JP2008073376A - Capsule type endoscope system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To inexpensively provide a capsule type endoscope system enabling proper observation according to an examined site, and restraining power consumption. <P>SOLUTION: A capsule type endoscope 14 connected to an insert cable 19 sequentially obtains image data from the oral cavity to the stomach according to the insert state of the insert cable 19. The obtained image data is sent to a processor 12 through the insert cable 19, and displayed on a monitor 18 in real time. When a doctor watching the monitor 18 decides the necessity of examining the small bowel or the like and a separate button 48 is operated, a separation signal is output to an electromagnetic lock as a connecting means between the capsule type endoscope 14 and the insert cable 19. The electromagnetic locking is released by the separation signal, and the capsule type endoscope 14 is physically separated from the insert cable 19. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a capsule endoscope system that performs an in-vivo examination using a capsule endoscope that captures in-vivo images and acquires image data.

  Conventionally, an endoscope is used to perform an in-vivo examination. The endoscope is roughly classified into an insertion type and a capsule type. The insertion type endoscope includes a flexible tube-like insertion portion that is inserted from the oral cavity or anus, and an imaging element such as a CCD and illumination that irradiates the imaging region with light at the distal end of the insertion portion. An imaging unit including the apparatus is arranged. By inserting the insertion portion into the living body and imaging the living body, it is possible to examine the stomach, the large intestine, and the like that are close to the oral cavity and anus (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Therefore, the insertion type endoscope is generally called a stomach camera or a large intestine endoscope.

  On the other hand, the capsule endoscope includes a transmission unit that wirelessly transmits acquired image data to an external device in addition to an imaging unit in an ultra-small capsule. Capsule endoscopes can be swallowed from the oral cavity to capture in-vivo images and acquire image data, and simultaneously transmit image data to external devices (see, for example, Patent Documents 2 to 5). The capsule endoscope is not connected to an external device by a tube or the like, and the capsule endoscope can also inspect the small intestine that meanders the abdominal cavity far from the oral cavity. In addition, the burden on the patient is small. However, when it does not have a self-propelled function and the stomach, large intestine, etc. are inspected precisely, it is better to use an insertion type endoscope. The capsule endoscope is generally disposable.

By the way, the capsule endoscope acquires image data by imaging for about 7 to 8 hours, and wirelessly transmits the image data to an external device. Therefore, the amount of electric power required is not small, the battery needs to have a predetermined size, and there is a limit to downsizing the capsule endoscope. Therefore, the capsule endoscope of Patent Document 2 is provided with a power receiving antenna for receiving electricity, so that electricity can be replenished sequentially from an external device, and the battery is reduced in size to reduce the size of the capsule endoscope. ing. In addition, the capsule endoscopes of Patent Documents 4 and 5 are provided with a power switch using a magnet or an infrared sensor so as to be in an energized state from the time of being swallowed from the oral cavity, thereby minimizing the amount of electricity consumed.
JP 2001-037719 A JP 2001-224551 A JP 2002-345743 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-210395 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2005-073887

  By using a capsule endoscope (for example, see Patent Documents 2 to 5), the burden on the patient can be reduced and the entire digestive tract can be examined from the oral cavity to the anus. turn into. When performing a precise examination, it is necessary to use different types of endoscopes depending on the examination site.

  Further, the capsule endoscopes of Patent Documents 4 and 5 need to be operated from at least the oral cavity even when the small intestine is precisely inspected, for example, and wasteful electricity is consumed before reaching the inspection site. It will be. In addition, the capsule endoscope of Patent Document 2 needs to be provided with a power receiving antenna separately, and this increases the cost of the capsule endoscope, which is even expensive.

  An object of the present invention is to solve the above-described problems, and to provide a capsule endoscope system capable of performing appropriate observation according to an examination site and suppressing power consumption at a low cost. And

  In order to achieve the above object, a capsule endoscope system that incorporates an imaging unit and inspects the living body using a capsule endoscope that captures image data inside the living body by the imaging unit and acquires image data. When the connecting cable is connected to and disconnected from the capsule endoscope via the connection means, and the capsule endoscope and the insertion cable are in a connected state, the capsule endoscope is acquired by the capsule endoscope. A wired transmission unit that transmits image data to an external device via an insertion cable, and a disconnection instruction unit that outputs a disconnection instruction for disconnecting the capsule endoscope and the insertion cable. And

  Note that the disconnection instruction means is preferably provided in an external device.

  In addition, when the capsule endoscope receives a disconnect instruction, it is preferable to disconnect the capsule endoscope and the insertion cable and to stop supplying power to the wired transmission means.

  In addition, it is preferable that the external device includes a determination unit that performs determination based on the image data and outputs a disconnection instruction according to the determination result.

  The capsule endoscope preferably has wireless transmission means for wirelessly transmitting data, and preferably transmits image data to an external device via the wireless transmission means when the insertion cable is disconnected. .

  In addition, when the capsule endoscope and the insertion cable are connected, it is preferable that the capsule endoscope switches a power on / off state in response to a control signal output from an external device.

  In addition, the capsule endoscope includes a battery serving as a power source and a power supply unit that supplies power obtained from the battery to each unit including the imaging unit and the wireless transmission unit, and the insertion cable is in a disconnected state. The power supply by the power supply means is preferably performed intermittently.

  Further, the battery is a secondary battery, and the capsule endoscope preferably charges the secondary battery with electric power supplied via the insertion cable.

  Further, it is preferable that the capsule endoscope is charged with the secondary battery when in-vivo photographing and image data transfer are not being executed.

  The capsule endoscope has an L-shaped or U-shaped substrate sandwiched between the connecting means and the secondary battery and having a charging / discharging path for the secondary battery formed on the substrate. Preferably, at least an imaging unit that acquires image data, an illuminating unit that irradiates light into the living body, a wireless transmission unit, and a power supply unit are disposed.

  According to the capsule endoscope system of the present invention, a capsule type that incorporates an imaging unit and inspects the living body using a capsule endoscope that captures an image of the living body and acquires image data by the imaging unit. An endoscope system comprising: an insertion cable that is detachably coupled to a capsule endoscope via a connecting means; and the capsule endoscope and the insertion cable are connected to each other when the capsule endoscope and the insertion cable are connected. Wired transmission means for transmitting image data acquired by an endoscope to an external device via an insertion cable, and disconnection instruction means for outputting a disconnection instruction for separating the capsule endoscope and the insertion cable from each other Since it is provided, the capsule endoscope can be separated according to the state of the stomach examination, and the small intestine and the like can be subsequently examined. In addition, before the capsule endoscope is cut off, stable image data can be obtained through the insertion cable.

  In addition, when the capsule endoscope receives a disconnection instruction, the capsule endoscope and the insertion cable are disconnected from each other, and the power supply to the wired transmission means is stopped. it can.

  In addition, since the external device is equipped with a determination unit that performs determination based on the image data and outputs a disconnection instruction according to the determination result, the examination of the small intestine and the like is continued according to the examination state of the stomach without the judgment of the doctor. It can be carried out.

  In addition, the capsule endoscope includes a battery serving as a power source and a power supply unit that supplies power obtained from the battery to each unit including the imaging unit and the wireless transmission unit, and the insertion cable is in a disconnected state. Since the power supply by the power supply means is intermittently performed, the required amount of electricity can be reduced, the battery can be made smaller, and the capsule endoscope can be downsized.

  Further, the battery is a secondary battery, and the capsule endoscope charges the secondary battery with the power supplied via the insertion cable, so that the capsule endoscope can be reused.

  Further, since the capsule endoscope charges the secondary battery when in-vivo imaging and image data transfer are not performed, the capsule endoscope can be charged efficiently.

  The capsule endoscope has an L-shaped or U-shaped substrate sandwiched between the connecting means and the secondary battery and having a charging / discharging path for the secondary battery formed on the substrate. Since at least an imaging means for acquiring image data, an illuminating means for irradiating light into the living body, a wireless transmission means, and a power supply means are provided, the capsule endoscope can be miniaturized. Can do.

  Hereinafter, the capsule endoscope system 11 of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. As shown in FIG. 1, the capsule endoscope system 11 is a system for examining the inside of a living body, and includes a processor 12, a video scope 13, a capsule endoscope 14, a receiving device 15, and a console 16. The The console 16 includes an operation unit 17 including a keyboard and a mouse for inputting an operation signal for operating the processor 12, and a monitor 18 that displays an operation screen and displays a captured image in real time.

  The video scope 13 includes an insertion cable 19 inserted into a living body, an operation unit 20 connected to the proximal end of the insertion cable 19, and a cord 21 that connects the operation unit 20 to the processor 12. A capsule endoscope 14 for photographing the inside of the living body is coupled to the distal end of the insertion cable 19 so as to be separated and connectable. For example, it is realized by an electromagnetic lock using electromagnets 61 and 62 (see FIGS. 2 and 3).

  As shown in FIG. 2, the capsule endoscope 14 has a water-tight capsule 24 formed by fitting a cylindrical front cover 22 and a rear cover 23 each having a substantially hemispherical shape at one end. An objective optical system 25 for capturing the image light, an image pickup device 26 such as a CCD for picking up the image light of the region to be inspected, and an image pickup circuit 27 for converting an image pickup signal obtained by the image pickup device 26 into image data. An imaging unit 28, an illumination light source 29 such as a white LED that irradiates light to the site to be inspected, a U-shaped mother board 32 that forms a circuit together with the signal processing circuit 30, the transmission circuit 31, and the like, a battery 33 that serves as an electricity supply source, A power circuit 34 (see FIG. 4) that receives electricity from the battery 33 and the like and supplies it to each part, a switch circuit 35 (see FIG. 4) that regulates the supply of electricity to each part, and a charge that charges the battery 33 as a secondary battery circuit 6 (see FIG. 4) has a configuration incorporating a like interface 37 for electrical connection with the inserted cables 19. Note that the components incorporated in the capsule 24 are disposed on the mother substrate 32.

  The objective optical system 25 is attached to the rear end of the transparent convex optical dome 25a and the optical dome 25a, and is tapered toward the rear end. The lens holder 25b is composed of a lens 25c fixed to the lens holder 25b. The objective optical system 25 has an imaging range of, for example, a front viewing angle of 140 ° to 180 ° with the optical axis 36 as the central axis, and captures an omnidirectional image of the site to be examined in this imaging range as image light.

  An opening 23 a is formed at the front end of the rear cover 23 that is substantially hemispherical. The opening 23 a has a circular shape substantially the same as the cross-sectional diameter of the insertion cable 19, and an interface 37 is provided inside the opening 23 a. As shown in FIG. 3A, the gap between the opening 23a and the interface 37 is closed by an O-ring 60 made of synthetic resin or the like, and the capsule 24 is kept watertight. Embedded in the interface 37 are electromagnets (electromagnetic locks) 61 and 62 for switching between physical connection and disconnection with the insertion cable 19. Further, as shown in FIG. 3B, permanent magnets 63 and 64 are provided at the distal end of the insertion cable 19 so as to correspond to the electromagnets 61 and 62, respectively. For example, when the permanent magnets 63 and 64 are N poles, the electromagnets 61 and 62 are used as S poles to generate an attractive force between the permanent magnets, and the attractive force between the capsule endoscope 14 and the insertion cable 19 is generated. The physical connection state can be maintained. Then, the electromagnets 61 and 62 are switched to the N pole to generate a repulsive force between the permanent magnets, and the physical connection between the capsule endoscope 14 and the insertion cable 19 can be disconnected by the repulsive force. . Note that the switching of the poles of the electromagnets 61 and 62 is controlled by a CPU 38 to be described later.

  The interface 37 is provided with an output terminal 65 for sending image data and the like to the outside, an input terminal 66 for receiving operation signals such as photographing instructions, and power terminals 67 and 68 for receiving electricity. On the other hand, at the distal end of the insertion cable 19, the distal ends of communication wires 69 and 70, a power supply line (VC) 71, and a ground line (GN) 72, which will be described in detail later, so as to correspond to the terminals 65 to 68 of the interface 37. Are disposed. By connecting these terminals 65 to 68 and wires 69 to 72, the capsule endoscope 14 can communicate with the processor 12. In addition, each terminal 65-68 of the interface 37 and the wire 69-72 peeking at the front-end | tip of the insertion cable 19 are gold-plated to the non-corrosive metal, for example, corroding and doing harm to a living body. There is no such thing.

  When the communication power is turned on, the interface 37 is electrically connected to the wires 69 to 72 of the insertion cable 19 to be physically connected. The communication power source of the interface 37 is controlled by a CPU 38 to be described later. When the interface 37 is physically connected to the insertion cable 19, the communication power is turned on. When the interface 37 is physically disconnected from the insertion cable 19, the communication power is turned off. That is, when the interface 37 is physically connected to the insertion cable 19, the capsule endoscope 14 is electrically connected to the insertion cable 19, and when the interface 37 is physically disconnected from the insertion cable 19, the capsule type The electrical connection between the endoscope 14 and the insertion cable 19 is released. As described above, when the capsule endoscope 14 is physically disconnected from the insertion cable 19, the communication power of the interface 37 is turned off, so unnecessary power consumption is suppressed.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the entire operation of the capsule endoscope 14 is comprehensively controlled by the CPU 38. Connected to the CPU 38 is a ROM 39 in which various programs and data for controlling the operation of the capsule endoscope 14 are stored. The CPU 38 reads necessary programs and data from the ROM 39 and controls the operation of the capsule endoscope 14.

  For example, the image sensor 26 forms an image of the region to be inspected incident from the objective optical system 25 on the imaging surface at a frame rate of 2 frames / second, and outputs an image signal corresponding to the image light from each pixel. The imaging circuit 27 performs correlated double sampling, amplification, and A / D conversion on the imaging signal output from the imaging element 26, and converts the imaging signal into digital image data. Then, the image data is sent to the processor 12 via the insertion cable 19 or the like when the communication power of the interface 37 is on. On the other hand, when the communication power of the interface 37 is turned off, the image data is output to the signal processing circuit 30.

  The signal processing circuit 30 performs digital quadrature modulation on the image data output from the imaging circuit 27 to generate an RF signal. The transmission circuit 31 transmits the RF signal generated by the signal processing circuit 30 to the reception device 15 as a radio wave 41 via the antenna 40.

  The power supply circuit 34 receives electricity from the processor 12 and the battery 33 and supplies electricity to each unit. The power supply circuit 34 incorporates a DC / DC converter. The DC / DC converter is a circuit that outputs the input DC voltage electricity after converting it to a different DC voltage electricity, and the electricity supplied to each part becomes a predetermined DC voltage. The switch circuit 35 is a switch that periodically switches the operation of the power supply circuit 34. When the capsule endoscope 14 is disconnected from the insertion cable 19, the switch circuit 35 operates and outputs an on / off signal to the power supply circuit 34 at a predetermined cycle. The power supply circuit 34 supplies electricity to each unit when receiving the ON signal, and stops supplying electricity when receiving the OFF signal. The power supply circuit 34 that is periodically turned on / off by the switch circuit 35 uses the electricity that has been continuously supplied as an intermittent supply at a rate of 0.5 seconds per 3 seconds, for example. Reduce consumption. When the capsule endoscope 14 and the insertion cable 19 are connected, electricity is supplied from the processor 12 and the charging circuit 56 always charges the battery 33. Since the battery 33 is a rechargeable secondary battery, the capsule endoscope 14 can be reused without being disposable.

  By the way, even if the capsule endoscope 14 is disconnected from the insertion cable 19 and discharged from the anus, or is recovered from the oral cavity without being disconnected from the insertion cable 19, after use, Bacteria are attached. That is, the capsule endoscope 14 needs to be sterilized and cleaned before being reused. Sterile cleaning refers to cleaning that removes or kills bacteria. For sterilization and washing of the capsule endoscope 14, for example, an autoclave manufactured by OM Lab Tech Co., Ltd. may be used. An autoclave is an apparatus generally used for sterilizing and cleaning medical instruments, and kills bacteria by high-pressure steam. Thus, since the autoclave widely used for sterilization cleaning of medical instruments is used for sterilization cleaning of the capsule endoscope 14, the capsule endoscope 11 is introduced when the capsule endoscope system 11 is introduced into a medical field. It is not necessary to prepare a sterilization cleaning device dedicated to 14.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the receiving device 15 is carried and used by being attached to the belt of the patient 42. The receiving device 15 is inserted from the oral cavity of the patient 42 and disconnected from the insertion cable 19 through the plurality of antennas 44 attached to the shield shirt 43 worn by the patient 42. The transmitted radio wave 41 (RF signal) is received. The RF signal is amplified by a receiving circuit (not shown) in the receiving device 15, and then subjected to, for example, digital quadrature detection and demodulated into image data by a demodulating circuit (not shown). )). The shield shirt 43 is a shirt for blocking external radio waves so that the antenna 44 receives only the radio waves 41 transmitted from the capsule endoscope 14. As shown in FIG. 1, a liquid crystal display (LCD) 45 for displaying various setting screens and operation buttons 46 for performing various settings are provided on the front surface of the receiving device 15. The receiving device 15 is connected to the processor 12 with a USB cable 47 or the like, and can send data stored in the memory to the processor 12.

  In the insertion cable 19 shown in FIG. 1, an angle wire for changing the shooting angle of the image sensor 26 (see FIG. 2), image data sent from the capsule endoscope 14, and operations such as shooting instructions are provided. Communication wires 69 and 70 for transmitting signals, power supply wires (power supply line 71, ground line 72) for supplying electricity to the capsule endoscope 14 and the like are inserted.

  The operation unit 20 includes an angle knob that winds and sends the angle wire, a disconnect button 48 (see FIG. 4) for issuing a disconnect instruction for disconnecting the capsule endoscope 14 from the insertion cable 19, and image data as a still image. A release button 49 (see FIG. 4) for issuing a shooting instruction for storing the image is provided. When the angle knob is wound and sent out by operating the angle knob, the direction of the distal end of the insertion cable 19 changes and the photographing angle is directed in a desired direction.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the processor 12 includes a CPU 50, a data storage device (hereinafter simply referred to as “storage”) 51, a RAM 52, and an image processing circuit 53. The CPU 50 is connected to the console 16 including the operation unit 17 and the monitor 18 and the operation unit 20 of the video scope 13, and performs overall operation of the processor 12 in accordance with operation instructions input from the operation units 17 and 20. Control. The storage 51 stores various programs 54 that control the operation of the processor 12 and the like. The CPU 50 loads the program 54 into the RAM 52 and causes the process described in the program 54 to be executed. The RAM 52 is a working memory used for the CPU 50 to execute processing.

  The CPU 50 outputs a control signal for switching the power ON / OFF state to the capsule endoscope 14 connected to the insertion cable 19. Then, the capsule endoscope 14 is turned on, image data acquired by the imaging circuit 27 and the like is acquired, and displayed on the monitor 18 in real time. On the other hand, when the receiving device 15 is connected via the USB cable 47 (see FIG. 1), the data stored in the memory of the receiving device 15 is read and stored in the storage 51 or displayed on the monitor 18. Or

  Further, when an operation signal generated by operating the disconnect button 48 (see FIG. 4) is input, a disconnect signal for disconnecting the capsule endoscope 14 from the insertion cable 19 with respect to connection means such as an electromagnetic lock. Is output, and the capsule endoscope 14 is disconnected.

  Further, when the capsule endoscope 14 is connected to the insertion cable 19 and an operation signal generated by operating the release button 49 is input, an image acquired from the capsule endoscope 14 is acquired. Data is stored in the storage 51 as still image data.

  When the capsule endoscope 14 is connected to the insertion cable 19, the image processing circuit (determination means) 53 receives image data acquired by the capsule endoscope 14 and performs pattern recognition and the like in real time. Perform image analysis. Then, based on the image analysis result, it is determined whether it is necessary to inspect the small intestine continuously. That is, it is determined whether or not the capsule endoscope 14 needs to be disconnected from the insertion cable 19.

  When it is determined by the image processing circuit 53 that the capsule endoscope 14 needs to be disconnected from the insertion cable 19 and subsequently inspected, the CPU 50 determines the connection means such as an electromagnetic lock (electromagnets 61 and 62). Then, a separation signal for separating the capsule endoscope 14 from the insertion cable 19 is output, and the capsule endoscope 14 is separated.

  Hereinafter, the operation of the capsule endoscope system 11 configured as described above will be described with reference to FIG. When the doctor uses the capsule endoscope system 11 to inspect the living body of the patient 42, first, the patient 42 is caused to wear the shield shirt 43 and carry the receiving device 15. After the capsule endoscope system 11 is turned on, the capsule endoscope 14 connected to the insertion cable 19 is inserted from the oral cavity of the patient 42 (see FIG. 5).

  The capsule endoscope 14 connected to the insertion cable 19 sequentially acquires image data from the oral cavity to the stomach according to the insertion state of the insertion cable 19. The acquired image data is sent to the processor 12 via the insertion cable 19 and displayed on the monitor 18 in real time (see FIG. 1). The doctor can inspect all directions by operating the angle knob while viewing the in-vivo image data displayed on the monitor 18 to direct the photographing angle in a desired direction. The image data sent to the processor 12 is input to the image processing circuit 53, and image analysis such as pattern recognition is performed in real time. The image processing circuit 53 determines whether or not the capsule endoscope 14 is disconnected from the insertion cable 19 based on the image analysis result (see FIG. 4). The capsule endoscope 14 is supplied with electricity from the processor 12 via the insertion cable 19. The supplied electricity is charged and stored in a battery 33 built in the capsule endoscope 14 and operates each part of the capsule endoscope 14.

  When the release button 49 is operated, the image data at that timing is stored in the storage 51 as still image data (see FIG. 4).

  When the doctor who views the monitor 18 determines that the small intestine or the like needs to be examined and the disconnect button 48 is operated, a disconnect signal is sent to the electromagnetic lock which is a connection means between the capsule endoscope 14 and the insertion cable 19. Is output (see FIG. 4).

  Even when the disconnect button 48 is not operated, if the image processing circuit 53 determines that the inspection of the small intestine or the like is necessary, the electromagnetic lock which is a connection means between the capsule endoscope 14 and the insertion cable 19 is set. On the other hand, a disconnection signal is automatically output (see FIG. 4). In any case, the electromagnetic lock is released by the disconnection signal, and the capsule endoscope 14 is physically disconnected from the insertion cable 19 (see FIG. 2). By this physical disconnection, the supply of electricity from the processor 12 to the capsule endoscope 14 is cut off, and the charging of the battery 33 ends. The capsule endoscope 14 is supplied with electricity from the battery 33. Further, in conjunction with the physical disconnection, the communication power of the interface 37 is turned off, and unnecessary electricity consumption is suppressed. In addition, the image data is not sent to the processor 12 disconnected from the capsule endoscope 14, and the image data is not displayed on the monitor 18.

  When the capsule endoscope 14 is disconnected from the insertion cable 19, the switch circuit 35 is activated, and the supply of electricity becomes intermittent. Since the capsule endoscope 14 is intermittently operated by intermittent supply of electricity, the amount of electricity consumed can be suppressed.

  The image data acquired by the imaging unit 28 is subjected to digital quadrature modulation by the signal processing circuit 30 to become an RF signal. The RF signal is transmitted to the receiving device 15 as a radio wave 41 via the antenna 40 (see FIG. 4).

  The receiving device 15 receives the radio wave 41 (RF signal) transmitted from the capsule endoscope 14 via the antenna 44. The FR signal is amplified, subjected to quadrature detection, demodulated into image data, and stored in a memory in the receiving device 15 (see FIG. 5).

  The in-vivo image capturing is completed in 7 to 8 hours from the start of the examination. A doctor or the like connects the receiving device 15 to the processor 12 via the USB cable 47 or the like after the in-vivo image capturing is completed. The operation unit 17 is operated by a doctor or the like, and the image data stored in the receiving device 15 is displayed on the monitor 18. A doctor or the like can inspect the living body by looking at the image data displayed on the monitor 18. Note that the capsule endoscope 14 for which imaging has been completed is naturally discharged from the anus and collected.

  On the other hand, when the separation button 49 is not operated and the image processing circuit 53 does not determine that inspection of the small intestine is necessary, the separation signal is not output, the electromagnetic lock is not released, and the capsule-type endoscope is not released. The mirror 14 is not disconnected from the insertion cable 19. Therefore, in this case, the capsule endoscope 14 is recovered by the insertion cable 19 being pulled back to the oral cavity.

  The collected capsule endoscope 14 can be reused by being washed in an autoclave.

  In the above-described embodiment, the capsule endoscope 14 is described with an example in which the U-shaped mother board 32 is built in, but the present invention is not limited to this, and as shown in FIG. In addition, an L-shaped mother board 55 may be incorporated.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the angle wire was penetrated inside the insertion cable 19, it demonstrated as an example the case where it can test | inspect by changing a photography angle, It is not limited to this, An angle wire may not be inserted into the insertion cable 19. In this case, the insertion cable 19 can be made thin.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the case where the communication wire penetrated inside the insertion cable 19 was a metal wire was demonstrated to the example, it is not limited to this, An optical fiber may be sufficient. In this case, it is preferable that the tip of the optical fiber corresponding to the connection portion with the capsule endoscope 14 and the connection portion with the optical fiber of the capsule endoscope 14 are made of tempered glass.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the capsule endoscope 14 is disconnected has been described as an example in which the operation unit 20 (the disconnect button 48) of the video scope 13 is operated. Instead of this, the operation unit 17 of the console 16 connected to the processor 12 may be operated.

  In the above embodiment, the capsule endoscope 14 is connected to the processor 12 via the video scope 13 and has been described as an example in which the capsule endoscope 14 is disconnected when the operation unit 20 of the video scope 13 is operated. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be disconnected by being connected to the processor 12 only through a cable for insertion into the living body and operating the operation unit 17 of the console 16 connected to the processor 12. .

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, when the capsule endoscope 14 and the insertion cable 19 were a connection state, the case where the battery 33 was always charged was demonstrated to the example, However, It is not limited to this, A connection state In addition, the battery 33 may be charged only when in-vivo shooting or image data transfer is not being executed. In this case, since charging of the battery 33 and shooting and transfer of image data are performed separately, it is possible to prevent noise from being mixed into the image data.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the case where the battery 33 was a secondary battery was demonstrated to the example, it is not limited to this, A primary battery may be sufficient. In this case, the primary battery is preferably replaceable.

  In the above-described embodiment, the image processing circuit 53 is described as an example provided in the processor 12, but is not limited thereto, and may be incorporated in the capsule endoscope 14. .

  In the above-described embodiment, the capsule endoscope 14 has been described as an example in which when the capsule endoscope 14 is disconnected from the insertion cable 19, the RF signal (image data) is transmitted to the receiving device as the radio wave 41 via the antenna 40. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a memory may be provided in the capsule 24 and image data may be sequentially stored in the memory. In this case, it is necessary to collect the capsule endoscope 14 and read the image data stored in the memory.

It is the schematic which shows the structure of a capsule type endoscope system. It is sectional drawing of the capsule type endoscope cut | disconnected from the insertion cable. It is a front view of (A) capsule type endoscope and (B) insertion cable, and a mutual connection part, respectively. It is a block diagram which shows the electrical constitution of a capsule type endoscope system. It is a figure explaining the test | inspection in the living body using a capsule type | mold endoscope. It is a flowchart explaining the effect | action of a capsule type endoscope system. It is a flowchart explaining the effect | action of the capsule endoscope of a separated state. It is sectional drawing of the capsule-type endoscope which incorporates an L-shaped mother board | substrate.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 Capsule type endoscope system 12 Processor 13 Video scope 14 Capsule type endoscope 15 Receiver 16 Console 17 Operation part 18 Monitor 19 Insertion cable 20 Operation part 26 Imaging element 27 Imaging circuit 28 Imaging part 29 Illumination light source 30 Signal processing circuit 31 Transmission Circuit 32, 55 Mother Board 33 Battery 34 Power Supply Circuit 35 Switch Circuit 37 Interface 40 Antenna 42 Patient 44 Antenna 48 Disconnect Button 53 Image Processing Circuit 56 Charging Circuit

Claims (10)

In a capsule endoscope system that incorporates an imaging means and inspects the living body using a capsule endoscope that captures an image of the living body and acquires image data by the imaging means.
An insertion cable that is connected to and disconnected from the capsule endoscope via a connection means; and
Wired transmission means for transmitting image data acquired by the capsule endoscope to an external device via the insertion cable when the capsule endoscope and the insertion cable are in a connected state;
A capsule endoscope system comprising: a disconnection instruction unit that outputs a disconnection instruction for setting the capsule endoscope and the insertion cable in a disconnected state.   The capsule endoscope system according to claim 1, wherein the disconnection instructing unit is provided in the external device.   When the capsule endoscope receives the disconnect instruction, the capsule endoscope and the insertion cable are disconnected from each other, and power supply to the wired transmission unit is stopped. Item 3. The capsule endoscope system according to item 1 or 2.   The capsule endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the external device includes determination means for performing determination based on the image data and outputting the disconnection instruction according to the determination result. system.   The capsule endoscope has wireless transmission means for wirelessly transmitting data, and transmits the image data to the external device via the wireless transmission means when the insertion cable is disconnected. The capsule endoscope system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the capsule endoscope system is provided.   When the capsule endoscope and the insertion cable are in a connected state, the capsule endoscope switches a power on / off state in response to a control signal output from the external device. Item 6. The capsule endoscope system according to any one of Items 1 to 5.   The capsule endoscope includes a battery serving as a power source, and a power supply unit that supplies power obtained from the battery to each unit including the imaging unit and the wireless transmission unit, and the insertion cable is disconnected. The capsule endoscope system according to claim 6, wherein the power supply by the power supply means is intermittently performed.   8. The capsule endoscope according to claim 7, wherein the battery is a secondary battery, and the capsule endoscope charges the secondary battery with electric power supplied through the insertion cable. Mirror system.   9. The capsule endoscope system according to claim 8, wherein the capsule endoscope charges the secondary battery when imaging in the living body and transfer of image data are not executed. .   The capsule endoscope has an L-shaped or U-shaped substrate sandwiched between the connecting means and the secondary battery and having a charge / discharge path for the secondary battery, An imaging unit that acquires at least the image data, an illuminating unit that irradiates light into the living body, the wireless transmission unit, and the power supply unit are disposed on a substrate. The capsule endoscope system according to claim 9.

Images