JP2010099191A - Biological observation system, and method of driving biological observation system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a biological observation system and the like capable of according to a change flexibly when an observation site or an observation state is suddenly changed. <P>SOLUTION: A biological observation system has a biological observation device including a plurality of biological information acquiring sections for acquiring information in a biological, a power section for supplying driving power of the plurality of biological information acquiring sections, a magnetic field detecting section for detecting a magnetic field from outside and outputting a detection result as an electric signal, and a control section for controlling a supply state of the driving power supplied from the power section to the plurality of biological information acquiring sections according to the input number of the electric signal during the predetermined term, and a magnetic field generating section for generating an alternating current magnetic field on the outside of the biological information acquiring device. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a living body observation system and a driving method of the living body observation system, and more particularly to a living body observation system capable of acquiring in-vivo information and a driving method of the living body observation system.

  Endoscopes have been widely used in the medical field and the like. In particular, endoscopes in the medical field are mainly used for applications such as in vivo observation. As one of the types of endoscopes described above, the subject is placed in the body cavity by swallowing, and the subject is imaged while moving in the body cavity in accordance with the peristaltic motion. In recent years, a capsule endoscope that can wirelessly transmit an object image as an imaging signal to the outside has been proposed.

  And what has the structure substantially the same as the capsule type endoscope mentioned above is a capsule type medical system proposed by patent document 1, for example.

Patent Document 1 discloses an objective optical system that forms an image of a subject, an image pickup unit that includes an image pickup device that picks up an image of the subject formed by the objective optical system, and illuminates the subject. There is disclosed a so-called binocular capsule endoscope in which a pair of LEDs is provided at the front and rear ends. And, according to the configuration of such a binocular capsule endoscope, compared to a so-called monocular capsule endoscope in which the imaging unit and the LED are provided only at the front or rear end, A wider range of observations can be made.
JP 2005-143991 A

  According to Patent Document 1, in the above-described binocular capsule endoscope, by operating only one of the two imaging units and the LED, the monocular capsule endoscope is used. The setting method is not described in particular. Therefore, according to the binocular capsule endoscope disclosed in Patent Document 1, for example, it has a function of either a monocular capsule endoscope or a binocular capsule endoscope. A mode of use in which programming related to the setting for operation is performed in advance before the subject swallows may be assumed.

  However, according to such a mode of use, since it is necessary to perform programming every time the operation setting is changed, for example, when a sudden change in the observation site or the observation state of the subject occurs, it is flexible. There arises a problem that it is difficult to deal with.

  Further, when the binocular capsule endoscope disclosed in Patent Document 1 is operated according to the above-described usage mode, the subject performs programming related to the operation setting, and the subject performs the binocular capsule endoscope. It is necessary to go beforehand before swallowing. Therefore, when the binocular capsule endoscope disclosed in Patent Document 1 is operated according to the above-described use mode, the operation setting is performed after the subject swallows the binocular capsule endoscope. The problem is that it is difficult to change.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and even when a sudden change of an observation site or an observation state occurs, living body observation that can flexibly respond to the change It is an object of the present invention to provide a system and a driving method for a living body observation system.

  The living body observation system in the present invention detects a plurality of in vivo information acquisition units that acquire in vivo information, a power supply unit that supplies driving power for the plurality of in vivo information acquisition units, and a magnetic field from the outside, A magnetic field detection unit that outputs a detection result as an electric signal, and a supply state of the driving power supplied from the power supply unit to the plurality of in vivo information acquisition units according to the number of times the electric signal is input within a predetermined period An in-vivo observation device including a control unit to be changed, and a magnetic field generation unit that generates an alternating magnetic field outside the biological information acquisition device.

  The driving method of the living body observation system according to the present invention includes a plurality of in vivo information acquisition units that acquire in vivo information, a power supply unit that supplies driving power for the plurality of in vivo information acquisition units, and an external magnetic field. A magnetic field detection unit that detects and outputs a detection result as an electrical signal; and the driving power supplied from the power supply unit to the plurality of in vivo information acquisition units according to the number of times the electrical signal is input within a predetermined period. A method for driving a living body observation system having at least a living body observation device including a control unit that changes a supply state, and a magnetic field generation unit that generates an alternating magnetic field outside the living body information acquisition device. The operating state of the plurality of in-vivo information acquisition units is changed according to the number of times the AC magnetic field from the magnetic field generation unit is applied to the in-vivo observation device within the predetermined period. To.

  According to the living body observation system and the driving method of the living body observation system in the present invention, it is possible to flexibly respond to the change even when the observation site or the observation state is suddenly changed.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  1 to 8 relate to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a main part of a living body observation system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the internal configuration of the capsule endoscope according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a timing chart showing an example of the operating state of the capsule endoscope of the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is a timing chart showing an example of the operating state of the capsule endoscope of the present embodiment, which is different from FIG. FIG. 5 is a timing chart showing an example of the operating state of the capsule endoscope according to the present embodiment, which is different from FIGS. 3 and 4. FIG. 6 is a timing chart showing an example of the operating state of the capsule endoscope according to the present embodiment, which is different from FIGS. 3, 4, and 5. FIG. 7 is a timing chart showing an example of the operating state of the capsule endoscope according to the present embodiment, which is different from those shown in FIGS. 3, 4, 5 and 6. FIG. 8 is a timing chart showing an example of the operating state of the capsule endoscope according to the present embodiment, which is different from those shown in FIGS. 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the living body observation system 101 includes a capsule endoscope 1 configured to have dimensions and shapes that can be placed in a living body, and an alternating magnetic field outside the capsule endoscope 1. And a magnetic field generation unit 21 that emits light.

  The magnetic field generation unit 21 has a configuration capable of switching the generation state of the magnetic field to either on or off in accordance with, for example, a user operation such as a switch (not shown). The magnetic field generator 21 of this embodiment may have any configuration as long as it generates an alternating magnetic field in response to a user operation or instruction.

  A capsule endoscope 1 as an in-vivo observation device forms a first illumination unit 13a that illuminates a subject existing on one side of the capsule endoscope 1 and an image of the subject illuminated by the first illumination unit 13a. A first objective optical system (not shown) and a first imaging unit 14a that outputs an image of the subject imaged by the first objective optical system as an imaging signal. It has an in-vivo information acquisition unit inside.

  In addition, the capsule endoscope 1 includes a second illumination unit 13b that illuminates a subject that is present on the other side of the capsule endoscope 1, that is, in a direction different from the first in-vivo information acquisition unit, and a second illumination. A second objective optical system (not shown) that forms an image of the subject illuminated by the unit 13b, and a second imaging that outputs the image of the subject formed by the second objective optical system as an imaging signal. And a second in-vivo information acquisition unit including the unit 14b.

  Furthermore, the capsule endoscope 1 includes a wireless transmission unit 15 that converts an imaging signal output from at least one of the first imaging unit 14a and the second imaging unit 14b into a wireless signal and outputs the wireless signal to the outside. The first in-vivo information acquisition unit, the second in-vivo information acquisition unit, and the power supply unit 12 that supplies driving power required for driving each unit of the wireless transmission unit 15 and the AC magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generation unit 21 And a magnetic field detector 8 capable of detecting.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 2, the magnetic field detection unit 8 outputs an electric signal corresponding to the alternating magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generation unit 21 and rectifies the electric signal output from the antenna 4. It has a rectifying unit 16 for outputting and a resistor 7.

  The antenna 4 includes a magnetic field detection coil 2 that outputs an electric signal corresponding to the alternating magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generation unit 21 and a resonance connected in parallel to the magnetic field detection coil 2 at the input end of the rectification unit 16. And a capacitor 3 for use.

  The rectifying unit 16 includes a diode 5 whose input end is connected to the output end of the magnetic field detection coil 2, and a smoothing capacitor 6 that smoothes the electrical signal output from the diode 5.

  The resistor 7 is connected in parallel to the smoothing capacitor 6 at the output terminal of the diode 5.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the power supply unit 12 includes a controller 9 made of, for example, a microcomputer, a P-channel FET 10, and a power supply unit 11 made of a battery or the like.

  A node N1 as an input end of the controller 9 is connected to an output end of the magnetic field detector 8. That is, the electrical signal output from the magnetic field detector 8 is input to the controller 9 via the node N1.

  A node N2 as a first output terminal of the controller 9 is connected to the gate of the P-channel FET 10. The node N3 as the second output terminal of the controller 9 is connected to the first illumination unit 13a, the first imaging unit 14a, and the wireless transmission unit 15, respectively. Further, the node N4 as the third output terminal of the controller 9 is connected to the second illumination unit 13b, the second imaging unit 14b, and the wireless transmission unit 15, respectively.

  The source of the P-channel FET 10 is connected to the power supply unit 11. Further, the gate of the P-channel FET 10 is connected to a node N2 as a first output terminal of the controller 9. Furthermore, the drains of the P-channel FET 10 are respectively connected to the first illumination unit 13a, the first imaging unit 14a, the second illumination unit 13b, the second imaging unit 14b, and the wireless transmission unit 15. It is connected.

  Note that the arrangement of the first illumination unit 13a, the first imaging unit 14a, the second illumination unit 13b, and the second imaging unit 14b in FIG. 2 is mainly for the convenience of drawing. Is. Therefore, the arrangement state of the first illumination unit 13a, the first imaging unit 14a, the second illumination unit 13b, and the second imaging unit 14b is actually more appropriate as shown in FIG. Of course.

  According to the configuration of the capsule endoscope 1 described above, when the node N2 as the first output terminal of the controller 9 becomes the L (Low) level, the P-channel FET 10 is turned on, and the first Driving power is supplied to the illumination unit 13a, the first imaging unit 14a, the second illumination unit 13b, the second imaging unit 14b, and the wireless transmission unit 15.

  In addition, according to the configuration of the capsule endoscope 1 described above, the wireless transmission unit 15 is operated as at least one of the first in-vivo information acquisition unit and the second in-vivo information acquisition unit operates. Is also configured to operate.

  Note that the first in-vivo information acquisition unit of the present embodiment is configured to operate when the node N3 is at the H (High) level and stop operating when the node N3 is at the L level. And Further, it is assumed that the second in-vivo information acquisition unit of the present embodiment is configured to operate when the node N4 is at the H level and stop operating when the node N4 is at the L level.

  Here, the operation of the living body observation system 101 in the present embodiment will be described.

  First, both the first in-vivo information acquisition unit and the second in-vivo information acquisition unit are operated simultaneously from the state where both the first in-vivo information acquisition unit and the second in-vivo information acquisition unit are stopped. A description will be given mainly with reference to FIG.

  In the period before time t11 shown in FIG. 3, both the first in-vivo information acquisition unit and the second in-vivo information acquisition unit are stopped.

  When an alternating magnetic field is generated from the magnetic field generator 21 in the period from time t11 to time t12 shown in FIG. 3, a potential difference due to electromagnetic induction is generated at both ends of the magnetic field detection coil 2, and an alternating current corresponding to the potential difference is generated. The signal is output to the rectifying unit 16.

  The AC electrical signal output from the magnetic field detection coil 2 is rectified by the rectification unit 16, thereby being converted to a DC electrical signal and output to the input terminal of the controller 9. At this time, as shown in FIG. 3, the signal level at the node N1 on the input end side of the controller 9 becomes H level. That is, the node N1 on the input end side of the controller 9 is at the H level during a period in which an AC magnetic field is applied to the capsule endoscope 1.

  Thereafter, when an alternating magnetic field is generated from the magnetic field generator 21 in the period from time t13 to time t14 shown in FIG. 3, the signal level at the node N1 on the input end side of the controller 9 is H as in the period from time t11 to t12. Become a level.

  Therefore, according to FIG. 3, after the first alternating magnetic field in the period from time t11 to t12 is applied to the capsule endoscope 1 in the predetermined period th1, the second time in the period from time t13 to t14. An AC magnetic field is applied to the capsule endoscope 1. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 3, an H level electric signal is input twice to the node N1 on the input end side of the controller 9 within a predetermined period th1. It is assumed that the predetermined period th1 is a fixed period starting from the first time (for example, time t11 in FIG. 3) at which the node N1 changes from the steady state where the node N1 maintains the L level to the H level.

  On the other hand, when the controller 9 detects that the electric signal of H level is input twice within the predetermined period th1, as shown in FIG. 3, at the time t15 after the elapse of the predetermined period th1, the node N2 Is set to L level, and nodes N3 and N4 are each set to H level.

  When the signal level at the node N2 becomes L level, the P-channel FET 10 is turned on, and the first illumination unit 13a, the first imaging unit 14a, the second illumination unit 13b, and the second imaging unit 14b are turned on from the power supply unit 11. Then, supply of driving power to the wireless transmission unit 15 is started. Then, in response to the supply of driving power from the power supply unit 11, the operations of the first in-vivo information acquisition unit and the second in-vivo information acquisition unit are started.

  Thus, according to the capsule endoscope 1 of the present embodiment, the first in-vivo information acquisition unit and the second in-vivo information acquisition unit are both stopped and within the predetermined period th1. When the alternating magnetic field is applied twice, the first in-vivo information acquiring unit and the second in-vivo information acquiring unit operate simultaneously after time t15 after the predetermined period th1 has elapsed. That is, according to the capsule endoscope 1 of the present embodiment, both the first in-vivo information acquisition unit and the second in-vivo information acquisition unit are stopped, and AC is exchanged within a predetermined period th1. When a magnetic field is applied twice, a two-lens capsule-type endoscope that can image a subject existing at the front and rear in its traveling direction at a time after time t15 after a predetermined period th1 has elapsed. Acts as a mirror.

  Next, in the case where only the first in-vivo information acquisition unit is operated from the state where both the first in-vivo information acquisition unit and the second in-vivo information acquisition unit are stopped, mainly FIG. The description will be given with reference.

  In the period before time t21 shown in FIG. 4, both the first in-vivo information acquisition unit and the second in-vivo information acquisition unit are stopped.

  When an alternating magnetic field is generated from the magnetic field generator 21 in the period from time t21 to t22 shown in FIG. 4, a potential difference due to electromagnetic induction is generated at both ends of the magnetic field detection coil 2, and an alternating current corresponding to the potential difference is generated. The signal is output to the rectifying unit 16.

  The AC electrical signal output from the magnetic field detection coil 2 is rectified by the rectification unit 16, thereby being converted to a DC electrical signal and output to the input terminal of the controller 9. At this time, as shown in FIG. 4, the signal level at the node N1 on the input end side of the controller 9 becomes H level.

  Therefore, according to FIG. 4, only the alternating magnetic field during the period from time t21 to t22 is applied to the capsule endoscope 1 within the predetermined period th1. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 4, an H level electric signal is input once to the node N1 on the input end side of the controller 9 within a predetermined period th1.

  On the other hand, when the controller 9 detects that an electrical signal of H level is input once within the predetermined period th1, as shown in FIG. 4, at time t23 after the elapse of the predetermined period th1, the node N2 Are set to the L level, the node N3 is set to the H level, and the node N4 is set to the L level.

  When the signal level at the node N2 becomes L level, the P-channel FET 10 is turned on, and the first illumination unit 13a, the first imaging unit 14a, the second illumination unit 13b, and the second imaging unit 14b are turned on from the power supply unit 11. Then, supply of driving power to the wireless transmission unit 15 is started. Then, in response to the supply of driving power from the power supply unit 11, the operation of the first in-vivo information acquisition unit is started, while the second in-vivo information acquisition unit remains stopped.

  Thus, according to the capsule endoscope 1 of the present embodiment, the first in-vivo information acquisition unit and the second in-vivo information acquisition unit are both stopped and within the predetermined period th1. When the AC magnetic field is applied once, only the first in-vivo information acquisition unit operates after time t23 after a predetermined period th1 has elapsed. That is, according to the capsule endoscope 1 of the present embodiment, both the first in-vivo information acquisition unit and the second in-vivo information acquisition unit are stopped, and AC is exchanged within a predetermined period th1. When the magnetic field is applied once, it operates as a monocular capsule endoscope in which only the first in-vivo information acquisition unit operates after time t23 after a predetermined period th1 has elapsed.

  Next, FIG. 5 is mainly used in the case where only the second in-vivo information acquisition unit is operated from the state where both the first in-vivo information acquisition unit and the second in-vivo information acquisition unit are stopped. The description will be given with reference.

  In the period before time t31 shown in FIG. 5, both the first in-vivo information acquisition unit and the second in-vivo information acquisition unit are stopped.

  When an alternating magnetic field is generated from the magnetic field generator 21 during the period from time t31 to time t32 shown in FIG. 5, a potential difference due to electromagnetic induction is generated at both ends of the magnetic field detection coil 2, and an alternating current corresponding to the potential difference is generated. The signal is output to the rectifying unit 16.

  The AC electrical signal output from the magnetic field detection coil 2 is rectified by the rectification unit 16, thereby being converted to a DC electrical signal and output to the input terminal of the controller 9. At this time, as shown in FIG. 5, the signal level at the node N1 on the input end side of the controller 9 becomes the H level.

  After that, when an alternating magnetic field is generated from the magnetic field generator 21 in the period from time t33 to t34 shown in FIG. 5 and in the period from time t35 to t36 shown in FIG. 5, similarly to the period from time t31 to t32, the controller The signal level at the node N1 on the input end side 9 becomes H level.

  Therefore, according to FIG. 5, within the predetermined period th1, the first alternating magnetic field during the period from time t31 to t32 is applied to the capsule endoscope 1, and the second alternating magnetic field during the period from time t33 to t34. Is applied to the capsule endoscope 1, and then the third alternating magnetic field during the period from time t35 to t36 is applied to the capsule endoscope 1. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 5, the H-level electric signal is inputted three times to the node N1 on the input end side of the controller 9 within a predetermined period th1.

  On the other hand, when the controller 9 detects that the electrical signal of H level is input three times within the predetermined period th1, as shown in FIG. 5, at time t37 after the predetermined period th1 has elapsed, the node N2 Are set to the L level, the node N3 is set to the L level, and the node N4 is set to the H level.

  When the signal level at the node N2 becomes L level, the P-channel FET 10 is turned on, and the first illumination unit 13a, the first imaging unit 14a, the second illumination unit 13b, and the second imaging unit 14b are turned on from the power supply unit 11. Then, supply of driving power to the wireless transmission unit 15 is started. Then, in response to the supply of drive power from the power supply unit 11, the operation of the second in-vivo information acquisition unit is started, while the first in-vivo information acquisition unit remains stopped.

  Thus, according to the capsule endoscope 1 of the present embodiment, the first in-vivo information acquisition unit and the second in-vivo information acquisition unit are both stopped and within the predetermined period th1. When the AC magnetic field is applied three times, only the second in-vivo information acquisition unit operates after time t37 after the predetermined period th1 has elapsed. That is, according to the capsule endoscope 1 of the present embodiment, both the first in-vivo information acquisition unit and the second in-vivo information acquisition unit are stopped, and AC is exchanged within a predetermined period th1. When the magnetic field is applied three times, it operates as a monocular capsule endoscope in which only the second in-vivo information acquisition unit operates after time t37 after a predetermined period th1 has elapsed.

That is, according to the capsule endoscope 1 of the present embodiment, both the first in-vivo information acquisition unit and the second in-vivo information acquisition unit are simultaneously operated according to the number of times of application of the alternating magnetic field within the predetermined period th1. Any one of the setting to operate, the setting to operate only the first in-vivo information acquisition unit, and the setting to operate only the second in-vivo information acquisition unit can be validated.
According to the capsule endoscope 1 of the present embodiment, since the operations of the plurality of in-vivo information acquisition units can be set by a simple operation, for example, the subject can use the capsule endoscope Even when the observation site or the observation state is suddenly changed immediately before swallowing, it is possible to flexibly respond to the change.

  On the other hand, according to the capsule endoscope 1 of the present embodiment, even after the subject swallows the capsule endoscope (or after the capsule endoscope is once operated), By executing the procedure described below, it is possible to change its own operation setting.

  Here, when changing from the state where both the first in-vivo information acquisition unit and the second in-vivo information acquisition unit are operating to the operation setting for operating only the first in-vivo information acquisition unit Will be described mainly with reference to FIG.

  In the period before time t41 shown in FIG. 6, both the first in-vivo information acquisition unit and the second in-vivo information acquisition unit are operating.

  Then, when an alternating magnetic field is generated from the magnetic field generator 21 in the period from time t41 to t42 shown in FIG. 6, a potential difference due to electromagnetic induction is generated at both ends of the magnetic field detection coil 2, and an alternating current corresponding to the potential difference is generated. The signal is output to the rectifying unit 16.

  The AC electrical signal output from the magnetic field detection coil 2 is rectified by the rectification unit 16, thereby being converted to a DC electrical signal and output to the input terminal of the controller 9. At this time, as shown in FIG. 6, the signal level at the node N1 on the input end side of the controller 9 becomes H level.

  Therefore, according to FIG. 6, only the alternating magnetic field during the period from time t41 to t42 is applied to the capsule endoscope 1 within the predetermined period th2. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 6, an H-level electrical signal is input once to the node N1 on the input end side of the controller 9 within a predetermined period th2. It is assumed that the predetermined period th2 is a fixed period starting from the first time (for example, time t41 in FIG. 6) at which the node N1 changes from the steady state where the node N1 maintains the L level to the H level.

  On the other hand, when the controller 9 detects that the electrical signal of H level is input once within the predetermined period th2, as shown in FIG. 6, at time t43 after the predetermined period th2 has elapsed, the node N2 Is maintained at the L level, the node N3 is maintained at the H level, and the node N4 at the H level is reset to the L level.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 6, at the timing of time t43 when the node N4 is reset to the L level, the operation of the first in-vivo information acquisition unit continues, while the operation of the second in-vivo information acquisition unit Stops.

  Thus, according to the capsule endoscope 1 of the present embodiment, both the first in-vivo information acquisition unit and the second in-vivo information acquisition unit are operating, and within a predetermined period th2. When the AC magnetic field is applied once, only the first in-vivo information acquisition unit operates after time t43 after the elapse of the predetermined period th2. That is, according to the capsule endoscope 1 of the present embodiment, the capsule endoscope 1 operates as a binocular capsule endoscope, and when an AC magnetic field is applied once within a predetermined period th2, After the time th2 elapses, after time t43, the apparatus operates as a monocular capsule endoscope capable of capturing an image of a subject existing in front of its own traveling direction.

  Next, when changing from the state where both the first in-vivo information acquiring unit and the second in-vivo information acquiring unit are operating to the operation setting for operating only the second in-vivo information acquiring unit. Will be described mainly with reference to FIG.

  In the period before time t51 shown in FIG. 7, both the first in-vivo information acquisition unit and the second in-vivo information acquisition unit are operating.

  When an alternating magnetic field is generated from the magnetic field generator 21 during the period from time t51 to time t52 shown in FIG. 7, a potential difference due to electromagnetic induction is generated at both ends of the magnetic field detection coil 2, and an alternating current corresponding to the potential difference is generated. The signal is output to the rectifying unit 16.

  The AC electrical signal output from the magnetic field detection coil 2 is rectified by the rectification unit 16, thereby being converted to a DC electrical signal and output to the input terminal of the controller 9. At this time, as shown in FIG. 7, the signal level at the node N1 on the input end side of the controller 9 becomes H level.

  After that, when an alternating magnetic field is generated from the magnetic field generator 21 in the period from time t53 to t54 shown in FIG. 7 and in the period from time t55 to t56 shown in FIG. 7, the controller is similar to the period from time t51 to t52. The signal level at the node N1 on the input end side 9 becomes H level.

  Therefore, according to FIG. 7, within the predetermined period th2, the first alternating magnetic field during the period from time t51 to t52 is applied to the capsule endoscope 1, and the second alternating magnetic field during the period from time t53 to t54. Is applied to the capsule endoscope 1, and then, the third alternating magnetic field during the period from time t55 to time t56 is applied to the capsule endoscope 1. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 7, an H-level electric signal is input to the node N1 on the input end side of the controller 9 three times within a predetermined period th2.

  On the other hand, when the controller 9 detects that the electrical signal of H level is input three times within the predetermined period th2, as shown in FIG. 7, at time t57 after the predetermined period th2 has elapsed, the node N2 Is maintained at the L level, the node N3 at the H level is reset to the L level, and the node N4 is maintained at the H level.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 7, at the timing of time t57 when the node N3 is reset to the L level, the operation of the second in-vivo information acquisition unit continues, while the operation of the first in-vivo information acquisition unit Stops.

  Thus, according to the capsule endoscope 1 of the present embodiment, both the first in-vivo information acquisition unit and the second in-vivo information acquisition unit are operating, and within a predetermined period th2. When the AC magnetic field is applied three times, only the second in-vivo information acquisition unit operates after time t57 after the elapse of the predetermined period th2. That is, according to the capsule endoscope 1 of the present embodiment, the capsule endoscope 1 operates as a binocular capsule endoscope, and when an alternating magnetic field is applied three times within a predetermined period th2, After time t2 after the time period th2 elapses, the device operates as a monocular capsule endoscope in which only the second in-vivo information acquisition unit operates.

  Subsequently, when only the first in-vivo information acquisition unit is operating, the operation setting is changed to operate both the first in-vivo information acquisition unit and the second in-vivo information acquisition unit. Will be described mainly with reference to FIG.

  In the period before time t61 shown in FIG. 8, the first in-vivo information acquisition unit is operating and the second in-vivo information acquisition unit is stopped.

  Then, when an AC magnetic field is generated from the magnetic field generator 21 in the period from time t61 to t62 shown in FIG. 8, a potential difference due to electromagnetic induction is generated at both ends of the magnetic field detection coil 2, and AC electrical current corresponding to the potential difference is generated. The signal is output to the rectifying unit 16.

  The AC electrical signal output from the magnetic field detection coil 2 is rectified by the rectification unit 16, thereby being converted to a DC electrical signal and output to the input terminal of the controller 9. At this time, as shown in FIG. 8, the signal level at the node N1 on the input end side of the controller 9 becomes H level.

  Thereafter, when an alternating magnetic field is generated from the magnetic field generator 21 in the period from time t63 to t64 shown in FIG. 8, the signal level at the node N1 on the input end side of the controller 9 is H as in the period from time t61 to t62. Become a level.

  Therefore, according to FIG. 8, after the first alternating magnetic field during the period from time t61 to t62 is applied to the capsule endoscope 1 within the predetermined period th2, the second time during the period from time t63 to t64. An AC magnetic field is applied to the capsule endoscope 1. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 8, an H level electric signal is input twice to the node N1 on the input end side of the controller 9 within a predetermined period th2.

  On the other hand, when the controller 9 detects that the H level electric signal is input twice within the predetermined period th2, as shown in FIG. 8, at the time t65 after the elapse of the predetermined period th2, the node N2 Is maintained at the L level, the node N3 is maintained at the H level, and the node N4 at the L level is reset to the H level.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 8, at the timing of time t65 when the node N4 is reset to the H level, the operation of the first in-vivo information acquisition unit continues, while the operation of the second in-vivo information acquisition unit Starts.

  Thus, according to the capsule endoscope 1 of the present embodiment, when only the first in-vivo information acquisition unit is operating and the alternating magnetic field is applied twice within the predetermined period th2. After time t65 after the elapse of the predetermined period th2, both the first in-vivo information acquisition unit and the second in-vivo information acquisition unit operate. That is, according to the capsule endoscope 1 of the present embodiment, when operating as a monocular capsule endoscope and an AC magnetic field is applied twice within a predetermined period th2, After time t <b> 65 after the lapse of the period th <b> 2, it operates as a binocular capsule endoscope that can image a subject existing forward and backward in its traveling direction at a time.

  Although detailed description is omitted, according to the capsule endoscope 1 of the present embodiment, for example, only the first in-vivo information acquisition unit is operating, and alternating current is performed within a predetermined period th2. When the magnetic field is applied three times, only the second in-vivo information acquisition unit operates after a predetermined period th2 has elapsed. Further, although detailed description is omitted, according to the capsule endoscope 1 of the present embodiment, for example, only the second in-vivo information acquisition unit is operating, and alternating current is performed within a predetermined period th2. When the magnetic field is applied once, only the first in-vivo information acquisition unit operates after a predetermined period th2 has elapsed.

  That is, according to the capsule endoscope 1 of the present embodiment, only the first in-vivo information acquisition unit is set to operate both the first in-vivo information acquisition unit and the second in-vivo information acquisition unit at the same time. The number of times the AC magnetic field is applied within the predetermined period th2 even after the operation setting and the operation setting of any one of the setting for operating and the setting for operating only the second in-vivo information acquisition unit. Accordingly, the one operation setting can be changed to another operation setting.

  According to the capsule endoscope 1 of the present embodiment, since the operations of the plurality of in-vivo information acquisition units can be set by a simple operation, for example, the subject can use the capsule endoscope Even after a swallowing (or once the capsule endoscope is operated), even if there is a sudden change in the observation site or observation state, it is possible to respond flexibly to the change. It becomes possible.

  Note that the pattern of the alternating magnetic field applied from the magnetic field generator 21 to the capsule endoscope 1 is not limited to the waveforms and the number of outputs shown in FIGS. 3 to 8, but between the controller 9 and the magnetic field generator 21. Any waveform and number of outputs may be used as long as they are defined in advance.

  In addition, the capsule endoscope 1 according to the present embodiment is not limited to the one including the two in-vivo information acquisition units having substantially the same functions as each other as described above. For example, the capsule endoscope 1 has substantially the same functions. Three or more in-vivo information acquisition units may be included.

  Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and applications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

The figure which shows the structure of the principal part of the biological observation system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows an example of the internal structure of the capsule endoscope of this embodiment. The timing chart which shows an example of the operation state of the capsule endoscope of this embodiment. The timing chart which shows the example different from FIG. 3 of the operation state of the capsule endoscope of this embodiment. The timing chart which shows the example different from FIG.3 and FIG.4 of the operation state of the capsule endoscope of this embodiment. 6 is a timing chart showing an example of the operating state of the capsule endoscope according to the present embodiment, which is different from those in FIGS. 3, 4, and 5. 7 is a timing chart showing an example of the operating state of the capsule endoscope according to the present embodiment, which is different from those in FIGS. 3, 4, 5, and 6. FIG. 8 is a timing chart showing an example of the operating state of the capsule endoscope according to the present embodiment, which is different from those shown in FIGS. 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Capsule type endoscope 8 ... Magnetic field detection part 12 ... Electric power supply part 13a, 13b ... Illumination part 14a, 14b ... Imaging part 15 ... Wireless transmission part 21 ... Magnetic field generator 101 ... Living body observation system

Claims (5)

A plurality of in-vivo information acquisition units that acquire in-vivo information, a power supply unit that supplies driving power for the plurality of in-vivo information acquisition units, and a magnetic field from the outside are detected, and the detection result is output as an electrical signal. A magnetic field detection unit; and a control unit that changes a supply state of the driving power supplied from the power supply unit to the plurality of in-vivo information acquisition units according to the number of times the electric signal is input within a predetermined period. An in-vivo observation device,
A magnetic field generator for generating an alternating magnetic field outside the biological information acquisition device;
A living body observation system comprising:   The living body observation system according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of in vivo information acquisition units is provided with an imaging unit that captures an image of a subject in the living body.   The living body observation system according to claim 1, wherein the in vivo observation apparatus is a capsule endoscope. A method for driving the living body observation system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.
The living body observation characterized in that the operating state of the plurality of in vivo information acquiring units is changed according to the number of times the AC magnetic field from the magnetic field generating unit is applied to the in-vivo observation device within the predetermined period. How to drive the system.   The method for driving a living body observation system according to claim 4, wherein the in vivo observation apparatus is a capsule endoscope.

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