JP6230511B2 - Endoscope device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an endoscope apparatus that is introduced into a subject and captures an image in the subject.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in the field of endoscopes, capsule endoscopes having an imaging function and a wireless communication function inside a capsule-type casing that is formed in a size that can be introduced into the digestive tract of a subject such as a patient. Has appeared. The capsule endoscope moves through the digestive tract by peristaltic movement after being swallowed from the mouth of the subject. Capsule endoscopes sequentially acquire images inside the organ of the subject (hereinafter sometimes referred to as in-vivo images) during the period from when the capsule endoscope is introduced into the digestive tract of the subject until it is discharged outside the subject. Then, the acquired in-vivo images are sequentially wirelessly transmitted to a receiving device outside the subject (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  Each in-vivo image captured by the capsule endoscope is taken into the image display device via the receiving device. The image display device displays each captured in-vivo image on a display as a still image or a moving image. A user such as a doctor or a nurse observes each in-vivo image of the subject displayed on the image display device, and examines the inside of the organ of the subject through observation of each in-vivo image.

US Pat. No. 6,709,387

  In capsule endoscopes, efforts have been made to reduce the power consumption of electric circuits in order to increase the operating time or to reduce the size of the battery. In addition, photographing at a high frame rate is required for the capsule endoscope. Here, in order for the capsule endoscope to capture images at a high frame rate, it is necessary to operate with a clock faster than a normal clock. However, in order to generate this high-speed clock, more power is required, which leads to an increase in power consumption of the capsule endoscope.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and provides an endoscope apparatus capable of suppressing an increase in power consumption even when an operation using a clock faster than a normal clock is performed. The purpose is to do.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, an endoscope apparatus according to the present invention includes an illumination unit that emits illumination light, an imaging unit that captures an object illuminated by the illumination light, and the imaging unit. A signal processing unit that processes an imaging signal captured by the signal processing unit, a transmission unit that wirelessly transmits an imaging signal processed by the signal processing unit, a first clock generation unit that generates a first clock, and the first clock A second clock generation unit that intermittently generates a second clock having a higher frequency than the second clock in correspondence with the first clock, and the second clock is generated while the second clock is generated. And a control unit that controls at least the imaging unit using the clock.

  Moreover, the endoscope apparatus according to the present invention is characterized in that the control unit starts control using the second clock with the first clock as a reference clock.

  Moreover, the endoscope apparatus according to the present invention is characterized in that the second clock generation unit generates the second clock from the first clock.

  In the endoscope apparatus according to the present invention, the control unit controls the signal processing unit using the second clock while the second clock is generated. .

  Moreover, the endoscope apparatus according to the present invention is characterized in that the control unit controls the illumination unit using the second clock while the second clock is generated.

  In the endoscope apparatus according to the present invention, the control unit controls the transmission unit using the second clock while the second clock is generated.

  Moreover, the endoscope apparatus according to the present invention is characterized in that the second clock generation unit periodically generates the second clock.

  Moreover, the endoscope apparatus according to the present invention is characterized in that the second clock generation unit generates the second clock during a preset period.

  According to the endoscope apparatus according to the present invention, the first clock generation unit that generates the first clock and the second clock having a higher frequency than the first clock are associated with the first clock. A second clock generation unit that generates intermittently, and a control unit that controls at least the imaging unit using the second clock when the second clock is generated, and the second clock Since the image pickup unit is controlled intermittently, it is possible to perform an image pickup operation at a high frame rate using a second clock whose frequency is higher than that of the first clock, while suppressing an increase in power consumption. can do.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of a capsule endoscope system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating configurations of the capsule endoscope, the reception device, and the processing device illustrated in FIG. FIG. 3 is a timing chart of the low-speed clock and the high-speed clock generated in the capsule endoscope shown in FIG.

  In the following description, a medical capsule endoscope system will be described as a mode for carrying out the present invention (hereinafter referred to as “embodiment”). Moreover, this invention is not limited by this embodiment. Furthermore, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the same part in description of drawing.

(Embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of a capsule endoscope system according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the capsule endoscope system 1 according to the present embodiment acquires an imaging signal by being introduced into the subject H and imaging the subject H, and is superimposed on the radio signal. The capsule endoscope 2 to be transmitted and the radio signal transmitted from the capsule endoscope 2 via the reception antenna unit 3 including a plurality of reception antennas 3a to 3h attached to the subject H. A receiving device 4 for receiving and an imaging signal captured by the capsule endoscope 2 from the receiving device 4 via the cradle 7, and a processing device 5 for creating an image in the subject H using the imaging signal. And comprising. The image in the subject H created by the processing device 5 is displayed and output from the display device 6 connected to the processing device 5, for example.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating configurations of the capsule endoscope 2, the receiving device 4, and the processing device 5 illustrated in FIG. The capsule endoscope 2 is a device in which various components such as an image sensor are incorporated in a capsule-shaped housing that is sized to allow the subject H to swallow. The capsule endoscope 2 includes an imaging unit 21 that images the inside of the subject H, an illumination unit 22 that illuminates the inside of the subject H, an operation control unit 23, a memory 23a, a signal processing unit 24, and a transmission unit. 25, an antenna 26, a low-speed clock generation unit (first clock generation unit) 27, a high-speed clock generation unit (second clock generation unit) 28, a power supply 29a, a power supply control unit 29b, and a power supply circuit 29c. And comprising.

  For example, the imaging unit 21 generates an imaging signal representing the inside of the subject H from an optical image formed on the light receiving surface, and outputs an imaging device such as a CCD imaging device or a CMOS imaging device, and a light receiving surface of the imaging device. And an optical system such as an objective lens disposed on the side. The imaging element generates a captured image signal by performing photoelectric conversion on the light received by each pixel, in which a plurality of R, G, and B pixels that receive light from the subject H are arranged in a matrix.

  The illumination unit 22 includes, for example, a white LED (Light Emitting Diode) that emits white light. Here, the light emitting method of the white LED is a method using a blue LED and a complementary yellow fluorescent material (hereinafter referred to as a pseudo white method), a purple (or near-ultraviolet) LED, and three types of red, green, and blue. A method using a phosphor and a method combining three types of LEDs each emitting red, green, and blue are known.

  The operation control unit 23 controls the operation process of each component of the capsule endoscope 2.

  The memory 23a stores operation parameters or a control program for the operation control unit 23 to execute various operations. The memory 23a may temporarily store an imaging signal or the like that has been subjected to signal processing in a signal processing unit 24 described later.

  The signal processing unit 24 processes the imaging signal output from the imaging unit 21. The signal processing unit 24 performs A / D conversion and predetermined signal processing on the imaging signal output from the imaging unit 21, and acquires a digital imaging signal. The signal processing unit 24 may perform compression processing in order to reduce the amount of data during transmission.

  The transmission unit 25 superimposes the imaging signal processed by the signal processing unit 24 together with related information on a wireless signal, and wirelessly transmits the signal from the antenna 26 to the outside. The related information includes identification information (for example, serial number) assigned to identify the individual capsule endoscope 2.

  The low-speed clock generation unit 27 generates a low-speed clock (first clock) having a predetermined frequency. The low-speed clock generation unit 27 always generates a low-speed clock after the capsule endoscope 2 is turned on. The low speed clock generation unit 27 outputs the generated low speed clock to the operation control unit 23 and the high speed clock generation unit 28. The operation control unit 23 starts control using a high-speed clock, which will be described later, using the low-speed clock as a reference clock.

  The high-speed clock generation unit 28 intermittently generates a high-speed clock (second clock) having a higher frequency than the low-speed clock in association with the low-speed clock. The high-speed clock generation unit 28 is configured by, for example, a PLL circuit, and generates a high-speed clock from the low-speed clock input by the low-speed clock generation unit 27. If the high-speed clock is set to be an integer proportional to the frequency of the low-speed clock, the configuration becomes simple. In that case, for example, the frequency is four times or eight times that of the low-speed clock. The high speed clock can also be designed to have a fractional ratio of the low speed clock. The high speed clock generation unit 28 outputs the generated high speed clock to the operation control unit 23. The high-speed clock generation unit 28 is controlled by the operation control unit 23 to generate a high-speed clock and stop the generation. The operation control unit 23 controls at least the imaging unit 21 using the high-speed clock while the high-speed clock is generated. Since the high-speed clock is generated from the low-speed clock by a PLL circuit or the like, the operation based on the high-speed clock is an operation at a timing corresponding to the timing of the low-speed clock.

  The power supply 29a, the power supply control unit 29b, and the power supply circuit 29c function as a power supply unit that supplies power to each component of the capsule endoscope 2. The power source 29a is a battery made of a button battery or the like. The power control unit 29b includes a power switch that switches an on / off state of the power source 29a. After the power switch is turned on, the power control unit 29b performs control so that power is supplied to each unit in the capsule endoscope 2. The power supply circuit 29c reduces the voltage from the power supply 29a, boosts the voltage, and supplies power to the internal circuit of the capsule endoscope 2. The power switch is composed of, for example, a reed switch that is turned on and off by an external magnetic force, and is externally connected to the capsule endoscope 2 before the capsule endoscope 2 is used (before the subject H swallows). Is turned on by applying a magnetic force.

  Such a capsule endoscope 2 is swallowed by the subject H and then moves in the digestive tract of the subject H by a peristaltic movement of an organ, etc., while a living body part (esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, etc.) Are sequentially imaged. Then, the imaging signal and related information acquired by the imaging operation are sequentially wirelessly transmitted to the receiving device 4.

  The receiving device 4 supplies power to the receiving unit 41, the received signal processing unit 42, the control unit 43, the memory 44, the data transmission / reception unit 45, the operation unit 46, the display unit 47, and each of these units. And a power supply unit 48.

  The receiving unit 41 receives an imaging signal and related information wirelessly transmitted from the capsule endoscope 2 via the receiving antenna unit 3 having a plurality (eight in FIG. 2) of receiving antennas 3a to 3h. Each receiving antenna 3a-3h is implement | achieved using a loop antenna or a dipole antenna, for example, and is arrange | positioned in the predetermined position on the external surface of the subject H. FIG.

  The reception signal processing unit 42 performs predetermined signal processing on the imaging signal received by the reception unit 41. The control unit 43 controls each component of the receiving device 4. The memory 44 stores the imaging signal subjected to signal processing in the reception signal processing unit 42 and related information.

  The data transmission / reception unit 45 is an interface that can be connected to a communication line such as a USB, a wired LAN, or a wireless LAN. The data transmitting / receiving unit 45 transmits the imaging signal and related information stored in the memory 44 to the processing device 5 when connected to the processing device 5 in a communicable state.

  The operation unit 46 is an input device used when the user inputs various setting information and instruction information to the receiving device 4.

  The display unit 47 displays an in-vivo image based on the image data received from the capsule endoscope 2.

  Such a receiver 4 is discharged while passing through the digestive tract while the capsule endoscope 2 is imaging (for example, after the capsule endoscope 2 is swallowed by the subject H). Until the subject H is carried on the subject H. During this time, the reception device 4 further adds related information such as reception intensity information and reception time information at each of the reception antennas 3a to 3h to the imaging signal received via the reception antenna unit 3, and the imaging signal and the related information. Is stored in the memory 44.

  After the imaging by the capsule endoscope 2 is completed, the receiving device 4 is removed from the subject H and set in the cradle 7 (see FIG. 1) connected to the processing device 5. As a result, the receiving device 4 is connected in a communicable state with the processing device 5 and transfers (downloads) the imaging signal and related information stored in the memory 44 to the processing device 5.

  The processing device 5 is configured using, for example, a workstation including a display device 6 such as a liquid crystal display. The processing device 5 includes a data transmission / reception unit 51, an image processing unit 52, a display control unit 53, a control unit 54 that controls each unit of the processing device 5, an input unit 55, and a storage unit 56. Prepare.

  The data transmission / reception unit 51 is an interface that can be connected to a communication line such as a USB or a wired LAN or a wireless LAN, and includes a USB port and a LAN port. The data transmission / reception unit 51 is connected to the reception device 4 via the cradle 7 connected to the USB port, and transmits / receives data to / from the reception device 4.

  The image processing unit 52 performs predetermined image processing on the imaging signal input from the data transmission / reception unit 51 and the imaging signal stored in the storage unit 56 under the control of the control unit 54. The image processing unit 52 performs signal processing including optical black subtraction processing, demosaicing, gain adjustment processing, imaging signal synchronization processing, gamma correction processing, edge enhancement processing, and the like.

  The display control unit 53 generates a display image signal to be displayed on the display device 6 from the imaging signal processed by the image processing unit 52.

  The control unit 54 is realized by hardware such as a CPU, and reads various programs stored in a storage unit 56 (to be described later) to input signals input via the input unit 55 (to be described later) or input from the data transmission / reception unit 51. Based on the captured image signal and the like, instructions to each unit constituting the processing device 5 and data transfer are performed, and the overall operation of the processing device 5 is comprehensively controlled.

  The input unit 55 is realized by an input device such as a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, and various switches. The input unit 55 receives input of information and commands according to user operations.

  The storage unit 56 is realized by a semiconductor memory such as a flash memory, a RAM, and a ROM, a recording medium such as an HDD, an MO, a CD-R, and a DVD-R, and a drive device that drives the recording medium. The storage unit 56 is a program for operating the processing device 5 to execute various functions, various types of information used during the execution of the program, imaging signals and related information acquired via the receiving device 4, and the like Remember.

  FIG. 3 is a timing chart of the low-speed clock and the high-speed clock generated in the capsule endoscope 2. FIG. 3 (1) is a timing chart of the low-speed clock, and FIG. 3 (2) is a timing chart of the high-speed clock.

  The low-speed clock generation unit 27 starts operation after the capsule endoscope 2 is turned on, continuously generates low-speed clocks, and outputs the low-speed clock to the operation control unit 23. The low-speed clock generation unit 27 is always operating, and continuously generates a low-speed clock and outputs the generated low-speed clock to the operation control unit 23 and the high-speed clock generation unit 28 as shown in FIG. . The operation control unit 23 uses this low-speed clock as a reference clock, and controls the timing in units of frames for performing illumination, imaging, and wireless transmission using the low-speed clock.

  The high-speed clock generation unit 28 periodically generates a high-speed clock under the control of the operation control unit 23, and the operation control unit 23 periodically performs control using the high-speed clock. In the example of FIG. 3B, the operation control unit 23 performs control using a high-speed clock in a period Ha from time ta to time tb and a period Ha from time tc to time td. The operation control unit 23 starts the high-speed clock generation unit 28 at timings before the times ta and tc at which actual control is started with the high-speed clock, and generates a stable high-speed clock after a predetermined clock stabilization period S has elapsed. Make it available. This is because what is generated by the high-speed clock generator 28 during the stable period S does not function as a clock. The operation control unit 23 controls each unit using the high-speed clock after the high-speed clock is stabilized. In this case, the operation control unit 23 determines the start timing and end timing of each period Ha in which the control is performed with the high-speed clock based on the low-speed clock. Time counting with respect to timing can be performed, and high-speed clock control at a fixed period becomes possible.

  The operation control unit 23 controls at least the imaging unit 21 using the high-speed clock while the high-speed clock is generated, that is, during the period Ha, and enables high-speed imaging processing. Further, the operation control unit 23 may perform control using the high-speed clock for the signal processing unit 24 during the period Ha in which the high-speed clock is generated. In addition, the operation control unit 23 may perform control using the high-speed clock for the illumination unit 22 during the period Ha in which the high-speed clock is generated. In addition, the operation control unit 23 may perform control using the high-speed clock for the transmission unit 25 during the period Ha in which the high-speed clock is generated.

  As described above, in the capsule endoscope 2, the operation control unit 23 controls the imaging unit 21, the illumination unit 22, the signal processing unit 24, and the transmission unit 25 in the high-speed clock during the period Ha in which the high-speed clock is generated. By controlling at, it is possible to increase the frame rate of a series of processes for generating and transmitting an imaging signal. Here, the period Ha is, for example, one frame period in which one illumination, imaging, signal processing, and transmission processing are performed. In this case, the operation control unit 23 controls all operation timings of illumination, exposure, readout, signal processing, and wireless transmission within one frame period using a high-speed clock. On the other hand, the operation control unit 23 controls the operation timing of illumination, signal processing, and wireless transmission within one frame period using a low-speed clock, and performs an exposure operation in the imaging unit 21 and readout of an imaging signal from each pixel. The operation can also be controlled using a high-speed clock. Further, the period Ha may be a plurality of frame periods. That is, the operation control unit 23 may operate the high-speed clock generation unit 28 over a plurality of consecutive frame periods. In this case, the operation control unit 23 may calculate the frame interval in the period Ha by counting the low-speed clock or counting the high-speed clock.

  In the period La, the operation control unit 23 controls each unit of the capsule endoscope 2 in a low power consumption state using a low-speed clock. Even in the period La, the operation control unit 23 causes the imaging unit 21, the illumination unit 22, the signal processing unit 24, and the transmission unit 25 to execute a series of processes related to generation and transmission of the imaging signal based on the low-speed clock. You can also. In this case, the capsule endoscope 2 can continue to acquire and transmit an imaging signal at a low frame rate (for example, 2 frames / second).

  As described above, in the capsule endoscope 2 according to the embodiment, the high-speed clock generation unit 28 generates the high-speed clock intermittently, so that the power consumption is compared with the case where the high-speed clock generation unit 28 is always operated. Can be reduced. Further, in the capsule endoscope 2, even when the generation of the high-speed clock is stopped, the low-speed clock operates without stopping, so the timing of the main operation is appropriately counted using this low-speed clock. be able to. In the capsule endoscope 2, a high-speed clock is generated from a low-speed clock, and the low-speed clock and the high-speed clock are associated with each other. Appropriate imaging operations can be performed even when a high-speed clock generated intermittently is used without shifting the operation timing.

  In the capsule endoscope 2, the high-speed clock generation unit 28 may generate a high-speed clock during a predetermined period. For example, a period in which the capsule endoscope 2 can be estimated to be located in an organ whose image is to be captured at a high frame rate is set in advance and stored in the memory 23a, and the operation control unit 23 is stored in the memory 23a. During this period, the high-speed clock generator 28 generates a high-speed clock and performs control using the high-speed clock. In the capsule endoscope 2, the period during which the operation control unit 23 performs control using this high-speed clock may be changed by a control signal from an external device. For example, the external device (processing device 5) monitors the movement of the capsule endoscope 2 based on a series of in-vivo images transmitted by the capsule endoscope 2, and moves the capsule endoscope 2. When the speed becomes faster, a control signal for instructing control using a high-speed clock is wirelessly transmitted to the capsule endoscope 2.

  In the capsule endoscope 2, a high-speed clock may be generated by providing a high-speed clock oscillation circuit independent of the low-speed clock oscillation circuit.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Capsule-type endoscope system 2 Capsule-type endoscope 3 Reception antenna unit 3a-3h Reception antenna 4 Reception apparatus 5 Processing apparatus 6 Display apparatus 7 Cradle 21 Imaging part 22 Illumination part 23 Operation control part 23a, 44 Memory 24 Signal processing Unit 25 transmission unit 26 antenna 27 low-speed clock generation unit 28 high-speed clock generation unit 29a power supply 29b power supply control unit 29c power supply circuit 41 reception unit 42 reception signal processing unit 43, 54 control unit 45, 51 data transmission / reception unit 46 operation unit 47 display unit 48 power supply unit 52 image processing unit 53 display control unit 55 input unit 56 storage unit H subject

Claims (8)

An illumination unit that emits illumination light;
An imaging unit for imaging a subject illuminated by the illumination light;
A signal processing unit that processes an imaging signal captured by the imaging unit;
A transmission unit that wirelessly transmits an imaging signal processed by the signal processing unit;
A first clock generator that always generates a first clock;
A second clock generation unit that intermittently generates a second clock having a higher frequency than the first clock in association with the first clock;
While the second clock is being generated, a control unit that controls at least the imaging unit using the second clock;
An endoscope apparatus comprising:   The endoscope apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit starts control using the second clock using the first clock as a reference clock.   The endoscope apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second clock generation unit generates the second clock from the first clock.   4. The control unit according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the signal processing unit using the second clock while the second clock is generated. 5. Endoscope device.   5. The control unit according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the illumination unit using the second clock while the second clock is generated. 6. Endoscopic device.   6. The control unit according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the transmission unit using the second clock while the second clock is generated. 7. Endoscopic device.   The endoscope apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second clock generation unit periodically generates the second clock.   The endoscope apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second clock generation unit generates the second clock during a preset period.

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