JP2016073341A - Capsule type medical device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a miniaturizable capsule type medical device, while maintaining excellent radio communication.SOLUTION: In a capsule type endoscope device 2 introducible into an analyte, including a housing 20 having a capsule type shape, a radio antenna 25 included in the housing and having an opening, and a plurality of inner members included in the housing and containing a metal member, at least a part of a columnar virtual space extending in a direction orthogonal to a face having the smallest areas of the metal member is intersected with the opening of the radio antenna.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to a capsule medical device that is introduced into a subject and moves within the body cavity of the subject to acquire information on the subject.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in the field of endoscopes, capsule endoscope devices that incorporate an imaging function, a wireless communication function, and the like in a capsule-shaped casing that is formed in a size that can be introduced into the digestive tract of a subject such as a patient. Are known. This capsule endoscope apparatus is swallowed from the subject's mouth, and then sequentially moves inside the subject such as in the digestive tract by peristaltic motion to generate an imaging signal. The imaging signals are sequentially transmitted wirelessly. The capsule endoscope apparatus includes a battery for driving the capsule endoscope apparatus, an imaging board on which an image sensor, a light emitting element, and the like are mounted, a signal processing board that performs signal processing of the captured imaging signal, and an imaging signal Includes a wireless antenna for wireless transmission.

  In order to reduce the size of such a capsule endoscope apparatus, a capsule endoscope apparatus including a circuit board having a rigid section and a flexible section is disclosed (see Patent Document 1). According to the capsule endoscope apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1, the usable space inside the capsule endoscope apparatus can be increased by bending the flexible section.

JP 2006-280940 A

  However, when trying to downsize the capsule endoscope apparatus, the distance between the metal member such as the pattern of the battery or the imaging board and the radio antenna is reduced, and the metal member and the radio antenna interfere with each other, so that the function of the radio antenna is impaired. There was a risk that stable wireless communication would not be possible.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object of the present invention is to provide a capsule medical device that can achieve downsizing while maintaining good wireless communication.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, a capsule medical device according to the present invention includes a casing having a capsule shape, a wireless antenna enclosed in the casing and having an opening, and the casing. A plurality of internal members including a metal member, and at least a part of a columnar virtual space extending in a direction perpendicular to a surface having the smallest area of the metal member intersects with the opening of the wireless antenna. It is characterized by doing.

  Further, in the capsule medical device according to the present invention, in the above invention, the surface having the largest area of the metal member among the surfaces of the plurality of internal members is substantially orthogonal to the central axis in the longitudinal direction of the casing. It is characterized by doing.

  In the capsule medical device according to the present invention, in the above invention, the surface having the largest area of the metal member among the surfaces of the plurality of internal members is substantially parallel to the central axis in the longitudinal direction of the housing. It is characterized by being.

  In the capsule medical device according to the present invention, the surface formed by the opening of the wireless antenna faces the surface having the smallest area of the metal member.

  In the capsule medical device according to the present invention, in the above invention, the wireless antenna is formed by winding a wire, and the projected shape of the wireless antenna viewed from the central axis direction of the winding of the wire None, the surface formed by the opening is opposite to the surface having the smallest area of the metal member.

  In the capsule medical device according to the present invention, the surface formed by the opening of the wireless antenna is parallel to the surface having the smallest area of the metal member.

  The capsule medical device according to the present invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, the wireless antenna is arranged in a columnar virtual space extending in a direction orthogonal to a surface having the smallest area of the metal member.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to achieve downsizing while maintaining good wireless communication.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of a capsule endoscope system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the capsule endoscope apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the arrangement of members of the capsule endoscope apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a capsule endoscope apparatus according to a modification of the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a capsule endoscope apparatus according to a modification of the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a plan view showing a configuration of a capsule endoscope apparatus according to a modification of the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the capsule endoscope apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the capsule endoscope apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

  DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In addition, this invention is not limited by the following embodiment. The drawings referred to in the following description only schematically show the shape, size, and positional relationship so that the contents of the present invention can be understood. That is, the present invention is not limited only to the shape, size, and positional relationship illustrated in each drawing. In the following description, a capsule type including a processing device that receives a radio signal from a capsule endoscope device that is introduced into the body of a subject and captures an in-vivo image of the subject and displays the in-vivo image of the subject. Although an endoscope system is illustrated, this invention is not limited by this embodiment. Further, the same components are described with the same reference numerals.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of a capsule endoscope system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

  A capsule endoscope system 1 shown in FIG. 1 is transmitted from a capsule endoscope apparatus 2 that captures an in-vivo image in a subject 100 and a capsule endoscope apparatus 2 that is introduced into the subject 100. A receiving antenna unit 3 that receives a wireless signal, a receiving antenna unit 3 that is detachably connected, a receiving device 4 that records or displays the wireless signal received by the receiving antenna unit 3 by performing predetermined processing, and a capsule type An image processing device 5 for processing and / or displaying an image corresponding to the image data in the subject 100 imaged by the endoscope device 2.

  The capsule endoscope apparatus 2 wirelessly transmits an imaging function for imaging the subject 100 and in-vivo information (imaging signal) including image data obtained by imaging the subject 100 to the receiving antenna unit 3. And a communication function. The capsule endoscope apparatus 2 passes through the esophagus in the subject 100 by being swallowed into the subject 100, and moves in the body cavity of the subject 100 by the peristaltic movement of the digestive tract cavity. The capsule endoscope apparatus 2 sequentially images the inside of the body cavity of the subject 100 at a minute time interval, for example, 0.5 second interval (2 fps) while moving in the body cavity of the subject 100, and the taken subject 100 The image data is generated and transmitted to the receiving antenna unit 3 sequentially. The detailed configuration of the capsule endoscope apparatus 2 will be described later.

  The receiving antenna unit 3 includes receiving antennas 3a to 3h. The receiving antennas 3 a to 3 h receive radio signals from the capsule endoscope apparatus 2 and transmit them to the receiving apparatus 4. The receiving antennas 3a to 3h are configured by using loop antennas, and are positions corresponding to predetermined positions on the external surface of the subject 100, for example, each organ in the subject 100 that is a passage path of the capsule endoscope apparatus 2. Placed in.

  The receiving device 4 records the image data in the subject 100 included in the wireless signal transmitted from the capsule endoscope device 2 via the receiving antennas 3a to 3h, or an image corresponding to the image data in the subject 100. Is displayed. The receiving device 4 records position information of the capsule endoscope device 2 and time information indicating time in association with image data received via the receiving antennas 3a to 3h. The receiving device 4 receives the signal while being inspected by the capsule endoscope device 2, for example, from the mouth of the subject 100 until it passes through the digestive tract and is discharged from the subject 100. It is stored in an apparatus holder (not shown) and carried by the subject 100. The receiving device 4 is removed from the subject 100 after the examination by the capsule endoscope device 2 is completed, and is connected to the image processing device 5 for transferring image data received from the capsule endoscope device 2. The

  The image processing device 5 displays an image corresponding to the image data in the subject 100 acquired via the receiving device 4. The image processing device 5 includes a cradle 51 that reads image data and the like from the receiving device 4 and an operation input device 52 such as a keyboard and a mouse. When the receiving device 4 is mounted, the cradle 51 receives related information such as image data from the receiving device 4, position information associated with the image data, time information, and identification information of the capsule endoscope device 2. The acquired various information is transferred to the image processing apparatus 5. The operation input device 52 receives input from the user. While operating the operation input device 52, the user observes a living body part inside the subject 100, for example, the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, and the like while viewing images in the subject 100 sequentially displayed by the image processing apparatus 5. The subject 100 is diagnosed.

  Next, a detailed configuration of the capsule endoscope apparatus 2 described with reference to FIG. 1 will be described. FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the capsule endoscope apparatus according to the first embodiment.

  The capsule endoscope apparatus 2 shown in FIG. 2 includes a housing 20, a power supply unit 21, a first optical system 22A, a second optical system 22B, a first imaging unit 23A, and a second imaging unit 23B. The signal processing unit 24 and the antenna unit 25 are included.

  The housing 20 has a capsule shape formed in a size that can be easily inserted into the subject 100. The housing 20 includes a cylindrical tube portion 201, a dome-shaped dome portion 202 and a dome portion 203 that respectively close the opening ends on both sides of the tube portion 201. The cylinder portion 201 is formed using an opaque colored member that blocks visible light. The dome portion 202 and the dome portion 203 are configured using an optical member that can transmit light of a predetermined wavelength band such as visible light. As shown in FIG. 2, the casing 20 formed by the cylindrical portion 201, the dome portion 202, and the dome portion 203 includes a power source portion 21, a first optical system 22 </ b> A, a second optical system 22 </ b> B, The imaging unit 23A, the second imaging unit 23B, the signal processing unit 24, and the antenna unit 25 are accommodated.

  The power supply unit 21 supplies power to each unit in the capsule endoscope apparatus 2. The power supply unit 21 is configured by using two batteries (batteries 21a and 21b) having a substantially disc shape made of a primary battery such as a button battery or a secondary battery. In addition, you may provide the power supply circuit which performs pressure | voltage rise etc. of the electric power supplied from the button battery. Moreover, in this Embodiment 1, it demonstrates as what consists of the housing | casing (main body) in which the batteries 21a and 21b are formed using a metal.

  The first optical system 22A is configured using one or a plurality of lenses, and forms a subject image by condensing the reflected light from the illumination light emitted from the first imaging unit 23A on the imaging surface of the first imaging unit 23A. To do. The second optical system 22B is configured by using one or a plurality of lenses, and forms a subject image by condensing the reflected light from the illumination light emitted from the second imaging unit 23B on the imaging surface of the second imaging unit 23B. To do. The first optical system 22 </ b> A and the second optical system 22 </ b> B are disposed in the housing 20 so that the optical axis coincides with the central axis N <b> 1 in the longitudinal direction of the housing 20.

  The first imaging unit 23A emits illumination light that illuminates the subject, and the first optical system 22A receives the subject image formed on the light receiving surface and performs photoelectric conversion, thereby obtaining image data of the subject 100. Generate. Specifically, the first imaging unit 23A includes a rigid substrate on which the first light emitting element 231A and the first imaging element 232A are mounted.

  The first light emitting element 231A is configured using, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) element, and illuminates light toward a subject in the imaging field of the first imaging element 232A in synchronization with the imaging timing of the first imaging element 232A. Irradiate. The first image sensor 232A captures the subject 100 at a reference frame rate, for example, a frame rate of 4 fps, and generates image data of the subject 100. The first image sensor 232A is a CCD (Charge Coupled Device), a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor), or the like composed of a plurality of pixels arranged two-dimensionally and a color filter stacked on each of the pixels. It is configured using an image sensor. The first image sensor 232A is disposed in the housing 20 so that the light receiving surface is orthogonal to the central axis N1.

  The second imaging unit 23B emits illumination light that illuminates the subject, and the second optical system 22B receives the subject image formed on the light receiving surface and performs photoelectric conversion, thereby obtaining image data of the subject 100. Generate. Specifically, the second imaging unit 23B includes a rigid substrate on which the second light emitting element 231B and the second imaging element 232B are mounted.

  The second light emitting element 231B is configured by using, for example, an LED element, and irradiates illumination light toward a subject in the imaging field of view of the second imaging element 232B in synchronization with the imaging timing of the second imaging element 232B. The second imaging element 232B generates an image data of the subject 100 by imaging the subject 100 at a reference frame rate, for example, a frame rate of 4 fps. The second image sensor 232B is configured using an image sensor such as a CCD or CMOS that includes a plurality of pixels arranged two-dimensionally and a color filter stacked on each of the pixels. The second image sensor 232B is disposed in the housing 20 so that the light receiving surface is orthogonal to the central axis N1.

  The first optical system 22A and the first imaging unit 23A, and the second optical system 22B and the second imaging unit 23B are arranged in opposite directions along the central axis N1. The first optical system 22 </ b> A emits illumination light to the outside through the dome part 202 and takes in reflected light from the outside through the dome part 202. On the other hand, the second optical system 22 </ b> B emits illumination light to the outside through the dome part 203 and takes in reflected light from the outside through the dome part 203.

  The signal processing unit 24 includes a rigid board on which a processing circuit that performs predetermined image processing on the image data input from the first imaging unit 23A and the second imaging unit 23B is mounted, and the image data processed by the processing circuit Is output to the antenna unit 25.

  The antenna unit 25 wirelessly transmits the image data sequentially input from the signal processing unit 24 to the outside. The antenna unit 25 is composed of a rigid board on which a transmission antenna 251 (wireless antenna) and a modulation circuit (not shown) that modulates image data into a wireless signal by performing signal processing such as modulation. The transmission antenna 251 has an opening formed by winding a wire in a coil shape or a loop shape.

  Next, the arrangement of the power supply unit 21, the first imaging unit 23A, the second imaging unit 23B, the signal processing unit 24, and the antenna unit 25 as internal members according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. To do. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the arrangement of members of the capsule endoscope apparatus according to the first embodiment. In the present specification, of the surfaces of the members, the surface having the largest area with metal is defined as a “main surface”.

  The power supply unit 21, the first imaging unit 23A, the second imaging unit 23B, and the signal processing unit 24 are arranged with their main surfaces aligned. Here, a virtual region formed by the arrangement of the power supply unit 21, the first imaging unit 23A, the second imaging unit 23B, and the signal processing unit 24 is referred to as a virtual arrangement region R1. The virtual arrangement region R1 is a state where the power source unit 21, the first imaging unit 23A, the second imaging unit 23B, and the signal processing unit 24 are arranged most densely so as not to affect each other's driving, and all the units are arranged. It refers to the smallest rectangular region that contains it. In the first embodiment, the main surfaces of the batteries 21a and 21b and the main surfaces of the first imaging unit 23A, the second imaging unit 23B, and the signal processing unit 24 are orthogonal to the central axis N1. Arranged inside the body 20. Each substrate of the first imaging unit 23A, the second imaging unit 23B, and the signal processing unit 24 is provided with metal electronic components, a wiring pattern formed using metal, and the like.

  In the virtual arrangement region R1, the area of the metal is different for each surface. Here, the area is the area of the metal projected when viewed from the direction orthogonal to the surface. For example, when viewed from the batteries 21a and 21b, in the virtual arrangement region R1, the surface of the metal perpendicular to the main surface is smaller than the surface parallel to the main surface of the batteries 21a and 21b.

  In the first embodiment, in the virtual arrangement region R1, a surface P1 that is a surface orthogonal to the main surfaces of the batteries 21a and 21b is defined as a surface having the smallest metal area, and the antenna unit 25 is disposed on the surface P1. . Specifically, the antenna unit 25 is arranged such that a virtual space R10 extending in a direction orthogonal to the plane P1 from the plane P1 of the virtual arrangement region R1 intersects the opening 251a of the transmission antenna 251. At this time, the surface formed by the opening 251a of the transmission antenna 251 may be parallel to the surface P1 or non-parallel.

  As described above, by arranging the transmission antenna 251 so that the opening of the transmission antenna 251 faces the surface P1 where the metal area is minimized, the member in which the transmission antenna 251 is arranged in the virtual arrangement region R1 is obtained. Interference due to the metal contained can be suppressed. Further, by arranging the transmission antenna 251 outside the virtual arrangement region R1, the power supply unit 21, the first imaging unit 23A, and the second imaging unit can be provided without providing a distance in consideration of interference with the transmission antenna as in the conventional arrangement. The imaging unit 23B and the signal processing unit 24 can be arranged at a minimum interval.

  According to the first embodiment described above, since the transmission antenna 251 is disposed so that the opening of the transmission antenna 251 faces the surface P1 where the metal area is minimized, it is possible to reduce the size while maintaining good wireless communication. Can be realized.

  Further, according to the first embodiment described above, the transmission antenna 251 is arranged outside the virtual arrangement region R1, so that the diameter of the wire opening is increased to increase the transmission intensity, thereby realizing power saving. be able to.

(Modification of Embodiment 1)
Then, the modification of Embodiment 1 of this invention is demonstrated. FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a capsule endoscope apparatus according to a modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a capsule endoscope apparatus according to a modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a plan view showing a configuration of a capsule endoscope apparatus according to a modification of the first embodiment. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and demonstrated to the structure same as the structure mentioned above. In Embodiment 1 described above, the antenna unit 25 has been described as being formed of a rigid substrate.

  The capsule endoscope apparatus 2a according to this modification includes the casing 20, the power supply unit 21, the first optical system 22A, the second optical system 22B, the first imaging unit 23A, the second imaging unit 23B, and the signal processing described above. Part 24 and antenna part 26. The antenna unit 26 wirelessly transmits the image data sequentially input from the signal processing unit 24 to the outside. The antenna unit 26 is composed of a flexible substrate on which a transmission antenna 261 and a modulation circuit (not shown) that modulates image data into a radio signal by performing signal processing such as modulation are mounted. The transmission antenna 261 has an opening formed by winding a wire in a coil shape or a loop shape.

  Also in this modification, the antenna part 26 is arrange | positioned on the surface P1 where the area of a metal becomes the minimum in virtual arrangement | positioning area | region R1. Specifically, the antenna unit 26 is arranged so that a virtual space extending in a direction orthogonal to the plane P1 from the plane P1 of the virtual arrangement region R1 intersects the opening 261a of the transmission antenna 261. At this time, the antenna portion 26 has a shape in which the flexible substrate is curved along the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 201. The opening 261a of the transmission antenna 261 here is a projected shape formed by the wire of the transmission antenna 261 when viewed from the direction orthogonal to the plane P1 (the central axis direction of winding of the wire of the transmission antenna 261), It has a substantially annular shape. At this time, the surface formed by the opening 261a of the transmission antenna 261 may or may not be parallel to the surface P1.

  As described above, by arranging the transmission antenna 261 so that the opening of the transmission antenna 261 faces the surface P1 where the metal area is minimized, the member in which the transmission antenna 261 is arranged in the virtual arrangement region R1 is obtained. Interference due to the metal contained can be suppressed. Further, by arranging the transmission antenna 261 outside the virtual arrangement region R1, the power supply unit 21, the first imaging unit 23A, and the second imaging unit can be provided without providing a distance in consideration of interference with the transmission antenna as in the conventional arrangement. The imaging unit 23B and the signal processing unit 24 can be arranged at a minimum interval.

(Embodiment 2)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the capsule endoscope apparatus according to the second embodiment. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and demonstrated to the structure same as the structure mentioned above. In the above-described first embodiment, it has been described that the two imaging units (the first imaging unit 23A and the second imaging unit 23B) are provided. However, the capsule endoscope apparatus 2b according to the second embodiment performs imaging. It has one part.

  The capsule endoscope apparatus 2b includes the power supply unit 21, the first optical system 22A, the first imaging unit 23A, the signal processing unit 24, the housing 20a, and the antenna unit 27 described above.

  The housing 20a has a capsule shape formed in a size that can be easily inserted into the subject 100, like the housing 20 described above. The housing 20a includes the above-described cylindrical portion 201, a dome-shaped dome portion 202 that closes the one end side opening end of the cylindrical portion 201, and a dome-shaped dome portion 204 that closes the other end side opening end of the cylindrical portion 201. The dome portion 204 is formed using an opaque colored member that blocks visible light. As shown in FIG. 7, the casing 20a formed by the cylindrical portion 201, the dome portion 202, and the dome portion 204 includes a power source 21, a first optical system 22A, a first imaging unit 23A, and signal processing. The unit 24 and the antenna unit 27 are accommodated. The first optical system 22A and the first imaging unit 23A are provided on the dome part 202 side, and receive light transmitted through the dome part 202.

  The antenna unit 27 wirelessly transmits the image data sequentially input from the signal processing unit 24 to the outside. The antenna unit 27 includes a flexible substrate on which a transmission antenna 271 and a modulation circuit (not shown) that performs signal processing such as modulation on image data to be modulated into a radio signal are mounted. The transmission antenna 271 has an opening formed by winding a wire in a coil shape or a loop shape.

  The power supply unit 21, the first imaging unit 23A, and the signal processing unit 24 are arranged with their main surfaces aligned. Here, similarly to the first embodiment described above, a virtual region formed by the arrangement of the power supply unit 21, the first imaging unit 23A, and the signal processing unit 24 is defined as a virtual arrangement region R2. The virtual arrangement region R2 is the smallest rectangular parallelepiped including all parts in a state where the power source unit 21, the first imaging unit 23A, and the signal processing unit 24 are arranged most densely so as not to affect each other's driving. It means the area of.

  Also in the second embodiment, the antenna unit 27 is arranged on the plane P2 where the metal area is minimized in the virtual arrangement region R2. Specifically, the antenna unit 27 is arranged such that a virtual space extending in a direction orthogonal to the plane P2 from the plane P2 of the virtual arrangement region R2 intersects the opening of the transmission antenna 271.

  As described above, by arranging the transmission antenna 271 so that the opening of the transmission antenna 271 faces the surface P2 where the metal area is minimized, the member in which the transmission antenna 271 is arranged in the virtual arrangement region R2 is obtained. Interference due to the metal contained can be suppressed. Further, by arranging the transmission antenna 271 outside the virtual arrangement region R2, the power supply unit 21, the first imaging unit 23A, and the signal processing can be performed without providing a distance in consideration of interference with the transmission antenna as in the conventional arrangement. The parts 24 can be arranged with a minimum spacing.

  According to the second embodiment described above, the transmission antenna 271 is arranged so that the opening of the transmission antenna 271 faces the surface P2 where the metal area is minimized, so that the small size can be maintained while maintaining good wireless communication. Can be realized.

(Embodiment 3)
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the capsule endoscope apparatus according to the third embodiment. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and demonstrated to the structure same as the structure mentioned above. In the first embodiment described above, the main surfaces of the batteries 21a and 21b and the main surfaces of the substrates of the first imaging unit 23A, the second imaging unit 23B, and the signal processing unit 24 are arranged so as to be orthogonal to the central axis N1. As described above, the capsule endoscope apparatus 2c according to the third embodiment has the main surfaces of the batteries 21a and 21b, the first imaging unit 23A, the second imaging unit 23B, and the signal processing unit 24. The main surfaces of the substrates are arranged so as to be substantially parallel to the central axis N2 of the housing 20b.

  The capsule endoscope apparatus 2c includes the power supply unit 21, the first imaging unit 23A, the second imaging unit 23B, the signal processing unit 24, the housing 20b, and the antenna unit 28 described above.

  The housing 20b has a capsule shape formed in a size that can be easily inserted into the subject 100, like the housing 20 described above. The housing 20b includes a cylindrical cylindrical portion 205, and a dome-shaped dome portion 204 and a dome portion 206 that block the opening ends on both sides of the cylindrical portion 205, respectively. The cylindrical portion 205 is formed using an optical member that can transmit light in a predetermined wavelength band such as visible light. The dome portion 204 and the dome portion 206 are configured using an opaque colored member that blocks visible light. As shown in FIG. 8, the casing 20b formed by the cylindrical portion 205, the dome portion 204, and the dome portion 206 includes a power source 21, a first imaging unit 23A, a second imaging unit 23B, and signal processing. The unit 24 and the antenna unit 28 are accommodated. The first optical system 22A and the first imaging unit 23A, and the second optical system 22B and the second imaging unit 23B are provided so as to face the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical part 205, and the light transmitted through the cylindrical part 205 is transmitted. Each receives light. An optical system such as a lens (not shown) is provided between the cylinder 205 and the first imaging unit 23A and the second imaging unit 23B.

  The antenna unit 28 wirelessly transmits the image data sequentially input from the signal processing unit 24 to the outside. The antenna unit 28 includes a rigid substrate on which a transmission antenna 281 and a modulation circuit (not shown) that performs signal processing such as modulation on image data to be modulated into a radio signal are mounted. The transmission antenna 281 has an opening formed by winding a wire in a coil shape or a loop shape.

  The power supply unit 21, the first imaging unit 23A, the second imaging unit 23B, and the signal processing unit 24 are arranged with their main surfaces aligned. Specifically, in the third embodiment, the main surfaces of the batteries 21a and 21b and the main surfaces of the substrates of the first imaging unit 23A, the second imaging unit 23B, and the signal processing unit 24 are the center of the housing 20b. It arrange | positions inside the housing | casing 20b so that it may become substantially parallel to the axis | shaft N2. Here, similarly to the first embodiment described above, a virtual region formed by the arrangement of the power supply unit 21, the first imaging unit 23A, the second imaging unit 23B, and the signal processing unit 24 is defined as a virtual arrangement region R3. The virtual arrangement region R3 is a state where the power supply unit 21, the first imaging unit 23A, the second imaging unit 23B, and the signal processing unit 24 are arranged most densely so as not to affect each other's driving. It refers to the smallest rectangular region that contains it.

  Also in the third embodiment, the antenna unit 28 is arranged on the surface P3 where the metal area is minimized in the virtual arrangement region R3. Specifically, the antenna unit 28 is arranged so that a virtual space extending in a direction orthogonal to the plane P3 from the plane P3 of the virtual arrangement region R3 intersects the opening of the transmission antenna 281.

  As described above, by arranging the transmission antenna 281 so that the opening of the transmission antenna 281 faces the surface P3 where the metal area is minimized, the member in which the transmission antenna 281 is arranged in the virtual arrangement region R3 is obtained. Interference due to the metal contained can be suppressed. Further, by arranging the transmission antenna 281 outside the virtual arrangement region R3, the power supply unit 21, the first imaging unit 23A, and the second imaging unit can be provided without providing a distance in consideration of interference with the transmission antenna as in the conventional arrangement. The imaging unit 23B and the signal processing unit 24 can be arranged at a minimum interval.

  According to the above-described third embodiment, the transmission antenna 281 is arranged so that the opening of the transmission antenna 281 faces the surface P3 where the metal area is minimized, so that the small size can be maintained while maintaining good wireless communication. Can be realized.

  In the above-described third embodiment, the antenna unit 28 has been described as being configured using a rigid substrate. However, as in the modification of the first embodiment, the antenna unit 28 is configured using a flexible substrate. Also good.

  In the first to third embodiments described above, the antenna is arranged such that a virtual space extending in a direction perpendicular to the surface from the surface in which the metal area of the virtual arrangement region is minimized intersects the opening of the transmission antenna. However, the virtual space may include all the transmission antenna openings, that is, the virtual space may include the transmission antenna, or may include a part of the transmission antenna opening. The virtual space may be included in the opening of the transmission antenna. In other words, the opening of the transmission antenna is opposed to the surface of the virtual arrangement region where the metal area is minimized and intersects with at least a part of the opening of the transmission antenna and the virtual space extending in a direction perpendicular to the surface. If it is, the effect mentioned above can be acquired. In addition, it is preferable that the surface formed by the opening of the transmission antenna and the surface having the smallest metal area in the virtual arrangement region are parallel in terms of miniaturization and prevention of interference, but the surface formed by the opening of the transmission antenna. As long as the surface and the surface having the smallest metal area in the virtual arrangement region face each other, the surfaces may not be parallel to each other.

  In the first to third embodiments described above, the antenna unit has been described as having a transmission antenna. However, for example, a reception antenna is used as a wireless antenna that receives a signal transmitted from the reception device 4 or the image processing device 5. You may have. In the first to third embodiments described above, the capsule endoscope apparatus has been described as an example. However, any capsule medical apparatus having a member including a wireless antenna or a metal member can be applied.

  As described above, the capsule medical device according to the present invention is useful for realizing miniaturization while maintaining good wireless communication.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Capsule type | mold endoscope system 2 Capsule type | mold endoscope apparatus 3 Receiving antenna unit 4 Receiving device 5 Image processing apparatus 20, 20a, 20b Case 21 Power supply part 22A 1st optical system 22B 2nd optical system 23A 1st imaging part 23B Second imaging unit 24 Signal processing unit 25, 26, 27, 28 Antenna unit 251, 261, 271, 281 Transmitting antenna

Claims (7)

A capsule-shaped casing;
A wireless antenna enclosed in the housing and having an opening;
A plurality of internal members contained in the housing and including a metal member;
With
A capsule medical device, wherein at least a part of a columnar virtual space extending in a direction orthogonal to a surface having the smallest area of the metal member intersects with an opening of the wireless antenna.   2. The capsule medical device according to claim 1, wherein a surface of the plurality of internal members having the largest area of the metal member is substantially orthogonal to a central axis in a longitudinal direction of the housing. .   2. The capsule medical according to claim 1, wherein a surface having the largest area of the metal member among the surfaces of the plurality of internal members is substantially parallel to a central axis in a longitudinal direction of the housing. apparatus.   The capsule medical device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a surface formed by the opening of the wireless antenna faces a surface having the smallest area of the metal member. The wireless antenna is formed by winding a wire,
The projected shape seen from the central axis direction of the winding of the wire in the wireless antenna is the opening,
The capsule medical device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a surface formed by the opening faces a surface having the smallest area of the metal member.   6. The capsule medical device according to claim 4, wherein a surface formed by the opening of the wireless antenna is parallel to a surface having the smallest area of the metal member.   The capsule medical device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the wireless antenna is arranged in a columnar virtual space extending in a direction orthogonal to a surface having the smallest area of the metal member. .

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