JP2010094442A - Living body observation system and method of driving the same - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a living body observation system capable of switching a power source of an in-vivo observation apparatus on and off by a noncontact and simple operation. <P>SOLUTION: The living body observation system includes: the in-vivo observation apparatus provided with an in-vivo information obtaining part for acquiring information inside a living body, a power source part for supplying the drive power of the in-vivo information obtaining part, a magnetic field detection part for detecting a magnetic field from the outside and outputting a detected result as an electric signal, and a control part for changing the supply state of the drive power supplied from the power source part to the in-vivo information obtaining part corresponding to the period during which the electric signal is continuously inputted; and a magnetic field generation part for generating an alternating magnetic field outside an in-vivo information acquisition apparatus. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a living body observation system and a driving method of the living body observation system, and more particularly to a living body observation system capable of acquiring in-vivo information and a driving method of the living body observation system.

  Endoscopes have been widely used in the medical field and the like. In particular, endoscopes in the medical field are mainly used for applications such as in vivo observation. As one of the types of endoscopes described above, the subject is placed in the body cavity by swallowing, and the subject is imaged while moving in the body cavity in accordance with the peristaltic motion. In recent years, a capsule endoscope that can wirelessly transmit an object image as an imaging signal to the outside has been proposed.

  And as what has a structure substantially the same as the capsule type endoscope mentioned above, there exists a thing proposed by patent document 1, for example.

Patent Document 1 discloses a capsule endoscope that can be switched on and off by bringing a magnet close thereto. Specifically, when the capsule endoscope of Patent Document 1 is brought close to the magnet while the power is turned off, the movable electrode of the reed switch comes into contact with the power and the power is turned on. When the magnet is moved closer to the magnet, the movable electrode of the reed switch is separated and the power is turned off.
JP 2007-160007 A

  Generally, in confirming the operation of the capsule endoscope, for example, an operation of turning on the power of the capsule endoscope for a certain period of time and then turning off the power again is performed. When performing the above-described operation check in the capsule endoscope of Patent Document 1, the operation of bringing the capsule endoscope closer to the magnet has to be performed twice, resulting in complicated operations. There is a problem that.

  In addition, according to the configuration of the capsule endoscope of Patent Document 1, it is necessary to perform an operation of bringing the capsule endoscope closer to the magnet through a human hand such as a doctor, a nurse, or a technician. This is considered to have the following problems.

  According to the configuration of the capsule endoscope of Patent Document 1, when the positional relationship between the capsule endoscope and the magnet is not appropriate, the magnetic field generated from the magnet does not move the movable electrode of the reed switch. As a result, the capsule endoscope may not be properly turned on or off. In such a case, the operation of bringing the capsule endoscope closer to the magnet needs to be performed again so that the power supply of the capsule endoscope is appropriately turned on or off. As a result, the operation is complicated. There is a problem of becoming.

  The present invention has been made in view of the circumstances described above, and a living body observation system and a living body observation system that can be switched on and off by a non-contact and simple operation. It aims to provide a method.

  The living body observation system according to the present invention detects an in vivo information acquisition unit that acquires in vivo information, a power supply unit that supplies driving power for the in vivo information acquisition unit, and a magnetic field from the outside, and electrically outputs the detection result. A magnetic field detection unit that outputs as a signal, a control unit that changes a supply state of the driving power supplied from the power supply unit to the in-vivo information acquisition unit according to a period in which the electrical signal is continuously input, And an in-vivo observation device, and a magnetic field generation unit that generates an alternating magnetic field outside the biological information acquisition device.

  The driving method of the living body observation system according to the present invention detects an in-vivo information acquiring unit that acquires in-vivo information, a power supply unit that supplies driving power for the in-vivo information acquiring unit, and a magnetic field from the outside. A magnetic field detection unit that outputs a result as an electrical signal, and a control that changes a supply state of the driving power supplied from the power supply unit to the in-vivo information acquisition unit according to a period in which the electrical signal is continuously input A biological observation system having at least an in-vivo observation device and a magnetic field generation unit that generates an alternating magnetic field outside the biological information acquisition device, wherein the magnetic field generation unit When the alternating magnetic field is continuously applied for a period longer than a predetermined period, the power source of the in-vivo observation device is switched from on to off or from off to on Law.

  The driving method of the living body observation system according to the present invention detects an in-vivo information acquiring unit that acquires in-vivo information, a power supply unit that supplies driving power for the in-vivo information acquiring unit, and a magnetic field from the outside. A magnetic field detection unit that outputs a result as an electrical signal, and a control that changes a supply state of the driving power supplied from the power supply unit to the in-vivo information acquisition unit according to a period in which the electrical signal is continuously input A biological observation system having at least an in-vivo observation device and a magnetic field generation unit that generates an alternating magnetic field outside the biological information acquisition device, wherein the magnetic field generation unit When the AC magnetic field is continuously applied for a period shorter than a predetermined period, the power source of the in-vivo observation apparatus is turned on for a certain period and then turned off again.

  According to the living body observation system and the driving method of the living body observation system in the present invention, it is possible to switch on and off the power source of the in-vivo observation apparatus by a non-contact and simple operation.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  1 to 5 relate to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a main part of a living body observation system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the internal configuration of the capsule endoscope according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a timing chart showing an example of the operating state of the capsule endoscope of the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is a timing chart showing an example of the operating state of the capsule endoscope of the present embodiment, which is different from FIG. FIG. 5 is a timing chart showing an example of the operating state of the capsule endoscope according to the present embodiment, which is different from FIGS. 3 and 4.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the living body observation system 201 includes a capsule endoscope 101 having a size and shape that can be placed in a living body, and an alternating magnetic field generated outside the capsule endoscope 101. And a magnetic field generator 121 that emits light.

  The magnetic field generation unit 121 has a configuration capable of switching the magnetic field generation state to either on or off in accordance with, for example, a user operation such as a switch (not shown). The magnetic field generator 121 of this embodiment may have any configuration as long as it generates an alternating magnetic field in response to a user operation or instruction.

  A capsule endoscope 101 as an in-vivo observation device includes an illumination unit 113 that illuminates a subject, an objective optical system (not shown) that forms an image of the subject illuminated by the illumination unit 113, and the objective optical system. An imaging unit 114 that outputs the formed image of the subject as an imaging signal is provided inside.

  Furthermore, the capsule endoscope 101 includes a wireless transmission unit 115 that converts an imaging signal output from the imaging unit 114 into a wireless signal and outputs the wireless signal, and an illumination unit 113, an imaging unit 114, and a wireless transmission unit 115. A power supply unit 112 that supplies driving power required for driving the magnetic field generation unit 121 and a magnetic field detection unit 108 that can detect an alternating magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generation unit 121 are included.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 2, the magnetic field detection unit 108 outputs an electric signal corresponding to the alternating magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generation unit 121 and rectifies the electric signal output from the antenna 104. A rectifying unit 116 for outputting and a resistor 107 are provided.

  The antenna 104 is a resonance that is connected in parallel to the magnetic field detection coil 102 that outputs an electric signal corresponding to the alternating magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generation unit 121 and the magnetic field detection coil 102 at the input end of the rectification unit 116. And a capacitor 103 for use.

  The rectifying unit 116 includes a diode 105 whose input end is connected to the output end of the magnetic field detection coil 102, and a smoothing capacitor 106 that smoothes the electric signal output from the diode 105.

  The resistor 107 is connected in parallel to the smoothing capacitor 106 at the output terminal of the diode 105.

  Note that the magnetic field detection unit 108 of the present embodiment may have another circuit configuration different from that described above as long as it has a similar function.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the power supply unit 112 includes a controller 109 made of, for example, a microcomputer, a P-channel FET 110, and a power supply unit 111 made of a battery or the like.

  The node N1 as an input end of the controller 109 is connected to the output end of the magnetic field detection unit 108. That is, the electrical signal output from the magnetic field detection unit 108 is input to the controller 109 via the node N1.

  A node N 2 as a first output terminal of the controller 109 is connected to the gate of the P-channel FET 110. The node N3 as the second output terminal of the controller 109 is connected to the illumination unit 113, the imaging unit 114, and the wireless transmission unit 115, respectively.

  The source of the P-channel FET 110 is connected to the power supply unit 111. Further, the gate of the P-channel FET 110 is connected to the node N 2 as the first output terminal of the controller 109. Further, the drain of the P-channel FET 110 is connected to the illumination unit 113, the imaging unit 114, and the wireless transmission unit 115, respectively.

  According to the configuration of the capsule endoscope 101 described above, when the node N2 as the first output terminal of the controller 109 is at L (Low) level, the P-channel FET 110 is turned on, and the illumination unit Drive power is supplied to 113, the imaging unit 114, and the wireless transmission unit 115.

  The illumination unit 113, the imaging unit 114, and the wireless transmission unit 115 are configured to operate when the node N3 is at the H (High) level and stop operating when the node N3 is at the L level. And

  Here, the effect | action of the biological observation system 201 in this embodiment is demonstrated.

  First, the case where the power source of the capsule endoscope 101 is switched from OFF to ON will be described mainly with reference to FIG.

  In the period before time t11 shown in FIG. 3, the power source of the capsule endoscope 101 is off.

  After that, when an AC magnetic field is generated from the magnetic field generator 121 at time t11 shown in FIG. 3, a potential difference due to electromagnetic induction is generated at both ends of the magnetic field detection coil 102, and an AC electrical signal corresponding to the potential difference is generated in the rectifier unit. 116.

  The AC electrical signal output from the magnetic field detection coil 102 is rectified by the rectification unit 116, thereby being converted into a DC electrical signal and output to the input terminal of the controller 109. As shown in FIG. 3, at time t11, the signal level of the node N1 on the input end side of the controller 109 becomes H level. Note that the node N1 on the input end side of the controller 109 is at the H level during a period in which an AC magnetic field is applied to the capsule endoscope 101.

  The controller 109 serving as a control unit starts monitoring a period during which an H-level electric signal is continuously input from the timing at time t11. When the controller 109 detects that the H-level electric signal has been continuously input for a period of time t11 to t12, which is a period longer than a predetermined period th1, a time t13 after time t12. The node N2 is set to L level and the node N3 is set to H level. Note that the predetermined period th1 is a fixed period starting from the first time when the node N1 changes from the steady state where the node N1 maintains the L level to the H level (eg, time t11 in FIG. 3).

  When the signal level at the node N2 becomes L level, the P-channel FET 110 is turned on, and supply of driving power from the power supply unit 111 to the illumination unit 113, the imaging unit 114, and the wireless transmission unit 115 is started. Then, as the drive power supply from the power supply unit 111 is started, the operations of the illumination unit 113, the imaging unit 114, and the wireless transmission unit 115 are started.

  As described above, according to the capsule endoscope 101 of the present embodiment, when an AC magnetic field is continuously applied for a period longer than the predetermined period th1 when the power is off, the AC magnetic field At the timing of time t13 after the application is stopped, the power source is switched on.

  Next, the case where the power source of the capsule endoscope 101 is switched from on to off will be described mainly with reference to FIG.

  In the period before time t21 shown in FIG. 4, the power source of the capsule endoscope 101 is on.

  Thereafter, when an alternating magnetic field is generated from the magnetic field generator 121 at time t21 shown in FIG. 4, a potential difference due to electromagnetic induction is generated at both ends of the magnetic field detection coil 102, and an alternating electrical signal corresponding to the potential difference is generated by the rectifier unit. 116.

  The AC electrical signal output from the magnetic field detection coil 102 is rectified by the rectification unit 116, thereby being converted into a DC electrical signal and output to the input terminal of the controller 109. As shown in FIG. 4, at time t21, the signal level at the node N1 on the input end side of the controller 109 becomes H level.

  The controller 109 starts monitoring a period during which an H-level electric signal is continuously input to itself starting from the timing at time t21. When the controller 109 detects that the H level electric signal has been continuously input for a period of time t21 to t22, which is longer than a predetermined period th1, a time t23 after time t22. The node N2 is set to H level and the node N3 is set to L level.

  When the signal level at the node N2 becomes H level, the P-channel FET 110 is turned off, and the supply of driving power from the power supply unit 111 to the illumination unit 113, the imaging unit 114, and the wireless transmission unit 115 is stopped. As the drive power supply from the power supply unit 111 is stopped, the operations of the illumination unit 113, the imaging unit 114, and the wireless transmission unit 115 are stopped.

  As described above, according to the capsule endoscope 101 of the present embodiment, when an AC magnetic field is continuously applied for a period longer than the predetermined period th1 when the power is on, the AC magnetic field At the timing of time t23 after the application is stopped, the power source is switched off.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the capsule endoscope 101 cannot be turned on / off unless the AC magnetic field is continuously applied for a period longer than the predetermined period th1. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is difficult for the capsule endoscope 101 to be turned on and off by an unintended operation.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the capsule endoscope 101 falls within the radiation range of the alternating magnetic field from the magnetic field generator 121 when the capsule endoscope 101 is turned on and off. The AC magnetic field may be continuously applied for a period longer than the predetermined period th1. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the power supply of the capsule endoscope 101 can be switched on and off by a non-contact and simple operation. Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, for example, even when the capsule endoscope 101 is arranged in the body of the subject, the capsule type is applied from outside the subject according to the observation site or the observation situation. The power supply of the endoscope 101 can be switched on and off.

  Next, the case of confirming the operation of the capsule endoscope 101 will be described mainly with reference to FIG.

  In the period before time t31 shown in FIG. 5, the power source of the capsule endoscope 101 is off.

  After that, when an AC magnetic field is generated from the magnetic field generator 121 at time t31 shown in FIG. 5, a potential difference due to electromagnetic induction is generated at both ends of the magnetic field detection coil 102, and an AC electrical signal corresponding to the potential difference is generated in the rectifier unit. 116.

  The AC electrical signal output from the magnetic field detection coil 102 is rectified by the rectification unit 116, thereby being converted into a DC electrical signal and output to the input terminal of the controller 109. As shown in FIG. 5, at time t31, the signal level at the node N1 on the input end side of the controller 109 becomes H level.

  The controller 109 starts monitoring a period during which an H level electric signal is continuously input to the controller, starting from the timing at time t31. Then, as shown in FIG. 5, when the controller 109 detects that the H-level electric signal has been continuously input for a period of time t31 to t32, which is a period shorter than a predetermined period th2. In a period from time t33 to t34 after time t32, the node N2 is set to L level and the node N3 is set to H level. Note that the predetermined period th2 is a fixed period starting from the first time (for example, time t31 in FIG. 5) when the node N1 changes from the steady state where the node N1 maintains the L level to the H level. It is assumed that the period is shorter than the predetermined period th1.

  When the signal level at the node N2 becomes L level, the P-channel FET 110 is turned on, and supply of driving power from the power supply unit 111 to the illumination unit 113, the imaging unit 114, and the wireless transmission unit 115 is started. Thereby, at time t33, the operations of the illumination unit 113, the imaging unit 114, and the wireless transmission unit 115 are started, that is, the power source of the capsule endoscope 101 is switched from off to on.

  Thereafter, when controller 109 detects that time t34 has been reached, node N2 is set to H level and node N3 is set to L level.

  When the signal level at the node N2 becomes H level, the P-channel FET 110 is turned off, and the supply of driving power from the power supply unit 111 to the illumination unit 113, the imaging unit 114, and the wireless transmission unit 115 is stopped. Thereby, at time t34, the operations of the illumination unit 113, the imaging unit 114, and the wireless transmission unit 115 are stopped, that is, the power source of the capsule endoscope 101 is switched from on to off.

  Note that during the period from time t33 to t34, as the operating state of the capsule endoscope 101, for example, the light emission state of the illumination unit 113, the imaging state of the imaging unit 114, and the communication state of the wireless transmission unit 115 (viewing or the like). )) Is set as a period having a length that can be confirmed.

  Thus, according to the capsule endoscope 101 of the present embodiment, when an AC magnetic field is continuously applied for a period shorter than the predetermined period th2 when the power is turned off, the predetermined period The power is turned on at time t33 after th2 has elapsed, and after a certain period of operation, the power is turned off again at time t34.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the operation of the capsule endoscope 101 is confirmed, the capsule endoscope 101 is disposed within the radiation range of the alternating magnetic field from the magnetic field generator 121. However, the AC magnetic field may be applied continuously for a period shorter than the predetermined period th2. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the power ON / OFF switching operation that occurs when confirming the operation of the capsule endoscope 101 can be easily performed without contact.

  Further, as described above, according to the capsule endoscope 101 of the present embodiment, an operation related to normal power on / off switching, and an operation related to power on / off switching that occurs at the time of operation confirmation Is clearly distinguished as a function of the time that the alternating magnetic field has been applied. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, an operation according to the purpose of use of the capsule endoscope 101 can be easily and reliably performed.

  Note that the present embodiment is not limited to a so-called monocular capsule endoscope that includes one illumination unit and one imaging unit. For example, two illumination units and two imaging units are provided. The present invention can also be applied to a so-called binocular capsule endoscope that is provided in the same manner.

  In addition, the present embodiment is not limited to being applied only to the capsule endoscope, and may be applied to other in-vivo observation devices such as a drug delivery system and a pH observation device in substantially the same manner. Can do.

  In addition, the pattern of the alternating magnetic field applied from the magnetic field generation unit 121 to the capsule endoscope 101 is not limited to the waveforms shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, and is previously set between the controller 109 and the magnetic field generation unit 121. Any waveform may be used as long as it is defined.

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

The figure which shows the structure of the principal part of the biological observation system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows an example of the internal structure of the capsule endoscope of this embodiment. The timing chart which shows an example of the operation state of the capsule endoscope of this embodiment. The timing chart which shows the example different from FIG. 3 of the operation state of the capsule endoscope of this embodiment. The timing chart which shows the example different from FIG.3 and FIG.4 of the operation state of the capsule endoscope of this embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 101 ... Capsule type endoscope 108 ... Magnetic field detection part 112 ... Electric power supply part 113 ... Illumination part 114 ... Imaging part 115 ... Wireless transmission part 121 ... Magnetic field generation part 201 ... Biological observation system

Claims (8)

An in-vivo information acquisition unit that acquires in-vivo information, a power supply unit that supplies driving power for the in-vivo information acquisition unit, a magnetic field detection unit that detects an external magnetic field and outputs a detection result as an electrical signal, An in-vivo observation device comprising: a control unit that changes a supply state of the driving power supplied from the power supply unit to the in-vivo information acquisition unit according to a period in which the electric signal is continuously input; ,
A magnetic field generator for generating an alternating magnetic field outside the biological information acquisition device;
A living body observation system comprising:   2. The control unit according to claim 1, wherein the control unit performs control for starting or stopping the supply of the drive power when the electric signal is continuously input for a period longer than a predetermined first period. The biological observation system described.   3. The control unit according to claim 2, wherein the control unit performs control for supplying the driving power only for a certain period when the electric signal is input for a period shorter than a predetermined second period. Living body observation system.   The living body observation system according to claim 3, wherein the predetermined second period is shorter than the predetermined first period.   The living body observation system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the in vivo observation apparatus is a capsule endoscope. A method for driving the living body observation system according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
Driving the living body observation system, characterized in that when the AC magnetic field from the magnetic field generation unit is continuously applied for a period longer than a predetermined period, the power source of the in vivo observation apparatus is switched from on to off or from off to on Method. A method for driving the living body observation system according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
Driving an in-vivo observation system, characterized in that when an alternating magnetic field from the magnetic field generator is continuously applied for a period shorter than a predetermined period, the in-vivo observation apparatus is turned on again after the power source of the in-vivo observation apparatus is turned on for a certain period. Method.   The driving method for a living body observation system according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the in vivo observation apparatus is a capsule endoscope.

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