JP2008017941A - Endoscope and photography system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent saturation of an imaging element with the light directly entering the imaging element from a light source for illuminating a region to be measured, in a capsule type endoscope with an omni-directional mirror facing the imaging element. <P>SOLUTION: The imaging element is secluded from a light emitting element 5 by a shading member 4, and the light from the light emitting element 5 is applied to the region to be measured through a transparent part of a casing 10. The light reflected or scattered in the region to be measured is projected on the omni-directional mirror 1 through the transparent part of the casing 10 and photographed by the imaging element 3. Accordingly, the light from the light emitting element 5 does not directly enter the imaging element 3. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an endoscope such as a capsule endoscope that can be taken into, for example, a body cavity of a living body and can capture an image of a measurement site such as the body cavity, and an imaging system such as an in-vivo imaging system using the endoscope. About.

  Conventionally, as a conventional photographing system using an omnidirectional imaging apparatus, it has been widely sold and used for security monitoring and the like. An endoscope using an omnidirectional imaging device is also sold for industrial use.

  As an endoscope using this omnidirectional imaging device, a light source that irradiates light to a measurement site, an omnidirectional mirror that displays an image of the measurement site, and an omnidirectional mirror that is disposed opposite to the omnidirectional mirror An image pickup element capable of picking up an image of the measurement site projected on the cable is provided at the tip of the cable.

  This omnidirectional mirror is a convex reflecting mirror having a paraboloidal shape, and an extension line of the optical axis of the objective lens and an omnidirectional mirror in front of the objective lens (focus adjustment lens to the image sensor). By arranging so that the central axis of the optical axis is coaxial, omnidirectional image light having a 360 ° field of view around the optical axis of the objective lens is condensed on the imaging surface of the imaging device by the objective lens. Can do. In this way, the image of the subject in the shootable range is reflected toward the objective lens by the omnidirectional mirror, and is focused and imaged on the imaging surface of the imaging device by the objective lens.

  By using such an omnidirectional mirror, it is not necessary to bend or turn the device after inserting the endoscope into the body or the like in order to find a place to be observed, and the entire region (angle 360 degrees) is once It can be observed evenly. Therefore, it is less likely to overlook abnormalities such as wounds in the body, and the examination time can be shortened.

  The light source of this endoscope is used to make up for the shortage of light in the body, and light of a halogen lamp is guided by an optical fiber passed through a cable, or a light emitting element such as an LED (semiconductor light emitting diode element) In this way, the measurement site is directly irradiated with light.

  Here, the image sensor and the light source need to have a structure such that light emitted from the light source is not directly incident on the image sensor, such as being arranged at a certain distance. When the light from the light source is directly incident on the imaging surface of the imaging device, the signal charge obtained by the imaging device is saturated, and a clear and good image of the measurement object cannot be obtained.

  In order to solve this problem, Patent Documents 1 and 2 disclose that a light emitting element and a light receiving element are disposed on or near a focal plane behind a curved optical window (transparent portion) having at least one focal point. Has been. Thereby, the light emitted from the light emitting element and reflected inward by the inner surface of the optical window is difficult to be directly incident on the imaging element, and thus a good image of the measurement object can be obtained. However, the omnidirectional mirror described above is not used here, and omnidirectional images such as in a body cavity cannot be observed all at once.

  A conventional capsule endoscope that does not use a cable as described above is disclosed in Patent Document 3 in order to easily observe an omnidirectional image in a body cavity or the like using this omnidirectional mirror. Further, cableless capsule endoscopes are disclosed in Patent Documents 3 to 5, and are commercialized by, for example, GIVEN Imaging of Israel. According to this capsule endoscope, a patient simply swallows a small capsule endoscope and easily captures an image of a body cavity such as a digestive tract in all directions without causing pain to the patient. be able to. In addition, it is possible to easily perform imaging inspection of the small intestine that cannot be reached by an endoscope with a cable attached.

  In this conventional capsule endoscope, an LED is often used as a light source from the viewpoint of miniaturization, low power consumption, and long life.

  For example, in the conventional capsule endoscope disclosed in Patent Document 3, the center of the capsule is formed in a capsule that is substantially cylindrical with both ends closed and is transparent at least in one axial direction. An omnidirectional mirror that is arranged substantially coaxially with the axis and focuses an image of a subject through a transparent portion of the capsule on a single image plane that is substantially perpendicular to the central axis of the capsule, and the omnidirectional mirror And an image pickup device that picks up the image light imaged by the photoelectric conversion and photoelectrically converts the image light into an image pickup signal. Furthermore, in order to illuminate the entire range to be imaged, a plurality of light emitting elements are arranged outward at equal angular intervals inside the transparent portion of the capsule.

  In the conventional capsule endoscope disclosed in Patent Document 4, an imaging element and a light emitting element are arranged in a capsule having a transparent cover portion also used as an objective lens and a main body cover portion. The transparent cover portion is provided with a light shielding portion at the boundary between the portion through which the illumination light beam passes and the portion through which the observation image passes, and flare due to the illumination light beam is suppressed. In addition, a ball-type semiconductor is attached to one end of the iron core of the image sensor, and the focus can be adjusted by movably controlling the image sensor electrically and magnetically by a spring coil and an electromagnet.

In the conventional capsule endoscope disclosed in Patent Document 5, the position at which the illumination lights from a plurality of light emitting elements overlap is set before the near point of the depth of field in the objective optical system, and measurement is performed. The part can be irradiated uniformly.
US Pat. No. 6,836,377 US Pat. No. 6,934,093 JP 2005-74031 A JP 2004-129948 A JP 2003-260025 A

  However, the above prior art has the following problems.

  In the prior arts of Patent Documents 1 and 2 above, light emitted from the light emitting element and reflected internally by the optical window is not directly incident on the image sensor, but originally, to obtain an omnidirectional field of view. Since the omnidirectional mirror is not provided, it is not suitable for a structure in which the omnidirectional mirror and the image pickup element are arranged to face each other. That is, since the imaging element and the light emitting element are arranged on the focal plane of the transparent portion (optical window), the omnidirectional mirror cannot be arranged between the optical window and the imaging element.

  In the prior art of Patent Document 3 above, the light emitting element and the imaging element are not separated by the light shielding member, so that the light emitted from the light emitting element is directly incident on the imaging element to cause halation or reach into the body cavity. Without being reflected on the inner surface of the transparent cylindrical body, a false signal due to stray light having no information in the body cavity is generated, which causes a problem of reducing the contrast ratio of the captured image.

  In the prior art disclosed in Patent Document 4, since the light emitting element and the imaging element are not physically separated over the entire cylindrical casing, light reaching the body cavity and not including image information of the measurement site is captured. There is a risk of being incident on the element. In the prior art of Patent Document 4, the position of the image sensor is made movable in order to adjust the focus, whereas in the present invention described later in detail, in order to irradiate the measurement site to be measured, The omnidirectional mirror is provided on the light emitting element side to control the movement, and the purpose and the movement control method of both are different.

  In the prior art disclosed in Patent Document 5, the measurement site is made uniform by setting the position where the illumination lights from the plurality of light emitting elements overlap before the near point of the depth of field in the objective optical system. The purpose is to irradiate. However, here too, since the light receiving element is not isolated from the light emitting element, there is a problem that stray light that does not include information on the measurement site such as light reflected by the transparent cover is incident on the light receiving element.

  In general, the light source is desired to irradiate the entire range of the measurement region uniformly. In particular, in the case of a capsule endoscope provided with an omnidirectional mirror on the image sensor side, the omnidirectional mirror Therefore, it is difficult to uniformly irradiate the measurement site evenly while maintaining the downsizing and low power consumption of the light emitting element portion.

  The present invention solves the above-mentioned conventional problems, and the light from the light source is not directly incident on the image sensor, and the measurement site is uniformly irradiated over a wide range, and the good captured image data in the wide range is stabilized. It is an object of the present invention to provide an endoscope such as a capsule endoscope that can be obtained in general, and an imaging system such as an in-vivo imaging system using the endoscope.

  The endoscope of the present invention includes a light source that irradiates light to a measurement site, an omnidirectional mirror that projects image light from the measurement site, and an omnidirectional mirror that is disposed so as to face the omnidirectional mirror. In an endoscope in which the image pickup device that picks up the image light of the measurement site is disposed in a housing having at least a transparent part, the light from the light source is not directly incident on the image pickup device In addition, the image pickup device, the omnidirectional mirror, and the light source are separated by a light shielding member, thereby achieving the above object.

  Preferably, in the endoscope of the present invention, the light source is sealed by the casing and the light shielding member, and light from the light source can irradiate the measurement site through a transparent portion of the casing. The omnidirectional mirror and the imaging device are sealed by the casing and the light shielding member, and image light from the measurement site projected on the omnidirectional mirror through the transparent portion of the casing It is possible to photograph with the image sensor.

  Further preferably, in the endoscope of the endoscope according to the present invention, the transparent portion includes a first transparent portion that allows the light from the light source to be emitted from the housing, and the light from the measurement site in the housing. A second transparent portion capable of entering, and the first transparent portion and the second transparent portion are separated from each other via the light shielding member.

  Further preferably, in the endoscope of the present invention, the light source includes a mirror for light irradiation in which the light source and the mirror surface are arranged to face each other, and the light emitted from the light source and reflected by the mirror surface is The measurement site can be irradiated through the transparent portion.

  Further preferably, the light irradiating mirror means in the endoscope of the present invention can be driven by an electric action or a magnetic action so that light is preferentially emitted to a measurement region to be observed.

  Further, preferably, the light irradiation mirror means in the endoscope of the present invention can be driven and controlled by an external command control signal.

  Furthermore, preferably, the light irradiation mirror means in the endoscope of the present invention has a variable distance from the light source.

  Further preferably, the light irradiation mirror means in the endoscope of the present invention is variable in installation angle and inclination direction with respect to the light source.

  Further preferably, the light irradiation mirror means in the endoscope of the present invention is any one of an omnidirectional mirror, a plane mirror, a convex mirror, and a concave mirror.

  Furthermore, it is preferable that the endoscope of the present invention further includes a power supply unit that supplies power to at least one of the imaging element and the light source.

  Further preferably, the power supply unit in the endoscope of the present invention is a battery or a power supply coil.

  Further preferably, in the endoscope according to the present invention, the imaging element is disposed on one surface of the light shielding member, the light source is disposed on the other surface of the light shielding member, and the power supply unit is disposed in the housing. Wiring for electrically connecting at least one of the image sensor and the light source and the power supply unit is disposed at an end portion on the light source side, and a predetermined interval is provided around the transparent portion on the light source side of the housing. Is provided.

  Further preferably, in the endoscope according to the present invention, the imaging element is disposed on one surface of the light shielding member, the light source is disposed on the other surface of the light shielding member, and the power supply unit is disposed in the housing. A plurality of wires arranged at the end on the light source side for electrically connecting at least one of the imaging device and the light source and the power source unit are bundled to form a cylindrical center on the light source side in the housing Arranged along the axis.

  Further preferably, in the endoscope of the present invention, a surface of the wiring for connecting at least one of the imaging element and the light source and the power supply unit is subjected to a surface treatment for reflecting light.

  Furthermore, preferably, at least a part of the light shielding member in the endoscope of the present invention is formed of a hard substrate or a flexible substrate.

  Further preferably, in the endoscope of the present invention, the light source side surface of the light shielding member is a mirror surface.

  Further preferably, the light source in the endoscope of the present invention is a semiconductor light emitting diode element or a semiconductor laser element capable of emitting any of white light, near infrared light, and ultraviolet light.

  Further, preferably, the light amount of the light source in the endoscope of the present invention can be adjusted.

  Further preferably, the light source in the endoscope of the present invention is a semiconductor light-emitting diode element, and fluorescence for converting light from the semiconductor light-emitting diode element into white light on the surface of the transparent portion on the light source side in the casing. The body is applied.

  Further preferably, in the endoscope according to the present invention, a focus adjustment lens for performing focus adjustment with respect to an imaging region of the imaging element is provided between the omnidirectional mirror and the imaging element.

  Further preferably, in the endoscope of the present invention, the imaging element is disposed on one surface of a light shielding member disposed in the housing, and the light source is disposed on the other surface of the light shielding member, The omnidirectional mirror is disposed at one end so that the mirror surface faces the imaging device.

  Further preferably, in the endoscope of the present invention, two light shielding members are disposed in the housing, the imaging element is disposed on one surface of one light shielding member, and the light source is disposed on the other surface of the other light shielding member. Is arranged, and at least the power supply unit is disposed between the other surface of the one light shielding member and the one surface of the other light shielding member, and the mirror surface faces the imaging element at one end of the housing. The omnidirectional mirror is disposed on the surface.

  Further preferably, in the endoscope of the present invention, the omnidirectional mirror is disposed on one surface of the light shielding member disposed in the housing, the light source is disposed on the other surface of the light shielding member, and the housing The imaging element is arranged at one end of the body so as to face the mirror surface of the omnidirectional mirror.

  Further preferably, in the endoscope of the present invention, the omnidirectional mirror is disposed on one surface of the light shielding member disposed in the casing, and the light irradiation mirror means is disposed on the other surface of the light shielding member. The image sensor is disposed at one end of the housing so as to face the mirror surface of the omnidirectional mirror, and the mirror surface of the mirror for light irradiation is disposed at the other end of the housing. The light sources are arranged to face each other.

  Further preferably, the imaging element in the endoscope of the present invention is any one of a CMOS image sensor, a CCD image sensor, a photodiode, and a phototransistor.

  Furthermore, it is preferable that the endoscope of the present invention further includes a wireless unit that can transmit the image data of the measurement site imaged by the imaging device, and has a cableless capsule structure.

  Further preferably, the endoscope of the present invention further includes a cable for transmitting image data of the measurement site imaged by the imaging element.

  Further preferably, the cable in the endoscope of the present invention has a power supply line in addition to the data transmission cable.

  Further preferably, the housing in the endoscope of the present invention is a cylindrical body whose both ends are rounded in a capsule shape for imaging a measurement site in a body cavity of a living body.

  An imaging system according to the present invention includes the endoscope according to the present invention, a recorder that acquires image data transmitted from the endoscope, and a control unit that enables drive control of the endoscope. This achieves the above object.

  Preferably, in the imaging system of the present invention, the imaging system further includes a magnetic field generating coil for generating electric power by a power supply coil provided in the endoscope of the present invention, and the control unit includes the magnetic field generating coil. Power is generated in the power supply coil through the control unit to drive and control the endoscope.

  The operation of the present invention will be described below with the above configuration.

  In the present invention, a light source that irradiates light to the measurement site, an omnidirectional mirror that reflects the image of the measurement site, and an image of the measurement site that is disposed opposite to the omnidirectional mirror and projected on the omnidirectional mirror In an endoscope in which an image pickup device that picks up light is disposed in a housing having a transparent portion at least partially, the image pickup device, the omnidirectional mirror, and the light source are optically isolated by a light shielding member. The light from the light source is irradiated to the measurement site through the transparent portion (first transparent portion) of the housing, and the image light projected on the omnidirectional mirror through the transparent portion (second transparent portion) of the housing is captured by the image sensor. Taken.

  As described above, since the light source, the omnidirectional mirror, and the image sensor are separated by the light shielding member, halation is caused by light directly incident on the image sensor from the light source, or image information of a measurement site such as in a body cavity, for example. It is possible to suppress the generation of a false signal due to stray light that does not have light, and it reaches the body cavity, and only light including image information in the body cavity is incident on the image sensor as image information of the measurement site. An image with a high contrast ratio can be taken.

  Further, by using an omnidirectional mirror, it is not necessary to point the imaging surface each time toward the measurement site, and it is possible to perform efficient measurement and to shorten the inspection time. Moreover, the detection omission of the abnormal part is reduced.

  Furthermore, by providing the light irradiating mirror means so as to face the light source, it is possible to uniformly irradiate a wide range of measurement sites while keeping the light source unit small in size and low in power consumption. Moreover, it is also possible to irradiate light intensively to the region to be observed by controlling the movement of the light irradiation mirror means.

  In the imaging system using the endoscope of the present invention, it is possible for the patient to take an image of the measurement site in the body cavity without swallowing the patient by simply swallowing the small capsule endoscope, It is also possible to inspect the measurement site that cannot be reached with the attached endoscope.

  As described above, according to the endoscope of the present invention, for example, measurement in a body cavity while avoiding a state in which an image cannot be captured due to halation by suppressing light that is directly incident on the image sensor from the light source. Only the light that reaches the part and includes the image information in the body cavity is incident on the image sensor, and an image with a high contrast ratio can be taken.

  In addition, by using an omnidirectional mirror, it is not necessary to point the imaging surface each time toward the measurement site, efficient measurement is possible, and detection errors of abnormal parts can be reduced.

  Furthermore, according to the imaging system of the present invention, since it is only necessary to swallow a small capsule endoscope, it is possible to easily take an image of a body cavity without suffering from a patient, and a cable is attached. It is also possible to inspect the measurement site that cannot be reached with an endoscope. Further, since an image having a stable image quality and a high contrast ratio can be obtained, the inspection accuracy can be improved.

Embodiments 1 to 5 of the endoscope of the present invention and Embodiment 6 of the imaging system of the present invention using the endoscope will be described below as a capsule endoscope for imaging a measurement site in a body cavity of a living body and the endoscope. A case where the present invention is applied to an intra-body-cavity imaging system will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the endoscope of the present invention and the imaging system of the present invention using the endoscope are limited to a capsule endoscope for imaging a measurement site in a body cavity of a living body and an intracorporeal imaging system using the same. It is not a thing.
(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view schematically showing an exemplary configuration of a main part of a capsule endoscope according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

  In FIG. 1, a capsule endoscope 11 according to the first embodiment includes a light emitting element 1 as a light source that irradiates light to a measurement site in a body cavity that is a subject, and a convex shape (rotary parabola that projects image light of the measurement site. Shape) omnidirectional mirror 2 and imaging element 3 that images the measurement part image light that is arranged opposite to omnidirectional mirror 2 and projected on omnidirectional mirror 2 has a transparent portion on the outer peripheral side wall. It arrange | positions in the cylindrical housing | casing 4 which has.

  The light emitting element 1 and the omnidirectional mirror 2 and the imaging element 3 are optically separated by a light shielding member 5 so that light from the light emitting element 1 is not directly incident on the imaging element 3. Is irradiated to the measurement site in the body cavity through the transparent portion 4b (first transparent portion) of the cylindrical housing 4, and the light reflected at the measurement site is transparent to the transparent portion 4a (second second) of the cylindrical housing 4. An image that is incident through the transparent portion and projected on the omnidirectional mirror 2 is captured by the image sensor 3.

  In the first embodiment, the optical axis of the omnidirectional mirror 2 coincides with the central position of the imaging region (imaging surface) of the imaging element 3 at the substantially central position of the cross-sectional circle of the cylindrical housing 4, and the omnidirectional type. The mirror 2 is disposed so as to face the image pickup element 3, the image pickup element 3 is installed at the center of one side of the light shielding member 5 that is a partition, and the light emitting element 1 is the other side of the light shielding member 5 that is a partition. Is installed at the center (the surface opposite to the arrangement surface of the image sensor 3). A focus adjustment lens 6 is provided between the omnidirectional mirror 2 and the image sensor 3.

  Further, in the first embodiment, an omnidirectional mirror 7 is provided as a light irradiation mirror means having a convex surface (rotating parabolic shape) so that the mirror surface faces the light emitting element 1, and is emitted from the light emitting element 1. Then, the light reflected by the omnidirectional mirror 7 passes through the transparent portion 4b of the housing 4 and is uniformly irradiated to the surrounding measurement site in all directions.

  Furthermore, in the first embodiment, a power source unit 8 such as a battery or a power supply coil for supplying power to at least one of the light emitting element 1 and the image sensor 3, and an image signal of the measurement site imaged by the image sensor 3 ( A wireless unit 9 that transmits signal charges) as data is provided at one end of the housing 4 on the light emitting element 1 side to form a cableless structure. A wiring 10 for electrically coupling the light emitting element 1 and the image pickup element 3 to a power supply unit 8 such as a battery or a power supply coil or a wireless unit 9 is provided around the transparent portion 4b on the light emitting element 1 side of the housing 4. Wired at predetermined intervals in the part. A space between these wirings 10 is a cylindrical transparent portion 4b of the housing 4, and light is emitted from the light emitting element 1 to the outside through the transparent portion 4b.

  Each of the above components will be described in more detail below.

  There may be one light emitting element 1 or a plurality of light emitting elements 1 depending on the light irradiation range and irradiation amount. The amount of light may be adjustable. It is also possible to selectively light double or half the number of LEDs (semiconductor light-emitting diode elements). In a general intracavity endoscope, when an LED (semiconductor light-emitting diode element) is used as the light-emitting element 1, an LED that emits white light close to sunlight is desirable. In this case, the light emitting element 1 is an LED, and a phosphor for converting light from the LED into white light may be applied to the cylindrical surface of the transparent portion 4b on the light emitting element 1 side in the housing 4. . Further, when a deeper measurement site in the body cavity is to be imaged or a transmission image is to be obtained, the light emitting element 1 such as an LED or a semiconductor laser element that emits near infrared light having high transparency in living tissue is used. It may be used. Furthermore, when staining the tissue around the measurement site with a staining substance or fluorescent substance excited by ultraviolet light, an LED or semiconductor laser element that emits ultraviolet light may be used as the light emitting element 1. Furthermore, by adjusting the light amount of the light-emitting element 1 while looking at the monitor, it is possible to irradiate the measurement site with the optimum irradiation light amount so as not to cause halation.

  The omnidirectional mirror 2 is, for example, a convex reflecting mirror (convex mirror) having a paraboloidal shape, and an extension line of the optical axis of the focusing lens 6 and an omnidirectional mirror in front of the focusing lens 6. It arrange | positions so that 2 center axis | shafts may become coaxial. Thus, an omnidirectional image having a field of view of an angle of 360 degrees around the optical axis of the focus adjustment lens 6 can be formed on the imaging surface (imaging region) of the image sensor 3 by the focus adjustment lens 6. It has become. The image of the subject (measurement site) in the shootable range is reflected by the omnidirectional mirror 2 toward the focus adjustment lens 6, and is condensed on the image pickup surface of the image sensor 3 by the focus adjustment lens 6. Imaged.

  The image pickup device 3 is preferably a CMOS image sensor or a CCD image sensor, but may be a photodiode or a phototransistor. When a CCD image sensor is used, smear can be reduced because light is not directly incident on the image sensor 3.

  The casing 4 is made of a transparent material and has a cylindrical shape (cylindrical body) as described above. The cylindrical body has both ends (outer appearance) rounded in a capsule shape for imaging a measurement site in a body cavity of a living body. It consists of The casing 4 may be opaque as long as the portion that transmits the light from the light emitting element 1 and the light reflected and returned from the measurement site is transparent. Further, when the LED is used for the light emitting element 1 to obtain white light (for example, when an ultraviolet light LED is used and a fluorescent material excited by ultraviolet light is used), the light emitting element 1 in the housing 4 is described above. You may apply | coat the fluorescent substance which converts light into white on the cylindrical surface of the transparent part 4b of the side.

  The casing 4 is provided with a light shielding member 5 in the middle of the cylindrical shape to form a partition wall, and the omnidirectional mirror 2 is fixed to the one end surface portion of the cylindrical shape with the convex surface facing inward. An omnidirectional mirror 7 is fixed to the other end surface of the cylindrical shape with the convex surface facing inward. The space between the omnidirectional mirror 2 and the light shielding member 5 of the housing 4 is composed of a transparent member 4a, and the space between the light shielding member 5 and the omnidirectional mirror 7 of the housing 4 is composed of a wiring 10 and a transparent member 4b.

  The wiring 10 electrically connects the light emitting element 1 and the imaging element 3 to the power supply unit 8 and the wireless unit 9 such as a battery or a power supply coil. In the housing 4, the transparent portion 4 b on the light emitting element 1 side is connected. The necessary number of wires are wired at predetermined intervals in the peripheral part (side wall surface). For this reason, although the light from the light emitting element 1 is partially blocked by the wiring 10, a desired light quantity can be irradiated to the measurement site by increasing the light quantity, the arrangement method of the light sources, the number of arrangements, and the like. When a transparent electrode material is used for the wiring 10, more light can be extracted outside the housing 4. Moreover, the loss of light can be suppressed by performing plating treatment (surface treatment) on the surface of the wiring bundle so that light is reflected more.

  The light shielding member 5 is configured in a disk shape, and the material and thickness are set so that light from the light emitting element 1 can be shielded so as not to leak to the imaging element 3 side. Furthermore, further miniaturization can be achieved by forming various electric circuits (such as a wireless unit and a power supply circuit) using a hard substrate or a flexible substrate on at least a part of the light shielding member 5.

  As the focus adjustment lens 6, a convex lens (focusing objective lens) for adjusting the focus on the imaging surface (imaging area) of the image sensor 3 is provided between the omnidirectional mirror 2 and the image sensor 3. ing.

  The omnidirectional mirror 7 is preferably a convex mirror equivalent to the omnidirectional mirror 2. In this case, the entire region of the measurement site to be imaged by the imaging device 3 arranged opposite to the omnidirectional mirror 2 is converted into the omnidirectional measurement site by the emitted light emitted from the light emitting element 1 and reflected by the omnidirectional mirror 7. Irradiation becomes possible. In particular, in the conventional capsule endoscope in which the light emitting element 1 is arranged in the traveling direction, the side of the body cavity that is difficult to observe is illuminated more brightly by the light emitted from the light emitting element 1 and reflected by the omnidirectional mirror 7. be able to.

  The omnidirectional mirror 7 is not limited to the convex mirror equivalent to the omnidirectional mirror 2, and may be a flat mirror, a convex mirror, a concave mirror, or the like, instead of the omnidirectional mirror 7, for observation. It is possible to select appropriately according to the width and direction of the region. Further, the omnidirectional mirror 7 may be movable (driven) by an electric action or a magnetic action, and the movement may be controlled by a command control signal from the outside. For the movement control of the omnidirectional mirror 7, the distance from the light emitting element 1 may be driven or the installation angle and the tilt direction with respect to the light emitting element 1 may be driven and controlled. This makes it possible to irradiate light intensively to the measurement region to be observed, to brighten the measurement region, and conversely, to reduce power consumption. Further, the surface of the light-shielding member 5 on the light-emitting element 1 side is also a mirror surface, so that light can be multiple-reflected with the omnidirectional mirror 7 facing the light-shielding member 5 to suppress light loss. If the use efficiency of light is improved by installing the omnidirectional mirror 7 and the number of light emitting elements 1 can be reduced, the area of the capsule endoscope can be reduced, and further miniaturization can be realized. it can. In the first embodiment and the following second to fifth embodiments, the light emission direction from the light-emitting element 1 is directed to the omnidirectional mirror 7, but in the case where the PN junction emits light like an LED, Since the light emitting surface faces in the side direction (direction parallel to the semiconductor lamination direction), a configuration in which the omnidirectional mirror 7 is not provided is also possible.

  The power supply unit 8 includes a battery or a power supply coil, and is provided to supply power to the light emitting element 1 and the image pickup element 3. When the power supply coil is used, the power supply coil 8 is externally connected to the power supply coil. By supplying a magnetic field, power can be generated in the power supply coil, and predetermined required power can be supplied to the light emitting element 1 and the imaging element 3.

  The wireless unit 9 is provided to transmit data as image data of a measurement site imaged by the image sensor 3, and is supplied with power from a power source unit 8 such as a battery or a power supply coil to convert the image data into a radio signal. A signal processing circuit for conversion and an antenna for transmitting a radio signal are provided. As described above, the wireless unit 9 that can transmit the image data of the measurement site imaged by the imaging device 3 can be a cableless capsule structure.

According to the capsule endoscope 11 of the first embodiment described above, the light emitting element 1, the omnidirectional mirror 2 and the imaging element 3 are isolated by the light shielding member 5, and the light from the light emitting element 1 is directly imaged. Since it is not incident on the element 3, good image quality is stabilized without causing halation. In addition, since the light reflected by the inner surface of the cylindrical housing 4 is not directly captured by the image sensor 3, the light reaching the image sensor 3 includes the image information in the body cavity reflected or scattered in the body cavity. Only the light is used, and the contrast ratio is improved.
(Embodiment 2)
In the first embodiment, the case where the plurality of wires 10 are provided on the cylindrical side wall of the housing 4 has been described. However, in the present embodiment 2, the plurality of wires 10 are arranged along the central axis of the cylinder of the housing 4. A case where the aerial wiring is performed will be described.

  FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing an example of the configuration of the main part of a capsule endoscope according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the structural member which show | plays the same effect as the structural member of the said FIG. 1, and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  In FIG. 2, the capsule endoscope 12 according to the second embodiment includes one or a plurality of light-emitting elements 1 and imaging elements 3, a power supply unit 8 such as a battery or a power supply coil, and a radio unit by removing the wiring unit 10. A plurality of wirings 10 for electrical connection with 9 are bundled in the air by bundling a necessary number in the central part of the transparent part on the light emitting element 1 side in the housing 4. A plurality of light emitting elements 1 are arranged at equal intervals on a disk-shaped light shielding member 5 around the wiring 10. Other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment.

Also in the capsule endoscope 12 of the second embodiment described above, the light emitting element 1, the omnidirectional mirror 2, and the image pickup element 3 are made of the light shielding member 5 as in the case of the capsule endoscope 11 of the first embodiment. Since the light from the light emitting element 1 is not directly incident on the imaging element 3, the image quality is stabilized without causing halation. Further, since the light reflected by the inner surface of the cylindrical housing 4 is not directly captured by the image sensor 3, the light reaching the image sensor 3 is reflected or scattered by the measurement site in the body cavity. Only the data including image information is provided, and the contrast ratio is improved. Further, in the second embodiment, the wiring 10 that electrically couples the light emitting element 1 and the imaging element 3 to the power supply unit 8 and the wireless unit 9 such as a battery or a power supply coil is provided on the light emitting element 1 side in the housing 4. Since the wiring is bundled approximately at the center of the transparent portion of the light source, the light from the light emitting element 1 is not partially blocked by the wiring 10 and is emitted from the transparent portion of the housing 4 to the outer measurement site. Can be efficiently irradiated with light.
(Embodiment 3)
In the first and second embodiments, one light shielding member 5 is provided to isolate the light emitting element 1 and the image sensor 3. In the third embodiment, two light shielding members 5 are provided, and the power supply unit 8 is interposed between them. A case where the isolation effect is increased by increasing the isolation distance by providing the radio unit 9 for isolation will be described.

  Here, two light shielding members 5a and 5b are disposed in the housing 4, the image pickup device 3 is disposed on one surface of one light shielding member 5a, and the light emitting device 1 is disposed on the other surface of the other light shielding member 5b. At least the power supply unit 8 is disposed between the other surface of the one light shielding member 5a and the other surface of the other light shielding member 5b, and the mirror surface is opposed to the image sensor 3 at one end of the housing 4 in all directions. An example when the mold mirror 2 is arranged will be described.

  FIG. 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view schematically showing an exemplary configuration of a main part of a capsule endoscope according to the third embodiment of the present invention. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the structural member which show | plays the same effect as the structural member of the said FIG. 1, and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  3, in the capsule endoscope 13 according to the third embodiment, two light shielding members 5a and 5b are disposed in the housing 4, and a battery or a power supply coil is provided between the light shielding members 5a and 5b. A power supply unit 8 and a wireless unit 9 are arranged. The imaging element 3 is disposed on the surface opposite to the surface on the power supply unit 8 side of one light shielding member 5a, and the light emitting element 1 is disposed on the surface opposite to the wireless unit 9 side of the other light shielding member 5b. Other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment.

In the capsule endoscope 13 of the third embodiment described above, the light-emitting element 1, the omnidirectional mirror 2, and the image pickup element 3 are provided with a light shielding member, as in the case of the capsule endoscope 11 of the first embodiment. 5a and 5b and the power supply unit 8 and the radio unit 9 between them are separated, and the light from the light emitting element 1 is not directly incident on the image sensor 3, so that the image quality does not occur without causing halation. Is stable. Further, since the light reflected by the inner surface of the cylindrical housing 4 is not directly captured by the image sensor 3, the light reaching the image sensor 3 is reflected or scattered by the measurement site in the body cavity. Contrast ratio is improved. Furthermore, in the third embodiment, the light emitting element 1 and the imaging element 3 and the plurality of wirings 10 that electrically connect the power source unit 8 and the radio unit 9 such as a battery or a power supply coil are connected to the light emitting element 1 and the imaging unit. Since it is arranged between the element 3, that is, between the light shielding members 5 a and 5 b, the light from the light emitting element 1 is not partially blocked by the wiring 10 as in the first and second embodiments, and the housing 4 is easily emitted from the transparent portion 4 and can efficiently irradiate the measurement site in the body cavity with light.
(Embodiment 4)
In the first and second embodiments, the imaging element 3 is disposed on one surface of the light shielding member 5 disposed in the housing 4, and the light emitting element 1 is disposed on the other surface of the light shielding member 5. In the fourth embodiment, an example in which the omnidirectional mirror 2 is disposed so that the mirror surface faces the imaging device 3 has been described. In the fourth embodiment, the light shielding member 5 disposed in the housing 4 is provided. The omnidirectional mirror 2 is disposed on one surface, the light emitting element 1 is disposed on the other surface of the light shielding member 5, and is opposed to the mirror surface of the omnidirectional mirror 2 at one end (left end) of the housing 4. An example of the case where the image sensor 3 is arranged as described above will be described.

  FIG. 4 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view schematically illustrating an exemplary configuration of a main part of a capsule endoscope according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the structural member which show | plays the same effect as the structural member of the said FIG. 1, and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  In FIG. 4, the capsule endoscope 14 according to the fourth embodiment has an omnidirectional type at the center of the cross-sectional circle of the cylindrical housing 4 on one surface of the light shielding member 5 arranged in the housing 4. The mirror 2 is disposed, and the image sensor 3 is disposed in the central portion on the one end side of the housing 4 so as to face the omnidirectional mirror 2.

  Further, the light emitting element 1 is disposed on the opposite surface side of the light shielding member 5, and the plane mirror 7 a is disposed on the other end side of the housing 4 facing the light emitting element 1. Instead of the plane mirror 7a, an omnidirectional mirror, a convex mirror, a concave mirror, or the like may be used, but here, the plane mirror 7a is used.

  Furthermore, the wiring 10 for electrically connecting the light emitting element 1 and the imaging element 3 to the power source unit 8 and the radio unit 9 such as a battery or a power source coil is provided in the housing 4 as in the case of the second embodiment. The necessary number of wires are bundled at approximately the center of the transparent portion on the light emitting element 1 side and wired in the air. Further, although not shown here, the necessary number of wirings 10 are wired around the transparent portion on the image pickup device 3 side of the housing 4 with a predetermined interval. Note that the wiring 10 to the light emitting element 1 and / or the image pickup element 3 may be wired at a predetermined interval in the peripheral portion of the transparent portion on the light emitting element 1 side in the casing 4 by a necessary number. Other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment.

In the capsule endoscope 14 of the fourth embodiment described above, the light-emitting element 1, the omnidirectional mirror 2, and the image pickup element 3 are formed of the light shielding member 5, as in the case of the capsule endoscope 11 of the first embodiment. Since the light from the light emitting element 1 is not directly incident on the imaging element 3, the image quality is stabilized without causing halation. Further, since the light reflected by the inner surface of the cylindrical housing 4 is not directly captured by the image sensor 3, the light reaching the image sensor 3 is reflected or scattered by the measurement site in the body cavity. Therefore, the contrast ratio is improved.
(Embodiment 5)
In the first and second embodiments, the imaging element 3 is disposed on one surface of the light shielding member 5 disposed in the housing 4, and the light emitting element 1 is disposed on the other surface of the light shielding member 5. In this embodiment, an example in which the omnidirectional mirror 2 is disposed so that the mirror surface faces the image pickup device 3 has been described. In the fifth embodiment, the light shielding member 5 disposed in the housing 4 is provided. An omnidirectional mirror 2 is disposed on one surface, an omnidirectional mirror 7 as light irradiation mirror means is disposed on the other surface of the light shielding member 5, and the omnidirectional mirror 2 is disposed at one end of the housing 4. The imaging element 3 is disposed so as to face the mirror surface, and the light emitting element is arranged at the other end (right end) of the housing 4 so as to face the mirror surface of the omnidirectional mirror 7 as the light irradiation mirror means. An example where 1 is arranged will be described in detail.

  FIG. 5 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view schematically showing an exemplary configuration of a main part of a capsule endoscope according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the structural member which show | plays the same effect as the structural member of the said FIG. 1, and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  In FIG. 5, the capsule endoscope 15 according to the fifth embodiment has an omnidirectional type at the center of the cross-sectional circle of the cylindrical housing 4 on one surface of the light shielding member 5 disposed in the housing 4. The image sensor 3 is arranged on one end side of the housing 4 facing the omnidirectional mirror 2 so that the central axis of the mirror 2 is located.

  Further, an omnidirectional mirror 7 is disposed on the opposite surface of the light shielding member 5, and the light emitting element 1 is disposed on the other end side of the housing 4 so as to face the omnidirectional mirror 7. A configuration without the omnidirectional mirror 7 is also possible. Other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment. In addition, although not shown here, as many wirings 10 as necessary are arranged at predetermined intervals around the transparent portion on the light emitting element 1 side and the imaging element 3 side in the casing 4.

Also in the capsule endoscope 15 of the fifth embodiment described above, the light-emitting element 1, the omnidirectional mirror 2, and the imaging element 3 are made of the light shielding member 5 as in the case of the capsule endoscope 11 of the first embodiment. Since the light from the light emitting element 1 is not directly incident on the imaging element 3, the image quality is stabilized without causing halation. Further, since the light reflected on the inner surface side of the cylindrical housing 4 is not directly captured by the image sensor 3, the light reaching the image sensor 3 is reflected or scattered by the measurement site in the body cavity. Only the data including the image information of the measurement site is improved, and the contrast ratio is improved.
(Embodiment 6)
FIG. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing an example of the configuration of the main part of the intra-body-cavity imaging system according to the sixth embodiment.

  In FIG. 6, the intra-body-cavity imaging system 20 as the imaging system of the sixth embodiment is transmitted from, for example, the capsule endoscope 11 of any of the first to fifth embodiments and the capsule endoscope 11. A recorder 21 for acquiring the received image data, a drive control of the capsule endoscope 11, a host computer 22 as a control computer (control unit) for controlling the entire system, and a capsule And a magnetic field generating coil 23 for enabling the capsule endoscope 11 to be driven and controlled by generating electric power from a power supply coil provided in the type endoscope 11 and supplying electric power from the outside. ing.

  With the above-described configuration, when the capsule endoscope 11 is swallowed into the body cavity of the patient M, the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generating coil 23 causes the light emitting element 1 and the imaging element 3 to be supplied from the power supply coil (power supply unit 8). Power is supplied, and the omnidirectional mirror 7 is driven and controlled toward a predetermined measurement site so that light is focused on the predetermined measurement site by a command control signal from the host computer 22. Further, the light from the light emitting element 1 passes through the transparent portion of the housing 4 to irradiate the measurement site in the body cavity, and the light reflected or scattered at the measurement site is reflected on the omnidirectional mirror 2 to be imaged. 3 is imaged. The imaged image data of the measurement site is transmitted by the wireless unit 9 and acquired by the recorder 21.

  Therefore, according to the intra-body-cavity imaging system 20 of the sixth embodiment, the patient M just swallows the small cable-less capsule endoscope 11 into the body cavity, and the patient M does not suffer from the pain and is like a digestive tract. An image inside a body cavity can be taken. In addition, it is possible to perform imaging inspection of the small intestine that cannot be reached by an endoscope with a cable attached as in the prior art. Furthermore, the capsule endoscope 11 according to the sixth embodiment obtains an image of a predetermined measurement site with stable image quality without causing halation, and includes image information in the body cavity reflected or scattered by the measurement site in the body cavity. Since only the light is incident on the image sensor 3, the contrast ratio is improved and the inspection accuracy can be improved.

  In the sixth embodiment, the capsule endoscope 11 of the first embodiment is used as the body cavity imaging system 20, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the capsule of the second embodiment is used as the body cavity imaging system. A configuration using any of the endoscope 12, the capsule endoscope 13 of the third embodiment, the capsule endoscope 14 of the fourth embodiment, and the capsule endoscope 15 of the fifth embodiment may be used. it can. As a result, light from the light source is not directly incident on the image pickup device 3, but the measurement site in the body cavity can be uniformly irradiated over a wider range, and a wide range of captured images can be stably obtained. In addition, an intracorporeal imaging system can be configured by using at least two of the capsule endoscopes 11 to 15 in combination.

  As described above, according to the first to sixth embodiments, light from the light emitting element 1 passes through the transparent portion of the housing 4 in a state where the light emitting element 1 and the imaging element 3 are separated by the light shielding member 5. Irradiated to the measurement site in the body cavity. The light reflected or scattered at the measurement site in the body cavity (the subject light of the measurement site) is projected on the omnidirectional mirror 2 through the transparent portion of the housing 4 and is photoelectrically converted in the imaging area of the image sensor 3. In this case, the light from the light emitting element 1 is not directly incident on the imaging element 3 by the light shielding member 5. Therefore, in any one of the capsule endoscopes 11 to 15 including the omnidirectional mirror 2 disposed to face the image sensor 3, when the measurement site in the body cavity is uniformly irradiated over a wider range, It is possible to prevent light from directly entering the image sensor 3 from the light source that irradiates the measurement site, and to saturate the image sensor 3, so that a wider range of captured images can be obtained satisfactorily and stably.

  Although not particularly described in the first to sixth embodiments, the main points are the light-emitting element 1 that irradiates the measurement site with light, the omnidirectional mirror 2 that projects the image light from the measurement site, and the omnidirectional type. An imaging element 3 that captures image light of a measurement site that is disposed opposite to the mirror 2 and projected on the omnidirectional mirror 2 is disposed in a cylindrical housing 4 having at least a part of transparent portions 4a and 4b. In the endoscope, the imaging element 3 and the omnidirectional mirror 2 and the light emitting element 1 may be separated from each other by the light shielding element 5 so that light from the light emitting element 1 is not directly incident on the imaging element 3. Thereby, the light from the light emitting element 1 is not directly incident on the image pickup element 3, but the measurement site can be uniformly irradiated over a wide range, and good captured image data in the wide range can be stably obtained. is there. Furthermore, in Embodiments 1 to 6, the convex (rotary parabolic shape) omnidirectional mirror 2 that projects the image light of the measurement site has been described. However, the embodiment is not limited to such a parabolic convex rotating mirror. Alternatively, the omnidirectional mirror 2 may be a convex rotating body mirror having a hyperboloid shape (rotating hyperbolic shape).

  As mentioned above, although this invention has been illustrated using preferable Embodiment 1-6 of this invention, this invention should not be limited and limited to this Embodiment 1-6. It is understood that the scope of the present invention should be construed only by the claims. It is understood that those skilled in the art can implement an equivalent range based on the description of the present invention and the common general technical knowledge from the description of specific preferred embodiments 1 to 6 of the present invention. Patents, patent applications, and documents cited herein should be incorporated by reference in their entirety, as if the contents themselves were specifically described herein. Understood.

  Furthermore, although the example of using the wireless system has been shown for the exchange of information and the exchange of power between the capsule endoscope and the external system, it goes without saying that it may be performed by wire.

  The present invention relates to an endoscope such as a capsule endoscope that can be taken into, for example, a body cavity of a living body and can capture an image of a measurement site such as the body cavity, and an imaging system such as an in-vivo imaging system using the endoscope. In this field, it is possible to prevent deterioration in image quality caused by direct incidence of light from the light emitting element to the image sensor, and to obtain a good captured image with stable image quality and high contrast ratio. For this reason, imaging inspection accuracy can be improved.

  In addition, it is not necessary to point the imaging surface each time toward the measurement site in the body cavity, so that efficient measurement is possible, and detection of abnormal portions can be further reduced.

  Furthermore, according to the intracorporeal imaging system of the present invention, it is possible to capture an image of the measurement site in the body cavity without suffering from the patient, and the conventional endoscope with a cable cannot reach it. An imaging inspection of such a measurement site can also be performed. In addition, since image data with a stable image quality and a high contrast ratio can be obtained, the inspection accuracy can be further improved.

It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows typically the example of a principal part structure of the capsule type endoscope which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows typically the example of a principal part structure of the capsule endoscope which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows typically the example of a principal part structure of the capsule endoscope which concerns on Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows typically the example of a principal part structure of the capsule endoscope which concerns on Embodiment 4 of this invention. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows typically the example of a principal part structure of the capsule type endoscope which concerns on Embodiment 5 of this invention. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows typically the example of a principal part structure of the intra-body-cavity imaging system which concerns on Embodiment 6 of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Light emitting element 2, 7 Omnidirectional mirror 3 Imaging element 4 Housing | casing 4a, 4b Transparent part 5 Light-shielding member 6 Lens for focus adjustment 8 Power supply part 9 Radio | wireless part 10 Wiring 11-15 Capsule-type endoscope 20 Intracorporeal imaging system 21 Data acquisition recorder 22 Host computer 23 Magnetic field generating coil M Patient

Claims (20)

A light source that irradiates light to the measurement site, an omnidirectional mirror that projects image light from the measurement site, and an image light of the measurement site that is disposed opposite to the omnidirectional mirror and projected on the omnidirectional mirror In an endoscope in which an image pickup device that picks up an image is disposed in a housing having a transparent part at least in part,
An endoscope in which the imaging element, the omnidirectional mirror, and the light source are separated by a light shielding member so that light from the light source is not directly incident on the imaging element. The light source is sealed by the housing and the light shielding member, and light from the light source can be irradiated to the measurement site through a transparent portion of the housing,
The omnidirectional mirror and the imaging element are sealed by the casing and the light shielding member, and image light from the measurement site projected on the omnidirectional mirror through the transparent portion of the casing is the The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein photographing is possible with an imaging element.   The transparent portion of the housing has a first transparent portion that allows light from the light source to be emitted from the housing, and a second transparent portion that allows light from the measurement site to enter the housing. The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein the first transparent portion and the second transparent portion are isolated via the light shielding member.   The light source includes mirror means for light irradiation in which the mirror surface is disposed oppositely, and the light emitted from the light source and reflected by the mirror surface can be irradiated to the measurement site through the transparent portion of the casing. The endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 3.   The endoscope according to claim 4, wherein the light irradiation mirror means can be driven by an electric action or a magnetic action so that light is focused on a measurement region to be observed.   The endoscope according to claim 5, wherein the light irradiation mirror means can be driven and controlled by a command control signal from the outside.   The endoscope according to claim 1, further comprising a power supply unit that supplies power to at least one of the imaging element and the light source.   The image sensor is disposed on one surface of the light shielding member, the light source is disposed on the other surface of the light shielding member, the power supply unit is disposed at an end of the housing on the light source side, and the image sensor The wiring for electrically connecting at least one of the light sources and the power supply unit is provided at a predetermined interval around the light source side transparent portion of the housing. Endoscope.   The image sensor is disposed on one surface of the light shielding member, the light source is disposed on the other surface of the light shielding member, the power supply unit is disposed at an end of the housing on the light source side, and the image sensor 8. A plurality of wires for electrically connecting at least one of the light sources and the power supply unit are bundled and arranged along a cylindrical central axis on the light source side in the housing. Endoscope.   The endoscope according to claim 8 or 9, wherein a surface of the wiring for connecting at least one of the imaging element and the light source and the power supply unit is subjected to a surface treatment for reflecting light.   The endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 3, 8, and 9, wherein at least a part of the light shielding member is formed of a hard substrate or a flexible substrate.   The endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 3, 8, 9, and 11, wherein a surface on the light source side of the light shielding member is a mirror surface.   The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein a focus adjustment lens is provided between the omnidirectional mirror and the image sensor for performing focus adjustment with respect to an image pickup region of the image sensor.   The image sensor is disposed on one surface of a light shielding member disposed in the housing, the light source is disposed on the other surface of the light shielding member, and a mirror surface is opposed to the image sensor on one end of the housing. The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein the omnidirectional mirror is arranged.   Two light shielding members are disposed in the housing, the imaging element is disposed on one surface of one light shielding member, the light source is disposed on the other surface of the other light shielding member, and the other surface of the one light shielding member; The omnidirectional mirror is disposed at least between the one surface of the other light-shielding member, and at one end of the casing, the omnidirectional mirror is disposed so that the mirror surface faces the imaging element. The endoscope according to 7.   The omnidirectional mirror is disposed on one surface of the light shielding member disposed in the housing, the light source is disposed on the other surface of the light shielding member, and the omnidirectional mirror of the omnidirectional mirror is disposed at one end of the housing. The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein the imaging element is disposed so as to face a mirror surface.   The omnidirectional mirror is disposed on one surface of the light shielding member disposed in the housing, the light irradiation mirror means is disposed on the other surface of the light shielding member, and the all-round mirror is disposed on one end of the housing. The image pickup device is disposed so as to face a mirror surface of an azimuth mirror, and the light source is disposed at the other end of the housing so as to face a mirror surface of the light irradiation mirror means. 4. The endoscope according to 4.   2. The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein the housing is a cylindrical body whose both ends are rounded in a capsule shape for imaging a measurement site in a body cavity of a living body.   An imaging system comprising: the endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 18, a recorder that acquires image data transmitted from the endoscope, and a control unit that can drive and control the endoscope.   A magnetic field generating coil for generating electric power by a power supply coil provided in the endoscope; and the control unit generates electric power in the power supply coil via the magnetic field generating coil. The imaging system according to claim 19, wherein the endoscope can be driven and controlled.

Images