JP2005288184A - Capsule endoscope apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a capsule endoscope apparatus, starting photographing when a capsule endoscope reaches a region as an object to be inspected, thereby eliminating unnecessary photographing for the body cavity. <P>SOLUTION: This capsule endoscope apparatus includes: the capsule endoscope 42 provided with an image pickup element 46 swallowed into the body cavity to image the body cavity; and an external unit 43 disposed outside an organism to communicate with the capsule endoscope 42 and obtain the image pickup signal imaged by the image pickup means 46 of the capsule endoscope, wherein the apparatus is provided with a trigger button 62 for generating a trigger signal for starting a real time clock 63, and an SRAM 64 storing the amount of time from the start of the real time clock started by the trigger button 62 to the start of photographing the body cavity using the image pickup element 46 and the photographing interval of the imaging means. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a capsule endoscope apparatus that can be swallowed into a body cavity and imaged inside the body cavity.

  Various capsule medical devices for obtaining biological information in a body cavity in a capsule shape have been proposed. For example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-46357 discloses a capsule reception system including a radio capsule placed in a living body and an extracorporeal unit including a reception antenna.

PCT application WO 01/65995 also discloses a capsule with an optical system.
JP 2001-46357 A PCT application WO 01/65995

  For example, in the conventional example described in the above-mentioned PCT application WO 01/65995, there is a problem that data photographed until a capsule endoscope arrives at a site to be examined becomes unnecessary. is there.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described points, and can start imaging after the capsule endoscope arrives at a site to be examined, thereby eliminating unnecessary imaging in the body cavity. An object of the present invention is to provide a capsule endoscope apparatus.

  In order to achieve the above object, a capsule endoscope apparatus according to the present invention includes a capsule endoscope having an imaging unit that is swallowed into a body cavity and images the inside of the body cavity, and starts imaging after a set time has elapsed. Time schedule data containing instructions is stored, and the imaging unit is configured to image the inside of the body cavity according to the time schedule.

  The capsule endoscope apparatus according to the present invention includes a capsule endoscope provided with an imaging means that is swallowed into a body cavity and images the inside of the body cavity, and the capsule endoscope that is disposed outside the living body and communicates with the capsule endoscope. In a capsule endoscope apparatus having an extracorporeal unit that acquires an imaging signal captured by an imaging unit of an endoscope, when a trigger signal for starting a timer is generated, the trigger unit and the start of the timer started by the trigger unit And a storage unit for storing a time until the imaging of the body cavity by the imaging unit is started and an imaging interval of the imaging unit.

  The capsule endoscope apparatus according to the present invention can start imaging after the capsule endoscope arrives at a site to be examined, and can eliminate unnecessary imaging in the body cavity.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

1 and 2 relate to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 1 shows a configuration of a capsule medical device of the first embodiment, and FIG. 2 shows an operation explanatory diagram of a power supply unit.
As shown in FIG. 1, a capsule medical device 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention includes a capsule endoscope (abbreviated as a capsule endoscope or a capsule) that is inserted into a body cavity by being swallowed from the mouth of a patient. 2 and an extracorporeal unit 3 that is installed in the vicinity of the patient's body surface, for example, by a belt or the like, and stores biological information obtained by the capsule endoscope 2.

  The capsule endoscope 2 includes an illumination element 5 that illuminates the inside of the capsule container 4, an imaging element 6 that images the body cavity illuminated by the illumination element 5, and driving and imaging of the illumination element 5 and the imaging element 6. A control circuit 7 that performs signal processing on the received signal, a wireless circuit 8 that wirelessly transmits an image signal generated by the control circuit 7, and the illumination element 5, imaging element 6, control circuit 7, and wireless circuit 8. A battery 9 for supplying operating power is incorporated.

  On the other hand, the extracorporeal unit 3 includes a control unit 11 that performs processing for accumulating image signals transmitted from the capsule endoscope 2 wirelessly, and a power supply unit 12 that supplies operating power to the control unit 11.

  The control unit 11 includes a wireless circuit 14 that receives an image signal transmitted wirelessly from the wireless circuit 8 of the capsule endoscope 2, a memory 15 that stores data such as an image signal received by the wireless circuit 14, A control circuit 16 that controls each circuit inside the control unit 11 including the wireless circuit 14 and the like, a display device 17 that displays information on the state of the extracorporeal unit 3, an external personal computer (not shown), etc. 15 includes an external interface 18 composed of a USB connector or the like for transferring data stored in 15, and an operation unit 19 connected to the control circuit 16 for an operator to perform an instruction operation or the like.

  The power supply unit 12 that supplies operating power to the control unit 11 is provided with a socket 21. For example, two batteries 22 a and 22 b can be detachably attached to the socket as a plurality of power supply sources. I can do it. As the batteries 22a and 22b, for example, rechargeable lithium ion batteries can be employed.

The electric power of the batteries 22a and 22b is supplied to the relays 24a and 24b through the switches 23a and 23b of the main switch 23 having two systems, and is also supplied to the voltage detection circuits 25a and 25b that detect the voltage. Entered.
The switches 23a and 23b constituting the main switch 23 are interlocked switches and can be turned ON / OFF in conjunction with a user operation.

  The voltage detection circuits 25 a and 25 b transmit the detected voltage value to the power supply monitoring circuit 26. Based on the values detected by the voltage detection circuits 25a and 25b, the power supply monitoring circuit 26 determines whether the remaining state of the two batteries 22a and 22b is sufficient or the state in which the remaining amount should be low (battery switching threshold or the like). And the determination results are separately displayed on the notification LEDs 27a, 28a, 27b, and 28b.

The LEDs 27a and 28a display, for example, the remaining state of the battery 22a. When the remaining amount is sufficient, the LED 27a that emits green light is turned on, and when the remaining amount is low, the LED 28a that emits yellow light is turned on.
Further, when the remaining amount decreases and becomes less than or equal to the switching threshold, the LED 28a that emits yellow light blinks to notify the user that replacement is urged.

Similarly, the LEDs 27b and 28b display, for example, the remaining state of the battery 22b. When the remaining amount is sufficient, the LED 27b that emits green light is turned on, and when the remaining amount is low, the LED 28b that emits yellow light is turned on. .
When the remaining amount further decreases, the LED 28b that emits yellow light blinks to notify the user that replacement is urged.

  Further, the power monitoring circuit 26 sends information on the remaining state of the batteries 22 a and 22 b to the control circuit 16, so that the control circuit 16 can display the remaining state on the display device 17.

  The power supply monitoring circuit 26 outputs relay control outputs 26a and 26b for controlling ON / OFF of the relays 24a and 24b according to the detection outputs of the voltage detection circuits 25a and 25b via the AND circuits 29a and 29b. , 24b to control ON / OFF of the relays 24a, 24b.

  Specifically, as described later, for example, when the value of the detected voltage reaches a switching threshold value or less in a state where the battery 22a is used, the relay 24b is selected so as to select the other battery 22b. Immediately after the power is supplied by the other battery 22b, the ON / OFF control for turning off the relay 24a connected to the battery 22a is performed.

  These relays 24a and 24b are relays that are closed (ON) when power is not supplied (for example, they are ON when the main switch 23 is turned OFF). The relays 24a and 24b are turned ON / OFF by the output signals of the AND circuits 29a and 29b. OFF is controlled. The relays 24a and 24b are, for example, turned on when “L” and turned off when “H”.

  In this embodiment, a timer circuit 31 is provided so as to maintain a predetermined control operation state in an initial state in which the main switch 23 is turned on. The timer circuit 31 together with the power monitoring circuit 26 is an AND circuit 29a. , 29b to control ON / OFF of the relay switches 24a, 24b.

  Specifically, the timer circuit 31 holds the two relays 24a and 24b in the ON state regardless of the state of the power supply monitoring circuit 26 when the main switch 23 is turned ON. In other words, in this case, the outputs of the timer circuit 31 to the AND circuits 29a and 29b hold “L”, and then the voltage detection circuits 25a and 25b, the power supply monitoring circuit 26, etc. reach a stable operating state. , “H” is held, and the relay control outputs 26 a and 26 b of the power supply monitoring circuit 26 hold the state enabling the ON / OFF control of the relays 24 a and 24 b.

The timer circuit 31 is supplied with electric power necessary for operation from the batteries 22a and 22b via a resistor R from a power supply terminal connected to the control unit 11 through the relays 24a and 24b. The resistance value of the resistor R is a large value that does not affect the voltage detection of the batteries 22a and 22b by the voltage detection circuits 25a and 25b.
Although not shown, the power start circuit 26, the AND circuits 29a and 29b, and the like are also supplied with power necessary for operation in the same manner as the power supply to the timer circuit 31.

  As described above, in the initial state when the main switch 23 is turned on, even when either the battery 22a or the battery 22b is consumed or not attached to the socket 21, the control unit 11 and the power supply unit are stably provided. 12 is supplied with electric power. The timer circuit 31 changes the state of the control signals of the relays 24a and 24b after the time interval when the operation of the power supply monitoring circuit 26 and the like becomes stable. Specifically, the output of the timer circuit 31 is “H”.

  Therefore, thereafter, the connection of the batteries 22a and 22b is controlled according to the control of the power supply monitoring circuit 26. The power supply monitoring circuit 26 turns on the connection of one battery (for example, the battery 22a) and turns off the other connection.

  In this embodiment, a plurality of power sources are detachably (replaceable) provided in the power supply unit 12 that supplies power for operation to the control unit 11 in the extracorporeal unit 3, and the remaining electric energy of each power source is monitored. When the remaining amount of electrical energy of the power source that is actually in use is reduced, the power source selection means for switching to the other power source having a sufficient remaining amount of electrical energy is formed. With this configuration, even during operation, it is possible to replace the power source with less electrical energy remaining without interrupting the operation.

The operation of this embodiment having such a configuration will be described with reference to the timing chart of FIG.
In the OFF state before the main switch 23 is turned on (ON), the relays 24a and 24b are held ON. When the main switch 23 is turned ON, the power supply unit 12 such as the power supply monitoring circuit 26 and the timer circuit 31 is used. At the same time, power is supplied to the control unit 11.

  When power is supplied, the timer circuit 31 rises to an operating state in a shorter time than the power supply monitoring circuit 26 and holds the output of the timer circuit 31 at “L”, while the power supply monitoring circuit 26 and the voltage detection circuit 25a. , 25b, etc. are also in the operating state.

  The voltage detection circuits 25a and 25b detect the voltages of the batteries 22a and 22b, and the detection outputs are input to the power supply monitoring circuit 26. The power supply monitoring circuit 26 determines whether the input voltage detection value is equal to or less than the switching threshold value. Judgment is made. When the detected voltage values of the batteries 22a and 22b both exceed the switching threshold as shown in FIG. 2, for example, the relay control output 26a is set to “L” and the other relay control output 26b is set to “H”.

  Thereafter, the output of the timer circuit 31 is switched to “L”, and the relays 24a and 24b are controlled to be turned ON / OFF by the relay control outputs 26a and 26b from the power supply monitoring circuit 26 and the like. In this case, the relay 24a is turned on and the relay 24b is turned off.

  That is, the control unit 11 and the power supply unit 12 are operated by the power of the battery 22a. Then, when the voltage of the battery 22a decreases with time and the value falls below the switching threshold, the relay control output 26b is switched to "L", the relay 24b is switched ON, and immediately after that, the relay The control output 26a is switched to “H”, and the relay 24a is switched to OFF.

In this case, although not shown in FIG. 2, the LED 28a blinks to prompt the user to replace the battery 22a.
And this time, the control part 11 and the electric power supply part 12 continue an operation state by the battery 22b.

  If the battery 22a is replaced during that time, the power supply monitoring circuit 26 detects that the voltage is equal to or higher than the switching threshold value through detection of the voltage detection circuit 25a. Then, when the voltage of the battery 22b becomes equal to or lower than the switching threshold with the passage of time, the relay control output 26a is switched to "L", the relay 24a is switched to ON, and immediately after that, the relay control output 26b is switched to "H". ", The relay 24b is switched OFF.

  In this case, the LED 28b is turned on to prompt replacement of the battery 22b. In this way, continuous operation for a long time is possible in this embodiment.

This embodiment has the following effects.
In this embodiment, a plurality of batteries 22a and 22b are used, and when the remaining battery level of one battery is reduced, the battery is automatically switched to the other battery having a sufficient remaining battery level. It is possible to perform a continuous operation for a long time without replacing any of the extracorporeal units 3 by exchanging the battery with the lesser number.

Therefore, the drive time limit due to the capacity of the battery can be eliminated.
Moreover, since such a structure and operation | movement can be performed, the weight and magnitude | size of the external unit 3 attached to a body can be suppressed.
Further, the extracorporeal unit 3 can be configured to be lightweight.

In the description of the configuration and operation with reference to FIG. 1, for example, the LED 28 a has been described as being lit in the remaining state before reaching the switching threshold. However, the LED 28 a is lit in the remaining state that becomes the switching threshold in the timing chart of FIG. 2. Anyway.
Further, in addition to visually notifying the remaining amount of the battery 22a or the like with the LEDs 27a and 28a or the like, it may be acoustically notified with a buzzer or the like.

  Next, Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 3 shows the configuration of the capsule medical device of Example 2, and FIG. 4 shows an operation explanatory diagram of the power supply unit. As shown in FIG. 3, the capsule medical device 1B according to the second embodiment of the present invention includes a capsule medical device 1 of FIG. 1 from an external power source so that an external power source can be detachably connected to the power supply unit 12. An external input terminal 31 to which power is supplied is provided, and the power supply voltage of the external input terminal 31 is detected by the voltage detection circuit 25 c and input to the power supply monitoring circuit 26.

  The external input terminal 31 is supplied with operating power from the DC-DC converter 32 through the DC-DC converter 32, and a capacitor 33 serving as a storage means is connected to the output terminal of the DC-DC converter 32. To do.

  The power supply monitoring circuit 26 is connected to an LED 27c for notifying the voltage state (remaining amount) of the external power supply. The LED 27c is lit when the voltage of the external power supply is equal to or higher than a predetermined level that can be used. Flashes. Two LEDs such as the LEDs 27a and 28a may be provided, and the same control as that of the LEDs 27a and 28a may be performed.

Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment, and the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.
Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described with reference to the timing chart of FIG. As an example of use in this case, the operation when the external power supply is connected during the operation as in the first embodiment will be described. The voltage at the output end of the capacitor 33 in FIG.

  A description will be given assuming that an external power source is not connected before the main switch 23 is turned on. In this case, the main switch 23 is turned on, the battery 22a is selected by the power supply monitoring circuit 26, and the operation is performed at the voltage as in the first embodiment.

  When the battery 22a is selected and an external power supply is connected while operating at that voltage, the voltage is detected and the P-point voltage through the capacitor 33 rises exponentially.

  When the voltage of the external power supply is equal to or higher than a predetermined level, the power supply monitoring circuit 26 sets the relay control output 26a to “L” after the time required for the voltage passing through the capacitor 33 to rise above the switching threshold value. Is switched from "H" to "H", and the relay 24a is switched from ON to OFF by this switching.

  By this switching, the control unit 11 and the power supply unit 12 are in a state in which the power supply from the battery 22a is turned off and the power supply by the external power supply is operated. In addition, the period shown by the code | symbol T1 of FIG. 4 in the case of this switching becomes a period when electric power is supplied by both the battery 22a and an external power supply.

  If the external power supply is disconnected from the external input terminal 31 and the power supply by the external power supply is stopped during use in this state, the voltage by the external power supply is detected, and the power supply monitoring circuit 26 changes the relay control output 26a from “H”. The relay 24a is switched from OFF to ON by switching to “L”.

  As a result of this switching, the control unit 11 and the power supply unit 12 are turned off from the power supply from the external power source and are in a state of being operated by the power supply by the battery 22a. Note that, by this switching, the voltage held by the capacitor 33 decreases exponentially and soon becomes zero. In this case, the period T2 is a period in which power is supplied from the battery 22a and the external power source, as in the period T1.

  According to the timing chart of FIG. 4, by connecting an external power source in the middle, it is possible to operate for a longer usage time than when the battery 22 a is operated.

  Although not shown in FIG. 4, the batteries 22a and 22b can be exchanged during a period of operation by an external power source.

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, the battery 22a and the battery 22a and the battery 22a and 22b can be exchanged.
Further, by using the external power supply in the middle, it can be used for a longer time than when using the batteries 22a and 22b.

  Next, Embodiment 3 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 5 shows the configuration of the capsule medical device of Example 3, FIG. 6 shows a state in which an extracorporeal unit is connected to a personal computer and a time schedule is input, FIG. 7 shows a flowchart of an operation procedure, and FIG. The timing chart of description is shown.

  A capsule medical device 41 shown in FIG. 5 is a capsule endoscope 42 (abbreviated as a capsule endoscope or a capsule) that is inserted into a body cavity by being swallowed from the mouth of a patient, and a patient by using, for example, a belt. The external unit 43 that is installed near the body surface and stores biological information obtained by the capsule endoscope 42 is detachably connected to the external unit 43 as shown in FIG. The personal computer 50 is configured to transfer data to the unit 43.

  The capsule endoscope 42 has an illumination element 45 that illuminates the inside of the capsule container 44, an imaging element 46 that images the inside of a body cavity illuminated by the illumination element 45, and driving and imaging of the illumination element 45 and the imaging element 46. A control circuit 47 that performs signal processing on the received signal, a wireless circuit 48 that wirelessly transmits an image signal generated by the control circuit 47 and receives an external signal, the illumination element 45, the imaging element 46, A control circuit 47 and a battery 49 for supplying operating power to the radio circuit 48 are incorporated. The radio circuit 48 also includes an antenna.

  On the other hand, the extracorporeal unit 43 includes a wireless unit 51 that maintains a wireless communication state with the capsule endoscope 42, a control unit 52 that performs other control operations, and power that supplies power to the wireless unit 51 and the control unit 52. And a supply unit 53.

  The wireless unit 51 includes a wireless circuit 55 that communicates with the wireless circuit 48 of the capsule endoscope 42, an antenna 56 that wirelessly emits and receives radio waves, and a state in which the capsule endoscope 42 does not capture the wireless circuit 55. Even so, it has the radio circuit 48 on the capsule endoscope 42 side and the radio control circuit 57 that controls to maintain the communication state.

  The control unit 52 is connected to the wireless control circuit 57, and controls the entire control circuit 58, a memory 59 for storing image data and the like connected to the control circuit 58, an external interface 60 connected to an external device, A display device 61 for displaying the state of the extracorporeal unit 43, a trigger button 62 for starting a timer, a real-time clock (abbreviated as RTC) 63 for measuring time, and an SRAM 64 for holding setting data such as patient data And a maintenance power supply 65 for supplying power to the RTC 63 and the SRAM 64 in a constantly operating state.

Since the setting data is stored in the SRAM 64 with the maintenance power supply 65, even if the power to the control unit 52 is turned off, the setting data is retained without being lost. The maintenance power supply 65 supplies the RTC 63 with power necessary for continuous operation.
The RTC 63 has a built-in timer circuit that has an alarm output to notify the elapse of the set time when the set time has elapsed. The timer circuit is set by the operator when patient data is input as will be described later. input.

  The power supply unit 53 includes a battery 66 that supplies power. The battery 66 controls power supply to the control unit 52 via a power switch (main switch) 67 that performs ON / OFF of power supply. In addition to supplying power to the power control circuit 68 to be performed, power is also supplied to the wireless unit 51.

  The power control circuit 68 controls ON / OFF of a relay 69 connected in series to a power switch 67 connected to the battery 66, so that the power from the battery 66 supplied to the control unit 52 via the relay 69 is controlled. Controls power supply / cutoff.

The power supply control circuit 68 is connected to a manual switch 70 and can be controlled manually.
The power supply control circuit 68 is connected to the radio control circuit 57 and the RTC 63, and controls ON / OFF of the relay 69 based on these outputs.

  In the present embodiment, the wireless unit 51 is always supplied with power in order to maintain a state in which it communicates with the capsule 42. However, the control unit 52 is configured so that its power is turned off in a state where image acquisition is not performed. The power supply control circuit 53 of the power supply unit 53 is controlled so that the drive time by the battery 66 can be extended.

Next, with reference to FIG. 6, the operation when the patient data 71 and the time schedule data are input to the extracorporeal unit 43 by the personal computer 50 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 6, the operator connects the extracorporeal unit 43 to the main body 50 a of the personal computer 50 through the external interface 60 and inputs patient data 71 and time schedule data 72 from the keyboard 50 b of the personal computer 50.

The time schedule data 72 is a time from when the capsule 42 is swallowed until imaging (imaging) is started, and an imaging interval.
Then, the patient data 71 and the time schedule 72 are displayed on the display 50c of the personal computer 50. When the data is OK, the transfer instruction operation is performed from the keyboard 50b, and the setting data is transmitted to the extracorporeal unit 43. The control circuit 58 of the extracorporeal unit 43 stores the transmitted data in the SRAM 64.

Further, the timer setting time data until the start of photographing in the time schedule data 72 is set in the RTC 63.
Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in step S1 of FIG. 7, the personal computer 50 is operated to perform patient data input processing. Next, as shown in step S2, the personal computer 50 and the external unit 43 are connected, and the external unit 43 is turned on. In FIG. 7 and the like, the personal computer is abbreviated as PC.

Then, as shown in step S3, the setting data is transferred from the personal computer 50 to the extracorporeal unit 43.
Then, as shown in step S4, a timer set time or the like is set. Thereafter, after establishing communication between the capsule 42 and the extracorporeal unit 43, the trigger button 62 is pressed as shown in step S5, and the patient swallows the capsule 42.

When the trigger button 62 is pressed, a timer set in the RTC 63 starts as shown in step S6. In this state, the power supply control circuit 68 receives the timer output of the RTC 63 and turns off the relay 69 to cut off the power supply to the control unit 52.
In this state, the wireless unit 51 is in an energized state, and is in a state where it is always possible to confirm that communication with the capsule 42 is possible.

  When an irregular state such as communication with the capsule 42 is interrupted, the wireless control circuit 57 outputs an energization request to the power supply control circuit 68 and causes the control unit 52 to resume energization. The control unit 52 communicates with the wireless control circuit 57, determines the state, displays the state on the display device 61 as necessary, and notifies the patient and the operator of the state.

  After step S6, the RTC 63 determines whether the time until the start of photographing has elapsed, waits for the passage of the time, and outputs an alarm output to the power supply control circuit 68 after the time has elapsed. Then, as shown in step S8, the power supply control circuit 68 turns on the relay 69 so that power is supplied to the control unit 52.

  Further, the RTC 63 notifies the control circuit 58 that the time until the start of imaging has elapsed, and the control circuit 58 transmits an imaging (imaging) request to the capsule 42 via the wireless unit 52 as shown in step S9.

The capsule 42 receives this signal, and the control circuit 47 sets the illumination element 45 and the image sensor 46 to the operating state.
The illumination element 45 illuminates an internal LED to illuminate the inside of the patient's body cavity, images the inside of the illuminated body cavity with the imaging element 46, performs signal processing with the control circuit 47, and wirelessly passes through the radio circuit 48. The captured image data is transmitted to the external external unit 43 (step S10).

  Then, as shown in step S11, it is determined whether or not the extracorporeal unit 43 is finished. For example, it is determined whether or not to end depending on whether a predetermined number of images or a predetermined time of shooting has been taken since the start of shooting. If not, the process returns to step S9, and a shooting request is issued to the capsule 42 to obtain image data. Send it.

  After the predetermined number of images have been shot, the control circuit 58 sends an end command to the capsule 42 via the wireless control circuit 57 to end the shooting operation, and the power control circuit 68 ends the shooting. The power supply control circuit 68 turns off the relay 69 and ends (step S12).

  FIG. 8 shows a typical operation example of the present embodiment by a timing chart.

  After the power switch 67 of the extracorporeal unit 43 is turned on, the setting data such as the patient and time schedule input to the personal computer 50 is transferred from the personal computer 50 to the extracorporeal unit 43.

  The time schedule data in the setting data transferred to the extracorporeal unit 43 is written in the RTC 63 and the patient data is written in the SRAM 64.

  Thereafter, the trigger button 62 is operated, a test start signal is input to the control circuit 58, the timer operation is started by the RTC 63, and the relay 69 is turned OFF during the timer operation.

  Then, the relay 69 is turned on after the elapse of time until the start of imaging by the timer operation, and the extracorporeal unit 43 transmits an imaging request signal to the capsule 42, and the capsule 42 receives this signal and performs imaging (imaging). The captured image data is transmitted to the external unit 43 side.

  In this case, the extracorporeal unit 43 sends a photographing request signal at a predetermined photographing interval until a predetermined number, for example, reaches a predetermined number, and the capsule 42 shoots and transmits image data as long as this signal is transmitted. become.

This embodiment has the following effects.
The operation of the main part circuit of the extracorporeal unit 43 can be completely turned off until the time set when image acquisition is required, so that the power consumption of the extracorporeal unit 43 can be saved and the required operation is prolonged. Can be done for hours.
Therefore, since the electric energy capacity of the battery 66 can be reduced, the extracorporeal unit 43 and the like having a small size and good wearing feeling can be provided.

Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 shows a capsule medical device 41B according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
The capsule medical device 41B employs an extracorporeal unit 43B having a power supply unit 53B that employs a clock device 81 that switches between a high-speed clock and a low-speed clock in place of the power control circuit 68 of the extracorporeal unit 43 in the third embodiment. doing.

  Further, in the power supply unit 53B, the power of the battery 66 is also supplied to the control unit 52 via the power switch 67 without using the relay 69 in which the power control circuit 68 performs ON / OFF control. The clock device 81 supplies the clock generated by the clock device 81 to the control unit 52, and the control unit 52 operates with the clock supplied from the clock device 81.

  In this embodiment, the clock device 52 supplies a high-speed clock to the control unit 52 during a period in which image acquisition from the capsule 42 is performed, and supplies a low-speed clock to the control unit 52 in a period during which image acquisition is not performed.

  That is, when image acquisition is not performed, the control unit 52 operates in a power saving mode with low power consumption with a low-speed clock, and operates with a high-speed clock when high-speed processing is required like image acquisition. Yes.

That is, in the third embodiment, the control unit 52 is turned off during a period in which image acquisition is not performed. However, in this embodiment, the power saving mode is set, and power is supplied to the control unit 52 when image acquisition is performed in the third embodiment. In this period, the high-speed clock is used (in this embodiment).
Configurations and operations other than those described above are the same as those in the third embodiment.

This embodiment has the following effects.
In a state where image acquisition is not performed, the system clock can be switched to a low speed, and the clock can be switched to a high speed side during the period when image acquisition is started, so that an operation saving power can be realized.
Therefore, the electric energy capacity of the battery 66 of the extracorporeal unit 43B can be reduced, and a small and lightweight extracorporeal unit 43B can be provided.

  Incidentally, as the above-described capsules 2, 42, etc., a capsule 82 as shown in FIG. 10 may be adopted.

  In this case, in the conventional example, as shown in FIG. 10D, the imaging unit 84, the control circuit 85 that controls the imaging unit 84, and the imaging unit 84, and the processing is performed by the control circuit 85. A radio circuit 86 for processing the image data transmitted by radio, an antenna 87 for radiating a signal transmitted through the radio circuit 86 by radio waves, and a battery 88 for supplying operation power to the imaging unit 84 and the like. Internally, the GND of the antenna 87 is connected to the image pickup unit 84, the control circuit 85, the wireless circuit 86, and the GND of the battery 88. In FIG. 10, the imaging unit 84 collectively shows an imaging element and an illumination element that performs illumination.

In this conventional example, since the GND area of the antenna 87 is small, in this embodiment, the antenna gain is increased as shown in FIGS. 10 (A) to 10 (C).
In the capsule 82A shown in FIG. 10A, the portion indicated by the thick line in FIG. 10D is a new portion, the GND terminal of the antenna 87 is connected to the external terminal 89 of the capsule outer container 83, and imaging is performed. It is common with the GND of the electric circuit composed of the unit 84, the control circuit 85, the radio circuit 86, and the like.

An external terminal 89 facing the outside of the capsule outer container 83 is in contact with the human body. For this reason, since a human body can be used as GND, a GND area can be enlarged.
Therefore, since the human body is used as GND, the GND area of the antenna 87 is increased, and the antenna gain characteristics can be improved.

  A portion indicated by a thick line is also new in the capsule 82B in FIG. In the capsule 82B, in FIG. 10A, the GND of the electric circuit composed of the imaging unit 84, the control circuit 85, the radio circuit 86, and the like is further connected to the GND of the antenna 87 via the high-pass filter 90. The external terminal 89 is in contact with the human body.

  The high-pass filter 90 is designed to have a low impedance at a radio frequency, and since the human body can be used as a GND at this frequency, the GND area becomes large.

  A portion indicated by a thick line is also new in the capsule 82C in FIG. In this capsule 82C, in FIG. 10A, the GND of the electric circuit composed of the imaging unit 84, the control circuit 85, the wireless circuit 86, and the like is further connected to the GND of the antenna 87 via the series resonance circuit 91. . The external terminal 89 is in contact with the human body.

  The series resonant circuit 91 is designed to have a low impedance at a radio frequency, and since the human body can be used as a GND at this frequency, the GND area can be increased.

Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 shows a capsule 111 according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.
In this capsule 111, a capsule body 112 having a watertight structure is formed by a cylindrical portion and a cover that covers both ends of the cylindrical portion, and a detection portion of a pH sensor 113 that detects, for example, pH in a body cavity protrudes from one end side of the capsule 111 ( (Or alternatively exposed).

  When the detection part of the pH sensor 113 is protruded from the hole of the capsule body (container) 112, it is fixed with an adhesive having a high water-tight function to make the inside a water-tight structure.

  The rear end side of the pH sensor 113 is connected to a circuit board 114 having functions such as a communication means for storing pH detection processing and pH data provided inside the capsule body 112 and transmitting the data to the outside. Yes. The circuit board 114 is connected to a battery 115 that supplies power to operate the circuit board 114. As the battery 115, for example, silver oxide or a highly efficient fuel cell having a high degree of freedom in shape is used.

In the present embodiment, a permanent magnet or magnetic body 116 is housed in the capsule body 112 near the end opposite to the pH sensor 113.
Then, for example, when the capsule 111 is clogged with a constricted portion or the like, it can be collected by a collection tool having a long tube shape such as an ileus tube and containing a permanent magnet near the tip.

  In the present embodiment, a pH sensor 113 for detecting pH is employed as the (medical) biological information detection means, but in addition to this, a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, an optical sensor, or a blood sensor (specifically, hemoglobin detection) Sensor) or the like. Other transmission / reception methods between the capsule 111 and the extracorporeal unit 5 are the same as those in the third embodiment, for example.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the sensor portion (detection unit) causes the chemical amount (pH value) of the liquid in the living body, the temperature of each organ, the pressure from the inner surface of the lumen applied to the outer surface of the capsule when passing through the capsule, and the brightness in the living body. Now, information such as hemoglobin amount (presence / absence of bleeding) of each organ is obtained, and the obtained data is transmitted to the wireless unit 51 of the extracorporeal unit 43 placed outside the body by the wireless communication means inside the capsule.

  Then, the data obtained by the memory 59 from the wireless unit 51 via the control circuit 58 of the control unit 52 is accumulated and compared with a reference value to determine whether there is an abnormality such as illness or bleeding, the capsule passage position, The determination of the passage state can be performed outside the body by a medical worker such as a doctor or a comedy.

  In particular, the capsule 111 can measure the pH value, the amount of hemoglobin, and the like inside the digestive tract of a living body without pain, so that the effect of being able to diagnose gastrointestinal diseases and perform physiological analysis is great. By preparing a plurality of types of various sensors according to the purpose, efficient inspection can be performed. Since transmission and reception are performed efficiently, there is an effect that long-time measurement can be performed while keeping the battery life long.

  Further, although the capsule 111 provided with various sensors has been described with reference to FIG. 11, a capsule 141 provided with an ultrasonic probe 142 as shown in FIG. 12 may be used instead of the various sensors.

  In this capsule 141, for example, an acoustic lens 144 provided on the front surface of the ultrasonic probe 142 is disposed on the front surface of the capsule body 143 so as to be exposed on the outer surface of the capsule body 143, and the acoustic lens 144 is bonded to the capsule body 143. The capsule is water-tightly fixed by an agent or the like, and the inside of the capsule has a watertight structure.

  Inside the capsule on the back surface side of the ultrasonic probe 142, an ultrasonic transmission / reception circuit and a circuit board 114 for performing processing for generating an ultrasonic tomographic image from the signal are arranged. Drive with power. A permanent magnet 116 is housed on the rear end side.

In the capsule 141, an ultrasonic tomographic image in the body cavity is generated by an ultrasonic transmission / reception circuit formed by the circuit board 114, and the obtained data is transmitted to the extracorporeal unit 43 as in the case of FIG. Thereby, the presence or absence of abnormality in the depth direction of the deep part of the body cavity such as the small intestine can be diagnosed for a long time.
Both optical observation means (imaging means) may be provided. With such a configuration, diagnosis of the body cavity surface and the deep part can be performed at a time.

FIG. 13 shows a capsule 121 of the second modification.
This capsule 121 forms a capsule body 122 with a cylinder and a cover that covers both ends of the capsule. The capsule body 122 is further partitioned at two locations in the longitudinal direction by partition members 123a and 123b, respectively. Three storage means, that is, a magnetic body storage part 125 and a body fluid suction part 126 are formed.

The medicine storage section 124 is provided with a medication port 128 as an opening means for storing a medicine 127 for treatment and discharging the stored medicine 127 to the outside.
A body fluid suction port 129 for inhaling body fluid from the outside of the capsule body 122 is also provided in the body fluid suction portion 126 provided on the side opposite to the medicine container 124.

The permanent magnet / magnetic body storage unit 125 stores the permanent magnet or the magnetic body 130.
Dissolving films 128a and 129a made of gelatin digested by gastric juice, fatty acid films digested by intestinal fluid, or the like are provided at the openings of the medication inlet 128 and the body fluid inlet 129.

When the capsule 121 reaches the target site, it is received by the capsule 121 by transmitting a control signal from the extracorporeal unit 43, and the dissolved film 128a and the like are digested to administer the therapeutic drug 127 and the body fluid. Inhalation can be performed. In addition, a release signal can be sent from the extracorporeal unit and received by the capsule medical device 121 to control the release.
Thus, according to this modification, inhalation of body fluid for treatment or examination can be performed at the target site.

FIG. 14 shows a capsule 131 of a third modification.
In this capsule 131, a capsule body 132 is formed by a cylinder and a cover that covers both ends of the capsule 131, and an opening 133 is provided on one end of the capsule 131 so that, for example, an injection needle 134 for injecting a drug can be projected and retracted. . The capsule body 132 is provided with driving means for projecting and retracting the injection needle 134 and control means for the drug injection. The control signal is sent from the external unit and received by the capsule 131. The injection needle 134 is protruded and retracted so that the medicine can be injected.
Further, a permanent magnet or a magnetic body 135 is accommodated in the vicinity of the end opposite to the opening 133 inside the capsule body 132.

  After confirming the bleeding site with a blood sensor or observation means, instruct the operation of a treatment tool such as a hemostatic agent injection needle housed inside the capsule by communication from outside the body, and spray ethanol or powdered medicine as a hemostatic agent on the bleeding site. Can stop bleeding.

According to this modification, treatment such as hemostasis can be performed while keeping the battery life long.
Note that embodiments and the like configured by partially combining the above-described embodiments and the like belong to the present invention.

[Appendix]
1. In a capsule medical device composed of a capsule that is inserted (or swallowed) into a living body and includes a biological information detecting means that obtains biological information, and an extracorporeal unit that is disposed outside the living body.
A capsule medical device comprising: trigger means for starting an operation; and timer means for setting a pause time from when a trigger signal generated from the trigger means is received until biometric information acquisition is started.
1.1. In Supplementary Note 1, the biological information detecting means is an imaging means for acquiring an image, and the timer means sets a pause time from when a trigger signal is received until image acquisition is started.
2. In Supplementary Note 1, there is provided timer setting means for setting a pause time of the timer means.

3. In a capsule medical device composed of a capsule that is inserted (or swallowed) into a living body and includes a biological information detecting means that obtains biological information, and an extracorporeal unit that is disposed outside the living body.
A trigger unit that starts an operation; and an operation setting unit that sets an image acquisition interval after generation from the trigger unit. The image acquisition operation is performed according to a time schedule set by the operation setting unit. Capsule medical device.
4). In Supplementary Note 3, it has a memory which is arranged in the extracorporeal unit and records the operation content set by the operation setting means.

5). In a capsule medical device composed of a capsule that is inserted (or swallowed) into a living body and includes a biological information detecting means that obtains biological information, and an extracorporeal unit that is disposed outside the living body.
Trigger means for starting the operation, and timer means for setting a pause time from when the trigger signal generated from the trigger means is received until biometric information acquisition is started, and when the timer means is operating, at least of the extracorporeal unit A capsule medical device comprising power control means for stopping power supply to a part.
5.1. In Supplementary Note 5, the biological information detecting means is an imaging means for acquiring an image, and the timer means sets a pause time from when a trigger signal is received until image acquisition is started.
6). In Supplementary Note 5, the portion where the power is stopped by the power control means is other than the wireless means for communicating between the capsule and the extracorporeal unit.

7). In a capsule medical device composed of a capsule that is inserted (or swallowed) into a living body and includes a biological information detecting means that obtains biological information, and an extracorporeal unit that is disposed outside the living body.
Trigger means for starting the operation, and timer means for setting a pause time from when the trigger signal generated from the trigger means is received until biometric information acquisition is started, and when the timer means is operating, at least of the extracorporeal unit A capsule medical device comprising power control means for operating a part of the device in a power saving mode.
7.1. In Supplementary Note 7, the biological information detecting means is an imaging means for acquiring an image, and the timer means sets a pause time from when a trigger signal is received until image acquisition is started.

(Background of Supplementary notes 1 to 7.1)
The capsule endoscope includes a capsule endoscope main body (hereinafter referred to as a capsule), an extracorporeal unit that communicates with the capsule and stores transmitted (image) data, and a display unit that displays data stored in the extracorporeal unit. The

  The extracorporeal unit must be attached to the patient or in the vicinity so that it can always communicate during observation with the capsule. The storage unit is driven by a battery so as not to hinder the operation of the patient. However, in order to operate continuously for a long time, a battery having a large capacity must be mounted, which causes a problem that the storage unit becomes heavy.

  In addition, data taken during the period until the capsule body arrives at the site to be inspected becomes unnecessary. In addition, maintaining a normal operating state consumes power, and thus requires measures such as increasing the size of the battery.

(Purpose of Supplementary Notes 1 to 7.1)
For the purpose of providing a capsule medical device provided with a lightweight extracorporeal unit, the constitution of Supplementary Notes 1 to 7.1 was adopted.

8). In capsule medical devices,
A capsule medical device in which the GND terminal of the antenna is provided on the exterior of the capsule.
9. In Supplementary Note 8, the GND of the antenna is connected to the GND of the other electric circuit inside the capsule through a high-pass filter circuit.
10. In Supplementary Note 9, the impedance decreases at the carrier frequency at which the high-pass filter circuit is output as a radio wave.
10. In Supplementary Note 8, the GND of the antenna is connected to the GND of the other electric circuit inside the capsule via a series resonance circuit.
11. In Supplementary Note 10, the impedance decreases at a carrier frequency at which the series resonant circuit is output as a radio wave.

(Background to appendices 8-11)
In the case of a small antenna, the antenna gain characteristic is ensured by securing the GND area.
However, in the case of a capsule medical device, the GND area of the electric circuit becomes very small, and it becomes difficult to ensure antenna gain characteristics.
(Purpose of Supplementary Notes 8 to 11) Therefore, the configuration of Supplementary Notes 8 to 11 is used for the purpose of providing a capsule medical device that improves the antenna gain characteristics without changing the size of the capsule medical device.

The block diagram which shows the structure of the capsule medical device of Example 1 of this invention. The timing chart figure of operation | movement description of an electric power supply part. The block diagram which shows the structure of the capsule medical device of Example 2 of this invention. The timing chart figure of operation | movement description of an electric power supply part. The block diagram which shows the structure of the capsule medical device of Example 3 of this invention. The figure which shows a mode that an external unit is connected to a personal computer and a time schedule etc. are input. The flowchart figure of an operation | movement procedure. The timing chart figure of operation | movement description. The block diagram which shows the structure of the capsule medical device of Example 4 of this invention. The figure which shows schematic structure of capsules, such as a modification. The figure which shows the structure of the capsule in Example 5 of this invention. The schematic block diagram of the capsule of the 1st modification of Example 5 of this invention. The schematic block diagram of the capsule of a 2nd modification. The schematic block diagram of the capsule of a 3rd modification.

Explanation of symbols

41 ... capsule medical device 42 ... capsule (endoscope)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 43 ... External unit 45 ... Illuminating element 46 ... Imaging element 47 ... Control circuit 48 ... Wireless circuit 52 ... Control part 62 ... Trigger button 63 ... Real time clock 64 ... SRAM

Claims (4)

A capsule endoscope having an imaging unit that is swallowed into a body cavity and images the inside of the body cavity, stores time schedule data that includes a command to start imaging after a set time has elapsed, and according to the time schedule A capsule endoscope apparatus characterized in that an imaging means is configured to image a body cavity. A capsule endoscope provided with an imaging unit that is swallowed into a body cavity and images the inside of the body cavity, and an imaging signal that is disposed outside the living body and communicates with the capsule endoscope and is captured by the imaging unit of the capsule endoscope. In a capsule endoscope apparatus having an extracorporeal unit to acquire,
When a trigger signal for starting a timer is generated, trigger means;
Storage means for storing the time from the start of the timer activated by the trigger means to the start of imaging in the body cavity by the imaging means and the imaging interval of the imaging means;
A capsule endoscope apparatus comprising: The capsule endoscope apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the time until the imaging is started and the imaging interval stored in the storage unit are input from the input unit to the storage unit and stored therein. . The capsule endoscope includes an illuminating unit, illuminates the body cavity when the imaging unit is in an operating state, performs signal processing on an imaging signal captured by the imaging unit, and transmits image data to the external unit. The capsule endoscope apparatus according to claim 2.

Images