JP4790765B2 - Capsule medical device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a capsule medical device that has a capsule shape and inspects a living body.

PCT WO 01-35814A1 discloses a first conventional example in which an image is collected in a capsule shape that is easy to swallow by a patient in a capsule shape.
In this conventional example, the capsule body for image collection is covered with a package before use, in which case a magnet is attached to the package side, and when used for image collection, the capsule body is removed from the package and separated from the package. Thus, the switch circuit can be set from OFF to ON by the magnetism of the magnet.

In addition, the second conventional example for performing ultrasonic diagnosis according to Japanese Patent No. 2849131 discloses that the capsule body is turned on and off by receiving an external trigger signal or the like.
PCT WO 01-35814A1 Japanese Patent No. 2849131

  Both the first and second conventional examples have a drawback that the application of magnetism or the like must be continuously performed in order to maintain the ON or OFF state. Specifically, for example, in the first conventional example, it is necessary to set the magnet to ON, for example, by washing the capsule body, because it cannot be kept OFF unless the magnet is always set close to the capsule body. The handling in the case of no is inconvenient.

  That is, when it is not necessary to turn on the capsule body, such as washing, it is necessary to set the magnet close to the capsule body, which is inconvenient to handle.

  Moreover, in order to maintain each state of ON or OFF, there exists a fault which must maintain an input in order to maintain the state, such as the state which approached the magnet, or continuing to input a trigger signal.

(Object of invention)
The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and if a physical quantity is temporarily input to a sensor, the state can be maintained until another physical quantity is input. An object of the present invention is to provide a capsule medical device capable of improving the performance.

The capsule medical device of the present invention includes a capsule-shaped exterior member, and includes an electric circuit, a battery, and a switch circuit that controls an energy supply state from the battery to the electric circuit to an on state or an off state. In the capsule medical device provided inside the exterior member, the switch circuit can detect a temporary change in the first physical quantity outside the exterior member in a non-contact manner, and can temporarily detect the first physical quantity. A first physical quantity change sensing unit for starting energy supply from the battery and a temporary change in the second physical quantity outside the exterior member can be sensed in a non-contact manner. And a second physical quantity change sensing unit for stopping energy supply from the battery when a temporary change in the second physical quantity is sensed, and the first object Until the temporary change of the first physical quantity is detected by the quantity change sensing unit, the energy supply state from the battery to the electric circuit is held in the off state, and the temporary change of the first physical quantity is changed. When the first physical quantity is detected, the second physical quantity change sensing unit detects the second physical quantity change sensing unit even if the first physical quantity does not maintain a level detectable by the first physical quantity change sensing unit . And a power supply state holding unit for holding an energy supply state from the battery to the electrical circuit until a temporary change in physical quantity is detected.

  According to the present invention, ON / OFF control can be performed without continuing to input a physical quantity, and convenience during use can be improved.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(First embodiment)
1 to 3 relate to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 1 shows an internal configuration of the capsule medical device of the first embodiment, FIG. 1 (A) shows a longitudinal section, FIG. 1 (B) shows the configuration of the switch board by the AA section of FIG. 1 (A), FIG. 2 shows the circuit configuration of the switch circuit, and FIG. 3 shows the schematic configuration for explaining the operation of the capsule medical device. Show.

  As shown in FIG. 1A, a capsule medical device 1 of the present invention covers a front end of a cylindrical capsule body (hereinafter simply referred to as a main body) 2 with a transparent and hemispherical tip cover 3, and this main body. A capsule container hermetically sealed with a watertight structure is formed by covering the rear end 2 with a rounded rear lid 4 and incorporating imaging means and the like as described below.

  In the capsule container, a CMOS module is formed by mounting, for example, a CMOS sensor 5 on a sensor substrate 6 as an imaging means in the central portion thereof, facing the tip cover 3.

A fixed frame 8 attached with a fixed lens 7a (as a lens closest to the CMOS sensor 5) of the objective lens system 7 is fixed to the image area (imaging area) side of the front surface of the CMOS sensor 5. A movable frame 10 to which a movable lens 7b of the objective lens system 7 is attached is fitted into a cylindrical tube portion of the fixed frame 8, and the focus is adjusted and fixed.
The objective lens system 7 can form an image of a subject such as a lumen in the body cavity on the image area of the CMOS sensor 5 in a focused state.

  In addition, an LED substrate 12 mounted with, for example, a white LED 11 as an illuminating means is fitted into and fixed to a cylindrical portion of the movable frame 10 in a hole provided in the center thereof, and an imaging range by the objective lens system 7 is reduced. Illumination can be performed in a substantially uniform state by white LEDs 11 provided at, for example, four locations around the periphery.

  A concave portion is formed on the back side of the sensor substrate 6, and an electrical component such as an IC chip 13 is flip-mounted, for example. An imaging processing & control board 15 is connected to the back side of the sensor board 6 via a connecting member made of a solder ball 14, and the imaging processing & control board 15 performs signal processing and control on the output signal imaged by the CMOS sensor 5. .

  The imaging processing & control board 15 has a concave portion formed on the front side thereof, and a first bare chip 16 as an electrical component such as an IC chip is flip-mounted in the inside thereof, and further different functions are provided on the upper surface of the bare chip 16. A second bare chip 17 made of an IC chip or the like having a wire bonding is mounted.

  In addition, the back side of the imaging processing & control board 15 is connected to a communication board (wireless board) 19 via a connecting member made of a solder ball 18. An electronic component or the like is mounted on both surfaces of the communication substrate 19 to form, for example, a Bluetooth wireless communication module.

  In this way, the sensor board 6, the imaging processing & control board 15, and the communication board 19 are arranged in the axial direction inside the main body 2. In this case, the sensor board 6 and the imaging processing & control board 15 are connected by the solder balls 14. The solder balls 14 are electrically connected at intervals of the solder balls 14 (in other words, at intervals not exceeding the intervals of the solder balls 14), and the imaging processing & control board 15 and the communication board 19 are connected by the solder balls 18. The solder balls 18 are connected at intervals.

  Capsule-type medical devices are configured by connecting electric boards with different functions at small intervals in such a high density, and configuring an electric circuit block having a function of illuminating and imaging and transmitting the captured image signal to the outside. Thus, the capsule medical device 1 that can be easily swallowed by the patient can be realized.

  In addition, the LED board 12, the sensor board 6, and the imaging processing & control board 15 have, for example, a part of the side surface on the lower side cut out and the antenna 20 connected to the communication board 19 along the cutout part. Has been placed. In this case, the antenna 20 is arranged so as to be parallel to the optical axis O of the objective lens system 7.

Then, an image signal photoelectrically converted by the CMOS sensor 5 is transmitted to an external extracorporeal device 52 (see FIG. 11) via the communication board 19, or a command signal from the extracorporeal device 52 is received to perform illumination or imaging. The period can be changed.
In addition, on the back side of the communication board 19, a battery housing portion 21 is formed by the main body 2 and the rear lid 4, and for example, three batteries 22 are housed in the battery housing portion 21.

  A flexible substrate 23 as a flexible substrate having flexibility is disposed along the inner surface of the main body 2 on the side opposite to the antenna 20, and the tip of the flexible substrate 23 is connected to the LED substrate 12. Is bent approximately 90 ° at an opening 24 provided on the back side of the battery, inserted into the battery storage chamber 21, and is in contact with the positive electrode portion of the battery 22 in the middle thereof (the portion in contact with the positive electrode of the battery 22 is electrically conductive). The pattern is exposed).

  For this reason, the flexible substrate 23 is preliminarily provided with a fold so as to be bent at the back portion of the communication substrate (the rear end portion of the communication module), thereby facilitating the assembly work of the flexible substrate 23.

Further, the flexible substrate 23 is bent in this way and is electrically connected to the positive electrode of the battery 22 in the middle, and is further bent by 90 ° along the side surface of the battery storage chamber 21 on the antenna 20 side, and extended rearward. ing.
The rear end is connected to a switch substrate 25 provided between the negative electrode of the battery 22 and the inner surface of the concave portion of the rear lid 4.

  In addition, the LED substrate 12 and the sensor substrate 6 have, for example, a part of the side surface on the lower side cut out, and the antenna 20 connected to the communication board 19 is arranged along the cutout portion. In this case, the antenna 20 is arranged so as to be parallel to the optical axis O of the objective lens system 7.

  As shown in FIG. 1B, the switch board 25 has a pattern on the end side of the flexible board 23 on one surface of the switch board 25, specifically, on the component mounting surface on the rear lid 4 side. An end portion is soldered near the center of the switch substrate 25, and an optical sensor 31 is mounted on the upper side, a magnetic sensor (more specifically, a reed switch) 32 is mounted on the left side, and an IC chip 33 is mounted on the right side. In addition, a chip resistor is mounted.

  Then, a switch circuit 34 as shown in FIG. 2 is formed by the components and circuit patterns mounted on the switch board 25, and a power source 35 (with three batteries 22) is formed by the switch circuit 34 as shown in FIG. ON / OFF of the power supplied to the power supply terminal (Vout) of the electric circuit 36 (see FIG. 3) functioning by the power supply from the battery 22 such as the communication board 19 (via the pattern of the flexible board 23). This is performed according to changes in the physical quantity applied to the sensors 31 and 32.

  The switch circuit 34 shown in FIG. 2 basically supplies the electric power of the power source 35 to the electric circuit 36 side by the input of light to an optical sensor (more specifically, a phototransistor) 31 as a first sensor. The circuit configuration includes a switch function for turning the power switch from OFF to ON, and a switch function for turning the power switch from ON to OFF by applying magnetism to the magnetic sensor 32 as the second sensor.

  FIG. 3 shows a simplified function by the switch circuit 34 of the capsule medical device 1 of FIG. 1. The light input to the optical sensor 31 causes the switch circuit 34 to switch between the power supply 35 and the electric circuit 35 based on the detection output. The switch circuit 34 is set in a state in which power is supplied by the switch circuit 34 electrically provided therebetween, and then the switch circuit 34 stops the power supply based on the detection output by applying the magnetism to the magnetic sensor 34.

  The switch circuit 34 according to the present embodiment can be turned from OFF to ON as long as light input (light irradiation) to the optical sensor 31 and magnetic application to the magnetic sensor 32 are temporarily performed in a non-contact manner. It is characterized by having a configuration that can be similarly applied.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, in the switch circuit 34, the positive electrode of the power supply 35 is connected to the power supply terminal Vout serving as the output terminal of the switch circuit 34 via the source / drain of the P-channel MOS transistor T1. In addition, the resistor R1, the collector / emitter of the phototransistor 31, and the resistor R2 are connected to the ground (GND) via a series circuit. The negative electrode of the power source 35 is connected to GND.

  The connection point between the resistor R1 and the collector of the phototransistor 31 is connected to the gate of the transistor T1, the gate is connected to the drain of the N-channel MOS transistor T2, and the source is connected to GND.

  The power supply terminal Vout is connected to GND through a series circuit of resistors R3 and R4, and the connection point of the resistors R3 and R4 is connected to the gate of the transistor T2 and is connected to GND through the reed switch 32. Yes.

  In this switch circuit 34, when there is no light input to the phototransistor 31, the collector and the emitter of the phototransistor 31 are non-conductive, that is, turned off and the collector is at the H level, so that the gate is connected to the collector. The transistor T1 is non-conductive (OFF), and the power from the power source 35 is not supplied to the power supply terminal Vout, that is, the power switch is kept off.

  When light is input to the phototransistor 31, the collector of the phototransistor 31 changes from H to L level, the potential of the gate of the transistor T1 changes from H to L level, and the transistor T1 becomes conductive (ON). The potential divided by the resistors R3 and R4 by turning on the transistor T1 changes from L to H level (with respect to ON / OFF control of the transistor T2), the transistor T2 is turned on, and the gate potential of the transistor T1 is lowered. Keep T1 ON. After that, even if there is no light input, the transistor T1 is kept in the ON state, and the power from the power source 35 is supplied to the power source terminal Vout side. That is, the power switch is kept on.

  On the other hand, when magnetism is applied to the reed switch 32 with a magnet in a state where the power switch is turned on, the reed switch 32 is operated by magnetism, and the switch contact is changed from OFF to ON. By turning on, the gate of the transistor T2 changes from H to L level, and the transistor T2 changes from ON to OFF.

  Then, the gate of the transistor T1 changes from L to H level, and the transistor T1 is turned off. Since the transistor T1 is turned off, the power supply terminal Vout becomes the L level. Thereafter, the transistor T2 maintains the OFF state without depending on ON / OFF of the switch contact of the reed switch 32. T1 also maintains the OFF state.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the switch circuit 34 can be set from the OFF state to the ON state by temporarily inputting light to the optical sensor 31 in a non-contact manner. Can be improved for the user, and can be set from the ON state to the OFF state by temporarily applying a magnetic force to the magnetic sensor 32. After setting to this OFF state, the magnetic application is continued. Since it is not necessary, the convenience (usability) for the user can be improved.

  In addition, since sensors that detect different physical quantities for ON and OFF are employed, it is possible to more reliably prevent erroneous operation of the ON and OFF operations.

In FIG. 2, the optical sensor 31 is used as the ON sensor and the magnetic sensor 32 is used as the OFF sensor. However, for example, a magnetic sensor similar to the magnetic sensor 32 is replaced with the optical sensor 31. It can also be used as an ON sensor.
Similarly, an optical sensor similar to the optical sensor 31 can be substituted for the magnetic sensor 32 serving as the OFF sensor. That is, two sensors of the same type can be switched from OFF to ON and from ON to OFF.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 4 shows a schematic configuration of a capsule medical device 1B according to the second embodiment. In the capsule medical device 1B, the switch circuit 34B has only one sensor, for example, only the reed switch 32.

  FIG. 5 shows a specific circuit configuration of the switch circuit 34B in the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, the positive electrode of the power source 35 is connected to one input terminal of the AND gate 41 constituting the switch circuit 34B and to the power source terminal Vcc of the D type flip-flop 42. The positive electrode is connected to GND through a resistor R and a reed switch 32 in series therewith.

  The connection point between the resistor R and the reed switch 32 is connected to the clock input terminal CLK of the flip-flop 42, and the inverted output terminal of the flip-flop 42 is connected to the other input terminal of the AND gate 41. Is applied to the data input terminal D of the flip-flop 42. The output terminal Q is connected to the output terminal of the switch circuit 34B, that is, the power supply terminal Vout. The GND terminal of the flip-flop 42 is connected to the negative electrode of the power supply 35, and this negative electrode is connected to the GND of the electric circuit.

In the present embodiment, by adopting such a configuration, by temporarily applying magnetism to the reed switch 32, the power supply terminal Vout is set to the ON state, or the ON state is changed to the OFF state. It can be set.
For example, in FIG. 5, when the reed switch 32 is initially in the OFF state and the output terminal Q is at the L level, an H level voltage is applied to the data input terminal D.

A signal applied to the clock input terminal CLK of the flip-flop 42 when the reed switch 32 is turned from ON to OFF when the magnet is temporarily applied to the reed switch 32 by a magnet or the like is moved away from L. At the rising edge that becomes H level, H level data at the data input terminal D is output from the output terminal Q. In this state, an L level voltage is applied to the data input terminal D.
That is, by temporarily applying magnetism to the reed switch 32, the switch circuit 34B can be always turned on from OFF.

In this state, when the magnetism is further applied temporarily, the signal applied to the clock input terminal CLK when the reed switch 32 is turned off from ON when the magnet is further moved away from the L level to the H level. The L level data at the data input terminal D is output from the output terminal Q. In this state, an H level voltage is applied to the data input terminal D.
In other words, by temporarily applying magnetism to the reed switch 32, the switch circuit 34B can be always turned OFF from ON.

  According to the present embodiment, it is possible to set the cost from OFF to ON and from ON to OFF by temporarily inputting (applying) a physical quantity using a single sensor, and the cost can be reduced. An optical sensor may be used instead of the reed switch 32.

(Third embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. The present embodiment is basically similar to a configuration obtained by modifying the first embodiment.
A main part of the capsule medical device 1C of the present embodiment is shown in FIG. In the present embodiment, the switch circuit 34C for supplying / cutting off electric power is formed by, for example, two optical sensors 31a and 31b, and a shielding member 45 that shields (shields) light is disposed between the two optical sensors 31a and 31b. The light to be turned on or off is prevented from entering the other.

  The present embodiment has substantially the same function and effect as the first embodiment, and the cost can be reduced by using the same type of sensor. In addition, when turning on and off, one type of light emitting means can be used to control on and off, and convenience can be improved.

FIG. 7 shows a first modification of FIG. In the capsule medical device 1D of the first modified example, the light detection directions in the optical sensors 31a and 31b in FIG. 6 are set to be different.
For example, the optical sensor 31a is arranged so as to detect light incident from the longitudinal direction of the capsule medical device 1D, and the other optical sensor 31b is light incident from, for example, a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the capsule medical device 1D. It is arranged so that it can be detected. By doing so, malfunction can be prevented.

  6 and 7, the two are the optical sensors 31a and 31b, but they may be formed of magnetic sensors. For example, magnetic sensors 32a and 32b are employed as in the capsule-type medical device 1E of the second modification shown in FIG. 8, and magnetic fields that are orthogonal to each other are detected as shown in FIG. You may do it.

9 and 10 show capsule medical devices 1F and 1G in the third and fourth modifications. 9 and 10 show an example in which, for example, two optical sensors 31a and 31b are arranged at different positions.
For example, in FIG. 9, one photosensor 31a is arranged near one end of the main body, the other photosensor 31b is arranged near the side surface, and in FIG. 10, one photosensor 31a is arranged near one end of the main body. The other photosensor 31b is arranged on the other end side.
The effects in this case are almost the same as those in FIGS.

  In FIG. 9 or FIG. 10, as one of the optical sensors (for example, 31a), a CMOS sensor used for imaging may also be used as an ON optical sensor.

Further, a pixel portion that is not used for imaging in an imaging element such as a CMOS sensor, that is, that is not required for imaging may be used for the ON optical sensor.
In this way, the number of sensors can be reduced, and cost reduction and downsizing can be achieved.

(Fourth embodiment)
Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 shows a capsule medical system 51 including a capsule medical device 1H according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
The system 51 includes a capsule medical device 1H according to a fourth embodiment that is inserted into a patient's body, and an extracorporeal device 52 that is disposed outside the patient's body and performs two-way wireless communication with the capsule medical device 1H. Consists of

  The extracorporeal device 52 includes a transmission / reception unit 53 that transmits and receives signals wirelessly with the capsule medical device 1H. In addition, the capsule medical device 1H wirelessly transmits an observation unit 54 that performs observation using an imaging device, a signal processing unit 55 that performs signal processing on the observation unit 54, and the signal processed by the signal processing unit 55. It has a transmission / reception unit 56 that transmits to the transmission / reception unit 53 and receives a signal from the transmission / reception unit 53 side.

  The capsule medical device 1H includes a switch circuit 34, a power source 35, and an electric circuit 36H. The switch circuit 34 includes two sensors 31 and 32, for example, like the switch circuit 34 of FIG. Hereinafter, the case of the ON magnetic sensor 31 and the OFF optical sensor 32 will be described.

  Then, by inputting a magnetic field to one of the magnetic sensors (ON magnetic sensor) 31, the electric circuit 36H can be turned ON from OFF via the switch circuit 34, and the other optical sensor (OFF optical sensor) 32 can receive light. , The electrical circuit 36H can be switched from ON to OFF via the switch circuit 34.

  In the present embodiment, the signal processing unit 55 that configures the electric circuit 36H is further provided with an LED (not shown) by sending an instruction signal to turn off the capsule medical device 1H from the external extracorporeal device 52 via the transmission / reception unit 53. Is emitted and incident on the OFF optical sensor 31b, so that the switch circuit 34 can be turned from ON to OFF. For example, after swallowing the capsule medical device 1H, the power can be turned on by irradiation of a physical quantity from outside the body, or the power can be turned off by an operation from the external device 52. While confirming information transmitted from the capsule medical device 1H, it is possible to save energy by turning off when not necessary and turning on when necessary.

  According to the present embodiment, in addition to the operational effects of the first embodiment, the capsule medical device 1H can be turned off by sending an instruction signal wirelessly from the outside. It can be improved.

  In FIG. 11, a magnetic field or / and light generating means 59 for generating a magnetic field or light (indicated by a two-dot chain line) for irradiating each of the ON magnetic sensor and the OFF magnetic sensor of the switch circuit 34, specifically, May be provided with an electromagnet such as a coil or / and an LED and a switch for turning on / off the light emission of the LED (the power source uses the power source of the extracorporeal device 52).

  Moreover, although the said description demonstrated the case where two sensors were provided, it is applicable also in the case of the capsule type medical device provided with the sensor which can be turned on and off by the input of the physical quantity to one sensor.

  For example, in the capsule medical device 1B of the second embodiment, the capsule medical device 1B may be turned on and off after swallowing by applying a magnetic field from outside the body.

  Further, in the case of the system including the extracorporeal device 52 in this case, since a command to turn off the power wirelessly from the outside becomes unnecessary, the transmitting / receiving unit 53 of the extracorporeal device 52 is used as a receiving unit, and the transmitting / receiving unit of the capsule 1B is used. It can also be simplified to the structure which makes 56 a transmission part.

(Fifth embodiment)
Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 shows a capsule medical device 1I according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 12 (A) is a plan view, and FIG. 12 (B) is a side view.

  The capsule medical device 1I is covered and packaged with a sterilized package 61 before use. In addition, the capsule medical device 1I includes, for example, an ON optical sensor 31a and an OFF optical sensor 31b, and is turned on facing the transmission windows of the ON optical sensor and the OFF optical sensor in a packaged state. An ON light generator 62 and an OFF light generator 63 having LEDs 62a and 63a for generating light and OFF light are provided.

  Further, for example, operation switches 62b and 63b are provided on the upper surface of the ON light generation unit 62 and the OFF light generation unit 63, respectively, and by pressing the operation switch 62b, the built-in power supply is connected to the LED 62a. The electric power is supplied, the LED 62a emits light, the light enters the ON photosensor, and the power source of the capsule medical device 1I is turned on.

Similarly, by pressing the operation switch 63b, power is supplied to the LED 63a from the built-in power source, the LED 63a emits light, the light is incident on the OFF optical sensor, and the capsule medical device 1I is turned off. To.
According to the present embodiment, there is an effect that the operation of the capsule medical device 1I can be confirmed in a sterilized state.

Further, as in the first modification shown in FIG. 13, for example, a light shielding member 65 such as a light shielding tape is attached to the transmission window of the ON light sensor 31 a, and the light shielding member 65 is removed to remove the light shielding member 65. It may be configured such that 31a can sense and turn on.
In this case, the ON light generator 62 is not necessary, and the cost can be reduced.

  Alternatively, the package itself may be formed of a light shielding member, and the power may be turned on by removing the package.

  Further, an ON temperature sensor 73 is disposed inside a transparent exterior member 71 as in the capsule type medical device 1J of the second modification shown in FIG. 14, and the ON temperature sensor 73 is, for example, hot water of 50 ° C. or the like. The switch of the switch circuit 34 may be turned on by setting it to a predetermined temperature, such as by immersing it in the

  Further, in this modification, a temperature-changing sheet 72 that changes color at the predetermined temperature is applied to the inside of the transparent exterior member 71 such as the outside of the temperature sensor 73, or a paint that changes color depending on the temperature is applied. Then, the discoloration of the temperature discoloration sheet 72 makes it easy to determine whether or not the capsule medical device 1J has been used (for medical practice).

  Further, the built-in battery 22 may be covered with a coating or container 81 in a watertight manner, as in the capsule medical device 1K of the third modified example shown in FIG. Moreover, you may make it cover with a coating or a container so that it may become a watertight structure also including the power wire which is not illustrated connected to the battery 22. FIG. In this way, even when the exterior member 40 is destroyed or the like and cannot maintain watertightness, it can be prevented that the body fluid and the electric parts such as the battery 22 are immediately touched.

Embodiments configured by partially combining the above-described embodiments also belong to the present invention.
In addition to the above-described embodiment, for example, a sound wave detection sensor such as a microphone that detects sound waves (including ultrasonic waves) is used, or a sensor that detects electromagnetic waves using electromagnetic waves or the like is used. May be.
That is, a sensor that detects changes in physical quantities such as magnetism, light, sound waves, temperature, and electromagnetic waves can be widely used.

[Appendix]
c1. A capsule-shaped exterior member for performing medical treatment such as inspection, treatment, and treatment in the body;
A switch that performs at least one control from ON to OFF and OFF to ON of energy supply from the battery to the electrical circuit (hereinafter referred to as ON / OFF control) at least in the exterior member. In a capsule medical device comprising a circuit,
A sensor capable of non-contact sensing of changes in physical quantities such as magnetism, light, sound waves, temperature, electromagnetic waves, etc. by external physical quantity generation means;
A switch circuit that performs ON / OFF control according to an output signal to the sensor;
A capsule medical device characterized in that the switch circuit performs ON / OFF control by temporary input of a physical quantity to the sensor.

c2. 2. The capsule type according to claim 1, wherein the exterior member includes two sensors for ON and OFF, and different physical quantities are sensed by the ON sensor and the OFF sensor. Medical device.
c3. 2. The capsule type according to claim 1, wherein the exterior member includes two sensors for ON and OFF, and the physical quantities sensed by the ON sensor and the OFF sensor are the same. Medical clothing.

(Effect of c1) If the physical quantity is temporarily input to the sensor, the state can be maintained until the next physical quantity is input for switching, so that the capsule medical device is assembled, packed, washed, sterilized, etc. In the manufacturing process and the diagnosis process after the patient swallows, it is not complicated because it is not necessary to install and drive external means in order to keep the power ON / OFF state.

1. In c2, one of the ON and OFF sensors is a magnetic sensor, and the other is an optical sensor.
2. In c2, one of the ON and OFF sensors is a temperature sensor, and the other is an optical sensor.
3. The capsule medical device according to c2, wherein one of the ON and OFF sensors is a magnetic sensor and the other is a temperature sensor.

(C2, Supplementary notes 1 to 3 effects) Since each physical quantity does not interfere with each other, it is easy to prevent malfunction, and reliable ON / OFF control can be performed. Each sensor can be placed close to each other and can be downsized.
4). The capsule medical device according to c3, wherein both the ON and OFF sensors are magnetic sensors.
5. The capsule medical device according to c3, wherein both the ON and OFF sensors are optical sensors.

6). 6. The capsule medical device according to claim 5, wherein a member that shields a physical quantity is installed between the ON and OFF sensors.
7). The capsule-type medical device according to appendix 4 or appendix 5, wherein the sensing direction of the ON and OFF sensors is set to be different directions.

8). In the supplementary note 4 or the supplementary note 5, each of the ON sensor and the OFF sensor is installed at the front end portion and the rear end portion of the capsule-shaped outer cylinder, the front end portion and the side portion, or the rear end portion and the side portion. Capsule type medical device.
(C3, supplementary notes 4 to 8 effects) Since the ON and OFF sensors are of the same type, the cost is low. Regarding Appendix 6-8, the input to each sensor does not interfere, so it is easy to prevent malfunction and accurate ON / OFF control is possible.

9. In c1, observation means, means for transmitting information obtained from the observation means outside the body,
A capsule medical device comprising means for receiving an instruction from an extracorporeal system as an electrical signal, and performing OFF control by an instruction from the extracorporeal system.
(Supplementary Note 9 Effect) After swallowing the capsule medical device, the power can be turned on / off by irradiation of a physical quantity from outside the body or by operation from a system outside the body. While checking the information transmitted from the capsule, it is possible to save energy by turning it off when not necessary and turning it on when necessary.

10. The capsule type medical device according to the supplementary note 1, the supplementary note 2 or the supplementary note 5, comprising an imaging means using a CMOS sensor and configured to be usable as an optical sensor for ON.
(Supplementary note 10 effect) By using the light receiving element also as the imaging element, the cost can be reduced and the size can be reduced.

11. In c1, observation means, means for transmitting information obtained from the observation means outside the body,
An extracorporeal system for receiving a signal transmitted outside the body, and means for generating a physical quantity sensed by at least one of the ON and OFF sensors in the extracorporeal system, and a power source for driving it as necessary, A capsule medical device comprising a switch for turning on / off a power source.
12 c1 includes a package (including a sterilization pack) to be packed before use, and a means for generating a physical quantity sensed by at least one of the ON and OFF sensors is provided in the vicinity of the sensor. A capsule medical device comprising a power source for driving the power source and a switch for turning on / off the power source.

13. In Supplementary Note 1 or Supplementary Note 2 or Supplementary 5, the ON sensor is an optical sensor, and includes a package (including a sterilization pack) that is packed before use. The package includes a light shielding member, and the light shielding member is removed. A capsule medical device characterized in that the optical sensor senses ambient light and the power is turned on.
(Additional remarks 11-13 effect) Since it is possible to turn ON / OFF the power supply while being packed in the package, it is possible to maintain a clean state until just before swallowing.

(Effects of Supplementary Notes 12 and 13) In Supplementary Notes 12 and 13, since the package and the means for generating physical quantities are combined, it is easy to handle. In Supplementary Note 13, since only a light shielding member is added to a normal package, the cost is low.

14 In c1, observation means, means for transmitting information obtained from the observation means outside the body,
It has one shared magnetic sensor for ON / OFF, and the power is turned on for the application of magnetism when the power is turned off.
A capsule medical device characterized in that the power supply is turned off with respect to the application of magnetism when the power is turned on.
(Effect of Supplementary Note 14) Since the effect of Supplementary Note 9 can be realized even when the communication between the capsule medical device and the extracorporeal system is not bidirectional, the cost and size can be reduced.

15. The capsule-type medical device according to appendix 10, wherein a pixel portion unnecessary for photographing by the image sensor is an optical sensor portion for ON.
16. 9. The capsule medical device as set forth in appendix 10, wherein a processing circuit for information from the imaging means is provided, and a control circuit for turning on the power is included in the processing circuit. (Effects of Supplementary Notes 15 and 16) A specific method for realizing Supplementary Note 10. Appendix 16 can be downsized.

17. The package of the capsule medical device according to appendix 13, wherein the power is turned on by taking the package from the package and removing it from the package. (Effect of Supplementary Note 17) A clean state can be ensured until just before removal from the package. 18. The capsule-type medical device according to appendix 17, wherein the power supply is prevented from being turned on against disturbance light during storage or transportation. (The power does not have to be turned on when the light shielding member is removed or removed from the package.)
19. The capsule-type medical device according to appendix 2 or appendix 3, wherein the ON sensor is a temperature sensor in which the temperature of the power ON is set to a temperature below the body temperature, and the power is automatically turned on at the temperature inside the body when swallowed .

20. 28. The capsule medical device as set forth in appendix 18, wherein the power is turned on by setting the temperature of the power ON to 50 ° C. or higher and putting it in hot water of 50 ° C. or higher before use.
21. 24. The capsule medical device as set forth in appendix 20, wherein the exterior of the capsule medical device is discolored by warm water, and whether or not the capsule medical device has been used can be recognized after use.
22. A capsule type medical device characterized in that, in c1, at least a battery and a power supply line from the battery are coated or sealed, and a watertight one is stored in an exterior.

23. The capsule-type medical device according to appendix 22, wherein other electrical circuit portions are coated or sealed together to be watertight and housed in the exterior. (Effects of Supplementary Notes 22 and 23) Even when the exterior is destroyed and watertightness cannot be maintained, it is possible to prevent body fluid and electrical components such as a battery from being touched immediately.

Sectional drawing which shows the internal structure etc. of the capsule type medical device of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. The circuit diagram which shows the circuit structure of a switch circuit. The figure which shows the schematic structure for operation | movement description of a capsule type medical device. The figure which shows schematic structure of the capsule type medical device of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. The circuit diagram which shows the circuit structure of a switch circuit. The figure which shows schematic structure of the principal part of the capsule type medical device of the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows the schematic structure of the capsule type medical device of a 1st modification. The figure which shows the outline of arrangement | positioning of the sensor in the capsule type medical device of a 2nd modification. The figure which shows the outline of arrangement | positioning of the sensor in the capsule type medical device of a 3rd modification. The figure which shows the outline of arrangement | positioning of the sensor in the capsule type medical device of a 4th modification. The whole block diagram of the capsule type medical system provided with the capsule type medical device of the 4th Embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows the schematic structure of the capsule type medical device of the 5th Embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows the schematic structure of the capsule type medical device of a 1st modification. The figure which shows the schematic structure of the capsule type medical device of a 2nd modification. The figure which shows the schematic structure of the capsule type medical device of a 3rd modification.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Capsule type medical device 2 ... Main body 3 ... Tip cover 4 ... Rear cover 5 ... CMOS sensor 6 ... Sensor substrate 7 ... Objective lens system 8, 10 ... Frame 11 ... White LED
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 12 ... LED board 13 ... IC chip 14, 18 ... Solder ball 15 ... Imaging processing & control board 19 ... Communication board 20 ... Antenna 22 ... Battery 23 ... Flexible board 25 ... Switch board 31 ... Optical sensor (phototonista)
32 ... Magnetic sensor (reed switch)
33 ... IC chip 34 ... Switch circuit 35 ... Power source 36 ... Electric circuit

Claims (5)

Capsule type having a capsule-shaped exterior member, and having an electrical circuit, a battery, and a switch circuit for controlling an energy supply state from the battery to the electrical circuit to an on state or an off state inside the exterior member In medical devices,
The switch circuit is
A temporary change in the first physical quantity outside the exterior member can be sensed in a non-contact manner, and when a temporary change in the first physical quantity is sensed, energy supply from the battery is started. A first physical quantity change sensing unit;
A temporary change in the second physical quantity outside the exterior member can be sensed in a non-contact manner, and the energy supply from the battery is stopped when the temporary change in the second physical quantity is sensed. A second physical quantity change sensing unit;
Until the temporary change in the first physical quantity is detected by the first physical quantity change sensing unit, the energy supply state from the battery to the electric circuit is held in an off state, and the first physical quantity is temporarily stored. When the first physical quantity change is detected , even if the first physical quantity does not maintain a level detectable by the first physical quantity change sensing unit, the second physical quantity change sensing unit A power supply state holding unit for holding an energy supply state from the battery to the electric circuit until a temporary change in the second physical quantity is detected;
A capsule-type medical device comprising:   The capsule medical device according to claim 1, wherein the first physical quantity and the second physical quantity are different types of physical quantities.   The capsule medical device according to claim 1, wherein the first physical quantity and the second physical quantity are the same type of physical quantity.   4. The capsule medical device according to claim 2, wherein the first physical quantity change sensing unit and the second physical quantity change sensing unit are configured by separate sensors, respectively.   4. The capsule medical device according to claim 3, wherein the first physical quantity change sensing unit and the second physical quantity change sensing unit are configured by one sensor.

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