JP2006304885A - Internally introducing instrument and internal information acquisition system of subject - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To perform an appropriate signal processing corresponding to the characteristics of individual imaging elements in a compound eye composition whose range of view is expanded. <P>SOLUTION: The internally introducing instrument previously stores intrinsic signal processing parameters of the elements necessary for the signal processing of imaging data of individual imaging elements, for example, white balance coefficient data to perform white balance processing, "WB coefficient data R1", "WB coefficient data B1", "WB coefficient data R2", and "WB coefficient data B2" in a parameter memory 49, transmits and outputs the signal processing parameters to outside the subject by a transmission section and provides to signal processing in a receiver for example, and can perform appropriate signal processing for the imaging data of the individual imaging elements according to differences in element characteristics by using the intrinsic signal processing parameters. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an in-subject introduction apparatus such as a compound eye type capsule endoscope and an in-subject information acquisition system.

  In recent years, swallowable capsule endoscopes have been developed in the field of endoscopes. This capsule endoscope has an imaging function and a wireless function. After being swallowed from the patient's mouth for observation inside the body cavity, until it is naturally discharged from the human body, for example, the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, etc. It moves in accordance with its peristaltic movement and sequentially images (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  While moving inside the body cavity, image data captured inside the body by the capsule endoscope is sequentially transmitted outside the body by wireless communication, and is stored in a memory provided in a receiving apparatus outside the body. The doctor or nurse can make a diagnosis based on the image displayed on the display based on the image data stored in the memory.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-19111 US Patent Application Publication No. 2004/199061

  By the way, with regard to this type of capsule endoscope, a monocular capsule endoscope that captures only an image in the body cavity ahead of the traveling direction is generally used. As a purpose, a compound-eye capsule endoscope that captures images before and after the traveling direction has also been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 2). This compound-eye capsule endoscope includes a plurality of imaging blocks each having a pair of an illumination unit such as an LED that illuminates the inside of a body cavity and an imaging element such as a CCD that images an image inside the body cavity. It is arranged in the front-rear direction, and is configured to take images before and after the capsule-type housing in the body cavity in the traveling direction.

  However, the compound-eye capsule endoscope shown in Patent Document 2 and the like merely describes that images in both the front and rear directions are captured by a plurality of imaging elements. Although there is a difference in characteristics, there is no mention of processing control that takes into account differences in the characteristics of each of these image sensors, etc., and appropriate imaging data processing according to the characteristics of each image sensor Therefore, the advantages as a compound eye type cannot always be effectively utilized.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and in a compound eye type configuration in which the field of view range is expanded, it is possible to perform appropriate signal processing according to the characteristics of each imaging element, and to obtain the advantages of the compound eye type. It is an object of the present invention to provide an intra-subject introduction apparatus and an intra-subject information acquisition system that can be maximized.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, an in-subject introduction apparatus according to claim 1 includes a plurality of imaging elements that image different parts in a body cavity, and signal processing of imaging data of each imaging element. A storage unit that stores signal processing parameters specific to each element, and a transmission unit that transmits and outputs the signal processing parameters stored in the storage unit to the outside of the subject. .

  The in-subject introduction device according to claim 2 is characterized in that, in the above invention, the signal processing parameter is data of a white balance coefficient for performing white balance processing on imaging data of the imaging device. To do.

  The in-subject introduction device according to claim 3 is characterized in that, in the above invention, the signal processing parameter is data indicating an address of a pixel defect of the image sensor.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the in-vivo introduction device, in the above invention, the transmission unit corresponds to the imaging element together with the imaging data captured by the imaging element and an identification code for identifying the imaging element. The signal processing parameters to be added are transmitted and output.

  An in-subject information acquisition system according to a fifth aspect includes the intra-subject introduction device according to claim 4, and a reception device that receives data transmitted from the transmission unit of the intra-subject introduction device. In the in-subject information acquisition system, the receiving device detects an identification code from data transmitted and output from the transmitter, and receives a signal from data transmitted and output from the transmitter. Parameter detection means for detecting a processing parameter, parameter determination means for identifying the image sensor based on the detected identification code and determining a signal processing parameter corresponding to the image sensor, and transmission output from the transmitter And image processing means for performing image processing using the signal processing parameters determined for the imaging data of the imaging device.

  In the in-vivo information acquiring system according to claim 6, in the above-described invention, the parameter determination unit determines the appropriateness of the combination of the identification code and the signal processing parameter input after the determination of the signal processing parameter. When the monitoring is not appropriate, the combination is corrected based on data having a high certainty factor.

  According to the in-subject introduction apparatus and the in-subject information acquisition system according to the present invention, signal processing parameters specific to each element necessary for signal processing of imaging data of each imaging element, for example, white balance processing is performed. The white balance coefficient data is stored in the storage unit in advance, and such signal processing parameters are transmitted and output to the outside of the subject by the transmission unit, for example, for signal processing in the receiving apparatus. By performing signal processing of the imaging data of the elements using the signal processing parameters specific to each imaging element, it becomes possible to perform appropriate imaging data signal processing according to the difference in element characteristics, and imaging by any imaging element Since the data is also processed appropriately, there is an effect that the advantages of the compound eye type can be maximized. In addition, the intra-subject introduction apparatus only holds the signal processing parameters specific to each element so that it can be transmitted and output, and does not perform signal processing such as white balance inside the intra-subject introduction apparatus. The circuit scale of the internal circuit is not increased and the power consumption is not increased.

  Hereinafter, a wireless in-vivo information acquiring system which is a preferred embodiment of an in-subject introducing device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, this invention is not limited by this Embodiment. In the description of the drawings, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of a wireless in-vivo information acquiring system. This intra-subject information acquisition system uses a compound eye type capsule endoscope as an example of the intra-subject introduction apparatus. As shown in FIG. 1, the wireless in-vivo information acquiring system is introduced into the body of the subject 1, images a body cavity image, and wirelessly transmits data such as a video signal to the receiving device 2. Capsule endoscope 3, receiving device 2 for receiving in-vivo image data wirelessly transmitted from capsule-type endoscope 3, and display device for displaying an in-vivo image based on a video signal received by receiving device 2 4 and a portable recording medium 5 for transferring data between the receiving device 2 and the display device 4.

  The receiving device 2 also includes a wireless unit 2a having a plurality of receiving antennas A1 to An attached to the external surface of the subject 1, and radio signals received via the plurality of receiving antennas A1 to An. And a receiving body unit 2b that performs processing and the like, and these units are detachably connected via a connector or the like. Each of the receiving antennas A1 to An is provided, for example, in a jacket on which the subject 1 can be worn, and the subject 1 wears the receiving antennas A1 to An by wearing this jacket. Also good. In this case, the receiving antennas A1 to An may be detachable from the jacket.

  The display device 4 is for displaying an in-vivo image captured by the capsule endoscope 3, and has a configuration such as a workstation that displays an image based on data obtained by the portable recording medium 5. Have. Specifically, the display device 4 may be configured to directly display an image using a CRT display, a liquid crystal display, or the like, or may be configured to output an image to another medium such as a printer.

  The portable recording medium 5 uses a compact flash (registered trademark) memory or the like, and is detachable from the receiving body unit 2b and the display device 4, and can output or record information when inserted into both. Have Specifically, the portable recording medium 5 is inserted into the receiving body unit 2 b while the capsule endoscope 3 is moving in the body cavity of the subject 1 and transmitted from the capsule endoscope 3. Data is recorded on the portable recording medium 5. Then, after the capsule endoscope 3 is ejected from the subject 1, that is, after imaging of the inside of the subject 1 is finished, the capsule endoscope 3 is taken out from the receiving body unit 2b and inserted into the display device 4 to display the display. Data recorded by the device 4 is read out. By passing data between the receiving body unit 2b and the display device 4 using the portable recording medium 5, it becomes possible for the subject 1 to act freely during imaging in the body cavity, and the display device 4 This also contributes to shortening the data transfer period between the two. It should be noted that the data transfer between the receiving main unit 2b and the display device 4 may be configured such that another receiving device built in the receiving main unit 2b is connected to the display device 4 by wire or wirelessly. .

  Here, the capsule endoscope 3 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal configuration of the capsule endoscope 3. The capsule endoscope 3 includes, for example, LEDs 11a and 11b as illumination units that illuminate the inside of the body cavity of the subject 1, and imaging units 13a and 13b having, for example, CCDs 12a and 12b as imaging elements that capture images in the body cavity. Are arranged in a capsule casing 16 together with a power supply unit 15 for supplying power to them.

  The capsule-type casing 16 covers the imaging blocks 14a and 14b, respectively, and is transparent and hemispherical dome-shaped tip cover casings 16a and 16b, and these tip cover casings 16a and 16b and the concave and convex engaging portions 17a and 17b. A cylindrical body casing 16c is provided in a watertight state and has an imaging block 14a, 14b with a power supply 15 interposed therein, and is formed in a size that can be swallowed from the mouth of the subject 1. ing. The trunk housing 16c is formed of a colored material that does not transmit visible light.

  The imaging units 13a and 13b are provided on the imaging substrates 18a and 18b, respectively, and image the range illuminated by the illumination light from the LEDs 11a and 11b, and form subject images on these CCDs 12a and 12b. It comprises imaging lenses 21a and 21b composed of fixed lenses 19a and 19b and movable lenses 20a and 20b. Here, the fixed lenses 19a and 19b are fixed to the fixed frames 22a and 22b, and the movable lenses 20a and 20b are fixed to the movable frames 23a and 23b to form focus adjusting units 24a and 24b.

  The LEDs 11a and 11b are mounted on the illumination substrates 25a and 25b, and are arranged at four locations near the top, bottom, left, and right of the optical axes of the imaging lenses 21a and 21b. Further, in each of the imaging blocks 14a and 14b, signal processing / control units 26a and 26b for processing or controlling each unit for each block are mounted on the back side of the imaging substrates 18a and 18b. The signal processing / control unit 26a of 14a is provided with a wireless board 28 on which a wireless unit 27 including an antenna for wireless communication with the outside is mounted. Further, the imaging boards 18a and 18b and the illumination boards 25a and 25b are electrically connected as appropriate with cables.

  The power supply unit 15 positioned between the imaging blocks 14a and 14b is configured by a button-type battery 29 having a diameter that substantially matches the inner diameter of the body housing 16c, for example. As the battery 29, a silver oxide battery, a rechargeable battery, a power generation battery, or the like can be used. Here, a torsion coil spring that urges the imaging blocks 14a and 14b to face the distal end cover housings 16a and 16b, that is, outward, in the center between the imaging blocks 14a and 14b and the battery 29, respectively. Shaped spring members 30a and 30b are interposed. The radio unit 27 on the radio board 28 and the signal processing / control unit 26b are appropriately electrically connected by a cable or the like passing outside the battery 29. The battery 29 is also connected to the signal processing / control units 26a, 26b, etc. It is appropriately electrically connected by a cable or the like. The wireless unit 27 may not be shared by the imaging blocks 14a and 14b but may be provided individually for each of the imaging blocks 14a and 14b.

  Here, in the vicinity of the inner periphery of the tip cover housings 16a and 16b, a part of the outer peripheral side of the illumination boards 25a and 25b is abutted and brought into contact with each other, whereby the imaging block 14a and 14b in the capsule endoscope 3 in the axial direction Positioning portions 31a and 31b serving as a reference for positioning are integrally formed. Further, between these positioning portions 31a and 31b and the illumination boards 25a and 25b, for example, a combination of concave and convex shapes that engage and disengage with each other, and a rotation stop positioning portion (not shown) that positions in the direction around the axis. ) Is formed.

  Next, an internal circuit configuration of the capsule endoscope 3 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram showing the internal circuit configuration of the capsule endoscope 3. First, the signal processing / control unit 26a is for controlling the paired LED 11a and the CCD 12a, and includes an LED drive circuit 41a and a CCD drive circuit 42a corresponding to the LED 11a and the CCD 12a, respectively. The signal processing / control unit 26a also performs image processing unit 43a that performs predetermined image processing such as correlated double sampling processing, amplification processing, A / D conversion processing, and multiplexing processing on the output signal output from the CCD 12a. Have Further, the signal processing / control unit 26a includes a control unit 45a having a timing generator (TG) and a sync generator (SG) 44a for generating various timing signals and synchronization signals, and the timing generated by the timing generator and the sync generator 44a. Based on the signal and the synchronization signal, the operation of the drive circuits 41a and 42a and the image processing unit 43a and the operation timing thereof are controlled.

  The signal processing / control unit 26b is for controlling the paired LED 11b and the CCD 12b, and includes an LED drive circuit 41b and a CCD drive circuit 42b corresponding to the LED 11b and the CCD 12b, respectively. Further, the signal processing / control unit 26b performs predetermined image processing such as correlated double sampling processing, amplification processing, A / D conversion processing, and multiplexing processing on the output signal output from the CCD 12b. Have Further, the signal processing / control unit 26b includes a control unit 45b having a timing generator (TG) and a sync generator (SG) 44b for generating various timing signals and synchronization signals, and the timing generated by the timing generator and the sync generator 44b. Based on the signal and the synchronization signal, the operation of the drive circuits 41b and 42b and the image processing unit 43b and the operation timing thereof are controlled.

  Here, the control units 45a and 45b have a master-slave relationship in which the control unit 45a side is a master and the control unit 45b side is a slave, and the control signal 45b is in accordance with the enable signal EB from the control unit 45a side. The control operation is executed by following the control unit 45a so as to operate only for a while.

  The wireless unit 27 includes a transmission module 46 and a transmission antenna 47 as a transmission unit that is provided on the output path of the imaging data that has passed through the image processing units 43a and 43b and outputs an RF modulation signal.

  Furthermore, the capsule endoscope 3 includes a parameter memory 49 as a storage unit common to the signal processing / control units 26a and 26b. The parameter memory 49 stores signal processing parameters specific to each element necessary for signal processing of imaging data of the CCDs 12a and 12b and common parameters necessary for processing of the capsule endoscope 3 with these signal processing / control units. 26a and 26b are stored so as to be readable, and the parameters are read out to the image processing unit 43a or 43b at an appropriate timing to be subjected to multiplexing processing with imaging data or the like, and are received via the radio unit 27. Transmission to the second side is possible.

  FIG. 4 is a schematic time chart showing an example of timing control such as lighting / reading controlled by the control units 45a and 45b. The control units 45a and 45b sequentially drive the CCDs 12a and 12b alternately, and control the timing so that the lighting timings of the LEDs 11a and 11b and the readout timings of the CCDs 12a and 12b are different. More specifically, for example, after the reading operation of one CCD 12a is completed, the LED 11b paired with the other CCD 12b is lit for a predetermined time, and after the reading operation of the CCD 12b is completed, the LED 11a paired with the CCD 12a is lit for a predetermined time. Such operation control is repeated.

  This will be described with reference to FIG. First, the controller 45a turns on the LED 11a for a predetermined time via the LED drive circuit 41a in accordance with the pulsed timing signal output from the timing generator and the sink generator 44a, and causes the CCD 12a to take an image of the illuminated part (LED 11a is turned on). Then, at the timing when the LED 11a is extinguished, the control unit 45a causes the image processing unit 43a to execute the readout operation of the imaging signal in the frame unit from the CCD 12a via the CCD driving circuit 42a (CCD 12a reading). When this read operation is completed, the control unit 45a outputs an enable signal EB to the control unit 45b side (H level), and switches to control by the control unit 45b side.

  The control unit 45b turns on the LED 11b for a predetermined time via the LED drive circuit 41b in accordance with the pulsed timing signal output from the timing generator and the sink generator 44b, and causes the CCD 12b to take an image of the illuminated part (LED 11b is turned on). Then, at the timing when the LED 11b is turned off, the control unit 45b causes the image processing unit 43b to execute a reading operation of the imaging signal in frame units from the CCD 12b via the CCD driving circuit 42b (reading of the CCD 12b). At the timing when this read operation ends, the control unit 45a switches the enable signal EB to L level and switches to control by the control unit 45a side. Thereafter, these operation controls are alternately repeated. Further, due to the circuit configuration, the enable signal EB may be set to the L level by inputting an end signal to the control unit 45a at the end of reading from the control unit 45b.

  In such an operation, imaging data in units of frames sequentially output alternately from the CCDs 12a and 12b are sequentially input to the transmission module 46 (CCD12a data, CCD12b data, CCD12a data,...), And as RF data. Provided for transmission output.

  In the case of the compound-eye type capsule endoscope 3, for example, the trunk housing 16c is formed of a material that does not transmit visible light, and the central battery 29 can function as a light shielding member. When the LED 11b is turned on during reading, the illumination light may be stray light through any gap path or the like, which may affect the captured image of the CCD 12a. The relationship between the LED 11a and the CCD 12b is the same. If the lighting timing of the LEDs 11a and 11b coincides with the readout timing of the CCDs 12a and 12b, switching noise when the LEDs 11a and 11b are turned on and off may be superimposed on the captured images of the CCDs 12b and 12a, thereby impairing the image quality. .

  Here, in the present embodiment, as described above, the CCDs 12a and 12b are sequentially driven alternately, and the lighting timing of the LEDs 11a and 11b and the reading timing of the CCDs 12a and 12b are controlled to be different. Since the timing and the readout timing do not overlap with each other in timing, when different parts of the body cavity are imaged by the respective CCDs 12a and 12b, the illumination light from the other LED 11b or 11a becomes stray light and the image of one CCD 12a or 12b is imaged. There is no influence on the image, and switching noise when the LEDs 11a and 11b are lit is not superimposed on the captured image, so that the quality of each captured image can be improved and the in-subject examination can be performed satisfactorily.

  Further, by using the enable signal EB for the two control units 45a and 45b, the control operation can be performed alternately and appropriately under a master-slave relationship in which the control unit 45a side is a master and the control unit 45b side is a slave. . Further, the signal processing / control units 26a and 26b do not affect other outputs by setting the output resistance to high resistance (high impedance) at the time of no signal when the CCDs 12a and 12b do not perform reading operation. The module 46 can be shared without any trouble.

  In order to configure a compound-eye capsule endoscope, it is essential to individually provide a plurality of image sensors and illumination units. In this embodiment, in addition to the transmission module 46 described above, a parameter memory is provided. As shown in FIG. 49, a place that can be used in two systems is used as much as possible so as to make it as common as possible. Therefore, the configuration of the compound-eye capsule endoscope 3 can be reduced in size and simplified.

  Here, the parameter memory 49 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 5A shows an example of the configuration of the parameter memory 49. The parameter area 49a for the CCD 12a that stores the signal processing parameters specific to the CCD 12a and the parameter area 49b for the CCD 12b that stores the signal processing parameters specific to the CCD 12b. And a system parameter area 49c for storing shared parameters.

  In the parameter area 49a for the CCD 12a, for example, white balance coefficient data for performing white balance (WB) processing on the imaging data of the CCD 12a is stored as a specific signal processing parameter. This data is data previously obtained as a unique white balance coefficient in the CCD 12a by a test in the manufacturing process of each capsule endoscope 3. Specifically, a white chart as a reference is imaged by the CCD 12a, and a correction coefficient (white balance) calculated so that the outputs of R (red) and B (blue) become a predetermined value with green (G) as a reference. Coefficient) and is stored as “WB coefficient data R1” and “WB coefficient data B1”.

  In the parameter area 49b for the CCD 12b, for example, white balance coefficient data for performing white balance (WB) processing on the imaging data of the CCD 12b is stored as a specific signal processing parameter. This data is also data obtained as a unique white balance coefficient in the CCD 12b in advance by a test in the manufacturing process of each capsule endoscope 3. Specifically, a white chart as a reference is imaged by the CCD 12b, and the correction coefficient (white balance) calculated so that the output of R (red) and B (blue) becomes a predetermined value with green (G) as a reference. Coefficient) and stored as “WB coefficient data R2” and “WB coefficient data B2”.

  The signal processing parameters specific to each element are not limited to such white balance coefficient data, but are, for example, data indicating the pixel defect addresses of the CCDs 12a and 12b, and addresses around the pixel defect addresses. Based on the pixel data corresponding to the pixel data, the pixel defect existing at the address may be corrected. Furthermore, instead of the CCD as the image pickup element, for example, an offset value of a photoelectric conversion characteristic, which is a value unique to each CMOS sensor when a CMOS sensor is used, is used as a signal processing parameter unique to each element. You may make it store beforehand in 49b.

  The system parameter area 49c is not unique to the CCDs 12a and 12b, but as parameters unique to each capsule endoscope 3, for example, data on the number of transferred frames (number of frames transferred) for each sensor of the CCDs 12a and 12b, Data such as a capsule number for determining the capsule is stored.

  FIG. 5B shows another example of the configuration of the parameter memory 49. The parameter area 49a for the CCD 12a for storing the signal processing parameters specific to the CCD 12a and the parameter area for the CCD 12b for storing the signal processing parameters specific to the CCD 12b. The system parameter areas 49d and 49e are further provided in these areas 49a and 49b, respectively, and one is enabled and the other is disabled. In the illustrated example, since the control is performed with the control unit 45a as the master, the system parameter area 49d side in the CCD 12a parameter area 49a is validated. When a situation arises in which the control unit 45b side is desired to be a master by the circuit system, the system parameter area 49e side in the CCD 12b parameter area 49b becomes effective, and the system parameter area 49d side in the CCD 12a parameter area 49a becomes effective. It is only necessary to switch so as to be invalid, and the memory can have general versatility.

  FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of an input signal to the transmission module 46. For the transmission module 46, first, the vertical synchronization signal output from the timing generator and the sync generator 44a is used as a head, and is an identification code for identifying the CCD 12a together with the imaging data from the CCD 12a in the image processing unit 43a. A data string in which white balance coefficient data “WB coefficient data R1” and “WB coefficient data B1”, which are signal processing parameters for the CCD 12a read from the CCD 12a parameter area 49a, are added to the sensor identification code 1 by the multiplexing processing unit. Input as a frame data string. Next, with the vertical synchronization signal output from the timing generator and the sync generator 44b as the head, the image processing unit 43b and the imaging data from the CCD 12b together with the sensor identification code 2, which is an identification code for identifying the CCD 12b, are used for the CCD 12b. A data sequence in which white balance coefficient data “WB coefficient data R2” and “WB coefficient data B2”, which are signal processing parameters for the CCD 12b read from the parameter area 49b, are added by the multiplexing processing unit is input as a frame data sequence.

  Such a frame data sequence is alternately input to the transmission module 46, one of which is odd-numbered and the other is even-numbered, and is transmitted and output as an RF signal from the transmitting antenna 47 and received by the receiving device 2. It is possible. Since each sensor identification code may be 1-bit information, one bit in the vertical synchronization signal is also used for the sensor identification code, so that it is divided into a vertical synchronization signal for the CCD 12a and a vertical synchronization signal for the CCD 12b. You may do it.

  As described above, the signal processing parameter is added and transmitted for each transmission output of each imaging data in units of frames as well as when the capsule endoscope 3 is activated. For example, the capsule endoscope Even if there is a situation where the power of the receiving device 2 is not turned on when the mirror 3 is activated, the signal processing parameters can be acquired at any time after the power is turned on.

  Next, a configuration example on the receiving device 2 side will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a circuit configuration example of the receiving device 2. The receiving device 2 includes a receiving module 51, a signal processing / control unit 52, and an image compression unit 53. The receiving module 51 functions to amplify and demodulate radio wave signals captured by the antennas A1 to An, and is configured by a wireless unit 2a portion. The image compression unit 53 compresses the image data after the image processing by the signal processing / control unit 52, and stores the compressed image data in the portable recording medium 5 that is detachably attached to the receiving device 2.

  The signal processing / control unit 52 includes a signal separation unit 54 that performs signal separation on the signal received and demodulated by the reception module 51, and a vertical synchronization signal, a sensor identification code, and a signal processing parameter based on the signal separation result. Detection results 55, 56, and 57, an image signal processing unit 58 as an image processing unit that performs image processing on the imaging data output from the receiving module 51, and detection results of the detection units 55 to 57. An identification code / parameter determination unit 59 is provided as parameter determination means for executing a determination process for determining a signal processing parameter based on the image processing unit 58 and performing image processing by the image processing unit 58. The identification code / parameter determination unit 59 includes, for example, four registers R1 to R4 used for parameter determination processing.

  In such a configuration, the signal processing / control unit 52 roughly separates the signal received and demodulated by the reception module 51 by the signal separation unit 54, and based on the separated signal, the synchronization signal detection unit 55 The vertical synchronization signal is detected, the sensor identification code detection unit 56 detects the sensor identification code, the parameter detection unit 57 detects the white balance coefficient data as the signal processing parameter, and the detection information is determined as the identification code / parameter. By inputting the data to the unit 59, the identification code / parameter determination unit 59 identifies whether the image data is the CCD 12a or 12b and executes parameter determination processing for determining the signal processing parameters corresponding to the CCD 12a or 12b. .

  FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 are schematic flowcharts showing an example of parameter confirmation processing executed in the identification code / parameter confirmation unit 59. This process is roughly divided into an odd frame process shown in FIG. 8 and an even frame process shown in FIG. First, it is determined whether an odd-numbered vertical synchronization signal has been input (step S1). “Odd number” means that the frame data sequence received first by the receiving device 2 is the first, and the frame data sequence received third, fifth,. Therefore, the second, fourth,... Received frame data sequence is an even number.

  When it is determined that an odd-numbered vertical synchronization signal has been input (step S1: Yes), it is then determined whether a sensor identification code has been input (step S2), and a sensor identification code has been input. (Step S2: Yes), it is further determined whether or not a signal processing parameter has been input (step S3). When the signal processing parameters are input (step S3: Yes), it is determined whether or not these sensor identification codes and signal processing parameters are newly input (step S4) and newly input. If so (step S4: Yes), since this is the first input, these input sensor identification codes and signal processing parameters are recorded in the register R1 (step S5), and the processing of step S1 is performed. Return.

  If a sensor identification code or a signal processing parameter is input in the subsequent processing after step S1 (step S2: Yes, step S3: Yes), it is the third and subsequent and not new (step S4: No) ), The sensor identification code and the signal processing parameter input this time are recorded in the register R2 (step S6). Then, it is determined whether or not the recorded contents of the register R1 and the register R2 match (step S7). If they match (step S7: Yes), the input of the sensor identification code and the signal processing parameter having the same contents at odd numbers is normally continued twice, and the sensor identification code for the odd-numbered frame image is obtained. Then, the signal processing parameters are determined (step S8).

  On the other hand, if the recorded contents of the registers R1 and R2 do not match (step S7: No), the contents of the register R2 are overwritten on the register R1, the recorded contents of the register R2 are erased (step S9), Return to processing. Thus, this time, the third data is used as a reference to compare with the fifth data, and if they match, the sensor identification code and signal processing parameters for the odd-numbered frame image are determined (step S8). If they do not coincide with each other, the subsequent odd number comparison processing is sequentially repeated so that the fifth and seventh comparisons are performed. When the sensor identification code and the signal processing parameter for the odd-numbered frame image are confirmed (step S8), the confirmation process is terminated.

  Next, processing of even frames will be described. First, it is determined whether or not an even-numbered vertical synchronization signal has been input (step S11). When it is determined that an even-numbered vertical synchronization signal has been input (step S11: Yes), it is then determined whether a sensor identification code has been input (step S12), and a sensor identification code has been input. (Step S12: Yes), it is further determined whether or not a signal processing parameter has been input (step S13). When the signal processing parameters are input (step S13: Yes), it is determined whether or not these sensor identification codes and signal processing parameters are newly input (step S14), and are newly input. If so (step S14: Yes), since it is the second input, these input sensor identification codes and signal processing parameters are recorded in the register R3 (step S15), and the processing of step S11 is performed. Return.

  If a sensor identification code or a signal processing parameter is input in the re-processing after step S11 (step S12: Yes, step S13: Yes), it is the fourth or later and not new (step S14: No). ), The sensor identification code and the signal processing parameter input this time are recorded in the register R4 (step S16). Then, it is determined whether or not the recorded contents of the register R3 and the register R4 match (step S17). If they match (step S17: Yes), the input of the sensor identification code and the signal processing parameter having the same content is repeated twice evenly, and the sensor identification code and signal for the even-numbered frame image are obtained. Processing parameters are determined (step S18).

  On the other hand, if the recorded contents of the registers R3 and R4 do not match (step S17: No), the contents of the register R4 are overwritten in the register R3, the recorded contents of the register R4 are erased (step S19), and from step S11. Return to processing. Thus, this time, the fourth data is used as a reference to compare with the sixth data, and if they match, the sensor identification code and the signal processing parameters for the even-numbered frame image are determined (step S18). If they do not coincide with each other, the subsequent even-numbered comparison processing is sequentially repeated so that the sixth and eighth comparisons are performed. When the sensor identification code and the signal processing parameter for the even-numbered frame image are confirmed (step S18), the confirmation process is terminated.

  The combination of the sensor identification code and the signal processing parameter input to the receiving device 2 may be determined based on the received data only once. However, in wireless communication, transmission / reception processing is normally performed only once. As in this embodiment, the sensor identification code and the signal processing parameters for the odd-numbered and even-numbered frame images are set on condition that the same data is continuously received twice. By making it fixed, it becomes highly reliable.

  Note that the sensor identification code and the signal processing parameter for each of the odd-numbered and even-numbered frame images are determined, not limited to the case of two consecutive times. The sensor identification code and the signal processing parameter that are frequently used may be determined as data for the odd-numbered and even-numbered frame images. According to this, it is possible to prevent an erroneous signal processing parameter from being adopted due to a communication error. Further, when the transmission / reception state is somewhat poor and the parameter is not input for several frames, the register contents may be reset and the determination process may be performed again from the time when the parameter is input again. The register contents may be held based on the generated synchronization signal, and the matching of the register contents may be confirmed using data received after the input of parameters is resumed.

  The above-described image signal processing unit 55 uses the sensor identification code and the signal processing parameter for the odd-numbered and even-numbered frame images determined as described above, so that the odd number specified by the match of the sensor identification code is used. In the case of the numbered frame image data, image processing is performed using the signal processing parameters for the odd numbered frame image determined as described above, and in the case of the even numbered frame image data, determined as described above. Image processing is performed using the signal processing parameters for the even-numbered frame image.

  Specifically, on the other hand, with respect to the imaging data by the CCD 12a specified by the determined sensor identification code 1, the determined white balance coefficient data “WB coefficient data R1” and “WB coefficient data B1” are used. On the other hand, white balance coefficient data “WB coefficient data R2” and “WB coefficient data B2” are used for the image data captured by the CCD 12b specified by the determined sensor identification code 1. Thus, white balance processing is performed.

  By the way, the identification code / parameter determination unit 59 of this embodiment determines the appropriateness of the combination of the sensor identification code and the signal processing parameter input after the determination of the signal processing parameter even after the parameter determination processing. When the monitoring is not always appropriate, abnormal parameter input processing for correcting the combination based on data with high certainty is executed as needed.

  FIG. 10 is a schematic flowchart showing an example of the abnormal parameter input process executed by the identification code / parameter determination unit 59. First, it is determined whether or not there is an input of a parameter for signal processing (step S21). If there is no input (step S21: No), the process waits until there is an input. When there is an input of a parameter for signal processing (step S21: Yes), it is already determined regarding the frame order (odd number / even number) and sensor identification code of the imaging data input together with the signal processing parameter. It is determined whether it is abnormal compared with the parameter (step S22). If it is determined that there is a match and there is no abnormality (step S22: No), the determined parameter that is normal and has already been determined is used as it is.

  On the other hand, if there is an abnormality as a result of comparison with the deterministic parameter (step S22: Yes), whether the abnormality is abnormality in only one of the imaging data frame order, sensor identification code, and signal processing parameter. It is determined whether one is abnormal or all three are abnormal (steps S23 and S24).

  If only one is abnormal (step S23: Yes), since the abnormality is minor, even if it is abnormal, the signal processing is performed using the already determined parameters as they are (step S25). If the two are abnormal (step S23: No, step S24: Yes), since the abnormality cannot be ignored for the time being, the process of the previous frame is referred to, and it is determined whether or not the process of the previous frame is normal. (Step S26). If the processing of the previous frame is normal by passing through the routine of step S22: No (step S26: Yes), it is determined that the two abnormalities have occurred by this time, and the confirmation parameter that has already been confirmed. Is used for signal processing (step S27). That is, immediately after the operation of the capsule endoscope 3 is started, the pair (combination) of the sensor identification code and the signal processing parameter is determined as described above. In the operation after the determination, the sensor identification code and the signal are determined. If any of the combinations with the parameters for processing becomes inadequate, judge from the signal sent before that, and use highly reliable data, for example, the confirmed parameters that have already been confirmed Thus, this combination that is no longer appropriate can be corrected appropriately.

  On the other hand, when the process of the previous frame is not normal (step S26: No), the parameter already determined is reset and the parameter determination process as described above is performed again (step S28). Even if all three are abnormal (step S24: No), the parameters already determined are reset and the parameter determination process as described above is performed again (step S28).

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

1 is a schematic diagram showing an overall configuration of a wireless in-vivo information acquiring system according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is sectional drawing which shows the internal structure of a capsule type | mold endoscope. It is a schematic block diagram which shows the internal circuit structure of a capsule type | mold endoscope. It is a schematic time chart which shows the timing control examples, such as lighting and reading. It is a figure which shows an example of a structure of a parameter memory. It is a figure which shows the other example of a structure of a parameter memory. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of an input signal to a transmission module 46. FIG. It is a schematic block diagram which shows the circuit structural example of a receiver. It is a schematic flowchart which shows the parameter determination process example of an odd-numbered frame. It is a schematic flowchart which shows the parameter determination process example of an even frame. It is a schematic flowchart which shows the example of an abnormal parameter input process.

Explanation of symbols

2 Receiver 3 Capsule Endoscope 12a, 12b CCD
46 Transmission Module 49 Parameter Memory 56 Sensor Identification Code Detection Unit 57 Parameter Detection Unit 58 Image Signal Processing Unit 59 Identification Code / Parameter Determination Unit

Claims (6)

A plurality of image sensors for imaging different parts of the body cavity;
A storage unit storing signal processing parameters specific to each element necessary for signal processing of imaging data of each imaging element;
A transmission unit for transmitting and outputting the signal processing parameters stored in the storage unit to the outside of the subject;
An intra-subject introduction apparatus characterized by comprising:   2. The intra-subject introduction apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the signal processing parameter is data of a white balance coefficient for performing white balance processing on imaging data of the imaging device.   The in-subject introduction apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the signal processing parameter is data indicating an address of a pixel defect of the image sensor.   The transmitting unit adds the signal processing parameters corresponding to the image sensor to the identification code for identifying the image sensor together with the image data captured by the image sensor, and transmits the data. The intra-subject introduction device according to any one of claims 1 to 3. An intra-subject introduction device according to claim 4;
A receiving device for receiving data transmitted from the transmitting unit of the intra-subject introduction device;
An in-subject information acquisition system comprising:
The receiving device is:
Identification code detection means for detecting an identification code from data transmitted from the transmission unit;
Parameter detection means for detecting a parameter for signal processing from data transmitted and output from the transmitter;
Parameter determining means for identifying the image sensor based on the detected identification code and determining a signal processing parameter corresponding to the image sensor;
Image processing means for performing image processing using the signal processing parameters determined for the imaging data of the imaging device transmitted and output from the transmission unit;
An in-subject information acquisition system comprising: The parameter confirmation means monitors the appropriateness of the combination of the identification code and the signal processing parameter input after the signal processing parameter is confirmed. 6. The in-vivo information acquiring system according to claim 5, wherein correction processing is performed on the combination.

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