Signal processing device and endoscope system

A signal processing device processes a signal sent from an imaging device detachably attached to the signal processing device and includes: a signal processing unit configured to rewrite processing contents in accordance with a configuration; configuration memories having different capabilities and configured to store pieces of configuration data corresponding to contents of image processes that are performed in accordance with imaging sensors held by the imaging devices; a configuration controller configured to perform control to subject the signal processing unit to reconfiguration using the configuration data that depends on the imaging sensor of the imaging device attached to the signal processing device among the configuration data; a priority setting unit configured to set priority for each configuration data based on a predetermined condition; and a rewrite controller configured to rewrite the configuration data in the configuration memories based on the priority set by the priority setting unit.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to a signal processing device.

In the medical field, an endoscope system is conventionally used for observation of the inside of a subject. In general, an endoscope captures an in-vivo image in such a manner that an elongated flexible insertion portion is inserted into the subject such as a patient, illumination light supplied by a light source device is emitted from a distal end of the insertion portion, and reflected light of the illumination light is received by an imaging unit at the distal end of the insertion portion. The in-vivo image captured in this way by the imaging unit of the endoscope is displayed on a display of the endoscope system after undergoing a predetermined image process in a processing device of the endoscope system. A user such as a medical doctor observes an organ of the subject based on the in-vivo image displayed on the display.

In the endoscopic examination, various endoscopes are appropriately used in accordance with the purpose of the observation or the observed region. In the endoscope system, the contents of the image processes vary in accordance with imaging sensors of the endoscopes. In order to deal with this feature, a plurality of image processing circuits has been provided in the processing device, or the processing devices themselves have been adapted to the respective types of endoscopes to serve as the individual processing devices. This has led to a demand for a single processing device which has a simpler configuration and can be adapted to a plurality of types of endoscopes.

In order to fulfill this demand, such an endoscope system has been proposed that an image processing circuit of a processing device is configured using a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a memory in which corresponding configuration data are stored is provided in each endoscope, and the processing device causes the FPGA to read the configuration data in the endoscope when the endoscope is connected, and to perform a rewrite to achieve a logic circuit that can execute an image process including the contents corresponding to an imaging sensor of the connected endoscope (for example, refer to JP 2013-132385 A).

There is a need for a signal processing device and an endoscope system in which a single signal processing device can be adapted to a plurality of types of endoscopes, and smooth display of an image is realized without a complicated configuration of the endoscope.

SUMMARY

A signal processing device according to one aspect of the present disclosure processes a signal sent from an imaging device detachably attached to the signal processing device, and includes: a signal processing unit configured to rewrite processing contents in accordance with a configuration; a plurality of configuration memories having different capabilities, each configuration memory being configured to store a plurality of pieces of configuration data corresponding to contents of image processes that are performed in accordance with imaging sensors held by a plurality of the imaging devices attachable to the signal processing device; a configuration controller configured to perform control to subject the signal processing unit to reconfiguration using the piece of configuration data that depends on the imaging sensor of the imaging device attached to the signal processing device among the plurality of pieces of configuration data stored in the configuration memory; a priority setting unit configured to set priority for each of the plurality of pieces of configuration data based on a predetermined condition; and a rewrite controller configured to rewrite the configuration data in the plurality of configuration memories based on the priority set by the priority setting unit.

An endoscope system according to another aspect of the present disclosure includes: a light source device configured to emit illumination light for illuminating an object; an endoscope device including an imaging sensor including a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix, the imaging sensor being configured to perform a photoelectric conversion on light from the object irradiated with the illumination light to generate an image signal; and a signal processing device configured to process a signal sent from the endoscope device detachably attached to the signal processing device, the signal processing device including: a signal processing unit configured to rewrite processing contents in accordance with a configuration; a plurality of configuration memories having different capabilities, each configuration memory being configured to store a plurality of pieces of configuration data corresponding to contents of image processes that are performed in accordance with imaging sensors held by a plurality of the imaging devices attachable to the signal processing device; a configuration controller configured to perform control to subject the signal processing unit to reconfiguration using the piece of configuration data that depends on the imaging sensor of the endoscope device attached to the signal processing device among the plurality of pieces of configuration data stored in the configuration memory; a priority setting unit configured to set priority for each of the plurality of pieces of configuration data based on a predetermined condition; and a rewrite controller configured to rewrite the configuration data in the plurality of configuration memories based on the priority set by the priority setting unit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, an endoscope system will be described as an embodiment for practicing the present disclosure (hereinafter referred to as the “embodiment”). The present disclosure is not limited by the embodiments. In the drawings, identical elements are provided with the same reference signs.

First Embodiment

FIG. 1is a schematic diagram illustrating an overview configuration of an endoscope system according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated inFIG. 1, an endoscope system1according to the first embodiment includes an endoscope2(scope), a processing device3(signal processing device), a light source device4, and a display device5. The endoscope2is introduced into a subject and captures the inside of the subject to generate an image signal of the inside of the subject. The endoscope2is detachably attached to the processing device3. The processing device3performs a predetermined image process on the image signal sent from the endoscope2, and controls respective parts of the endoscope system1. The light source device4generates illumination light (observation light) for the endoscope2. The display device5displays an image corresponding to the image signal subjected to the image process by the processing device3.

The endoscope2includes an insertion portion21that is inserted into the subject, an operating unit22that is a proximal end side of the insertion portion21and gripped by a manipulator, and a flexible universal cord23extending from the operating unit22.

The insertion portion21is realized by use of an illumination fiber (light guide cable) and an electric cable or the like. The insertion portion21has a distal end portion21a, a curve portion21b, and a flexible pipe portion21c. The distal end portion21ahas an imaging unit incorporating, for example, a CMOS imaging sensor as an imaging sensor that captures the inside of the subject. The curve portion21bincludes a plurality of curve pieces so as to be freely curved. The flexible pipe portion21cis provided on a proximal end side of the curve portion21band has flexibility. The distal end portion21ais provided with an illumination unit that illuminates the inside of the subject via an illumination lens, an imaging unit that captures the inside of the subject, an opening portion21dcommunicating with a treatment tool channel, and an air/water supply nozzle (not illustrated).

The operating unit22has a curve knob22a, a treatment tool insertion portion22b, and a plurality of switch units22c. The curve knob22acurves the curve portion21bin an up-down direction and a left-right direction. A treatment tool such as living body forceps and a laser scalpel is inserted into a body cavity of the subject through the treatment tool insertion portion22b. A peripheral device such as the processing device3, the light source device4, an air supply device, a water supply device, and a gas supply device is operated through the plurality of switch units22c. The treatment tool inserted through the treatment tool insertion portion22bpasses through the treatment tool channel provided inside and comes out of the opening portion21dat the distal end of the insertion portion21.

The universal cord23is configured by use of an illumination fiber and an electric cable or the like. The universal cord23branches, at a proximal end, into connectors23aand23bthat are detachably attached to the processing device3and the light source device4. The universal cord23transmits, to the processing device3via the connector23a, the image signal captured by the imaging unit provided at the distal end portion21a. The universal cord23propagates the illumination light emitted from the light source device4to the distal end portion21avia the connector23b, the operating unit22, and the flexible pipe portion21c.

The processing device3performs the predetermined image process on an image signal of the inside of the subject captured by the imaging unit at the distal end portion21aof the endoscope2and input via the universal cord23. The processing device3controls the respective parts of the endoscope system1based on various instruction signals sent from the switch units22cof the operating unit22of the endoscope2via the universal cord23.

The light source device4is configured by use of a light source that emits white light and a condenser lens or the like. The light source device4supplies the white light from the white light source to the endoscope2coupled via the connector23band the illumination fiber of the universal cord23as the illumination light with which the inside of the subject, i.e. an object, is illuminated.

The display device5is configured by use of a display or the like using liquid crystal or organic electro luminescence (EL). The display device5displays, via a video cable, various kinds of information including the image corresponding to the display image signal subjected to the predetermined image process by the processing device3. Consequently, the manipulator can observe a desired position in the subject and determine the condition of the desired position by operating the endoscope2while watching the image (in-vivo image) displayed by the display device5.

Next, the configuration of the endoscope system1described inFIG. 1will be described.FIG. 2is a block diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of the endoscope system1illustrated inFIG. 1.

The endoscope2has an optical system24and an imaging sensor25at the distal end portion21a. A distal end of a light guide cable23cextending from the light source device4through the connector23bis located at the distal end portion21a. An illumination lens21eis provided at the distal end of the light guide cable23c. The object is illuminated with the light emitted from the light source device4via the light guide cable23cthrough an illumination window21fat the distal end portion21aof the insertion portion21. The endoscope2also has an identification information memory29indicating identification information of the endoscope2. The identification information memory29is a memory that records the identification information of the endoscope2, and outputs the identification information of the endoscope2to the processing device3by means of a process of communicating with the processing device3when the endoscope2is attached to the processing device3. Alternatively, in some cases, the connector23ais provided with connection pins in accordance with a rule corresponding to the identification information of the endoscope2, and the processing device3recognizes the identification information of the endoscope2based on a connection state between the connection pin close to the processing device3and the connection pin close to the endoscope2when the endoscope2is attached.

The optical system24is configured by use of one or more lenses provided at a former stage of the imaging sensor25, and has an optical zoom function for changing an angle of view and a focus function for changing a focal point.

The imaging sensor25has a color filter group26, a light receiving unit27, and a reading unit28. The imaging sensor25may be, for example, a CMOS imaging sensor that enables exposure and reading on a horizontal line basis, or may be a CCD imaging sensor.

The color filter group26includes a primary color filter group, a complementary color filter group, or a monochrome color filter group. The primary color filter group includes a plurality of primary color filters that transmits light having a primary color component. The complementary color filter group includes a plurality of complementary color filters that transmits light in a wavelength band that is substantially equal to that of the primary color component transmitted by the primary color filters. The monochrome color filter group includes a filter that transmits light in a predetermined wavelength band for the purpose of the enhancement of contrast and shading. Any color filter group26is configured in such a manner that the respective filters are arranged in accordance with a pixel array of the light receiving unit27to be described later.

In the light receiving unit27, a plurality of pixels is arranged in a matrix on a light receiving surface. The plurality of pixels receives light that has come from the object irradiated with light and passed through the color filter group26, and performs a photoelectric conversion on the received light to generate the image signal. The optical system24and the color filter group26are arranged on the light receiving surface side of the light receiving unit27.

The reading unit28reads the image signal generated by the plurality of pixels of the light receiving unit27. The image signal read by the reading unit28is an electric signal (analog). The imaging sensor25also has an AFE unit (not illustrated) that performs a noise removal and an A/D conversion or the like on the electric signal of the image signal read by the reading unit28, and has a control unit (not illustrated) that controls the operation of the imaging sensor25in accordance with a control signal received from the processing device3. The image signal (digital) generated by the imaging sensor25is output to the processing device3via a signal cable (not illustrated) and the connector23a.

The processing device3includes an image processing unit31(signal processing unit), a configuration memory32, a control unit33, an input unit34, and a storage unit35.

The image processing unit31performs the predetermined image process on a pixel signal (image signal) read by the reading unit28of the imaging sensor25from the plurality of pixels. The image processing unit31performs, on the pixel signal, the image process including an optical black subtraction process, a gain adjustment process, a white balance (WB) adjustment process, a synchronization process for the image signal in a case where the imaging sensor has a Bayer array, a color matrix calculation process, a gamma correction process, a color reproduction process, an edge enhancement process, and a display image signal generation process or the like. The image processing unit31is configured by use of an FPGA, i.e. a rewritable programmable logic device capable of rewriting the processing contents in accordance with a configuration. The image processing unit31reads configuration data that have been input under the control of a configuration controller33ato be described later, and performs a rewrite (reconfiguration) of a logic circuit.

The configuration memory32stores the configuration data for performing the reconfiguration of the FPGA. The configuration memory32stores a plurality of pieces of configuration data corresponding to the contents of the image processes that are performed in accordance with imaging sensors25held by a plurality of endoscopes2attachable to the processing device3. As illustrated inFIG. 3, suppose that the endoscope2that is attached to the processing device3is a first endoscope2A in which an imaging sensor25A including a complementary color filter group26A, a light receiving unit27A, and a reading unit28A is mounted, a second endoscope2B in which an imaging sensor25B including a primary color filter group26B, a light receiving unit27B, and a reading unit28B is mounted, or a third endoscope2C in which an imaging sensor25C including a monochrome color filter group26C, a light receiving unit27C, and a reading unit28C is mounted. In this case, the configuration memory32stores complementary configuration data32acorresponding to the contents of the image process that is performed in accordance with the imaging sensor25A, primary configuration data32bcorresponding to the contents of the image process that is performed in accordance with the imaging sensor25B, and monochrome configuration data32ccorresponding to the contents of the image process that is performed in accordance with the imaging sensor25C. The configuration memory32includes a non-volatile memory such as a rewritable flash ROM.

The control unit33is realized by use of a CPU or the like. The control unit33controls the processing operation of each part of the processing device3. For example, the control unit33transfers instruction information or data to each component of the processing device3, thereby controlling the operation of the processing device3. The control unit33is coupled to the imaging sensor25and the light source device4via the respective cables, and also performs control on the imaging sensor25and the light source device4. The control unit33has the configuration controller33athat controls the reconfiguration process in the image processing unit31.

The input unit34is realized by use of an operation device such as a mouse, a keyboard, and a touch panel, and accepts input of various types of instruction information for the endoscope system1. More specifically, the input unit34accepts the input of the various types of instruction information such as subject information (e.g., an ID, a date of birth, and a name or the like), identification information of the endoscope2(e.g., an ID and an item to be examined), and examination contents.

The storage unit35is realized by use of a volatile memory or a non-volatile memory, and stores various programs for operating the processing device3and the light source device4. The storage unit35temporarily stores information during the process performed by the processing device3. The storage unit35records the image signal read by the reading unit28.

The light source device4includes a light source controller41, a light source driver42, and a light source43.

The light source controller41controls a process of the light source43for emitting the illumination light under the control of the control unit33. The light source driver42supplies predetermined power to the light source43under the control of the light source controller41. The light source43is configured, for example, by use of a light source such as a white LED that emits white light and an optical system such as a condenser lens. The light source43generates the illumination light that is supplied to the endoscope2. The object is illuminated, by the light guide cable23c, with the light emitted from the light source43via the connector23band the universal cord23through the illumination window21fat the distal end portion21aof the insertion portion21. The imaging sensor25is arranged in the vicinity of the illumination window21f.

Next, the control by the configuration controller33afor the reconfiguration process in the image processing unit31will be described. First, when the endoscope2is attached to the processing device3, the configuration controller33aacquires the identification information of the endoscope2indicated by the identification information memory29of the attached endoscope2, and identifies the imaging sensor25of the endoscope2attached to the processing device3. As a result, the configuration controller33arecognizes the contents of the image process that is performed in accordance with the imaging sensor25of the endoscope2, and performs the control to subject the image processing unit31to the reconfiguration using the piece of configuration data that depends on the imaging sensor25of the endoscope2attached to the processing device3among the plurality of pieces of configuration data stored in the configuration memory32. Specifically, the configuration controller33acauses the image processing unit31to read the piece of configuration data that depends on the imaging sensor25of the endoscope2attached to the processing device3among the plurality of pieces of configuration data stored in the configuration memory32, and to perform the reconfiguration. Consequently, the image processing unit31is enabled to execute the image process for the image signal output from the endoscope2actually attached to the processing device3.

In a case where the endoscope2is replaced, the configuration controller33aidentifies the imaging sensor25of the endoscope2connected to the processing device3based on the identification information of the endoscope2in the identification information memory29of the replaced endoscope2, and causes the image processing unit31to read the piece of configuration data that depends on the imaging sensor25of the endoscope2attached to the processing device3among the plurality of pieces of configuration data stored in the configuration memory32, and to perform the reconfiguration.

In a case where the first endoscope2A illustrated inFIG. 3is attached, the configuration controller33acauses the image processing unit31to read the complementary configuration data32acorresponding to the contents of the image process that is performed in accordance with the imaging sensor25A, and to perform the reconfiguration. Consequently, the image processing unit31is enabled to execute the image process for the image signal output from the first endoscope2A. In a case where the second endoscope2B is attached, the configuration controller33acauses the image processing unit31to read the primary configuration data32bcorresponding to the contents of the image process that is performed in accordance with the imaging sensor25B, and to perform the reconfiguration, whereby the image processing unit31is enabled to execute the image process for the image signal output from the second endoscope2B. In a case where the third endoscope2C is attached, the configuration controller33acauses the image processing unit31to read the monochrome configuration data32ccorresponding to the contents of the image process that is performed in accordance with the imaging sensor25C, and to perform the reconfiguration, whereby the image processing unit31is enabled to execute the image process for the image signal output from the third endoscope2C. Therefore, all of the first endoscope2A, the second endoscope2B, and the third endoscope2C, the contents of the image processes of which are different from one another, can be attached to the processing device3as indicated by arrows Ya to Yc.

As described above, the endoscope system1according to the first embodiment causes the configuration memory32of the processing device3to store the plurality of pieces of configuration data that depends on the image processes including the contents corresponding to the respective imaging sensors of the plurality of endoscopes to be attached to the processing device3. Consequently, the endoscope system1according to the first embodiment can cause the image processing unit31to reconstruct the logic circuit that depends on the image process corresponding to the imaging sensor of the attached endoscope every time any of the endoscopes is attached. Therefore, according to the first embodiment, the single processing device3can be adapted to the plurality of types of endoscopes without a complicated configuration of the endoscope. In addition, according to the first embodiment, not the endoscope2but the processing device3has the configuration data corresponding to the imaging sensor of each endoscope. Therefore, the time for the data transmission/reception between the endoscope and the processing device3, which has been conventionally required, is no longer needed. Accordingly, the time until the image output can be shortened, and the image can be smoothly displayed.

The example in which the three types of endoscopes can be attached is illustrated in the example ofFIGS. 2 and 3. Needless to say, the number of types of endoscopes is not limited to this example. In the first embodiment, the number of types of endoscopes2to be attached only needs to be a plural number, and the configuration memory32only needs to store in advance the pieces of configuration data corresponding to the respective contents of the image processes corresponding to the imaging sensors of the respective endoscopes.

Second Embodiment

Next, a second embodiment will be described.FIG. 4is a block diagram schematically illustrating a configuration of an endoscope system according to the second embodiment.

As illustrated inFIG. 4, an endoscope system201according to the second embodiment has, in place of the processing device3illustrated inFIG. 2, a processing device203having a plurality of configuration memories that at least partly has a difference in capability. More specifically, the processing device203has two configuration memories, i.e. a first configuration memory232A and a second configuration memory232B. The processing device203also has a control unit233having a function similar to that of the control unit33illustrated inFIG. 2. The control unit233has a configuration controller233a.

Both the first configuration memory232A and the second configuration memory232B include non-volatile memories such as rewritable flash ROMs. The first configuration memory232A and the second configuration memory232B have a difference in capability, and the capability of the first configuration memory232A is higher than that of the second configuration memory232B. More specifically, the first configuration memory232A has a fast rate of data transfer to the image processing unit31and has a large capacity as compared with the second configuration memory232B. In the example ofFIG. 4, the first configuration memory232A has such a capacity as to be able to store two pieces of configuration data, and the second configuration memory232B has such a capacity as to be able to store a single piece of configuration data.

In the endoscope system201, the higher the capability of the plurality of configuration memories is, the higher the priority of the stored configuration data is. In the example ofFIG. 4, with regard to the first configuration memory232A and the second configuration memory232B, the first configuration memory232A having the high capability stores the configuration data of high priority, and the second configuration memory232B having the low capability stores the configuration data of low priority. The priority of each piece of configuration data is determined in advance based on, for example, a history of the number of times of attachment of the endoscope2in which the imaging sensor25corresponding to each piece of configuration data is mounted, the number of times of reconfiguration counted for each piece of configuration data, and the number of endoscopes2on a type basis owned by a facility in which the endoscope system201is installed.

FIG. 5is a diagram illustrating a table for explaining a storage location of each piece of configuration data. For example, as in the table T1 ofFIG. 5, suppose that the priority is determined in order of the complementary configuration data32a, the primary configuration data32b, and the monochrome configuration data32c. In this case, the complementary configuration data32aof the first priority and the primary configuration data32bof the second priority are stored in the first configuration memory232A as indicated by arrows Yd and Ye, and the monochrome configuration data32cof the third priority are stored in the second configuration memory232B as indicated by an arrow Yf.

The configuration controller233adetermines which piece of configuration data is stored in which configuration memory, and causes the image processing unit31to read, from either the first configuration memory232A or the second configuration memory232B, the piece of configuration data corresponding to the contents of the image process that is performed in accordance with the imaging sensor25of the endoscope2actually attached to the processing device203, and to perform the reconfiguration.

As described above, in the second embodiment, the high priority is set for the configuration data corresponding to the imaging sensor25of the endoscope2having a large number of times of attachment or dominant in number, and the configuration data of high priority are stored in the first configuration memory232A having a fast rate of data transfer. Consequently, the rate of data transfer to the image processing unit31for the configuration data of high priority can be increased, and the time until the image output can be further shortened.

Third Embodiment

Next, a third embodiment will be described.FIG. 6is a block diagram schematically illustrating a configuration of an endoscope system according to the third embodiment.

As illustrated inFIG. 6, an endoscope system301according to the third embodiment includes a processing device303having a control unit333in place of the processing device illustrated inFIG. 4. The processing device303has the control unit333including a configuration controller333a, a number count unit333b(counting unit), a priority setting unit333c, and a rewrite controller333d.

The configuration controller333aalways determines which piece of configuration data is stored in which configuration memory, and causes the image processing unit31to read, from either the first configuration memory232A or the second configuration memory232B, the piece of configuration data corresponding to the contents of the image process that is performed in accordance with the imaging sensor25of the endoscope2actually attached to the processing device303, and to perform the reconfiguration.

The number count unit333bcounts, for each piece of configuration data, the number of times that the configuration controller333asubjects the FPGA of the image processing unit31to the reconfiguration. The number count unit333bmay also count, for each piece of configuration data corresponding to the imaging sensor25of the endoscope2, the number of times that the endoscope2is attached to the processing device303.

The priority setting unit333csets the priority for each of the plurality of pieces of configuration data based on a predetermined condition. The priority setting unit333csets the priority for each of the plurality of pieces of configuration data in accordance with the count result provided by the number count unit333b.

The rewrite controller333dperforms control to rewrite the configuration data in the first configuration memory232A and the second configuration memory232B. The rewrite controller333drewrites the configuration data in the first configuration memory232A and the second configuration memory232B based on the priority set by the priority setting unit333c. With regard to the first configuration memory232A and the second configuration memory232B, the rewrite controller333drewrites, to the configuration data of high priority, the configuration data in the first configuration memory232A having the high capability, and rewrites, to the configuration data of low priority, the configuration data in the second configuration memory232B having the low capability.

FIG. 7is a diagram illustrating a table for explaining a setting process that is performed by the control unit333for the number of counts, the priority, and the storage location with respect to each piece of configuration data. The table T2 ofFIG. 7indicates a case where the number count unit333bcounts the number of times that the configuration controller333asubjects the FPGA of the image processing unit31to the reconfiguration, as a result of which a column Lc shows 30 times for the complementary configuration data32a,10 times for the primary configuration data32b, and 25 times for the monochrome configuration data32c.

In this case, as illustrated in a column Ld, the priority setting unit333csets, in descending order of the number of counts counted by the number count unit333b, the complementary configuration data32ato the first priority, the monochrome configuration data32cto the second priority, and the primary configuration data32bto the third priority. Accordingly, the rewrite controller333dsets, as indicated in a column Le, the storage locations of the complementary configuration data32aof the first priority and the monochrome configuration data32cof the second priority to the first configuration memory232A, and rewrites the configuration data in the first configuration memory232A to the complementary configuration data32aand the monochrome configuration data32c. The rewrite controller333dthen sets the storage location of the primary configuration data32bof the third priority to the second configuration memory232B, and rewrites the configuration data in the second configuration memory232B to the primary configuration data32b.

The rewrite process for the configuration data by the rewrite controller333dmay be performed, for example, each time the endoscopic examination is finished. More specifically, the rewrite controller333dperforms the rewrite process for the configuration data when an examination finish button in an operation menu displayed on the display device5is selected. Alternatively, the rewrite process for the configuration data by the rewrite controller333dmay be performed at any timing designated by an operator of the endoscope system301. More specifically, the rewrite controller333dperforms the rewrite process for the configuration data when a predetermined update button in a display menu is selected. Needless to say, the rewrite process for the configuration data by the rewrite controller333dmay be performed in accordance with an instruction from the outside, or may be automatically performed at a preset timing.

As described above, in the third embodiment, the storage location of the configuration data is changed as needed in accordance with the latest number of counts corresponding to each piece of configuration data. Therefore, the rate of data transfer to the image processing unit31for the configuration data corresponding to the imaging sensor25of the endoscope2having a large number of times of attachment or dominant in number is increased more reliably.

Fourth Embodiment

Next, a fourth embodiment will be described.FIG. 8is a block diagram schematically illustrating a configuration of an endoscope system according to the fourth embodiment.

As illustrated inFIG. 8, an endoscope system401according to the fourth embodiment has a processing device403including an input I/F unit436that exchanges data with a storage medium6such as a memory card. The storage medium6can be attached to the processing device403. The rewrite controller333dalso performs the rewrite control for the data in the attached storage medium6.

The storage medium6stores a plurality of pieces of configuration data which is not held by the processing device403. The storage medium6stores, for example, fourth endoscope configuration data60to thirteenth endoscope configuration data69, i.e. pieces of configuration data that belong to a generation newer than the generation corresponding to each piece of configuration data held by the processing device403.

The input unit34inputs priority information indicating the priority of each of the plurality of pieces of configuration data by means of the operation performed by an operator of the endoscope system401. More specifically, the operator sets the configuration data to be used and the priority thereof on a predetermined menu, whereby the priority information is input from the input unit34. The priority setting unit333csets the priority for each of the plurality of pieces of configuration data in accordance with the priority information input by the input unit34.

The rewrite controller333drewrites, based on the priority set by the priority setting unit333c, the configuration data in the first configuration memory232A and the second configuration memory232B to the configuration data in the first configuration memory232A, the configuration data in the second configuration memory232B, or the configuration data stored in the storage medium6connected to the processing device403.

As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, the processing device403can also retrieve the configuration data stored in the external storage medium6. Therefore, if the configuration data of the endoscope2that belongs to a newly released new generation are stored in the storage medium6to be attached to the processing device403, the processing device403can be adapted to not only the endoscope2that belongs to the prior generation but also the endoscope2that belongs to the newly released new generation.

FIG. 9is a block diagram schematically illustrating another configuration of the endoscope system according to the fourth embodiment. An endoscope system501inFIG. 9has a processing device503further including a network I/F unit537and capable of performing a process of communicating with an external server8via a network7. The server8holds a plurality of pieces of configuration data, and holds, for example, all the pieces of configuration data corresponding to the imaging sensors25of the endoscopes2which have been released so far, examples of which include first endoscope configuration data801to fourteenth endoscope configuration data814. The rewrite controller333drewrites, based on the priority set by the priority setting unit333c, the configuration data in the first configuration memory232A and the second configuration memory232B to any of the configuration data in the first configuration memory232A, the configuration data in the second configuration memory232B, or the configuration data held by the server8and acquired via the network7.

In this case, the processing device503can retrieve the configuration data held by the server8as well as the configuration data stored in the storage medium6. Therefore, the processing device503can be flexibly adapted to the endoscope2that belongs to any generation.

Needless to say, the rewrite controller333dmay acquire, from the server8, a configuration data group corresponding to the imaging sensors25of the respective endoscopes2that belong to the newly released new generation from among the pieces of configuration data held by the server8, and download the acquired configuration data group to the storage medium6in advance. In this manner, if the configuration data for the new generation are downloaded to the storage medium6in advance, the processing device503does not have to connect to the network7each time the endoscope2that belongs to the new generation is attached to the processing device503, and acquire, from the server8, the configuration data corresponding to the imaging sensor25of the endoscope2that belongs to the new generation, which is efficient.

In the fourth embodiment, the processing devices403and503may cause the display device5to display a menu that enables setting as to which pieces of configuration data are stored in the first configuration memory232A and the second configuration memory232B so that the operator himself/herself can select the configuration data to be stored and the storage location. In the same way as the third embodiment, the processing devices403and503may automatically set which pieces of configuration data are stored in the first configuration memory232A and the second configuration memory232B in accordance with the priority set on the basis of the count result of the number count unit333b.

Execution programs for the respective processes that are executed by the processing devices3,203,303,403, and503according to the embodiments and other components may be recorded and provided in a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk, a CD-R, and a digital versatile disk (DVD) in an installable format or executable format file. Alternatively, the execution programs may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet, downloaded via the network, and provided. Alternatively, the execution programs may be provided or distributed via the network such as the Internet.

In the embodiments, the processing devices3,203,303,403, and503are separate from the light source device4. However, the processing devices3,203,303,403, and503and the light source device4are not limited to this example, and may be integrally configured.

According to the present disclosure, a signal processing device that processes a signal sent from an imaging device detachably attached to the signal processing device has a configuration memory that stores a plurality of pieces of configuration data corresponding to respective contents of image processes that are performed in accordance with imaging sensors of imaging devices to be attached, and performs control to subject a signal processing unit capable of rewriting processing contents in accordance with a configuration to reconfiguration using the piece of configuration data that depends on the imaging sensor of the imaging device attached to the signal processing device among the plurality of pieces of configuration data stored in the configuration memory. Therefore, the single signal processing device can be adapted to a plurality of types of endoscopes, i.e. the imaging devices, and smooth display of an image can be realized without a complicated configuration of the endoscope.