claim 1, wherein said first image pickup means comprises an image pickup element for visible radiation for performing image pickup by light within a visible area, and an image pickup element for invisible radiation for performing image pickup by light out of the visible area.

26. An image pickup system according to claim 1, wherein said first or second image pickup means comprises an image pickup element for invisible radiation for performing image pickup by light out of a visible area.

27. An image pickup system according to claim 26, wherein said body unit comprises a signal processing circuit with respect to said image pickup element for invisible radiation.

28. An image pickup system according to claim 1, wherein at least one of said adaptor units comprises an ultrasonic vibrator drive circuit for driving said ultrasonic vibrator.

29. An image pickup system according to claim 1, including a peripheral unit which is connected to an image-signal output terminal of said body unit.

30. An image pickup system according to claim 1, wherein said body unit comprises isolation means for isolating a side of said first adaptor unit and a side of said second adaptor unit from each other.

31. An image pickup system according to claim 1, wherein said body unit comprises operating means for changing a characteristic of a signal processing system within said body unit.

32. A signal processing unit comprising:

first and second adaptor units detachably connectable to first and second probes, respectively, said first probe having a first image pickup means different in signal form/function from a second image pickup means contained in a second probe, for generating drive signals adapted respectively to a signal form/function of said first and second image pickup means, said first and second adaptor units being separate from each other; and

a body unit having a single connecting port to which one of either said first or second adaptor units is detachably connected, said body unit performing signal processing adapted to said first and second image pickup means to generate a common image signal.

33. A signal processing unit according to claim 32, wherein said body unit includes isolation means for isolating respective sides of said first and second adaptor units from each other.

34. A signal processing unit according to claim 33, wherein at least one of said first and second adaptor units includes an ultrasonic vibrator drive circuit for driving said ultrasonic vibrator.

35. A signal processing unit according to claim 32, wherein said body unit includes an outline emphasizing circuit for emphasizing an outline of an image in said image signal.

36. A signal processing unit according to claim 32, wherein at least one of said first and second adaptor units includes a photoelectric-transfer image-pickup-element drive circuit for driving the photoelectric transfer image pickup element having function for performing photoelectric transfer.

37. A signal processing unit according to claim 32, wherein, in a case where said first or said second image pickup means includes a photoelectric transfer image pickup element having function for performing photoelectric transferring, said first or said second adaptor unit comprises a color separation circuit for electrically performing color separation.

38. A signal processing unit according to claim 37, wherein said first or said second adaptor unit comprises selective means for selectively outputting a signal passing through a color separation circuit and a signal which does not pass through the color separation circuit.

39. A signal processing unit according to claim 38, wherein said first or said second adaptor unit comprises a discrimination circuit for discriminating said first or said second probe connected respectively to said first or said second adaptor unit, and wherein said selective means is controlled by an output signal from said discrimination means.

40. A signal processing unit according to claim 37, wherein said first or said second image pickup means comprises an image pickup element of invisible light image pickup for performing image pickup by light within an area out of said visible radiation area and an image pickup element of concurrent type which is provided with a color filter array for color separation with respect to light within a visible radiation area on a photoelectric transfer surface of said photoelectric transfer image pickup element.

41. A signal processing unit according to claim 32, wherein, whenever said first or said second image pickup means includes a photoelectric transfer image pickup element having function of performing photoelectric transfer, said first or said second adaptor unit includes a light source unit.

42. A signal processing unit according to claim 32, including a light guide having function of transmitting illuminating light in a case where said first or said second image pickup means includes a photoelectric transfer image pickup element which has a function of performing photoelectric transfer.

43. A signal processing unit according to claim 42, wherein, whenever said first or said second image pickup means is image pickup means of surface sequential type in which a color filter array optically performing color separation is not arranged in front of an image pickup surface of said photoelectric transfer image pickup element, said first or said second adaptor unit includes a color filter for converting illuminating light transmitted by a light guide to surface-sequential illuminating light of time series.

44. A signal processing unit according to claim 32, wherein said first or said second adaptor unit comprises isolation means for isolating the circuit within said body unit and the circuit within said first or said second adaptor unit from each other.

45. A signal processing unit according to claim 32, including a third adaptor unit having a different function from said first and second adaptor units.

46. A signal processing unit according to claim 45, wherein said third adaptor unit includes functions of both said first and second adaptor units.

47. A signal processing unit according to claim 45, wherein said third adaptor unit comprises discrimination means for discriminating said first and second image pickup means from each other, which are connected to said third adaptor unit, and wherein a function of said third adaptor unit is so switched by the output signal from said discrimination means as to be adapted for said first and second image pickup means.

48. A signal processing unit comprising:

first and second adaptor units separate from each other and to which first and second probes having first and second image pickup means, respectively, which are different in signal form/function from each other, are detachably connectable, for respectively generating drive signals adapted for signal form/function of said first and second image pickup means; and

a body unit to which said first and second adaptor units is connected, said body unit performing signal processing adapted for said first and second image pickup means, to generate a common image signal, wherein said first or said second adaptor unit is connected to said body unit through a light source unit for supplying illuminating light to said first or said second probe which is connected to said first or second adaptor unit.

49. A signal processing unit according to claim 48, wherein said first or said second adaptor unit is connected to said body unit through an electric cable.

50. A signal processing unit according to claim 48, wherein said first or said second probe includes a connector which is connected to a connector receptor for signal of said first or said second adaptor unit and a connector receptor for light source of said light source unit for supplying the illuminating light to said first or said second probe.

51. A signal processing unit to which a plurality of probes driven by drive signals differing from each other in signal form are detachably connected, to drive the output signal to said probes, said signal processing unit comprising:

a first drive-signal generating unit provided on a body, for generating an intermediate drive signal for driving said probes; and

a second drive-signal generating unit provided on an adaptor which is detachable with respect to said body, for outputting a final drive signal for driving said probes, on the basis of said intermediate drive signal generated by said first drive-signal generating unit.

52. A signal processing unit according to claim 51, wherein said probes are an electronic endoscope in which an image pickup element having a function of performing photoelectric transfer is arranged on a focal surface of an objective optical system which is arranged adjacent to the forward end of said probe.

53. A signal processing unit according to claim 51, wherein said probes consist of an ultrasonic endoscope which includes an image pickup element having function of performing photoelectric transfer and an ultrasonic vibrator arranged adjacent to the forward end of said probe for performing image pickup of an ultrasonic image, on a focal surface of an objective optical system which is arranged adjacent to the forward end of said probe.

54. A signal processing unit according to claim 52, wherein said electronic endoscope consists of an electronic endoscope of surface sequential image pickup system having no color filter array for color separation in front of an image pickup surface of said image pickup element.

55. A signal processing unit according to claim 51, wherein said electronic endoscope consists of an electronic endoscope of concurrent type having a color filter array for color separation in front of an image pickup surface of said image pickup element.

56. A signal processing unit according to claim 51, wherein said probes include an image pickup element for invisible light for performing image pickup by light out of a visible area.

57. A signal processing unit according to claim 51, wherein said electronic endoscope includes an auto-focus function.

58. A signal processing unit according to claim 51, wherein said first drive-signal generating unit comprises at least one of isolation means, synchronous-signal generating means, a power-source circuit, an A/D converting circuit, a D/A conversion circuit, a memory circuit, a y correction circuit, an AGC circuit, an NTSC/PAL encoder circuit, an outline emphasizing circuit, a video buffer circuit, a color matrix circuit and a CPU circuit.

59. A signal processing unit according to claim 51, wherein said first drive-signal generating unit comprises said second drive-signal generating unit or judging means for judging kind or type of said probes.

60. A signal processing unit according to claim 51, wherein said second drive-signal generating unit comprises at least one of an image pickup element drive circuit, an CDS circuit for extracting a signal component, and an isolation circuit for performing isolation.

61. A signal processing unit according to claim 51, wherein said second drive-signal generating unit comprises an actuator drive circuit for driving an autofocus actuator.

62. A signal processing unit according to claim 51, wherein said second drive-signal generating unit comprises at least one of non-volatile memory means, a preamplifier, and a color separation circuit.

63. A signal processing unit according to claim 51, wherein said second drive-signal generating unit comprises a vibrator drive circuit for driving an ultrasonic vibrator.

64. A signal processing unit according to claim 51, wherein said second drive-signal generating unit comprises a color filter for surface sequential image pickup.

65. A signal processing unit according to claim 51, wherein said second drive-signal generating unit comprises light source means.

66. A signal processing unit according to claim 51, wherein said second drive-signal generating unit comprises a light guide.

67. A signal processing unit in which one of a plurality of image pickup units for outputting signals differing from each other in signal form is detachably connected, for outputting a drive signal to said image pickup units, said signal processing unit comprising:

a synchronous signal generating section mounted on a body for generating a synchronous signal; and

image pickup unit drive means arranged on a single adaptor detachable to said body, for outputting a drive signal for driving said image pickup unit, on the basis of said synchronous signal.

68. A signal processing unit to which a plurality of probes outputting signals different in signal form from each other are detachably connected, for processing signals outputted from said probes, said signal processing unit comprising:

a first signal processing unit provided on an adaptor which is detachable from a body, for subjecting intermediate processing to said signals outputted from said probes; and

a second signal processing unit provided on said body, for subjecting final processing to signals to which intermediate processing is subjected, by said first signal processing unit.

69. A signal processing apparatus to which a plurality of image pickup devices for outputting signals different in signal form from each other are detachably connected, for processing signals outputted from said image pickup devices, said signal processing unit comprising:

extracting means provided on an adaptor which is detachable on a body, for extracting an image signal component from an image pickup signal outputted from said image pickup devices; and

image-signal processing means provided on said body, for subjecting processing with respect to the image signal component extracted by said extracting means, to generate a signal capable of being displayed on a monitor.

70. A signal processing apparatus comprising:

first and second adaptor units to which first and second probes different in signal form from each other are connectable, and having drive functions corresponding respectively to said first and second probes; and

a body unit having a single connecting port to which one of either said first or second adaptor units is detachably connected, for performing signal processing with respect to said first and second probes.

71. A signal processing apparatus according to claim 70, wherein at least one of said first and second adaptor units includes a plurality of signal forms.