JP2010184054A - Capsule type endoscope, and radio-communicable photographing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To effectively observe a necessary image, while suppressing useless radio transmission and power consumption. <P>SOLUTION: A capsule type endoscope 10 includes: a light source 14; an imaging element 16; a transmission circuit 24; and an SWR measurement circuit 26. When a power source is supplied, a stand-by mode without performing a photographing operation is set, and a dummy signal different from an image signal is originated by a feeble radio wave output without starting the light source 14, the imaging element 16, and a modulation circuit 22. When an SWR value is equal to or more than a threshold, the stand-by mode is changed-over into a photographing mode, thereby starting the light source 14, the imaging element 16, and the modulation circuit 22, raising the radio wave output, and then, transmitting the image signal by radio wave. When the SWR value becomes smaller than the threshold after the insertion to a body, the capsule type endoscope 10 is regarded to be discharged to the outside of the body. Then, a photographing operation is stopped. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a capsule endoscope capable of wirelessly communicating image data, an endoscope apparatus including a scope, or an imaging apparatus capable of wireless communication, and more particularly to control of an imaging operation.

  Capsule endoscopes are equipped with wireless communication and imaging functions.When they are introduced into the body by swallowing, they take images of the internal organs such as the inner wall of the small intestine while advancing the digestive organs by peristalsis, etc. Wireless transmission. An extracorporeal receiver receives image data, which is captured by a computer. Then, a doctor or the like confirms a series of observation images on a computer screen and diagnoses a lesion.

  The capsule endoscope is normally configured to be turned on simultaneously with removal from the package, and continues to transmit image data after the power is turned on. For this reason, unnecessary image data continues to be transmitted even during the operation confirmation period before introduction into the body, and a large amount of power is consumed during that period.

  In order to prevent radio wave radiation before insertion into the body, for example, a cover for preventing radio wave radiation is placed on the surface of the endoscope capsule (see Patent Document 1). In order to prevent power consumption before insertion into the body, for example, a timer function is provided inside, and an image sensor, a transmission unit, and the like are activated after a predetermined time has elapsed since the power was turned on (see Patent Document 2).

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2005-73884 JP 2005-80842 A

  In the configuration in which the capsule endoscope is covered, an operation for removing the cover is required, and unnecessary image data transmission and power consumption are required from the time the cover is removed to the insertion into the body. On the other hand, in the configuration in which the operation start timing is set by the timer function, an appropriate timer time must be set, and when a real-time image is necessary for some reason, the shooting operation is not performed and the image data is missed. .

  The capsule endoscope of the present invention is capable of starting acquisition of an observation image at the same time as being introduced into a subject such as a human body, a light source that illuminates a subject, an imaging device on which a subject image is formed, Transmitting means for wirelessly transmitting an image signal read from the image sensor.

  Furthermore, the capsule endoscope of the present invention includes a reflected wave detection unit that detects a reflected wave with respect to a predetermined transmission wave, and a shooting operation control unit that controls a shooting operation according to the detected reflected wave. Is characterized in that when a reflected wave in the presence of the subject is detected, execution of an imaging operation is started so that observation is possible.

  The transmission wave may be an image signal or a different signal, and is transmitted wirelessly so that the reflected wave can be detected. When the capsule endoscope is introduced into the subject, radio waves are transmitted to the subject inner wall at a distance that is relatively close to the capsule endoscope as compared to when the capsule endoscope is outside the subject. Therefore, a reflected wave is generated, and the magnitude and degree of the reflected wave change before and after introduction into the subject. If no reflected wave that can be regarded as being in the subject is detected, it is determined that the capsule endoscope is not introduced in the subject, and the observable imaging operation is not started. Start the shooting operation and make it observable.

  Here, the observable photographing operation represents a series of photographing operations in which a light source illuminates a subject, an image signal corresponding to the subject image is read from the imaging element by reflected light, and the image signal is wirelessly transmitted. The imaging operation control means controls the circuit and elements of the capsule endoscope so as to execute this imaging operation.

  Since the imaging operation is not started until the capsule endoscope is actually introduced into the subject, it is possible to prevent wasteful transmission and recording of image data and to immediately obtain the observation image data as soon as it enters the subject. Since it is transmitted, it is possible to record without missing necessary image data. For example, when a reflected wave in the presence of the subject is detected, a signal for starting image recording processing may be wirelessly transmitted from the transmitting means, and recording of the observation image may be started on the image signal receiving side.

  For example, when the capsule endoscope is configured to be switched to a power-on state by being taken out of the package, a signal that is not used as observation image data until the capsule endoscope is introduced into the subject. To send. Therefore, it is possible to suppress power consumption without starting the light source or the image sensor.

  For example, in order to perform data recording processing after introduction into the subject, the imaging operation control means wirelessly transmits an image recording processing start signal from the transmission means when a reflected wave is detected when the subject is present in the subject. Good. The receiving device starts image data recording based on the received signal.

  Until the capsule endoscope is introduced into the subject, it is only necessary to transmit a signal that can detect the reflected wave. For example, the imaging operation control means can wirelessly transmit the radio wave with weakened radio wave output. . Since the radio wave output is weak, while the capsule endoscope is outside the subject, it prevents the surrounding medical devices from being affected.

  In addition, since it is only necessary to wirelessly transmit a signal that is not used as observation image data, the imaging operation control unit transmits a detection signal different from the image signal until a reflected wave is detected when the subject is present. It is better to make it transmit wirelessly. In this case, in order to reduce power consumption, it is possible to prevent at least the image sensor and further the light source from being driven. In particular, the imaging operation control means can change the transmission interval of the detection signal, and it is desirable to lengthen the transmission interval of the detection signal with the lapse of time and suppress power consumption.

  In order to accurately and stably detect the change of the reflected wave before and after the introduction of the capsule endoscope into the subject, the reflected wave detecting means indicates the standing wave ratio indicating the degree of the reflected wave with respect to the transmitted wave (traveling wave). It is good to detect. The imaging operation control means starts executing the imaging operation when the standing wave ratio becomes a predetermined value or more. For example, the predetermined value is determined as a threshold value based on the difference in the standing wave ratio between the outside of the subject and the inside of the subject.

  When the capsule endoscope goes out of the subject, it is not necessary to perform an imaging operation. In order to prevent useless data recording processing, it is preferable that the imaging operation control means stop the imaging operation when the reflected wave when the subject is present is not detected after the imaging operation is started.

  An imaging control apparatus according to the present invention is an imaging control apparatus for a capsule endoscope, an endoscope apparatus having a wireless function at a distal end portion of a scope, or a medical or industrial small-sized imaging apparatus. The apparatus includes a reflected wave detection unit that detects a reflected wave of a signal transmitted wirelessly from the apparatus, and a shooting operation control unit that controls a shooting operation according to the detected reflected wave, and the shooting operation control unit can wirelessly transmit the signal. Therefore, it is possible to switch between a standby mode in which an imaging operation is not performed and an imaging mode in which an observation image can be acquired by executing an imaging operation, and a reflected wave is detected when the imaging device is present in the subject. And switching from the standby mode to the shooting mode.

  The program of the present invention is a software program that operates in cooperation with a photographing apparatus as hardware, and controls a photographing operation in the photographing apparatus, and is a transmission wave of a signal wirelessly transmitted from the photographing apparatus If the reflected wave is a reflected wave when the imaging device is present in the subject and the reflected wave when the imaging device is present, imaging is performed so that observation is possible. The photographing operation control means for starting the operation is made to function.

  An endoscope apparatus according to the present invention includes a light source that irradiates a subject, an imaging element on which a subject image is formed, a transmission unit that wirelessly transmits an image signal read from the imaging element, and a reflection that detects a reflected wave with respect to a transmission wave. A wave detection means and an imaging operation control means for controlling an imaging operation according to the detected reflected wave, the transmission means and the reflected wave detection means are provided in the scope, and the imaging operation control means is a reflection during the presence of the subject. When a wave is detected, the imaging operation is started so that observation is possible.

  As described above, according to the present invention, necessary images can be effectively observed while suppressing unnecessary wireless transmission and power consumption.

It is a block diagram of the capsule endoscope which is this embodiment. It is the flowchart which showed the imaging | photography operation control process performed by the control circuit. It is a timing chart of signal transmission. It is a schematic block diagram of the electronic endoscope apparatus which is 2nd Embodiment. It is a block diagram of the electronic endoscope apparatus which is 2nd Embodiment.

  Hereinafter, the capsule endoscope and the electronic endoscope apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a capsule endoscope according to the present embodiment.

  The capsule endoscope 10 includes a light source 14 and an image sensor 16 and is capable of wirelessly communicating image data to the outside through a transmission antenna 18. The subject carries a receiving antenna 52 for receiving image data, and the receiving antenna 52 is connected to a receiving device 50 capable of recording image data.

  When the capsule endoscope 10 advances in the digestive tract by swallowing, illumination light emitted from a light source 14 such as an LED illuminates the digestive tract via an illumination lens (not shown). Reflected light from the digestive tract passes through an objective lens (not shown) disposed on the entire surface of the image sensor 16, so that a subject image is formed on the light receiving surface of the image sensor 16 and an image signal is generated. The generated image signal for one frame is sequentially read out from the image sensor 16 at a predetermined frame rate (for example, 4 frames per second) and modulated by the modulation circuit 22.

  When the modulated image signal is sent to the transmission circuit 24, the image signal for one frame is sequentially wirelessly transmitted through the transmission antenna 18. The transmission circuit 24 can generate and transmit a detection signal (hereinafter referred to as a dummy signal) different from the image signal. More specifically, the dummy signal here is a signal with a weaker radio wave output, that is, a lower transmission power than the image signal.

  The image signal received by the receiving antenna 52 is demodulated in the receiving circuit 54 of the receiving device 50 and then subjected to signal processing such as white balance processing and gamma correction processing in a signal processing circuit (not shown). The image data generated by the signal processing is compressed in the data processing circuit 56 and then recorded in the recording device 60. During observation, sequentially received image data is accumulated in the recording device 60. After the examination is completed, the recorded observation image is reproduced and displayed on a computer or the like, and a doctor or the like makes a diagnosis using the observation image.

  A control circuit 20 including a CPU, a ROM, a timer, and the like (all not shown) controls the operation of the capsule endoscope 10, and a circuit such as a light source 14, an image sensor 16 and a battery (not shown). Output a control signal. Further, the control circuit 20 can perform data mutual communication with the control circuit 58 of the receiving device 50 and can change the signal transmission interval by controlling the transmission circuit 24. In the ROM, a program for controlling the operation of the capsule endoscope 10 is stored in advance.

  The SWR (Standing Wave Ratio) measuring circuit 26 is a circuit that detects a standing wave ratio (hereinafter referred to as SWR), and detects a ratio of a reflected wave to a wirelessly transmitted signal wave (traveling wave). The detected SWR is sent to the control circuit 20 via the transmission circuit 24.

  The capsule endoscope 10 is mounted in a package (not shown) before use, and when the capsule endoscope 10 is removed from the package, the capsule endoscope 10 is switched to a power ON state, and the power supply unit 23 supplies power to each circuit. The capsule endoscope 10 operates in accordance with a standby mode in which a signal can be transmitted wirelessly and a shooting operation is not performed, a shooting mode in which a shooting operation is performed to acquire an observation image, and a stop mode in which the shooting operation is stopped. . For example, the control circuit 20 controls the power supply unit 23 to adjust the power according to the set mode.

  As will be described later, when the capsule endoscope 10 is removed from the package and the power is turned on, the standby mode is set, and the capsule endoscope 10 is automatically switched from the standby mode to the imaging mode by swallowing. When the capsule endoscope 10 is excreted, the photographing mode is automatically switched to the stop mode, and a series of photographing processes is completed.

  FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a photographing operation control process executed by the control circuit 20. FIG. 3 is a timing chart of signal transmission. When the capsule endoscope 10 is removed from the package for examination, the power is turned on and the process is started.

  In step S101, the capsule endoscope 10 is set to the standby mode. In the standby mode, the control circuit 20 controls the operation of the transmission circuit 24 and causes the transmission circuit 25 to transmit a dummy signal different from the image signal at the same frame rate as the image signal. The dummy signal is transmitted in a state where the radio wave output is lower than that at the time of transmitting the image signal (see FIG. 3). At the same time, the control circuit 20 controls the power supply unit 23 so as not to activate the light source 14, the image sensor 16, and the modulation circuit 22.

  In step S102, the SWR output from the SWR measurement circuit 26 is detected, and in step S103, it is determined whether or not the SWR is smaller than a predetermined threshold value. The value of SWR is set to a low value by adjustment related to the transmission antenna 18, and when the capsule endoscope 10 is not introduced into the human body, the value of the detected SWR is small. That is, the degree and ratio of the reflected wave with respect to the transmitted wave is small.

  When the capsule endoscope 10 is introduced into the human body, the inner wall of the organ at a close distance from the capsule endoscope 10 absorbs and reflects the transmitted radio wave. As a result of the standing wave generated by the reflected wave and the transmitted wave, the value of SWR increases.

  In the present embodiment, it is determined that the capsule endoscope 10 has been introduced into the body when the value of the SWR exceeds the threshold value. The threshold is set based on the value of SWR detected when the capsule endoscope 10 is in the organ.

  When the value of SWR is smaller than the threshold value in step S103, that is, when the capsule endoscope 10 is not swallowed, steps S101 to S103 are repeated and the standby mode is maintained. As shown in FIG. 3, immediately after the power is turned on, the dummy signal is transmitted at a relatively short interval. However, when a predetermined time elapses, the transmission circuit 24 is controlled so that the transmission interval becomes longer. Note that while the dummy signal is being transmitted, the control circuit 58 of the receiving device 50 does not cause the recording device 60 to record the received signal.

  On the other hand, if the value of SWR is greater than or equal to the threshold value in step S103, the process proceeds to step S104 and is switched to the shooting mode. In the shooting mode, the light source 14, the image sensor 16, and the modulation circuit 22 are activated, and the image signal read and modulated from the image sensor 16 is wirelessly transmitted. At this time, the radio wave output is increased and the transmission power is made larger than that of the dummy signal (see FIG. 3).

  The control circuit 20 transmits a command signal for starting recording of image data simultaneously with switching to the photographing mode. When the command signal is received by the receiving device 50, the control circuit 58 of the receiving device 50 starts the image data recording process. During the shooting mode, image signals are sequentially transmitted and recorded in the recording device 60 of the receiving device 50.

  In step S105, it is determined whether or not a certain period of time has elapsed after the transition to the shooting mode. Here, a period is determined in consideration of a period from when the capsule endoscope 10 is inserted into the body until it is excreted outside the body. When the predetermined period has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S106, and the value of SWR is detected.

  In step S107, it is determined whether or not the value of SWR is lower than a threshold value. When the value of SWR is equal to or greater than the threshold value, it is determined that the capsule endoscope 10 is still in the body, and the process returns to step S104. On the other hand, when the value of SWR is lower than the threshold value, it is determined that the capsule endoscope 10 is excreted outside the body. In step S108, the power supply is stopped to stop the operation of all circuits and elements.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the capsule endoscope 10 includes the SWR measurement circuit 26 together with the light source 14, the image sensor 16, and the transmission circuit 24. When the power is turned on, the capsule endoscope 10 enters the standby mode in which the photographing operation is not performed. The light source 14, the image sensor 16, and the modulation circuit 22 are not activated and a dummy signal different from the image signal is transmitted with a weak radio wave output. During the standby mode, it is determined whether the value of SWR is equal to or greater than the threshold value, that is, whether the capsule endoscope 10 has been introduced into the body.

  When the value of SWR is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the standby mode is switched to the photographing mode, the light source 14, the image sensor 16, and the modulation circuit 22 are activated, the radio wave output is increased, and the image signal is transmitted wirelessly. When the value of SWR becomes smaller than the threshold value after being inserted into the body, it is regarded as having been excreted outside the body, and the photographing operation is stopped.

  In the present embodiment, no image signal is transmitted and recording processing is not performed until the capsule endoscope 10 is introduced into the body. Therefore, useless data recording processing is not performed. Moreover, recording of observation image data can be started at the same time as introduction into the body, so that an actually required observation image can be recorded without missing. Furthermore, since the light source 14, the image sensor 16, and the modulation circuit 22 that consume large power are not operated during transmission of the dummy signal, useless power consumption can be prevented.

  In addition, since the transmission interval of the dummy signal immediately after the power is turned on is set to be relatively short, the introduction of the capsule endoscope into the body can be detected immediately, and the observation image can be acquired without omission. On the other hand, if the capsule endoscope is not introduced into the body even after a power-on, unnecessary power consumption can be suppressed by increasing the transmission interval of the dummy signal.

  By providing the general-purpose SWR measurement circuit 18, it is possible to optimally set the communication state of the image signal in the shooting mode, and at the same time, when switching from the standby mode to the shooting mode by reading the change in the SWR value. It is possible to measure the timing accurately.

  The reflected wave may be detected by a value other than the standing wave ratio, and the magnitude, ratio, and degree of the reflected wave may be detected. Further, the image pickup device may be activated during the standby mode, and an image signal may be transmitted with a low radio wave output instead of the dummy signal, or a light source may not be activated. Further, if it is not in a state where it is not introduced into the body for a long time, the image recording process may be performed simultaneously with turning on the power.

  When the standby mode continues for a certain time or longer, it may be assumed that introduction into the body has been stopped for some reason, and the power source of the capsule endoscope 10 may be changed to the OFF state. The user can grasp whether or not the receiving unit has transitioned to the OFF state by identifying that the receiving unit has not received the dummy signal. In this case, it is only necessary to perform a power-on operation in order to continue introduction into the body.

  Next, the electronic endoscope apparatus according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. In the second embodiment, image data is wirelessly transmitted in an electronic endoscope apparatus including a scope and a processor. Other configurations are substantially the same as those in the first embodiment.

  FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram of an electronic endoscope apparatus according to the second embodiment. FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an electronic endoscope apparatus according to the second embodiment.

  The electronic endoscope apparatus includes a scope 100 and a processor 110, and the scope 100 is detachably connected to the processor 110. Inside the scope 100, a light guide that is a bundle of optical fibers and an electric cable for supplying power (both not shown) are provided. A cable for transmitting image data to the processor 110 is not provided.

  The scope distal end 100A is provided with an imaging lens 16, a modulation circuit 22, a transmission circuit 24, an SWR measurement circuit 26, and a transmission antenna 18 together with an illumination lens arranged to face the light guide end. Then, the control circuit 20 provided near the processor side connection portion of the scope 100 controls the operation of the entire scope based on the control signal sent from the control circuit 58 of the processor 110. The power supply unit 23 transforms the power supply voltage supplied from the processor and supplies power to each circuit.

  The display antenna 120A and 115B are connected to the processor 110 together with the display 120, and the reception antennas 115A and 115B are installed near the subject S. A light source (not shown) such as a halogen lamp is provided inside the processor 110, and illumination light is irradiated from the distal end portion 100 </ b> A of the scope 100 toward the observation target by the light guide of the scope 100.

  The light reflected by the observation target is received by the image sensor 16 through an objective lens (not shown) provided at the scope tip 100A. Thereby, a subject image is formed on the image sensor. The image signal read from the image sensor is modulated and wirelessly transmitted via the antenna.

  When image signals are received by the receiving antennas 115A and 115B, the processor 110 demodulates the received signals and performs signal processing such as white balance processing on the image signals. Image data generated by the signal processing is output to the display 120.

  When the processor 100 is turned on, the standby mode is set. In the standby mode, the transmission circuit of the scope tip 100A is controlled so as to transmit an image signal having a weak radio wave output. As a result, an image signal having a low reception level is sent to the processor 110.

  The control circuit of the scope tip 100A periodically detects the value of SWR and determines whether or not the value of SWR is equal to or greater than a threshold value. When the value of SWR is lower than the threshold value, it is determined that the scope tip 100A is not inserted into the body.

  On the other hand, when the value of SWR is equal to or greater than the threshold value, it is determined that the scope tip 100A has been inserted into the body, and a command signal for increasing the radio wave output of the image signal is transmitted from the transmission circuit. When the processor 110 receives the command signal, the processor 110 transmits a control signal to the scope distal end portion 100A via the electric cable to increase the radio wave output of the image signal.

  In addition, although the control part 20 and the power supply part 23 are the structure which suppresses a useless voltage drop by providing in the scope front-end | tip part 100A, you may provide the control part 20 and the power supply part 23 in the scope front-end | tip part 100A.

  It is not limited to the endoscope apparatus used for industrial and medical purposes as in the first and second embodiments, but also to a small photographing apparatus that can be wirelessly transmitted and is inserted into a human body, a tube, etc. Applicable.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Capsule type endoscope 12 Light source 14 Image pick-up element 20 Control circuit 23 Power supply part 24 Transmission circuit 50 Data receiving apparatus 100 Scope 110 Processor

Claims (12)

A light source that illuminates the subject;
An image sensor on which a subject image is formed;
Transmitting means for wirelessly transmitting an image signal read from the image sensor;
Reflected wave detecting means for detecting a reflected wave with respect to a predetermined transmission wave;
Photographing operation control means for controlling the photographing operation according to the detected reflected wave,
A capsule endoscope characterized in that the imaging operation control means starts executing an imaging operation so that observation is possible when a reflected wave in the presence of a subject is detected.   The radiographic operation control unit controls the transmission unit so that the radio wave is transmitted with a weaker radio wave output than that during the radiographing operation until a reflected wave when the subject is present is detected. Item 2. The capsule endoscope according to Item 1.   3. The radiographic transmission of a detection signal different from an image signal from the transmission unit until the reflected wave during the presence of the subject is detected by the imaging operation control unit. The capsule endoscope according to any one of the above.   The capsule endoscope according to claim 3, wherein the imaging operation control means can change a transmission interval of the detection signal.   The imaging operation control unit does not activate at least one of the light source and the imaging device until a reflected wave is detected when the subject is present inside the subject. The capsule endoscope according to 1. The reflected wave detecting means detects a standing wave ratio;
The capsule endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the imaging operation control means starts the imaging operation when the standing wave ratio becomes a predetermined value or more.   7. The capsule endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the imaging operation control means stops the imaging operation when no reflected wave is detected when the subject is present after the imaging operation is started. mirror.   8. The imaging operation control unit according to claim 1, wherein when a reflected wave in the presence of the subject is detected, an image recording process start signal is wirelessly transmitted from the transmission unit. Capsule type endoscope.   9. The imaging operation control unit according to claim 1, wherein the imaging operation control unit does not start the imaging operation from when the power is turned on until a reflected wave when the subject is present is detected. Capsule endoscope. Reflected wave detection means for detecting a reflected wave of a signal wirelessly transmitted from the imaging device;
Photographing operation control means for controlling the photographing operation according to the detected reflected wave,
The photographing operation control means can switch between a standby mode in which a signal can be transmitted wirelessly and the photographing operation is not performed, and a photographing mode in which an observation image can be acquired by performing the photographing operation. An imaging control apparatus characterized by switching from a standby mode to an imaging mode when a reflected wave when present in a sample is detected. Determining means for determining whether a reflected wave with respect to a transmission wave of a signal wirelessly transmitted from the imaging apparatus is a reflected wave when the imaging apparatus is present in a subject;
An imaging operation control means for starting execution of imaging operation so as to enable observation when the reflected wave is in the presence of the subject. A light source that illuminates the subject;
An image sensor on which a subject image is formed;
Transmitting means for wirelessly transmitting an image signal read from the image sensor;
Reflected wave detecting means for detecting a reflected wave with respect to a predetermined transmission wave;
Photographing operation control means for controlling the photographing operation according to the detected reflected wave,
The transmission means and the reflected wave detection means are provided in a scope,
An endoscope apparatus characterized in that the imaging operation control means starts executing an imaging operation so that observation is possible when a reflected wave is detected while the subject is present.

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