Method and device for generating image showing concentration distribution of biological substances in biological tissue

Generating an image of a molar concentration ratio between a first and second biological substance, an absorption spectrum of the first and second biological substance within a predetermined wavelength range including a first, second, third, and fourth isosbestic point, acquiring first imaging data of the tissue using light extracted from white light using a first filter to collectively selectively extract light in a first wavelength range demarcated by the first and second isosbestic point, light in a second wavelength range demarcated by the second and third isosbestic point, and light in a third wavelength range demarcated by the third and fourth isosbestic point; acquiring second imaging data by taking an image of the tissue using light from the white light using a second optical filter to selectively extract light in the second wavelength range; and generating the distribution image on the basis of the first and second imaging data.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a method and a device for generating an image showing concentration distribution of biological substances in a biological tissue.

BACKGROUND ART

Recently, an endoscope device having a function of photographing spectroscopic image (spectral endoscope device) has been proposed. By using such a spectral endoscope device, it is possible to obtain information concerning spectral property (e.g., reflection spectrum) of a biological tissue such as a mucous membrane of a digestive organ. It is known that the reflection spectrum of a biological tissue reflects information concerning types or densities of components contained in the vicinity of a surface layer of a biological tissue being a measurement target. Specifically, it is known that an absorbance calculated from the reflection spectrum of a biological tissue equals to an absorbance obtained by linearly superimposing absorbances of a plurality of substances that compose the biological tissue.

It is known that composition and amount of substances in a lesion biological tissue differ from those in a healthy biological tissue. It is reported in many of the earlier studies that abnormalities of lesions represented by such as cancer are particularly deeply related to a condition of blood, especially to an overall amount of blood or oxygen saturation. Qualifying and quantifying two focused biological tissues by using spectroscopic feature values within the visible range that the two focused biological tissues have is a frequently used method in the field of spectrographic analysis. Therefore, it is possible to estimate existence of some kind of lesions in a biological tissue by comparing a spectral characteristic of blood in a biological tissue that includes lesions with a spectral characteristic of blood in a biological tissue that does not include lesions.

A spectral image is composed of a series of image information taken using light of different wavelengths, and more detailed spectral information of a biological tissue can be obtained from the spectral image having higher wavelength resolutions (i.e., larger number of wavelengths used to acquire image information). Patent Document 1 discloses an exemplary configuration of a spectral endoscope device which acquires spectral images in a wavelength range of 400-800 nm at 5 nm intervals.

PRIOR ART DOCUMENT

Patent Document

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Problem to be Solved

However, in order to acquire spectral images having high wavelength resolutions, such as the spectral images disclosed in Patent Document 1, lots of images need to be taken while changing an image pick-up wavelength. Furthermore, a large amount of calculation is necessary to analyze lots of images and thus it takes time to analyze them. That is, relatively complicated photographing operations and calculations needs to be repeated to obtain effective diagnosis support information. Accordingly, there is a problem that it takes time to obtain the effective diagnosis support information.

The present invention is made in view of the above situation, and the object of the present invention is to provide a method and a device capable of acquiring image information showing distributions of biological substances, such as oxygen saturation distribution, in a short time.

Means for Solving the Problem

According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method for generating a distribution image showing a molar concentration ratio between a first biological substance and a second biological substance included in a biological tissue of which an absorption spectrum within a predetermined wavelength range has a first isosbestic point, a second isosbestic point, a third isosbestic point and a fourth isosbestic point in ascending order of wavelength, comprising: a step of acquiring first imaging data G1by taking an image of the biological tissue using light extracted from white light using a first optical filter configured to collectively selectively extract light in a first wavelength range demarcated by the first isosbestic point and the second isosbestic point, light in a second wavelength range demarcated by the second isosbestic point and the third isosbestic point, and light in a third wavelength range demarcated by the third isosbestic point and the fourth isosbestic point; a step of acquiring second imaging data G2by taking an image of the biological tissue using light extracted from the white light using a second optical filter configured to selectively extract light in the second wavelength range; and a step of generating the distribution image on the basis of the first imaging data G1and the second imaging data G2.

Also, in the above method, the step of generating the distribution image on the basis of the first imaging data G1and the second imaging data G2may further comprise: a step of acquiring an absorbance A1of the biological tissue in a transmission wavelength range of the first optical filter on the basis of the first imaging data G1; a step of acquiring an absorbance A2of the biological tissue in a transmission wavelength range of the second optical filter on the basis of the second imaging data G2; and a step of generating the distribution image on the basis of the absorbance A1and the absorbance A2.

Also, in the above method, the step of acquiring the absorbance A1may include a step of calculating the absorbance A1using Expression 1 or Expression 2; and
A1=−logG1(EXPRESSION 1)
A1=−G1(EXPRESSION 2)
the step of acquiring the absorbance A2may include a step for calculating the absorbance A2using Expression 3 or Expression 4.
A2=−logG2(EXPRESSION 3)
A2=−G2(EXPRESSION 4)

Also, in the above method, the step of generating the distribution image on the basis of the absorbance A1and the absorbance A2may include: a step of calculating an index X using Expression 5; and
X=A1−2kA2(EXPRESSION 5)

(where k is a constant)

a step for generating the distribution image on the basis of the index X.

Also, in the above method, the constant k may be 1.

Also, the above method may further comprise a step of acquiring third imaging data R3by taking an image of the biological tissue using light extracted from the white light using a third optical filter configured to selectively extract light in a fourth wavelength range in which an absorbance of the biological tissue is sufficiently low compared to an absorbance in the predetermined wavelength range, and the step of acquiring the absorbance A1may include: a step of calculating a first standardized reflectivity SR1by dividing the first imaging data G1by the third imaging data R3; and a step of calculating the absorbance A1using Expression 6 or Expression 7, and
A1=−logSR(EXPRESSION 6)
A1=−SR(EXPRESSION 7)
the step of acquiring the absorbance A2may include: a step of calculating a second standardized reflectivity SR2by dividing the second imaging data G2by the third imaging data R3; and a step of calculating the absorbance A2using Expression 8 or Expression 9.
A2=−logSR2(EXPRESSION 8)
A2=−SR2(EXPRESSION 9)

Also, the above method may further comprise: a step of acquiring a first baseline image data BL1by taking an image of a colorless color reference board using light extracted from the white light using the first optical filter; and a step of acquiring a second baseline image data BL2by taking an image of the reference board using light extracted from the white light using the second optical filter, and the step of calculating the first standardized reflectivity SR1may include a step of dividing the first imaging data G1by the first baseline image data BL1, and the step of calculating the second standardized reflectivity SR2may include a step of dividing the second imaging data G2by the second baseline image data BL2.

Also, in the above method, the fourth wavelength range may be 650 nm band, and the third imaging data R3may be imaging data taken by a light-receiving element, to which an R filter is provided, included in an image pick-up device provided with an RGB color filter.

Also, in the above method, the constant k may be determined such that the index X, acquired on the basis of the first imaging data G1and the second imaging data G2acquired by taking images of a biological tissue of which the molar concentration ratio is known, becomes closest to a theoretical index X.

Also, in the above method, the measured index X for each of a plurality of biological tissues, each having a known molar concentration ratio that is different from each other, may be acquired and the constant k may be determined such that a calibration curve showing a relationship between the known molar concentration ratio and the measured index X becomes closest to a reference line showing a relationship between the known molar concentration ratio and the theoretical index X.

Also, in the above method, the light extracted from the white light using the first optical filter in the step of acquiring the first imaging data G1may be dimmed such that an exposure when acquiring the first imaging data G1and an exposure when acquiring the second imaging data G2become equivalent.

Also, in the above method, the two types of biological substances may be oxyhemoglobin and deoxyhemoglobin, and the molar concentration ratio of the first biological substance and the second biological substance included in the biological tissue may be oxygen saturation.

Also, in the above method, the predetermined wavelength range may be a Q band of hemoglobin, and the first imaging data G1and the second imaging data G2may be imaging data taken by a light-receiving element, to which a G filter is provided, included in an image pick-up device provided with an RGB color filter.

Further, according to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a device for generating a distribution image showing a molar concentration ratio between a first biological substance and a second biological substance included in a biological tissue of which an absorption spectrum within a predetermined wavelength range has a first isosbestic point, a second isosbestic point, a third isosbestic point and a fourth isosbestic point in ascending order of wavelength, comprising: a light source which emits white light; a first optical filter configured to collectively selectively extract light in a first wavelength range demarcated by the first isosbestic point and the second isosbestic point, light in a second wavelength range demarcated by the second isosbestic point and the third isosbestic point, and light in a third wavelength range demarcated by the third isosbestic point and the fourth isosbestic point from the white light; a second optical filter configured to selectively extract light in the second wavelength range from the white light; a switching means configured to switch between the first optical filter and the second optical filter; an image pick-up device configured to take an image of the biological tissue using the light emitted by the light source; and an image processor unit configured to generate the distribution image on the basis of imaging data generated by the image pick-up device.

Also, the above device may be an endoscope device comprising an endoscope provided at a tip portion.

Effects of the Invention

According to the present invention, image information showing distributions of biological substances, such as oxygen saturation distribution, can be acquired in a short time.

EMBODIMENTS FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

In the following, an embodiment according to the present invention is described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

An endoscope device according to the embodiment of the present invention described below is a device that quantitatively analyzes biological information (e.g., oxygen saturation) of an object on the basis of a plurality of images taken using light of different wavelengths and displays the analysis result as images. In a quantitative analysis of the oxygen saturation described below, a characteristic that a spectral property of blood (i.e., spectral property of hemoglobin) continuously changes in accordance with the oxygen saturation is used.

(Principles for Calculation of Spectral Property of Hemoglobin and Oxygen Saturation)

Before explaining a detailed configuration of an endoscope device according to the embodiment of the present invention, principles for calculation of the spectral property of hemoglobin and the oxygen saturation used in the embodiment will be described.

FIG. 1shows an absorption spectrum of hemoglobin at wavelengths of around 550 nm. Hemoglobin has a strong absorption band, derived from porphyrin, called Q band at wavelengths of around 550 nm. The absorption spectrum of hemoglobin changes in accordance with the oxygen saturation (ratio of oxyhemoglobin to the overall hemoglobin). A waveform shown in a solid line inFIG. 1is an absorption spectrum of hemoglobin when the oxygen saturation is 100% (i.e., an absorption spectrum of oxyhemoglobin HbO), and a waveform shown in a long-dashed line is an absorption spectrum of hemoglobin when the oxygen saturation is 0% (i.e., an absorption spectrum of deoxyhemoglobin Hb). Waveforms shown in short-dashed lines are absorption spectra of hemoglobin (a mixture of oxyhemoglobin and deoxyhemoglobin) at oxygen saturations of between 0% and 100% (10, 20, 30, . . . , 90%).

As shown inFIG. 1, at Q band, oxyhemoglobin and deoxyhemoglobin show peak wavelengths that differ from each other. Specifically, oxyhemoglobin has an absorption peak P1at a wavelength of around 542 nm, and an absorption peak P3at a wavelength of around 576 nm. On the other hand, deoxyhemoglobin has an absorption peak P2at a wavelength of around 556 nm. SinceFIG. 1shows a two-component absorption spectrum in which a sum of a concentration of each component (oxyhemoglobin and deoxyhemoglobin) is constant, isosbestic points E1, E2, E3and E4, where absorbances are constant regardless of the concentration of each component (i.e., oxygen saturation), appear. In the following description, a wavelength range between isosbestic points E1and E2is referred to as wavelength range R1, a wavelength range between isosbestic points E2and E3is referred to as wavelength range R2, and a wavelength range between isosbestic points E3and E4is referred to as wavelength range R3. Further, a wavelength range between isosbestic points E1and E4is referred to as wavelength range R0(i.e., a combination of wavelengths ranges of R1, R2and R3).

As shown inFIG. 1, between neighboring isosbestic points, absorbance of hemoglobin monotonically increases or decreases with the oxygen saturation. Further, between neighboring isosbestic points, absorbance of hemoglobin almost linearly changes with the oxygen saturation.

Therefore, the oxygen saturation can be calculated from the index X by experimentally acquiring a quantitative relationship between the oxygen saturation and the index X.

FIG. 2is a block chart illustrating an endoscope device1according to the embodiment of the present invention. The endoscope device1of the present embodiment comprises an electronic endoscope100, a processor200and a monitor300. The electronic endoscope100and the monitor300are detachably connected to the processor200. Also, the processor200includes therein a light source unit400and an image processor unit500.

The electronic endoscope100has an insertion tube110to be inserted into a body cavity. The electronic endoscope100is provided with a light guide131which extends over the full length of the electronic endoscope100. One end portion of the light guide131(a tip portion131a) is arranged close to a tip portion of the insertion tube110(an insertion tube tip portion111), and the other end portion of the light guide131(a proximal end portion131b) is connected to the processor200. The processor200includes therein the light source unit400comprising a light source lamp430, e.g., a Xenon lamp which generates a large amount of white light WL. The illumination light IL generated by the light source unit400is incident on the end portion131bof the light guide131. The light which is incident on the proximal end portion131bof the light guide131is guided to the tip portion131athrough the light guide131, and is emitted from the tip portion131a. At the insertion tube tip portion111of the electronic endoscope100, a light distribution lens132is arranged to face the tip portion131aof the light guide131. The illumination light IL emitted from the tip portion131aof the light guide131passes through the light distribution lens132, and illuminates the biological tissue T near the insertion tube tip portion111.

An objective optical system121and an image pick-up device141is provided at the insertion tube tip portion111. A portion of light which is reflected or scattered by the surface of the biological tissue T (return light) is incident on the objective optical system121and condensed, and forms an image on a light-receiving surface of the image pick-up device141. The image pick-up device141of the present embodiment is a color image photographing CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensor comprising a color filter141aon a light-receiving surface thereof, but other types of image pick-up device such as CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) image sensor may also be used. The color filter141ais a so-called on-chip filter, in which an R filter that transmits red light, a G filter that transmits green light, and a B filter that transmits blue light are arranged, which is directly formed on each light-receiving element of the image pick-up device141. Each of the R filter, G filter and B filter has a spectral property shown inFIG. 3. That is, the R filter of the present embodiment is a filter that transmits light having wavelengths of longer than about 570 nm, the G filter is a filter that transmits light having wavelengths of between about 470-620 nm, and the B filter is a filter that transmits light having wavelengths of shorter than about 530 nm.

The image pick-up device141is controlled to drive in synchronization with a signal processing circuit550which will be described later, and periodically (e.g., at 1/30 seconds interval) outputs imaging signals corresponding to an image formed on the light-receiving surface. The imaging signals which are outputted from the image pick-up device141are sent to the image processor unit500of the processor200via a cable142.

The image processor unit500comprises an A/D conversion circuit510, a temporary memory520, a controller530, a video memory540and a signal processing circuit550. The A/D conversion circuit510executes A/D conversion to the image signals transmitted from the image pick-up device141of the electronic endoscope100via the cable142to output digital image data. The digital image data outputted from the A/D conversion circuit510is transmitted to and stored in the temporary memory520. The digital image data (imaging signals) includes R digital image data (R imaging signal) which is imaged by the light-receiving element to which the R filter is provided, G digital image data (G imaging signal) which is taken by the light-receiving element to which the G filter is provided, and B digital image data (B imaging signal) which is taken by the light-receiving element to which the B filter is provided.

The controller530processes a piece of or a plurality of pieces of image data stored in the temporary memory520to generate one piece of display image data, and transmits the display image data to the video memory540. For example, the controller530generates display image data such as display image data generated from a piece of digital image data, display image data in which a plurality of pieces of image data are arranged, or display image data in which healthy regions and lesion regions are identified or a graph of a reflection spectrum of the biological tissue T corresponding to a specific pixel (x, y) is displayed by generating a reflection spectrum of the biological tissue T for each pixel (x, y) on the basis of a plurality of pieces of digital image data, and stores them in the video memory540. The signal processing circuit550generates video signals having a predetermined format (e.g., a format which conforms to NTSC or DVI standard) on the basis of the display image data stored in the video memory540, and outputs the video signals. The video signals outputted from the signal processing circuit550is inputted to the monitor300. As a result, endoscopic images taken by the electronic endoscope100and the like are displayed on the monitor300.

As described above, the processor200has both a function as a video processor for processing the image signals outputted from the image pick-up device141of the electronic endoscope100, and a function as a light source device for supplying illumination light IL to the light guide131of the electronic endoscope100to illuminate the biological tissue T being an object.

Other than the above-mentioned light source430, the light source unit400comprises a collimator lens440, a rotating filter410, a filter control unit420and a condenser lens450. The white light WL emitted from the light source430is converted by the collimator lens440into a collimated beam, transmits through the rotating filter410, and then is incident on the end portion131bof the light guide131by the condenser lens450.

The rotating filter410is a circular plate type optical unit comprising a plurality of optical filters, and is configured such that a transmission wavelength range thereof changes in accordance with the rotation angle thereof. The rotation angle of the rotating filter410is controlled by the filter control unit420connected to the controller530. The spectrum of the illumination light supplied to the light guide131through the rotating filter410can be switched by the controller530controlling the rotation angle of the rotating filter410via the filter control unit420.

FIG. 4is an external view (front view) of the rotating filter410. The rotating filter410comprises a substantially circular plate shaped frame411, and four fan-shaped optical filters415,416,417, and418. Around the central axis of the frame411, four fan-shaped windows414a,414b,414c, and414dare formed at regular intervals, and the optical filters415,416,417, and418are fit into each of the windows414a,414b,414c, and414d, respectively. It is noted that, although the optical filters of the present embodiment are all dielectric multilayer film filters, other types of optical filters (e.g., absorbing type optical filters or etalon filters in which dielectric multilayers are used as reflecting layers) may also be used.

Also, a boss hole412is formed on the central axis of the frame411. An output axis of a servo motor (not shown) included in the filter control unit420is inserted and fixed to the boss hole412, and the rotating filter410rotates along with the output axis of the servo motor.

FIG. 4shows a state in which the white light WL is incident on the optical filter415. However, as the rotating filter410rotates in a direction indicated by an arrow, the optical filter on which the white light WL is incident changes to415,416,417,418in this order, and thus the spectrum of the illumination light IL that transmits the rotating filter410can be switched.

The optical filters415and416are optical band-pass filters that selectively transmit light of 550 nm band. As shown inFIG. 1, the optical filter415is configured to transmit light which is inside the wavelength range between isosbestic points E1and E4(i.e., wavelength range R0) with low loss, and to cut off light which is outside the wavelength range. Also, the optical filter416is configured to transmit light which is inside the wavelength range between isosbestic points E2and E3(i.e., wavelength range R2) with low loss, and to cut off light which is outside the wavelength range.

The transmission wavelength ranges of the optical filters415and416(FIG. 1) are included in a transmission wavelength range of the G filter of the color filter141a(FIG. 3). Therefore, an image which is formed by light that transmitted through the optical filter415or416is taken by the light-receiving element to which the G filter is provided, and is acquired as the G digital image data (G imaging signal).

The optical filter417is designed to selectively transmit only light of 650 nm band (630-650 nm) being a wavelength range in which an absorbance of hemoglobin in the biological tissue T is low. The transmission wavelength range of the optical filter417is included in a transmission wavelength range of the R filter of the color filter141a(FIG. 3). Therefore, an image which is formed by light that transmitted through the optical filter417is taken by the light-receiving element to which the R filter is provided, and is acquired as the R digital image data (R imaging signal). The image data acquired by using the illumination light of 650 nm band is used in a standardization process which will be explained later.

Also, the optical filter418is an ultraviolet cut filter, and the illumination light IL (i.e., a white light) that transmitted through the optical filter418is used for taking normal observation images. It is noted that the rotating filter410may be configured without the optical filter418to leave the window414dof the frame411open.

To the window414a, a dimmer filter419is provided over the optical filter415. The dimmer filter419does not have wavelength dependency throughout the visible light range and thus only decreases a light amount of the illumination light IL without changing the spectrum thereof. The light amount of the illumination light IL that transmitted through the optical filter415and the dimmer filter419are adjusted to a light amount substantially equivalent to a light amount of the illumination light IL that transmitted through the optical filter416by using the dimmer filter419. Thus, images can be taken with a proper exposure with the same exposure time in both a case where the illumination light IL that passed through the optical filter415is used and a case where the illumination light IL that passed through the optical filter416is used.

In the present embodiment, a metal mesh having a fine mesh size is used as the dimmer filter419. Apart from the metal mesh, other types of dimmer filter such as a half mirror type may be used. Further, transmittances of the optical filters415and416themselves may be adjusted instead of using the dimmer filter. Further, dimmer filters may also be provided to the windows414cand414d. Further, central angles of the windows414a,414b,414c, and414d(i.e., aperture areas) may be changed to adjust transmitting light amounts. Further, the exposure time may be changed for each optical filter instead of using the dimmer filter.

At the periphery of the frame411, a through hole413is formed. The through hole413is formed at a position that is same as a position of boundary between the windows414aand414din the rotating direction of the frame411. Around the frame411, a photo interrupter422for detecting the through hole413is arranged such that the photo interrupter422surrounds a portion of the periphery of the frame411. The photo interrupter422is connected to the filter control unit420.

The endoscope device1of the present embodiment has four operation modes of a normal observation mode, a spectral analysis (oxygen saturation distribution image displaying) mode, a baseline measuring mode and a calibration mode. The normal observation mode is an operation mode in which a color image is taken using a white light that transmitted through the optical filter418. The spectral analysis mode is a mode in which a spectral analysis is carried out on the basis of the digital image data taken using illumination light that transmitted through the optical filters415,416and417, and a distribution image of biomolecules in a biological tissue (e.g., oxygen saturation distribution image) is displayed. The baseline measuring mode is a mode in which an image of a color reference board such as a colorless diffusion board (e.g., frosted glass) or reference reflection board is taken as an object using illumination light that passed through the optical filters415,416and417, before (or after) executing the actual endoscopic observation, to acquire data to be used in a standardization process which will be described later. The calibration mode is a process in which a spectral analysis is carried out for a sample of which properties such as the oxygen saturation is known, and a parameter (correction coefficient k which will be described later) is adjusted such that there is no difference between the analysis result and the theoretical value.

In the normal observation mode, the controller530controls the filter control unit420to immobilize the rotating filter410at a position where the white light WL is incident on the optical filter418. Then, the digital image data taken by the image pick-up device141is converted to video signals after performing image processes as necessary, and is displayed on the monitor300.

In the spectral analysis mode, the controller530controls the filter control unit420to drive the rotating filter410to rotate at constant rotation speed while sequentially taking images of the biological tissue T using illumination light that transmitted through the optical filters415,416,417and418. Then, an image indicating distribution of biomolecules in the biological tissue is generated on the basis of digital image data acquired using each of the optical filters415,416and417. Then, a display image in which the distribution image and a normal observation image acquired by using the optical filter418are arranged is generated and converted to video signals, and is displayed on the monitor300.

In the spectral analysis mode, the filter control unit420detects a rotational phase of the rotating filter410on the basis of timing the photo interrupter422detects the through hole413, compares the rotational phase to a phase of a timing signal supplied by the controller530, and adjusts the rotational phase of the rotating filter410. The timing signal from the controller530is synchronized with a driving signal for the image pick-up device141. Therefore, the rotating filter410is driven to rotate at a substantially constant rotation speed in synchronization with the driving of the image pick-up device141. Specifically, the rotation of the rotating filter410is controlled such that the optical filter415,416,417or418(window414a, b, cord) on which the white light WL is to be incident switches each time one image (three frames: R, G and B) is taken by the image pick-up device141.

In the baseline measuring mode, the controller530controls the filter control unit420to rotate the rotating filter410while sequentially taking images of the color reference board using the illumination light IL that transmitted through the optical filters415,416and417. Each piece of the G digital image data taken using the illumination light IL that transmitted through the optical filters415and416is stored in an internal memory531of the controller530as baseline image data BL415(x, y) and BL416(x, y), respectively. Further, the R digital image data taken using the illumination light IL that transmitted through the optical filter417is stored in the internal memory531of the controller530as baseline image data BL417(x, y).

Next, an image generation process executed by the image processor unit500in the spectral analysis mode will be described.FIG. 5is a flow chart explaining the image generation process.

When the spectral analysis mode is selected by a user's operation, as described above, the filter control unit420drives the rotating filter410to rotate at constant rotation speed. Then, from the light source unit400, the illumination light IL that transmitted through the optical filters415,416,417and418are sequentially supplied, and an image is sequentially taken using each of the illumination light IL (S1). Specifically, G digital image data G415(x, y) taken using the illumination light IL that transmitted through the optical filter415, G digital image data G416(x, y) taken using the illumination light IL that transmitted through the optical filter416, R digital image data R417(x, y) taken using the illumination light IL that transmitted through the optical filter417, and R digital image data R418(x, y), G digital image data G418(x, y) and B digital image data B418(x, y) taken using the illumination light IL that transmitted through the optical filter (ultraviolet cut filter)418are stored in an internal memory532of the controller530.

Then, the image processor unit500executes a pixel selection process S2for selecting pixels to be targets of the following analyzing processes (processes S3-S7) by using the R digital image data R418(x, y), G digital image data G418(x, y) and B digital image data B418(x, y) acquired in the process S1. Even if the oxygen saturations or blood flow rates are calculated from color information of pixels corresponding to portions which do not contain blood or portions which colors of tissues are dominantly influenced by substances other than hemoglobin, meaningful values cannot be obtained and thus the values becomes mere noises. Calculating and providing such noises not only disturbs diagnosis by the doctor but also causes a bad effect by applying useless load to the image processor unit500to deteriorate processing speed. Therefore, the image generating process of the present embodiment is configured to select pixels that are appropriate to the analyzing process (i.e., pixels to which the spectral property of hemoglobin is recorded) and to execute the analyzing process to the selected pixels.

In the pixel selection process S2, only pixels which satisfy all the conditions expressed in Expression 11, Expression 12 and Expression 13 are selected as the targets of the analyzing process.
B418(x,y)/G418(x,y)>a1(EXPRESSION 11)
R418(x,y)/G418(x,y)>a2(EXPRESSION 12)
R418(x,y)/B418(x,y)>a3(EXPRESSION 13)

The above three conditional expressions are set on the basis of a value size relation, G component<B component<R component, in a transmission spectrum of blood. It is noted that the pixel selection process S2may be executed using one or two of the above three conditional expressions (e.g., using Expression 12 and Expression 13 by focusing on a red color that is specific to blood).

Then, the image processor unit500executes the standardization process. The standardization process of the present embodiment includes a first standardization process S3for correcting properties of the endoscope device1itself (e.g., transmittances of the optical filters and light receiving sensitivities of the image pick-up devices) and a second standardization process S4for correcting reflectivity variations due to differences in surface states of the biological tissue T being an object and due to angles of incidence of the illumination light IL to the biological tissue T.

In the standardization process, the image processor unit500calculates a standardized reflectivity SR415(x, y) using the following Expression 14 by using the G digital image data G415(x, y) taken using the illumination light IL that transmitted through the optical filter415, the R digital image data R417(x, y) taken using the illumination light IL that transmitted through the optical filter417, and the baseline image data BL415(x, y) and BL417(x, y). It is noted that a component that is dependent on the properties of the endoscope device1(instrumental function) is removed by dividing each of the digital image data G415(x, y) and R417(x, y) by the respective baseline image data BL415(x, y) and BL417(first standardization process S3). Also, the reflectivity variations due to differences in surface states of the biological tissue T and angles of incidence of the illumination light to the biological tissue T is corrected by dividing the G digital image data G415(x, y) by the R digital image data R417(x, y) (second standardization process S4).

Similarly, a standardized reflectivity SR416(x, y) is calculated using the following Expression 15.

Absorbances A415(x, y) and A416(x, y) of the biological tissue T with respect to the illumination light IL that transmitted through the optical filters415and416are calculated using the following Expressions 16 and 17 (S5).
A415(x,y)=−log[SR415(x,y)]  (EXPRESSION 16)
A416(x,y)=−log[SR416(x,y)]  (EXPRESSION 17)

It is noted that the absorbances A415(x, y) and A416(x, y) can be approximately calculated using the following Expressions 18 and 19.
A415(x,y)=−SR415(x,y)  (EXPRESSION 18)
A416(x,y)=−SR416(x,y)  (EXPRESSION 19)

Furthermore, the spectral analysis can be executed simply by eliminating the above mentioned standardization processes (S3, S4). In this case, the absorbances A415(x, y) and A416(x, y) are calculated using the following Expressions 20 and 21.
A415(x,y)=−logG415(x,y)  (EXPRESSION 20)
A416(x,y)=−logG416(x,y)  (EXPRESSION 21)

Furthermore, as is obvious from the relationships between the absorption wavelength ranges R1, R2and R3of hemoglobin and the transmission wavelength ranges of the optical filters415and416shown inFIG. 1, absorbances AR1(x, y), AR2(x, y) and AR3(x, y) of the biological tissue T with respect to the wavelength ranges R1, R2and R3and the absorbances A415(x, y) and A416(x, y) of the biological tissue T with respect to the illumination light IL that transmitted through the optical filters415and416have relationships expressed in the following Expressions 24 and 25.
AR1(x,y)+AR3(x,y)=A415(x,y)−kA416(x,y)  (EXPRESSION 24)
AR2(x,y)=kA416(x,y)  (EXPRESSION 25)

Therefore, the index X (Expression 10) is expressed by the following Expression 26.

Here, k is a constant (correction coefficient). Since the width of the transmission wavelength ranges of the optical filters415and416differ significantly, the light amounts that transmit through the two filters also differ significantly. Therefore, as mentioned above, the dimmer filter419is provided over the optical filter415, which has a large transmitting light amount, to control the light amount so that a proper exposure can be obtained with the same exposure time even if the optical filter is switched. As a result, a quantitative relationship between the absorbance A415(x, y) acquired using the optical filter415and the absorbance A416(x, y) acquired using the optical filter416is broken. Also, the transmittances of the optical filters415and416within the transmission wavelength ranges are not 100% and the optical filters415and416have transmission losses that vary depending thereon. Furthermore, there are errors in the transmission wavelength ranges of the optical filters415and416. Therefore, even if the dimmer filter419is not used, the quantitative relationship between the absorbance A415(x, y) and the absorbance A416(x, y) includes a constant error. The correction coefficient k is a constant for correcting the error of the quantitative relationship between the absorbance A415(x, y) and the absorbance A416(x, y). A method for acquiring the correction coefficient k will be described later. It is noted that, in case this correction is not executed, the correction coefficient k is set at 1.

Further, the following Expression 27 can be obtained by arranging Expression 26 using Expressions 16 and 17.

Therefore, the value of index X can be calculated from the G digital image data G415(x, y) and G416(x, y), R digital image data R417(x, y), and the baseline image data BL415(x, y), BL416(x, y) and BL417(x, y) by using Expression 27 (S6).

Further, the index X can also be approximately calculated using the following Expression 28.
X=−log[SR415(x,y)]+2klog[SR416(x,y)]≅−SR415(x,y)+2kSR416(x,y)  (EXPRESSION 28)

A value list indicating the quantitative relationship between the oxygen saturation and the index X experimentally acquired in advance is stored in a non-volatile memory532provided to the controller530. The controller530refers to this value list to acquire an oxygen saturation SatO2(x, y) which corresponds to a value of the index X calculated using Expression 27 or 28. Then, the controller530generates image data (oxygen saturation distribution image data) of which pixel value of each pixel (x, y) is a value obtained by multiplying the acquired oxygen saturation SatO2(x, y) by a predetermined value (S7).

Also, the controller530generates normal observation image data from the R digital image data R418(x, y), G digital image data G418(x, y) and B digital image data B418(x, y) acquired using the illumination light IL (white light) that transmitted through the optical filter (ultraviolet cut filter)418.FIG. 7shows display examples of image data generated by the controller530.FIG. 7 (a)is an exemplary displayed image of the normal observation image data, andFIG. 7 (b)is an exemplary display image of the oxygen saturation distribution image data.

Further, the controller530generates screen image data for arranging and displaying the normal observation image and the oxygen saturation distribution image on a single screen from the generated oxygen saturation distribution image data and normal observation image data, and stores the screen data in the video memory540. It is noted that the controller530can generate a variety of screen images such as a screen image that only displays the oxygen saturation distribution image, a screen image that only displays the normal observation image, or a screen image on which associated information such as patient's ID information or observation condition is superimposed on the oxygen saturation distribution image and/or the normal observation image in accordance with the user's operations.

Next, a method for determining the correction coefficient k in the calibration mode will be described. In the present embodiment, a theoretically calculated index X and a measured index X are compared, and the correction coefficient k is determined such that the measured index X becomes closest to the theoretically calculated index X.

FIG. 6shows exemplary calibration curves used to determine the correction coefficient k in the embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 6 (a)is an example of a common calibration curve of which the horizontal axis is the theoretical index X and the vertical axis is the measured index X acquired by the above explained analyzing process. The filled circles are plots of the measured values, and the broken line Ma is a straight line fitted to the measured value by a least-square method. Further, the solid line shows a reference line Ref representing plots in case measured values equivalent to the theoretical values are obtained.

The measured index X is acquired by the analyzing process using a sample of a biological tissue of which the oxygen saturation is known (e.g., blood). Further, the theoretical index X defined by Expression 26 is calculated using transmission spectra of the optical filters415and416to be actually used and a reflection spectrum (or absorption spectrum) of blood. Specifically, the theoretical index X is calculated using Expression 26 by using a value obtained by multiplying the transmission spectrum of the optical filter415(optical filter416) by the reflection spectrum of blood and integrating the product as the absorbance A415(absorbance A416).

A discrepancy between the Reference line Ref and the measured value Ma is expressed as a gradient of the calibration curve. A phenomenon of which sufficient sensitivity cannot be obtained, that is, a phenomenon of which the gradient is small, is due to an inappropriate quantitative relationship between the absorbance A415(x, y) and the absorbance A416(x, y) in Expression 26, caused by the use of the dimmer filter419. By selecting an appropriate value as the correction coefficient k, an error caused by the dimmer filter419can be corrected, and thus a state in which an error between the measured index X and the theoretical index X is minimized and the measured index X has the highest correlational relationship with the theoretical index X can be achieved.

FIG. 6 (b)is a variation of the calibration curve. In the calibration curve shown inFIG. 6 (b), the horizontal axis is the oxygen saturation of a sample, and the vertical axis is the index X. The filled circles are plots of the measured values, and the broken line Ma is a straight line fitted to the measured value by a least-square method. Further, the solid line Mb shows the theoretically calculated values. It is noted that the oxygen saturations of the sample are correctly measured values acquired from an ideal spectrometry. Being a curve obtained by changing the horizontal scale of the calibration curve shown inFIG. 6 (a), this calibration curve is substantially equivalent to the curve ofFIG. 6 (a), but there is an advantage that a correct relationship with the oxygen saturation can be easily read.

It is noted that, although the above-explained method for determining the correction coefficient k using the calibration curve is a method in which analysis results of a plurality of samples having different oxygen saturations are used, the correction coefficient k can also be determined using an analysis result from only one sample.

Also, focusing on the absorption wavelength ranges R1, R2and R3of hemoglobin (i.e., the transmission wavelength of the optical filter415), the absorbances AR1(x, y), AR2(x, y) and AR3(x, y) change in accordance with the change in the oxygen saturation, but a sum Y of these absorbances (shown in Expression 29) is substantially constant. Furthermore, since the sum Y of the absorbances is in proportion to a total amount of hemoglobin (a sum of oxyhemoglobin HbO2and deoxyhemoglobin Hb) in a biological tissue, it is reasonable to use the sum Y as an index for the total amount of hemoglobin.
Y(x,y)=AR1(x,y)+AR2(x,y)+AR3(x,y)=A415(EXPRESSION 29)

It is known that, in a tissue of a malignant tumor, the total amount of hemoglobin is greater than that of a healthy tissue due to angiogenesis and the oxygen saturation is lower than that of a healthy tissue due to notable oxygen metabolism. Therefore, the controller530can extract pixels of which the index Y, calculated using Expression 29 and indicating the total amount of hemoglobin, is greater than a predetermined reference value (first reference value) and the index X, calculated using Expression 25 and indicating the oxygen saturation, is smaller than a predetermined reference value (second reference value); generate, for example, lesion region highlighting image data in which highlighting process is executed to pixels corresponding to the extracted pixels in the normal observation image data; and display the lesion region highlighting image along with the normal observation image and/or the oxygen saturation distribution image (or alone) on the monitor300.

Exemplary highlighting process includes a process for increasing pixel values of corresponding pixels, a process for changing color phases (for example, a process for increasing the R component to change to a reddish color or a process for rotating the color phase for a predetermined angle), and a process for making the corresponding pixels blink (or periodically changing the color phase).

Further, for example, the controller530may be configured to calculate an index Z (x, y) indicating a probability of being a malignant tumor on the basis of a deviation from an average of the index X (x, y) and a deviation from an average of the index Y (x, y), and to generate image data with the index Z (x, y) as pixel values (malign probability image data) instead of the lesion region highlighting image data.

The above is an explanation of an embodiment of the present invention and specific examples of the embodiment. However, the present invention is not limited to the above configuration and various modifications are possible within the technical ideas of the present invention.

In the above embodiment, the pixel value of the oxygen saturation distribution image is calculated by acquiring an oxygen saturation value from the value list in accordance with a value of the index X and by multiplying the oxygen saturation by a predetermined constant, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. Since the index X is a value that monotonically increases with the oxygen saturation, the index X itself (or the index X multiplied by a predetermined constant) may be used as a pixel value of the oxygen saturation distribution image.

Further, the image pick-up device141of the present embodiment is explained as an image pick-up device for taking color images comprising primary color filters R, G, B on its front face, but the image pick-up device is not limited to this configuration. For example, an image pick-up device for taking color images comprising complementary color filters Y, Cy, Mg, G may be used.

Further, the image pick-up device141of the present embodiment is explained as a pick-up device for taking color images comprising an on-chip color filter141a, but the image pick-up device is not limited to this configuration. For example, an image pick-up device for taking black-and-white images may be used to configure an image pick-up device comprising a so-called frame sequential type color filter. Also, the color filter141ais not limited to an on-chip configuration but may be positioned on a light path between the light source430and the image pick-up device141.

Further, in the above embodiment, the rotating filter410is used, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. Other types of wavelength variable filter of which transmission wavelength can be switched may also be used.

Further, in the above embodiment, a configuration in which the rotating filter410is provided at the light source side and the illumination light IL is filtered, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. The rotating filter410may be provided at the image pick-up device side (for example, between the objective optical system121and the image pick-up device141) and configured to filter a return light from an object.

Further, in the above embodiment, a configuration in which the rotating filter410is rotated at constant rotation speed while taking images at predetermined time intervals in the spectral analysis mode is adopted, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, a device may be configured such that the rotating position of the rotating filter410changes step by step at predetermined time intervals and images are taken while the rotation of the rotating filter is stopped.

Further, the above embodiment is an example in which the present invention is applied to an electronic endoscope device being a form of a digital camera, but the present invention can also be applied to systems that use other types of digital camera (e.g., digital single lens reflex camera or digital video camera). For example, if the present invention is applied to a digital still camera, observation of surface tissue or observation of brain tissue during craniotomy (e.g., a quick inspection of cerebral blood flow) can be performed.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS