JP4445732B2 - In-subject introduction apparatus and wireless in-subject information acquisition system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention is used in a state of being introduced into a subject, and performs an in-subject introduction device that performs a predetermined function inside the subject, and wireless in-subject information acquisition using the in-subject introduction device It is about the system.

  In recent years, swallowable capsule endoscopes have appeared in the field of endoscopes. This capsule endoscope is provided with an imaging function and a wireless communication function. Capsule endoscopes are peristaltic in the body cavity, for example, the stomach, small intestine, etc., after being swallowed from the patient's mouth for observation (examination) and before being spontaneously discharged from the human body. It has the function to move according to and to image sequentially.

  While moving inside the body cavity, image data captured inside the body by the capsule endoscope is sequentially transmitted to the outside by wireless communication and stored in a memory provided in an external receiver. When the patient carries the receiver having the wireless communication function and the memory function, the patient can freely act even during the period from swallowing the capsule endoscope until it is discharged. Thereafter, the doctor or nurse can make a diagnosis by displaying an organ image on the display based on the image data stored in the memory.

  In order to control the drive of the capsule endoscope, a reed switch that is turned on / off by an external magnetic field is provided inside the capsule endoscope, and a permanent magnet for supplying a magnetic field is provided in a package that houses the capsule endoscope. Proposed configurations have been proposed. That is, the reed switch provided in the capsule endoscope has a structure in which the reed switch is kept off in an environment where an external magnetic field of a certain strength or higher is applied and is turned on when the strength of the external magnetic field is reduced. For this reason, while the capsule endoscope is not driven in the state of being accommodated in the package, the capsule endoscope is removed from the influence of the permanent magnet by being taken out of the package and starts to be driven. With such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the capsule endoscope from starting driving while being accommodated in the package (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

International Publication No. 01/35813 Pamphlet

  However, even when the mechanism for controlling the driving state of the capsule endoscope is provided as described above, there is a problem that the driving of the capsule endoscope outside the subject cannot always be prevented. That is, since it takes a certain amount of time to take out the capsule endoscope from the package and introduce it into the subject, the capsule endoscope starts to be driven before being introduced into the subject. There is a problem. Hereinafter, a problem that occurs when the capsule endoscope starts driving before being introduced into the subject will be described.

  First, since the capsule endoscope starts to be driven before being introduced into the subject, there is a problem in that useless image data that is not used for diagnosis or the like is acquired. The capsule endoscope is configured to start driving and start an imaging operation, and to start wireless transmission of the obtained image data.When the capsule endoscope is driven before being introduced into the subject, An imaging operation or the like is performed outside the subject.

  As a result, a lot of image data is acquired from when the capsule is opened until it is introduced into the subject, and doctors need to delete such useless image data and perform diagnosis and the like. Occurs. The imaging rate of the capsule endoscope is configured to capture, for example, about 2 images per second. Therefore, even if it is a short time of about several tens of seconds, the capsule endoscope is outside the subject. By driving, a large amount of unnecessary image data is acquired. Therefore, in order to avoid such useless acquisition of image data, it is necessary to prevent the capsule endoscope from starting driving before being introduced into the subject.

  Furthermore, since a certain amount of driving power is required to acquire such unnecessary image data, the capsule endoscope is driven outside the subject and accumulated inside the capsule endoscope. Electric power is wasted. Therefore, from the viewpoint of power consumption, it is necessary to prevent the capsule endoscope from starting before being introduced into the subject.

  The above problem may occur even after the capsule endoscope is discharged from the body again without power being consumed in the subject. Therefore, in order to avoid the above problem, a capsule endoscope that is not driven before being introduced into the subject or after being discharged from the subject and a system using the capsule endoscope are put into practical use. Is strongly requested.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and uses an intra-subject introduction apparatus such as a capsule endoscope and an intra-subject introduction apparatus that prevent inadvertent driving outside the subject. An object is to realize a wireless in-vivo information acquisition system.

In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, an in-subject introduction apparatus according to the present invention is used in a state of being introduced into a subject, and performs a predetermined function inside the subject. An internal introduction device comprising: a function execution unit that executes the predetermined function; a temperature sensor unit that detects a temperature that fluctuates according to a temperature change in a surrounding environment of the intra-subject introduction device; and the temperature sensor unit. Drive control means for controlling the drive state of the function execution means based on the obtained temperature, the function execution means executes the predetermined function based on the supplied drive power, and the drive control means comprises: The drive state of the function execution means is controlled by controlling the supply of drive power to the function execution means, and the temperature sensor means and the drive control means are integrally formed, The formed temperature sensor means and the drive control means include a first contact electrically connected to a power supply source, a second contact electrically connected to the function execution means, the first contact and A deformation that is disposed in the vicinity of the second contact, deforms so as to contact the first contact and the second contact at a temperature equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold temperature, and electrically connects the first contact and the second contact. And a connecting member .

According to the present invention , since the drive state of the function execution unit is controlled based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor unit, for example, based on a temperature change when introduced from the outside of the subject into the subject. Driving can be started.

In the in-vivo introduction device according to the present invention as set forth in the invention described above, the deformation connecting member has a critical temperature substantially equal to the predetermined threshold temperature, and the first contact and It is a shape memory member that changes into a shape in contact with the second contact point .

In the in-vivo introduction device according to the present invention, in the above invention, the deformable connection member is formed so as to contact the first contact and the second contact under a temperature condition substantially equal to the predetermined threshold temperature. It is the bimetal member made .

In the in-subject introduction apparatus according to the present invention as set forth in the invention described above, when the temperature obtained by the temperature sensor means rises to a value equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold temperature, the function execution means Control is performed to drive .

In the in-subject introduction device according to the present invention, in the above invention, the drive control means performs the function when the temperature obtained by the temperature sensor means falls to a value less than a predetermined threshold temperature. The driving of the means is stopped .

In the in-subject introduction apparatus according to the present invention as set forth in the invention described above, the threshold temperature is higher than the temperature outside the subject and is equal to or lower than the body temperature of the subject. And

The in-subject introduction device according to the present invention is characterized in that, in the above-described invention, the apparatus further includes a heat conduction inhibiting means arranged to cover at least the temperature sensor means .

In the in-subject introduction apparatus according to the present invention as set forth in the invention described above, the function execution means wirelessly transmits image data acquired by the imaging means to the outside, imaging means for acquiring image data inside the subject. And wireless means for transmitting .

A wireless in-vivo information acquiring system according to the present invention includes an in-subject introduction device introduced into a subject, and an information provided by the in-subject introduction device arranged wirelessly outside the subject. A wireless in-vivo information acquiring system including a receiving device that acquires via communication, wherein the in-subject introducing device has wireless means for wirelessly transmitting the obtained information and is supplied Function execution means for executing a predetermined function based on electric power, temperature sensor means for detecting a temperature that fluctuates according to a temperature change in the surrounding environment of the in-subject introduction apparatus, and a temperature obtained by the temperature sensor means Drive control means for controlling the drive state of the function execution means, the function execution means executes the predetermined function based on the supplied drive power, and the drive control means Execution The drive state of the function execution means is controlled by controlling the supply of drive power to the stage, and the temperature sensor means and the drive control means are integrally formed, and the integrally formed temperature sensor means And the drive control means is disposed in the vicinity of the first contact electrically connected to the power supply source, the second contact electrically connected to the function execution means, and the first contact and the second contact. A deformable connection member that is deformed so as to contact the first contact and the second contact at a temperature equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold temperature, and electrically connects the first contact and the second contact; The receiving apparatus includes a wireless receiving unit that receives information transmitted from the wireless unit, and a processing unit that analyzes the received information .

In the wireless in-vivo information acquiring system according to the present invention as set forth in the invention described above, the function executing means further includes an imaging means for acquiring image data inside the subject, and the drive control means includes the object A temperature higher than the temperature outside the sample and lower than or equal to the temperature of the subject is set as a threshold temperature, and the imaging unit and the wireless unit are controlled to drive above the threshold temperature .

The in-subject introduction apparatus and the wireless in-subject information acquisition system according to the present invention are configured to control the drive state of the function execution means based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor means, and the temperature sensor means and the drive control because the integrally formed with means, for example, it is possible to start the drive based on the temperature change when it is introduced from the outside of the subject into the subject, the body-insertable device driving outside the subject There is an effect that the start can be prevented with a simple configuration .

  A wireless in-vivo information acquiring system that is the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below. Note that the drawings are schematic, and it should be noted that the relationship between the thickness and width of each part, the ratio of the thickness of each part, and the like are different from the actual ones. Of course, the part from which the relationship and ratio of a mutual dimension differ is contained. In Embodiment 1 below, an example of a capsule endoscope system that captures an image in a body cavity will be described as an example. However, the in-subject information is not limited to the in-subject image, and the wireless subject Of course, the in-sample information acquisition system is not limited to the capsule endoscope system.

(Embodiment 1)
First, the wireless in-vivo information acquiring system according to the first embodiment will be described. The wireless intra-subject information acquisition system according to the first embodiment is configured so that a capsule endoscope, which is an example of an intra-subject introduction apparatus, is prevented from operating outside the subject. And a drive state control unit that controls the drive state of each component in the capsule endoscope using the temperature difference between them. More specifically, the drive state control unit has a configuration for driving each component under a temperature condition equal to or higher than a threshold temperature determined based on the body temperature of the subject 1, for example.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a wireless in-vivo information acquiring system according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the wireless in-vivo information acquisition system includes a receiving device 2 having a wireless receiving function and a body 1 that is introduced into the body of the subject 1 to capture an in-vivo image and send data to the receiving device 2. And a capsule endoscope 3 that performs transmission. In addition, the wireless in-vivo information acquiring system is configured to display data in the body cavity based on data received by the receiving device 2 and to exchange data between the receiving device 2 and the display device 4. A portable recording medium 5. The receiving device 2 includes a receiving jacket 2a worn by the subject 1 and an external device 2b that performs processing of a radio signal received through the receiving jacket 2a.

  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 by 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 can be attached to and detached from the external device 2b and the display device 4, and has a structure capable of outputting or recording information when being inserted into both. Specifically, the portable recording medium 5 is inserted into the external device 2 b and transmitted from the capsule endoscope 3 while the capsule endoscope 3 is moving in the body cavity of the subject 1. Record the data. 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 external device 2b and inserted into the display device 4 to be attached to the display device. 4 is read out. When data is transferred between the external device 2b and the display device 4 by a portable recording medium 5 such as a compact flash (registered trademark) memory, and the external device 2b and the display device 4 are connected by wire. Unlike the above, the subject 1 can freely move during imaging in the body cavity.

  The receiving device 2 has a function of receiving in-vivo image data wirelessly transmitted from the capsule endoscope 3. FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of the receiving device 2. As shown in FIG. 2, the receiving device 2 has a shape that can be worn by the subject 1, a receiving jacket 2a having receiving antennas A1 to An, and an external device that performs processing of received radio signals and the like. 2b.

  The external device 2b has a function of processing a radio signal transmitted from the capsule endoscope 3. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the external device 2b is necessary for the RF receiving unit 11 as a wireless receiving means for demodulating the wireless signals received by the receiving antennas A1 to An and the demodulated image data. The image processing unit 12 is a processing unit that performs various processing, and the storage unit 13 is a storage unit that records image data that has been subjected to image processing. Note that image data is recorded on the portable recording medium 5 via the storage unit 13.

  Next, the capsule endoscope 3 will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of the capsule endoscope 3. As shown in FIG. 3, the capsule endoscope 3 includes an LED 19 as an illuminating unit for irradiating an imaging region when imaging the inside of the subject 1, and an LED driving circuit 20 that controls the driving state of the LED 19. And a CCD 21 as a photoelectric conversion means or an image pickup means for picking up a reflected light image from a region irradiated by the LED 19 and generating image data. The capsule endoscope 3 includes a CCD driving circuit 22 that controls the driving state of the CCD 21, an RF transmission unit 23 that modulates image data captured by the CCD 21 and generates an RF signal, and an RF transmission unit 23. A transmission antenna unit 24 as a wireless unit for wirelessly transmitting the output RF signal, and a system control circuit 32 as an operation control unit for controlling operations of the LED drive circuit 20, the CCD drive circuit 22, and the RF transmission unit 23 are provided. .

  By providing these mechanisms, the capsule endoscope 3 acquires image information of the region to be examined illuminated by the LED 19 by the CCD 21 while being introduced into the subject 1. The acquired image information is converted into an RF signal in the RF transmission unit 23 and then transmitted to the outside via the transmission antenna unit 24.

  The capsule endoscope 3 includes components inside the capsule endoscope 3 such as an LED drive circuit 20, a CCD drive circuit 22, and an RF transmission unit 23 as function execution means for executing predetermined functions. And a battery 100 as power supply means for driving. Here, the system control circuit 32 is the function execution means such as the LED drive circuit 20, the CCD drive circuit 22, and the operation state corresponding to the RF transmission unit, that is, the light emission period of the LED 19, the frame rate of the CCD 21, and the RF signal transmission timing. The operation is controlled based on a predetermined content. Furthermore, the capsule endoscope 3 is a temperature sensor unit 33 and a drive for controlling the driving state of the LED drive circuit 20, the CCD drive circuit 22, the system control circuit 32, etc. based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor unit 33. And a drive control unit 34 as control means. The drive control unit 34 also has a function of distributing the drive power supplied from the battery 100 to each component such as the LED drive circuit 20, the CCD drive circuit 22, and the system control circuit 32 as function execution means.

  Next, the temperature sensor unit 33 and the drive control unit 34 provided in the capsule endoscope 3 will be described. As shown also in FIG. 3, the capsule endoscope 3 according to the first embodiment has a configuration in which a drive control unit 34 is disposed between the system control circuit 32 and the battery 100, and the drive control unit 34 has a configuration for controlling the driving state of the components in the capsule endoscope 3 based on the output signal from the temperature sensor unit 33.

  The temperature sensor unit 33 is for detecting the temperature inside the capsule endoscope 3 that varies depending on the temperature of the surrounding environment of the capsule endoscope 3. The temperature sensor unit 33 has a function of repeating temperature detection at predetermined time intervals and outputting temperature data to the drive control unit 34, for example. The threshold temperature is preferably a value equal to or lower than the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 33 when the capsule endoscope 3 is introduced into the subject 1, and a value in the vicinity of the temperature. Furthermore, it is preferable to set the temperature higher than the temperature of the environment outside the subject 1, for example, a temperature of about room temperature. Specifically, for example, when the subject 1 is a human body, the threshold temperature is preferably set to about 34.5 ° C., which is slightly lower than the body temperature.

  The drive control unit 34 controls the drive state of the components of the capsule endoscope 3 based on the signal output from the temperature sensor unit 33. Specifically, for example, when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor unit 33 is equal to or higher than the threshold, control is performed so that the components in the capsule endoscope 3 are turned on, and the temperature is lower than the threshold. Have a function of controlling the components to be turned off. In the configuration shown in FIG. 3, the temperature sensor unit 33 and the drive control unit 34 are displayed separately and independently, but may be integrally formed as described later.

  Next, the operation of the capsule endoscope 3 according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the capsule endoscope 3 according to the first embodiment, and will be described below with reference to FIG. 4 as appropriate. It is assumed that the components inside the capsule endoscope 3 are maintained in the OFF state at the start time in the flowchart of FIG.

  First, temperature measurement is performed by the temperature sensor unit 33, and the temperature sensor unit 33 outputs temperature information obtained by the measurement to the drive control unit 34 (step S101). Then, the drive control unit 34 determines whether or not the temperature obtained as a result of the temperature measurement is a value equal to or higher than the threshold temperature (step S102). If it is determined that the temperature obtained as a result of the measurement is less than the threshold value, the process returns to step S101 and the above operation is repeated.

  When it is determined that the temperature obtained as a result of the temperature measurement is equal to or higher than the threshold, the drive control unit 34 uses the power stored in the battery 100 to configure the internal configuration of the capsule endoscope 3 such as the system control circuit 32. The components are supplied and driving of each component is started (step S103). In other words, the drive control unit 34 determines that the capsule endoscope 3 has been introduced into the subject 1 when the temperature is equal to or higher than the threshold value, and the components are accumulated in the battery 100 for each component based on the determination. Supply power.

  Thereafter, irradiation light for illuminating the inside of the subject 1 is output by the LED 19, and an imaging operation by the CCD 21 is performed based on the return light of the irradiation light (step S104). The image data obtained by the CCD is sent to the RF transmission unit 23, and after a predetermined modulation operation or the like is performed, the image data is transmitted to the outside through the transmission antenna unit 24 (step S105). The transmitted image data is received by the receiving mechanism provided in the receiving jacket 2a, and is later supplied to the display device 4 via the portable recording medium 5, and is displayed on the screen of the display device 4 as an in-subject image.

  Thereafter, temperature measurement is performed again by the temperature sensor unit 33, and temperature data is output to the drive control unit 34 (step S106). Then, the drive control unit 34 determines whether or not the temperature obtained by the temperature measurement is less than the threshold value (step S107). If it is determined that the temperature is not lower than the threshold value, it is considered that the capsule endoscope 3 still remains in the subject 1, and therefore the process returns to step S104 and the operations of steps S104 to S106 are repeated.

  If it is determined that the temperature is lower than the threshold, the drive control unit 34 stops the power supply to the components in the capsule endoscope 3 and stops driving the components (step S108). Since the threshold temperature is set to a temperature lower than the body temperature of the subject 1, when the temperature obtained as a result of the measurement falls below the threshold temperature, the capsule endoscope 3 is placed outside the subject 1. It is because it is judged that it was discharged. This is the end of the operation of the capsule endoscope 3 according to the first embodiment.

  As described above, the first embodiment has a configuration that controls the start and stop of driving of the capsule endoscope 3 based on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor provided in the capsule endoscope 3. Advantages resulting from such a configuration will be described below.

  First, by controlling the driving state based on the measured temperature, it is possible to prevent the capsule endoscope 3 from starting operation outside the subject 1. The temperature measured by the temperature sensor unit 33 exceeds the threshold temperature only while the capsule endoscope 3 is introduced into the subject 1. Therefore, it is possible to directly detect whether or not the capsule endoscope 3 has been introduced into the subject 1 by measuring the temperature with the temperature sensor 33, and to control the driving state based on the temperature. Thus, it is possible to drive the capsule endoscope 3 only while it is introduced into the subject 1. Further, by preventing driving outside the subject 1, it is possible to prevent acquisition of image data obtained by imaging the outside of the subject 1, which cannot be used for diagnosis or the like, and to avoid wasteful power consumption. Is possible.

  Further, the wireless in-vivo information acquiring system according to the first embodiment has an advantage that it is possible to form a mechanism that operates only in the subject 1 with a simple configuration. That is, by using a shape memory alloy member, a bimetal member, or the like whose shape physically changes in response to a temperature change, a simple structure that can quickly respond to the temperature change can be realized. Further, by providing such a member in the switching mechanism, it is possible to realize a configuration in which the temperature sensor unit 33 and the drive control unit 34 are integrated, and the temperature sensor unit 33 and the drive control unit without supplying power. 34 can be driven.

Example 1
Next, Example 1 of the first embodiment will be described. The first embodiment is characterized in that the capsule endoscope 3 is provided with a temperature sensor / drive control unit 35 in which a temperature sensor unit 33 and a drive control unit 34 are integrally formed. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of the temperature sensor / drive control unit 35 according to the first embodiment. The components other than the temperature sensor / drive control unit 35 are the same as those of the capsule endoscope 3 according to the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the temperature sensor / drive control unit 35 in the first embodiment is electrically connected to the temperature deformation member 38 arranged in a state of being fixed to the fixing member 37 arranged on the pedestal 36, the battery 100 and And a second contact 40 electrically connected to a component such as the system control circuit 32. Further, between the pedestal 36 and the temperature deformation member 38, tensile stress supply members 41 and 42 that apply tensile stress to the temperature deformation member 38 are arranged.

  The temperature deformable member 38 includes a shape memory alloy or a shape memory resin that takes the above threshold temperature as a critical point temperature and recovers the memorized shape at the critical temperature or higher. In the case of the configuration including the shape memory resin, the temperature deformation member 38 includes a conductive layer on at least the surface facing the first contact 39 and the second contact 40, and the conductive layer allows the first deformation at the time of shape recovery. The first contact point 39 and the second contact point 40 are electrically connected. The tensile stress supply members 41 and 42 are formed by an elastic member such as an elastic spring, and are for applying a tensile stress toward the pedestal 36 to the temperature deformation member 38.

  FIG. 6A is a schematic diagram illustrating a state of the temperature sensor / drive control unit 35 at a temperature equal to or higher than the threshold temperature. As shown in FIG. 5, the temperature deforming member 38 is processed into a U-shape that contacts the first contact 39 and the second contact 40 at a temperature equal to or higher than the critical point temperature in advance, and then the temperature is lowered below the critical point. It is shaped into a stick-like shape. For this reason, when it is again exposed to a temperature condition equal to or higher than the threshold temperature (= critical point temperature), it returns to its original shape, and the temperature deforming member 38 is connected to the first contact 39 and the second as shown in FIG. The shape comes into contact with the contact 40. By adopting such a structure, when the capsule endoscope is introduced into the subject 1 and the temperature of the temperature sensor / drive control unit 35 exceeds the threshold temperature, the first contact 39 and the second contact 40 Are electrically connected. The first contact 39 is electrically connected to the battery 100, and the second contact 40 is electrically connected to each component in the capsule endoscope. Driving power is supplied from the battery 100 to each component in the endoscope, and driving is started.

  Also, by providing the tensile stress supply members 41 and 42, once the temperature reaches a temperature equal to or higher than the threshold temperature and the supply of driving power is started, the power supply is stopped when the temperature falls below the threshold temperature again. Is possible. That is, when the temperature of the temperature deformable member 38 is equal to or lower than the threshold value, a soft martensite phase is generated inside the shape memory alloy (shape memory resin) constituting the temperature deformable member 38, as shown in FIG. In addition, the stress supplied from the tensile stress supply members 41 and 42 becomes dominant. As a result, the temperature deforming member 38 returns again to the rod-like shape shown in FIG. 5, and the electrical connection between the first contact 39 and the second contact 40 is released, and the power supply from the battery 100 is released. It stops and the drive of each component stops.

  As described above, in the first embodiment, the drive state according to the temperature can be controlled by providing the temperature deformable member 38 including the shape memory alloy or the shape memory resin having the critical temperature equal to the threshold temperature. In the first embodiment, the shape of the temperature deforming member 38 can be devised so that the tensile stress supplying members 41 and 42 can be omitted. That is, by adopting a configuration in which the weights at both ends of the temperature deforming member 38 are increased as compared with other regions, the temperature deforming member 38 is connected to the first contact 39 and the weight by the weights at both ends at a temperature lower than the threshold temperature. It can be configured to be away from the second contact point 40.

(Example 2)
Next, Example 2 of the first embodiment will be described. The second embodiment includes a temperature sensor / drive control unit in which the temperature sensor unit 33 and the drive control unit 34 are integrally formed as in the first embodiment. As in the case of the first embodiment, the configuration other than the temperature sensor unit 33 and the drive control unit 34 is the same as that of the wireless in-vivo information acquiring system according to the first embodiment.

  FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of the temperature sensor / drive control unit 43 according to the second embodiment. In FIG. 7, parts common to the first embodiment are denoted by common names and symbols, and a specific configuration, operation, and the like are the same as those of the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the temperature sensor / drive control unit 43 includes a pedestal 36, a fixing member 37 fixed on the pedestal 36, and a bimetal member 44 formed on the fixing member 37. In addition, the temperature sensor / drive control unit 43 includes a first contact 39 electrically connected to the battery 100 and a second contact electrically connected to each component in the capsule endoscope. 40.

  The bimetal member 44 is formed by bonding a first metal member 45 having a high coefficient of thermal expansion and a second metal member 46 having a lower coefficient of thermal expansion than the first metal member 45. In the second embodiment, the bimetal member 44 needs to have a function of bending so that both end portions of the bimetal member 44 are close to the first contact 39 and the second contact 40 when the temperature is equal to or higher than the threshold temperature. The second metal member 46 having a low coefficient of thermal expansion is provided on the side where the second contact 40 is located.

  Next, the operation of the temperature sensor / drive control unit 43 in the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 8A is a schematic diagram illustrating a state of the temperature sensor / drive control unit 43 when the bimetal member 44 is heated to a temperature equal to or higher than the threshold temperature. In the bimetal member 44, the first metal member 45 has a high coefficient of thermal expansion, while the second metal member 46 has a lower coefficient of thermal expansion than the first metal member 45. Therefore, when the temperature of the bimetal member 44 is increased, the volume of the first metal member 45 is significantly expanded, while the volume of the second metal member 46 is not so expanded. Therefore, as shown by the arrows in FIG. 8A, in the bimetal member 44, a large spreading stress is generated in the first metal member 45 in the lateral direction, while a small stress is generated in the second metal member 46 in the lateral direction.

  As a result, the bimetal member 44 changes from a rod-like shape at a low temperature as shown in FIG. 7 to a curved shape having a downward convex shape. Then, by bending, both end portions of the bimetal member 44 approach the first contact 39 and the second contact 40 and contact the first contact 39 and the second contact 40 when the threshold temperature is reached. And the second contact 40 are electrically connected, and driving power is supplied to each component. When the temperature sensor / drive control unit 43 performs such an operation, the supply of drive power can be started when the temperature of the bimetal member 44 rises above the threshold temperature from the low temperature state.

  On the other hand, a case where the bimetal member 44 that has been heated once is cooled again to a temperature equal to or lower than the threshold temperature will be described with reference to FIG. In such a case, stress is generated in the compression direction so that each of the first metal member 45 and the second metal member 46 constituting the bimetal member 44 contracts. In this case, the compressive stress generated in the first metal member 45 is smaller than the compressive stress generated in the second metal member 46 as shown in FIG.

  Therefore, the shape of the bimetal member 44 shifts from a curved state at the time of temperature rise to a curved shape so that the radius of curvature increases, that is, returns to a rod shape before the temperature rise. As a result, both end portions of the bimetal member 44 are separated from both the first contact 39 and the second contact 40, the electrical connection between the first contact 39 and the second contact 40 is lost, and power is supplied to each component. Will be cut off. When the temperature sensor / drive control unit 43 performs such an operation, the power supply can be stopped when the temperature of the bimetal member 44 decreases from the high temperature state to a threshold temperature or lower.

  As described above, the first embodiment and the second embodiment have been described. In any of the embodiments, it is possible to realize a mechanism that functions as the temperature sensor unit 33 and the drive control unit 34 with a simple configuration. That is, in the first and second embodiments, since the switching mechanism is realized by using a member whose physical shape changes with respect to the temperature change, the temperature sensor unit 33 and The drive control unit 34 can be configured. Further, since a member whose shape is physically changed with respect to a temperature change is adopted, it is possible to adopt a configuration in which no electric power is required for the operation of the temperature sensor unit 33 and the drive control unit 34. This contributes to a reduction in power consumption in the endoscope 3.

(Embodiment 2)
Next, a wireless in-vivo information acquiring system according to the second embodiment will be described. The wireless in-vivo information acquiring system according to the second embodiment includes a temperature sensor unit and a drive control unit in a capsule endoscope that is an in-subject introduction apparatus, and a low heat conductive member that covers at least the temperature sensor unit. It has the composition provided with.

  FIG. 9 is a block diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of the capsule endoscope 47 that configures the wireless in-vivo information acquiring system according to the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, the receiving device, the display device, and the portable recording medium, which are other components of the wireless in-vivo information acquiring system, are the same as those in the first embodiment unless otherwise specified. It has a configuration and performs the same function.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the capsule endoscope 47 according to the second embodiment includes an LED 19 for illuminating the inside of the subject, an LED drive circuit 20 for controlling the drive of the LED 19, a CCD 21 for performing an imaging operation, A CCD drive circuit 22 that controls the drive of the CCD 21, an RF transmission unit 23 that modulates image data captured by the CCD, a transmission antenna unit 24 that performs a transmission operation, and a battery 100 are provided.

  In addition, the capsule endoscope 47 includes a system control circuit 32 that controls the LED drive circuit 20, the CCD drive circuit 22, and the RF transmission unit 23 with respect to these operation states. Furthermore, a temperature sensor unit 33 covered with the heat conduction inhibiting member 48 and a drive control unit 34 for controlling power supply from the battery 100 based on temperature data output from the temperature sensor unit are provided.

  The heat conduction inhibiting member 48 is for inhibiting heat existing in the surrounding environment from being transmitted to the temperature sensor unit 33. Specifically, the heat conduction-inhibiting member 48 does not prevent heat transfer in the surrounding environment, and is configured by a member that transfers heat at a certain speed. By arranging the heat conduction inhibiting member 48, the temperature detected by the temperature sensor unit 33 is affected by the temperature change of the surrounding environment, for example, the temperature change caused by the introduction of the capsule endoscope into the subject 1. Is detected after a predetermined time has elapsed. That is, by being covered with the heat conduction inhibiting member 48, immediately after the capsule endoscope 47 is introduced into the subject 1, the temperature detected by the temperature sensor unit 33 maintains a value less than the threshold temperature. As the time passes, heat is gradually transmitted to the temperature sensor unit 33 via the heat conduction inhibiting member 48, so that the temperature changes to a value equal to or higher than the threshold temperature only after a certain amount of time has passed. .

  The advantage by having comprised the temperature sensor part 33 with the heat conduction inhibition member 48 is demonstrated. Since an ordinary capsule endoscope has a small shape and has good thermal conductivity for constituent members, for example, when introduced into the subject 1, the temperature inside the capsule endoscope Immediately after being introduced into the subject 1 becomes a temperature substantially equal to the body temperature of the subject 1. Therefore, when the temperature sensor unit is provided in the capsule endoscope and the driving state is controlled with the temperature equal to or slightly lower than the body temperature as the threshold temperature, the capsule type endoscope is placed in the subject 1. Immediately after the endoscope is introduced, driving is started, and quick imaging or the like can be performed.

  However, when acquiring image data for an organ located in a place where a certain amount of time is required until it arrives after the capsule endoscope is introduced into the subject 1, such as the small intestine. The image data of the part located in front of the imaging part is not necessary. As described above, when image data of a specific part is required, it is possible to prevent the drive power from being supplied to each component in the capsule endoscope until the specific part is reached. Requested.

  Based on this request, the second embodiment requires a certain time until the temperature detected by the temperature sensor unit 33 reaches the threshold temperature or higher by covering the temperature sensor unit 33 with the heat conduction inhibiting member 48. The configuration prevents the components included in the capsule endoscope 47 from starting driving immediately after being introduced into the subject 1. Then, by devising the structure of the heat conduction inhibiting member 48 and adjusting the time required to reach the threshold temperature, driving can be started for the first time when the image data reaches a predetermined test site. it can.

  By adopting such a configuration, the capsule endoscope 47 can prevent unnecessary image data from being acquired not only outside the subject 1 but also inside the subject 1. Therefore, it is possible to more effectively prevent unnecessary image data from being acquired and to suppress waste of driving power.

  In the configuration shown in FIG. 9, the heat conduction inhibiting member 48 is configured to cover only the temperature sensor unit 33, but is not limited to such a form. For example, each component of the capsule endoscope 47 is configured as follows. It is good also as comprising the capsule housing | casing accommodated in the inside by the member which has a heat conduction inhibition function. Alternatively, the capsule casing may be formed of a normal material, and the outside of the capsule casing may be covered with a member having a heat conduction inhibiting function.

  Further, the portion covered by the heat conduction inhibiting member 48 may be only a part of the temperature sensor unit 33. That is, it is only necessary that the heat conduction from the surrounding environment is inhibited in the part where the temperature is actually detected. For example, only the temperature deformation member 38 in the structure of FIG.

  The members constituting the heat conduction inhibiting member 48 can be broadly divided into two types. First, it is possible to form the heat conduction inhibiting member 48 using a member having a small heat conduction coefficient, for example, a member such as polystyrene foam. By using such a member, the amount of heat conduction per unit time with respect to the temperature sensor unit 33 can be reduced, and a certain time can be required until the temperature sensor unit 33 detects the ambient environment temperature.

  As another example, a member maintained at a low temperature relative to the temperature of the surrounding environment can be used as the heat conduction inhibiting member 48. That is, when a member held at a temperature lower than the ambient temperature is used as the heat conduction inhibiting member 48, when the heat is transmitted from the surroundings to the temperature sensor unit 33, the transmitted heat is the heat. It is used to increase the temperature of the conduction inhibiting member 48 itself, and the temperature of the temperature sensor unit 33 rises after the temperature of the heat conduction inhibiting member 48 reaches a predetermined temperature. Therefore, even when the temperature of the surrounding environment changes to a temperature equal to or higher than the threshold temperature, the temperature sensor unit 33 detects a temperature equal to or higher than the threshold temperature after a certain period of time has elapsed from the change. A member held at a temperature lower than the temperature can function as the heat conduction inhibiting member 48.

  As a specific example in which a member held at a low temperature is used as the heat conduction inhibiting member 48, when the capsule endoscope is introduced into the subject 1, for example, it is introduced together with tap water of about 20 ° C. Is mentioned. In this case, the tap water introduced together is at least a temperature lower than the ambient temperature of the capsule endoscope in the subject 1, and the tap water is present around the capsule endoscope. Acquisition and acquisition of image data by the capsule endoscope until a certain time has elapsed since the capsule endoscope was introduced into the subject 1 because heat conduction from the surrounding environment to the capsule endoscope was inhibited. It is possible to prevent the wireless transmission of the image data that has been started.

  As described above, the present invention has been described by using the first and second embodiments and the first and second embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described ones, and those skilled in the art can use various embodiments, modifications, and applications. It is possible to come up with examples. For example, in the first and second embodiments, the capsule endoscope is configured to capture an image inside the subject 1 by including an LED, a CCD, and the like. However, the intra-subject introduction apparatus to be introduced into the subject is not limited to such a configuration, and other in-subject information such as temperature information and pH information may be acquired. In addition, as a configuration in which the in-subject introduction apparatus includes a vibrator, an ultrasonic image in the subject 1 may be acquired. Furthermore, it is good also as a structure which acquires several information from these in-subject information.

  The receiving device 2 is configured not only to receive a radio signal output from the capsule endoscope, but also to supply a power supply signal for supplying power to the capsule endoscope. A driving power may be regenerated from the power feeding signal received in the mirror. Furthermore, a storage unit may be provided inside the capsule endoscope, and information may be extracted from the storage unit after being discharged from the subject 1.

  Further, the threshold temperature is not necessarily set to a temperature lower than the body temperature of the subject 1. For example, if the system is configured for imaging a specific diseased part existing in the subject 1, if the specific diseased part has a higher temperature than other regions in the subject 1, It is also effective to set a temperature corresponding to such a temperature as a threshold temperature.

  Further, in the first and second embodiments and the first and second embodiments, driving power is supplied to each component such as the LED 19 via the driving control unit 34. However, a configuration in which power is directly supplied to each component may be employed. Further, the drive control unit may control the driving of only a part of the components in the capsule endoscope such as the RF transmission unit 23 alone. In the first and second embodiments and the first and second embodiments, the drive control unit is configured for each component before the capsule endoscope is introduced into the subject and after the capsule endoscope is discharged from the subject. The drive is configured to stop, but stop control may be performed only in either case. This is because even if only one of them is controlled to stop, it is possible to avoid useless acquisition of image data and reduce power consumption as compared with the conventional case.

1 is a schematic diagram showing an overall configuration of a wireless in-vivo information acquiring system according to a first embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows typically the structure of the receiver which comprises a radio | wireless type in-vivo information acquisition system. It is a block diagram which shows typically the structure of the capsule endoscope which comprises the wireless type in-vivo information acquisition system. It is a flowchart for demonstrating operation | movement of a capsule type | mold endoscope. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a temperature sensor / drive control unit provided in the capsule endoscope according to Example 1 of Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a schematic diagram which shows the state of the temperature sensor and drive control part in temperature more than threshold temperature. It is a schematic diagram which shows the state of the temperature sensor and drive control part in temperature lower than threshold temperature. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a temperature sensor / drive control unit provided in a capsule endoscope according to Example 2 of Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a schematic diagram which shows the state of the temperature sensor and drive control part in temperature more than threshold temperature. It is a schematic diagram which shows the state of the temperature sensor and drive control part in temperature lower than threshold temperature. FIG. 6 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a configuration of a capsule endoscope that configures a wireless in-vivo information acquiring system according to a second embodiment;

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Subject 2 Reception apparatus 2a Reception jacket 2b External apparatus 3 Capsule type | mold endoscope 4 Display apparatus 5 Portable recording medium 11 RF reception unit 12 Image processing unit 13 Storage unit 18 Power supply unit 19 LED
20 LED drive circuit 21 CCD
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 22 CCD drive circuit 23 RF transmission unit 24 Transmission antenna part 31 Control information detection circuit 32 System control circuit 33 Temperature sensor part 34 Drive control part 35 Temperature sensor / drive control part 36 Base 37 Fixing member 38 Temperature deformation member 39 1st contact 40 Second contact point 41, 42 Stress supply member 43 Temperature sensor / drive control unit 44 Bimetal member 45 First metal member 46 Second metal member 47 Capsule endoscope 48 Thermal conduction inhibiting member 100 Battery A1 to An Receiving antenna

Claims (10)

An in-subject introduction apparatus that is used in a state of being introduced into a subject and performs a predetermined function inside the subject,
Function execution means for executing the predetermined function;
Temperature sensor means for detecting a temperature that fluctuates according to a temperature change in the surrounding environment of the in-subject introduction apparatus;
Drive control means for controlling the drive state of the function execution means based on the temperature obtained by the temperature sensor means;
With
The function execution means executes the predetermined function based on the supplied drive power,
The drive control means controls the drive state of the function execution means by controlling the supply of drive power to the function execution means,
The temperature sensor means and the drive control means are integrally formed, and the integrally formed temperature sensor means and the drive control means include:
A first contact electrically connected to the power supply;
A second contact electrically connected to the function execution means;
The first contact and the second contact are disposed in the vicinity of the first contact and the second contact, and are deformed so as to come into contact with the first contact and the second contact at a temperature equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold temperature, and the first contact and the second contact are electrically connected. A deformed connecting member to be connected
An intra-subject introduction apparatus characterized by comprising: The deformable connecting member is a shape memory member having a critical temperature substantially equal to the predetermined threshold temperature and changing into a shape in contact with the first contact and the second contact at a temperature equal to or higher than the critical temperature. The in-subject introduction device according to claim 1, wherein: Wherein the deformable connecting member to be according to claim 1, characterized in that at substantially equal temperature conditions and the predetermined threshold temperature is a bimetallic member which is formed so as to contact with said first contact and said second contact Intrasample introduction device. 4. The drive control means performs control so that the function execution means is driven when the temperature obtained by the temperature sensor means rises to a value equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold temperature. The intra-subject introduction device according to claim 1. The drive control means stops driving of the function execution means when the temperature obtained by the temperature sensor means falls to a value lower than a predetermined threshold temperature. The intra-subject introduction device according to claim 1. The inside of the subject according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the threshold temperature is higher than a temperature outside the subject and is equal to or lower than a body temperature of the subject. Introduction device. The in-subject introduction apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising heat conduction inhibiting means arranged to cover at least the temperature sensor means . The function execution means includes
Imaging means for acquiring image data inside the subject;
Wireless means for wirelessly transmitting image data acquired by the imaging means to the outside;
The intra-subject introduction device according to claim 1, wherein the intra-subject introduction device is provided. A wireless subject including an intra-subject introduction device introduced into the subject and a receiving device that is disposed outside the subject and obtains information obtained by the intra-subject introduction device via wireless communication An internal information acquisition system,
  The in-subject introduction device comprises:
  A function execution unit that includes a wireless unit that wirelessly transmits the obtained information, and that executes a predetermined function based on the supplied drive power;
  Temperature sensor means for detecting a temperature that fluctuates according to a temperature change in the surrounding environment of the in-subject introduction apparatus;
  Drive control means for controlling the drive state of the function execution means based on the temperature obtained by the temperature sensor means;
With
  The function execution means executes the predetermined function based on the supplied drive power,
  The drive control means controls the drive state of the function execution means by controlling the supply of drive power to the function execution means,
  The temperature sensor means and the drive control means are integrally formed, and the integrally formed temperature sensor means and the drive control means include:
  A first contact electrically connected to the power supply;
  A second contact electrically connected to the function execution means;
  The first contact and the second contact are disposed in the vicinity of the first contact and the second contact, and are deformed so as to come into contact with the first contact and the second contact at a temperature equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold temperature, and the first contact and the second contact are electrically connected. A deformed connecting member to be connected
  With
  The receiving device is:
  Wireless receiving means for receiving information transmitted from the wireless means;
  Processing means for analyzing the received information;
  A wireless in-vivo information acquiring system comprising: The function execution means further includes an imaging means for acquiring image data inside the subject,
  The drive control means controls a temperature higher than the temperature outside the subject and equal to or lower than the temperature of the subject as a threshold temperature, and controls the imaging means and the wireless means to drive above the threshold temperature. The wireless in-vivo information acquiring system according to claim 9.

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