JP5701812B2 - Capsule endoscope and capsule endoscope system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a capsule endoscope having a function of being introduced into a subject and imaging the inside of the subject, and a capsule endoscope system including the capsule endoscope.

  Conventionally, in a capsule endoscope that is introduced into a subject and images the inside of the subject, a temperature sensor is provided inside, and the capsule endoscope is driven based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor. A technique for controlling start and stop of driving is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this technique, the capsule endoscope is driven only during a period in which a temperature exceeding a predetermined threshold temperature is detected, using the rise in the temperature inside the capsule endoscope introduced into the subject. By performing the control, wasteful power consumption is prevented.

JP 2005-73888 A

  By the way, in a capsule endoscope, a battery made of silver oxide or the like is generally used as a power source. In such a battery, spontaneous discharge increases as the temperature increases. For this reason, when the capsule endoscope is transported or stored, if it is left in a high temperature environment for a long time, the capsule endoscope performs an examination in the subject due to the spontaneous discharge of the battery. For this reason, there is a possibility that sufficient operation time cannot be secured and all image data necessary for diagnosis cannot be acquired.

  In this regard, although the above-described conventional technology includes a temperature sensor, the temperature sensor determines whether the capsule endoscope is inside or outside the subject based on the measured temperature, and performs drive control. It was only intended to do so and was not intended to detect the temperature associated with the spontaneous discharge of the battery for power.

  Under such circumstances, there has been a demand for a technique capable of predicting the operation time after the capsule endoscope is activated in consideration of the natural discharge of the battery for power supply.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and provides a capsule endoscope and a capsule endoscope system capable of predicting an operation time after startup in consideration of natural discharge of a battery for power supply. The purpose is to do.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, a capsule endoscope according to the present invention is a capsule endoscope that is introduced into a subject and can execute a predetermined function in the subject. A battery for supplying power; a temperature sensor unit having a structure whose shape changes with a change in temperature; and detecting a temperature inside the capsule endoscope using the change in the shape; , A power storage unit capable of storing charges by supplying power from the battery, a power storage control unit for storing a predetermined charge in the power storage unit based on a detection result of the temperature sensor unit, and measuring a voltage of the power storage unit And a storage unit for storing voltage information related to the voltage measured by the voltage measurement unit.

  The capsule endoscope according to the present invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, the power storage unit includes a film capacitor.

  In the capsule endoscope according to the present invention, in the above invention, the voltage information includes a reference voltage that is a voltage in a state where the predetermined charge is stored in the power storage unit and a voltage measured by the voltage measurement unit. It is characterized by including a difference.

  In the capsule endoscope according to the present invention, in the above invention, the temperature sensor unit includes a bimetal member formed using two metal plates having different coefficients of thermal expansion, and the bimetal member has a threshold temperature. When reaching, at least a part is electrically connected to the power storage control unit, and a part different from the part is electrically connected to the battery.

  The capsule endoscope according to the present invention further includes, in the above invention, a control unit that performs control to transmit voltage information stored in the storage unit to the outside when the capsule endoscope is activated. Features.

  The capsule endoscope system according to the present invention includes an expected operation time determination unit that determines an expected operation time when the capsule endoscope is activated based on voltage information stored in the storage unit, and the prediction And a notifying unit for notifying the outside of information according to the determination result of the operation time determining unit.

  The capsule endoscope system according to the present invention is the capsule endoscope system described above, wherein the capsule endoscope is introduced into the subject and can execute a predetermined function in the subject, and the capsule endoscope and the wireless A capsule endoscope system capable of communicating and receiving information from the capsule endoscope, the capsule endoscope including a battery for supplying power, a temperature A temperature sensor unit that has a structure that changes shape according to the change, detects the temperature inside the capsule endoscope using the change in shape, and stores electric charges by supplying power from the battery A power storage unit capable of storing a predetermined charge in the power storage unit based on a detection result of the temperature sensor unit, a voltage measurement unit that measures the voltage of the power storage unit, and the voltage measurement unit Information related to the selected voltage A storage unit that stores data, and a control unit that performs control to transmit voltage information stored in the storage unit to the reception device when a power source of the capsule endoscope is activated. , Based on voltage information stored in the storage unit, information corresponding to a determination result of an expected operation time determination unit that determines an expected operation time when the capsule endoscope is activated, and a determination result of the expected operation time determination unit And a notification unit that notifies the outside to the outside.

  In the capsule endoscope system according to the present invention as set forth in the invention described above, the notification unit includes a display unit capable of displaying the determination result.

  In the capsule endoscope system according to the present invention as set forth in the invention described above, the power storage unit is a film capacitor.

  According to the present invention, a structure has a structure in which a shape changes with a change in temperature, and a predetermined charge is stored in the power storage unit based on a detection result of the temperature sensor unit that detects the temperature by using the change in the shape. Then, since the subsequent change in the voltage of the power storage unit is measured and recorded, it is possible to predict the operation time after startup in consideration of the natural discharge of the battery for power supply.

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 block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the capsule endoscope according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a temperature sensor unit included in the capsule endoscope according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a temperature sensor unit included in the capsule endoscope according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a receiving device included in the capsule endoscope system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an outline of operations performed by the capsule endoscope according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 shows the time change of the temperature of the capsule endoscope, the time change of the output of the temperature sensor unit, and the power storage unit when the power supply of the capsule endoscope according to the first embodiment of the present invention is off. It is a figure which shows the time change of the voltage in. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an outline of processing of the receiving apparatus corresponding to the initialization processing of the capsule endoscope according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a capsule endoscope according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an outline of operations performed by the capsule endoscope according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 shows a time change in temperature of the capsule endoscope, a time change in output of the temperature sensor unit, and a power storage unit when the power supply of the capsule endoscope according to the second embodiment of the present invention is in an off state. It is a figure which shows the time change of the voltage in. FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a capsule endoscope according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an outline of operations performed by the capsule endoscope according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

  DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention (hereinafter referred to as “embodiments”) will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(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 the figure includes a capsule endoscope 3 that wirelessly transmits transmission data including image data of an in-vivo image acquired by being introduced into the body of a subject 100 and performing imaging, A receiving device 5 that receives transmission data wirelessly transmitted from the capsule endoscope 3, a cradle 7 that receives the transmission data from the receiving device 5 by inserting the receiving device 5, and a cradle 7 A display device 9 capable of transmitting and receiving and capable of displaying information such as in-vivo images included in transmission data received from the reception device 5 via the cradle 7;

  First, the configuration of the capsule endoscope 3 will be described. In the capsule endoscope 3, various functional parts for acquiring an in-vivo image and wirelessly transmitting the in-vivo image are liquid-tightly sealed inside a capsule-type casing that can be introduced into the digestive tract of the subject 100. It is built-in. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the capsule endoscope 3. As shown in FIG. 2, the capsule endoscope 3 is realized using an imaging unit 31 that generates an electrical signal by imaging the subject 100 and performing photoelectric conversion, and a plurality of LEDs. The illumination unit 32 that illuminates the subject 100 including the visual field region 31, the signal processing unit 33 that performs predetermined signal processing on the electrical signal generated by the imaging unit 31, and the image data generated by the signal processing unit 33 Power is transmitted to the receiving device 5, a power storage unit 35 that can store charges, a storage unit 36 that stores various information, and power to each unit of the capsule endoscope 3. A battery 37, a power switch 38 that receives input of a signal for turning on / off the power, and a structure that is provided in the vicinity of the battery 37 and that changes its shape in accordance with a change in temperature. And capsule type Having a temperature sensor section 39 for detecting the internal temperature of the endoscope 3, a control unit 40 which collectively controls the operation of the capsule endoscope 3, a.

  The imaging unit 31 includes an imaging element such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor), and an imaging optical system that forms an image of light condensed from a subject on a light receiving surface of the imaging element. For example, it is provided at the end of the casing in the longitudinal direction.

  The signal processing unit 33 generates image data by performing signal processing such as amplification and A / D conversion on the signal output from the imaging unit 31.

  The transmission unit 34 transmits voltage information related to the voltage of the power storage unit 35 to the reception device 5 in addition to the image data captured by the imaging unit 31.

  The power storage unit 35 is configured by, for example, a film capacitor having excellent low leakage current characteristics. By using such a film capacitor, it is possible to accurately measure the time during which the battery 37 performs natural discharge based on the voltage change of the power storage unit 35. By providing such a power storage unit 35, it is possible to measure the time during which the battery is spontaneously discharged with the power off substantially without operating the clock. Therefore, power consumption for measuring the time of spontaneous discharge of the battery 37 can be suppressed.

  The storage unit 36 is configured using a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), or the like, and stores various programs, various setting data, and the like for executing operations in the capsule endoscope 3.

  The battery 37 is configured by using one or a plurality of button-type silver oxide batteries, for example.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the temperature sensor unit 39. The temperature sensor unit 39 includes a bimetal member 391 in which two metal plates having different thermal expansion coefficients are laminated and attached, and a support member 392 that supports the bimetal member 391 in a cantilever shape. The temperature sensor unit 39 is formed by applying, for example, MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical System) technology.

  The bimetal member 391 has a first metal plate 393 that is flat at a normal temperature of about 0 to 30 ° C., and is laminated and attached to the first metal plate 393, and has a higher coefficient of thermal expansion than the first metal plate 393. And a second metal plate 394 having a flat plate shape at room temperature. Of the end portions of the bimetal member 391, the base end portion fixed to the support member 392 is composed of only the first metal plate 393 and is in contact with the first contact 21 that is electrically connected to the control unit 40. In the bimetal member 391, a first metal plate 393 and a second metal plate 394 are laminated at a portion other than the base end portion. The surface of the surface of the second metal plate 394 that does not face the first metal plate 393 faces the second contact 22 that is electrically connected to the battery 37.

When the temperature of the bimetal member 391 having the above configuration rises, the second metal plate 394 has a larger coefficient of thermal expansion than the first metal plate 393, so that the bimetal member 391 is gradually bent and the second contact 22. Approaching. When the temperature T of the bimetal member 391 reaches the threshold temperature T ₀ , the first metal plate 393 comes into contact with the second contact 22 as shown in FIG. As a result, the first contact 21 and the second contact 22 are electrically connected, and the power from the battery 37 is supplied to the control unit 40.

Thereafter, as the temperature of the bimetal member 391 decreases, the degree of curvature of the bimetal member 391 gradually decreases, and the bimetal member 391 separates from the second contact 22 when the temperature falls below the threshold temperature T ₀ . Thereby, the supply of power from the battery 37 to the control unit 40 is stopped. As described above, the first embodiment has a structure in which the shape changes with a change in temperature, and a mechanical type that detects the temperature inside the capsule endoscope 3 using the change in the shape. Since the temperature sensor unit 39 is applied, it is not necessary to continuously supply power as in an electric temperature sensor. Therefore, power consumption for temperature detection can be suppressed.

The threshold temperature T ₀ is determined in consideration of the relationship between the natural discharge of the battery 37 and the temperature. For example, a value of about 40 to 60 ° C. can be set as the threshold temperature T ₀ .

  Next, the configuration of the capsule endoscope 3 will be described. The control unit 40 includes a power storage control unit 41 that stores a predetermined charge in the power storage unit 35 according to a detection result of the temperature sensor unit 39, a voltage measurement unit 42 that measures the voltage of the power storage unit 35, and a power switch unit 38. A power control unit 43 that controls power supply by the battery 37 in accordance with the input and the detection result of the temperature sensor unit 39. Voltage information related to the voltage measured by the voltage measurement unit 42 is recorded in the storage unit 36. The control unit 40 is configured using a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or the like, and comprehensively controls the operation of the capsule endoscope 3 by reading various programs stored in the storage unit 36 and executing arithmetic processing. To do. The control unit 40 performs control to transmit the voltage information stored in the storage unit 36 to the receiving device 5 when the capsule endoscope 3 is powered on and activated.

  The capsule endoscope 3 having the above configuration is swallowed from the mouth of the subject 100 and introduced into the subject 100, and then the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine of the subject 100 are caused by peristaltic movement of the organ. Move through the digestive tract. During this movement, the imaging unit 31 sequentially captures the inside of the digestive tract at predetermined time intervals to generate image data.

  Next, the configuration of the receiving device 5 will be described. FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the receiving device 5. The receiving device 5 shown in the figure is mounted on the body surface of the subject 100 or in the vicinity of the body surface, receives the transmission data transmitted by the capsule endoscope 3, and is output from the antenna unit 51. And a main unit 52 that acquires transmission data.

  The antenna unit 51 has a plurality of receiving antennas 51a to 51h. The plurality of receiving antennas 51a to 51h are realized by using, for example, loop antennas. The arrangement positions of the plurality of receiving antennas 51a to 51h are determined in correspondence with each organ in the subject 100 that is a passage path of the capsule endoscope 3, for example. In the first embodiment, the case where the antenna unit 51 has eight reception antennas will be described as an example, but the number of reception antennas is not limited to this.

  The main device 52 includes a switching unit 521 that selectively switches the connection to any one of the receiving antennas 51a to 51h, and transmission data that is a radio signal input via the receiving antenna that is switched and connected by the switching unit 521. A receiving unit 522 that amplifies and demodulates the signal, a signal processing unit 523 that performs predetermined signal processing on transmission data received by the receiving unit 522, and A / D conversion of the electric field strength of the radio signal amplified by the receiving unit 522 A / D converter 524, a display 525 capable of displaying various types of information including image data captured by the capsule endoscope 3, an external device such as a cradle 7 electrically connected to the receiving device 5 An I / F unit 526 that forms a communication interface, a storage unit 527 that stores various types of information, and a control unit 528 that controls the operation of the receiving device 5.

  The display unit 525 has a function as a notification unit that performs display according to a determination result of an expected operation time determination unit 529 described later based on voltage information included in transmission data transmitted by the capsule endoscope 3.

  The storage unit 527 is configured using a ROM, a RAM, or the like, and stores various programs for executing operations in the receiving device 5, various setting data, and the like. The receiving device 5 is provided with an interface to which a portable recording medium such as a USB memory or a compact flash (registered trademark) can be inserted, and the portable recording medium inserted into the interface functions as the storage unit 527. You may do it.

  The control unit 528 includes an expected operation time determination unit 529 that determines an expected operation time when the capsule endoscope 3 is started based on voltage information sent from the capsule endoscope 3. The control unit 528 is configured using a CPU or the like, and comprehensively controls the operation of the receiving device 5 by reading various programs stored in the storage unit 527 and executing arithmetic processing.

  Next, the configuration of the display device 9 will be described. The display device 9 is realized by a workstation or a personal computer having a display screen such as a monitor. The display device 9 can be connected to the cradle 7 and acquires data received by the receiving device 5 via the cradle 7. Note that the data received by the receiving device 5 may be recorded on the above-described portable recording medium, and the portable recording medium may be inserted into the display device 9 to transfer the data. Further, the data transfer between the receiving device 5 and the display device 9 may be performed by wireless communication without using the cradle 7.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an outline of the operation performed by the capsule endoscope 3. When the power of the capsule endoscope 3 is off (step S1: No), when the control unit 40 detects the rising edge of the output signal of the temperature sensor unit 39 (step S2: Yes), the power storage control unit 42 Performs control of charging (charging) until the voltage of the power storage unit 35 reaches a predetermined reference voltage V _ref (step S3). At this time, the electric charge for charging the power storage unit 35 is supplied by the battery 37.

FIG. 7 shows the time change of the temperature of the capsule endoscope 3 (curve L ₁ ) and the time change of the output of the temperature sensor unit 39 (curve L ₂ ) when the power supply of the capsule endoscope 3 is in the OFF state. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a time change (curve L ₃ ) of a voltage in the power storage unit 35. In FIG. 7, the control unit 40 detects the rising edge of the output signal of the temperature sensor unit 39 at time t ₁ . This rising edge corresponds to a state in which the temperature of the capsule endoscope 3 has reached the threshold temperature T ₀ . The reference voltage V _ref can be set as a value of about 1.8 to 2.7 V when the voltage of the battery 37 is 3 V, for example.

Thereafter, when the control unit 40 continues to receive the output signal of the temperature sensor unit 39 and detects a falling edge (step S4: Yes), the voltage measurement unit 42 determines the reference voltage V of the power storage unit 35 at that time. The difference from _ref is measured and recorded as voltage information in the storage unit 36 (step S5). In the case illustrated in FIG. 7, the difference V _diff is obtained by V _ref −V ₂ using the reference voltage V _ref and the voltage V _{2 at} time t ₂ . Thereafter, the capsule endoscope 3 returns to step S1.

  In step S4, when the control unit 40 does not detect a falling edge (step S4: No), if the power is on (step S6: Yes), the capsule endoscope 3 proceeds to step S5. On the other hand, when the control unit 40 does not detect a falling edge (step S4: No), if the power remains off (step S6: No), the capsule endoscope 3 returns to step S4.

Next, a case where the power is turned on in step S1 (step S1: Yes) will be described. In this case, the control unit 40 performs an initialization process (step S7). This initialization process includes a process for transmitting voltage information including the data (difference data) regarding the difference V _diff obtained in step S5 to the receiving device 5.

  Subsequently, the control unit 40 starts normal operation (step S8). Thereafter, if the power is not turned off (step S9: No), the control unit 40 continues the normal operation (step S10) and repeats step S8. On the other hand, when the power is turned off (step S9: Yes), the control unit 40 ends the process.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an outline of processing based on voltage information received from the capsule endoscope 3 by the receiving device 5. Note that the receiving device 5 can also receive data other than voltage information as initialization data, but here, only an outline of processing related to voltage information will be described. In FIG. 8, it is assumed that the power supply of the receiving device 5 is in an on state.

  First, when the reception device 5 receives voltage information from the capsule endoscope 3 (step S11: Yes), the expected operation time determination unit 529 is a time that is equal to or higher than the threshold temperature based on the received voltage information. Is estimated (step S12), and an expected operation time is calculated (step S13).

  Thereafter, the expected operation time determination unit 529 compares the expected operation time with the predetermined time (step S14). As a result of the comparison, when the expected operation time is shorter than the predetermined time (step S14: Yes), the control unit 528 displays a warning on the display unit 525 (step S15). On the other hand, as a result of the comparison, when the expected operation time is equal to or longer than the predetermined time (step S14: No), the receiving device 5 ends the series of processes. The predetermined time here is a time longer than the time (usually about 8 hours) for the capsule endoscope 3 to pass through the body of the subject 100, for example, about 9 to 12 hours.

  In step S11, when the receiving device 5 does not receive voltage information from the capsule endoscope 3 (step S11: No), the receiving device 5 repeats step S11.

  As described above, the receiving device 5 calculates the expected operation time when the capsule endoscope 3 is activated based on the voltage information received from the capsule endoscope 3, and the expected operation time is shorter than the predetermined time. In such a case, the determination result is notified by a warning display. Therefore, the user can determine whether or not the capsule endoscope 3 is usable by looking at the display unit 525 of the receiving device 5.

  According to the first embodiment of the present invention described above, based on the detection result of the temperature sensor unit that has a structure whose shape changes with a change in temperature and detects the temperature using the change in the shape. Since a predetermined charge is stored in the power storage unit, and the subsequent change in the voltage of the power storage unit is measured and recorded, it is possible to predict the operation time after startup in consideration of the natural discharge of the power supply battery.

  Further, according to the first embodiment, since the voltage change in the power storage unit is measured to measure the time of spontaneous discharge of the battery, the power consumption can be suppressed as compared with the case where the clock is used.

  Further, according to the first embodiment, since the receiving device includes the display unit as the notification unit, when the expected operation time after activation of the capsule endoscope is shorter than the predetermined time, the reception device is used for the user. It is possible to prompt the cancellation.

(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a capsule endoscope according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The capsule endoscope 11 shown in the figure is different from the capsule endoscope 3 described above in the configuration of the temperature sensor unit.

The temperature sensor unit 12 included in the capsule endoscope 11 includes a first sensor unit 121, a second sensor unit 122, and a third sensor unit 123. These three sensor units have different detectable threshold temperatures. Specifically, it is possible detect a threshold temperature T ₁ of the lowest first sensor unit 121, second sensor 122 is capable of detecting a low threshold temperature T ₂ in the second, the third sensor unit 123 is most A high threshold temperature T ₃ can be detected (T ₁ <T ₂ <T ₃ ).

The first sensor unit 121, the second sensor unit 122, and the third sensor unit 123 are configured using a bimetal member 391, similarly to the temperature sensor unit 39 described in the first embodiment. For example, the first sensor unit 121, the second sensor unit 122, and the third sensor unit 123 have exactly the same configuration as the temperature sensor unit 39, and the bimetal member 391 and the three bimetal members 391 provided respectively are provided. The temperature sensor unit 12 can be configured by making the distance from the second contact 22 different from each other. In this case, the distance at normal temperature between the bimetal member 391 of the first sensor unit 121 and the second contact 22 corresponding to the first sensor unit 121 is the first time when the bimetal member 391 has reached the threshold temperature T ₁ . It is set as a distance that makes contact with the two contacts 22. Further, a bimetal member 391 of the second sensor unit 122, the distance at the normal temperature and the second contact 22 corresponding to the second sensor unit 122, the first time the second in the state in which the bimetal member 391 has reached the threshold temperature T ₂ The distance is set so as to come into contact with the contact 22. Furthermore, the distance at normal temperature between the bimetal member 391 of the third sensor portion 123 and the second contact 22 corresponding to the third sensor portion 123 is the second distance only when the bimetal member 391 has reached the threshold temperature T ₃ . The distance is set so as to contact the contact 22.

The threshold temperatures T _{1 to} T ₃ are determined in consideration of the relationship between the natural discharge of the battery 37 and the temperature. For example, a threshold temperature T _1, it is possible to set a value of about 40 to 60 ° C., the difference between T ₂ -T ₁ and T ₃ -T ₂ threshold temperature, set respectively 10 to 15 ° C. approximately.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an outline of operations performed by the capsule endoscope 11. When the power of the capsule endoscope 11 is off (step S21: No), when the control unit 40 detects the rising edge of the output signal of the first sensor unit 121 (step S22: Yes), the power storage control unit 35 performs control to charge the power storage unit 35 to the reference voltage V _ref (step S23).

FIG. 11 shows the time change of the temperature of the capsule endoscope 11 (curve L ₁₁ ) and the time change of the output of the first sensor unit 121 (curve L ₁₂ ) when the power supply of the capsule endoscope 11 is in the OFF state. ), The time change of the output of the second sensor unit 122 (curve L ₁₃ ), the time change of the output of the third sensor unit 123 (curve L ₁₄ ), and the time change of the voltage in the power storage unit 35 (curve L ₁₅ ). FIG. In FIG. 11, the control unit 40 detects the rising edge of the output signal of the temperature sensor unit 12 at time t ₁₁ . This rising edge corresponds to a state in which the temperature of the capsule endoscope 11 reaches the threshold temperature T ₁ .

Thereafter, when the control unit 40 continues to receive the output signal of the temperature sensor unit 12 and detects the rising edge or the falling edge of the second or third temperature sensor unit (step S24: Yes), the voltage measurement unit 42 Then, the difference from the reference voltage V _ref of the power storage unit 35 at that time is measured, and the measurement result is recorded in the storage unit 36 (step S25). When the voltage measurement unit 42 records the measurement result in the storage unit 36, information on the state (on state / off state) of the output signal of each sensor unit is also recorded. This information may be recorded, for example, with the on state in each sensor unit being 1 and the off state being 0.

The processing of steps S24 and S25 in the case shown in FIG. 11 will be specifically described. In the case shown in FIG. 11, in steps S24 and S25, any one of the following processes (1) to (4) is performed at a time.
(1) The control unit 40 detects the rising edge of the second sensor unit 122 to the time t _12. In this case, the voltage measuring unit 42 measures and records the difference V _diff1 between the reference voltage V _ref and the voltage at time t ₁₂ in the storage unit 36.
(2) The control unit 40 detects the rising edge of the third sensor unit 123 to the time t _13. In this case, the voltage measurement unit 42 measures and records the difference V _diff2 between the reference voltage V _ref and the voltage at time t ₁₃ in the storage unit 36.
(3) control unit 40 detects the falling edge of the third sensor unit 123 to the time t _14. In this case, the voltage measurement unit 42 measures and records the difference V _diff3 between the reference voltage V _ref and the voltage at time t ₁₄ in the storage unit 36.
(4) The control unit 40 detects the falling edge of the third sensor unit 123 to the time t _15. In this case, the voltage measuring unit 42 measures and records the difference V _diff4 between the reference voltage V _ref and the voltage at time t ₁₅ in the storage unit 36.

Subsequent to step S25, the power storage control unit 35 performs control to charge the power storage unit 35 to the reference voltage _Vref (step S26).

Thereafter, when the control unit 40 continues to receive the output signal of the temperature sensor unit 12 and detects the falling edge of the first sensor unit 121 (step S27: Yes), the capsule endoscope 11 proceeds to step S21. Return. In the case illustrated in FIG. 11, the control unit 40 detects the falling edge of the first sensor unit 121 at time t ₁₆ .

After step S26, when the control unit 40 does not detect the falling edge of the first sensor unit 121 (step S27: No), if the power is off (step S28: No), the capsule endoscope 3 is The process returns to step S24. On the other hand, when the power is on in step S28 (step S28: Yes), the voltage measurement unit 42 measures the difference between the voltage value at that time and the reference voltage _Vref and records it in the storage unit 36. (Step S29). Thereafter, the capsule endoscope 11 returns to step S21.

  In step S21, when the power is on (step S21: Yes), the processing of steps S30 to S33 sequentially corresponds to the processing of steps S7 to S10 described in the first embodiment.

In the second embodiment, the outline of the process performed by the receiving device 5 that has received voltage information from the capsule endoscope 11 is the same as that of the first embodiment described above (see FIG. 8). However, in this Embodiment 2, since temperature is detected by a plurality of sensor units, when estimating a time equal to or higher than the threshold temperature in step S12, the predicted operation time determination unit 529 displays the detection results of each sensor unit. All need to be referenced. Specifically, in the case illustrated in FIG. 11, the predicted operation time determination unit 529 estimates an elapsed time t ₁₆ -t ₁₁ from time t ₁₁ to time t _{16 as} a time equal to or higher than the threshold temperature.

  According to the second embodiment of the present invention described above, as in the first embodiment, it is possible to predict the operation time after startup in consideration of the natural discharge of the battery for power supply, and the time for the natural discharge of the battery is reduced. Time can be measured with low power consumption.

  Further, according to the second embodiment, since the receiving device includes the display unit as the notification unit, when the expected operation time after the activation of the capsule endoscope is shorter than the predetermined time, it is used for the user. It is possible to prompt the cancellation.

  In addition, according to the second embodiment, the temperature band detected by each sensor unit is subdivided by using a temperature sensor unit having a plurality of sensor units, so that the time of spontaneous discharge of ionization can be more accurately determined. Can be timed.

  In the second embodiment, the configuration of the temperature sensor unit is not limited to that described above. For example, the combination of the metal plates of the bimetal members in the first sensor unit 121, the second sensor unit 122, and the third sensor unit 123 may be different from each other.

  In the second embodiment, the volume ratio of the two metal plates is maintained while keeping the same combination of the two metal plates of the bimetal member in the first sensor unit 121, the second sensor unit 122, and the third sensor unit 123. May be changed for each sensor unit.

  In the second embodiment, the number of sensor units constituting the temperature sensor unit may be other than three.

(Embodiment 3)
FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a capsule endoscope according to the third embodiment of the present invention. The capsule endoscope 13 shown in the figure is different from the above-described capsule endoscope 3 in the configuration of the control unit.

  The control unit 14 included in the capsule endoscope 13 determines its expected operation time based on the voltage measurement result by the voltage measurement unit 42 in addition to the power storage control unit 41, the voltage measurement unit 42, and the power supply control unit 43. An expected operation time determination unit 141 is included.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an outline of operations performed by the capsule endoscope 13. In FIG. 13, the processing of steps S42 to S46 performed when the power of the capsule endoscope 13 is off (step S41: No) sequentially corresponds to the processing of steps S2 to S6 described in the first embodiment. ing.

  Hereinafter, the case where the power source of the capsule endoscope 13 is turned on (step S41: Yes) will be described. The expected operation time determination unit 141 estimates the time that is equal to or higher than the threshold temperature based on the measurement result of the voltage measurement unit 42 (step S47), and calculates the expected operation time (step S48).

  Thereafter, the predicted operation time determination unit 141 compares the expected operation time with a predetermined time (step S49). As a result of the comparison, when the expected operation time is shorter than the predetermined time (step S49: Yes), the control unit 14 causes the illumination unit 32 to perform warning lighting (step S50). This warning lighting is lit in a pattern different from the blinking pattern during normal operation. For example, it may be kept lit for a certain period of time, or may blink with a blinking pattern different from the blinking pattern during normal operation.

  Subsequently, if the power is off (step S51: Yes), the capsule endoscope 13 ends the series of processes. On the other hand, if the power is on (step S51: No), the capsule endoscope 13 returns to step S50.

  As a result of the comparison between the predicted operation time determination unit 141 in step S49 and the predicted operation time is equal to or longer than the predetermined time (step S49: No), the processes in steps S52 to S55 performed in step S7 described in the first embodiment are performed. The processing of S10 is sequentially supported. However, in the initialization process in step S52, it is not necessary to transmit voltage information to the receiving device 5.

  According to the third embodiment of the present invention described above, as in the first embodiment, it is possible to predict the operation time after startup in consideration of the natural discharge of the battery for the power source. Time can be measured with low power consumption.

  Further, according to the third embodiment, since the expected operation time is determined by the capsule endoscope itself, it is not necessary to communicate with the receiving device. Therefore, the expected operation time can be determined more quickly.

  Further, according to the third embodiment, since the illuminating unit of the capsule endoscope also has the function of the notification unit, the expected operation time after activation of the capsule endoscope is shorter than a predetermined time. , It is possible to prompt the user to stop using.

  In the third embodiment, the configuration of the temperature sensor unit can be the same as that of the temperature sensor unit of the second embodiment.

Up to this point, the mode for carrying out the present invention has been described. However, the present invention should not be limited only to the first to third embodiments.
For example, instead of a bimetal member, a shape memory alloy or a shape memory resin that recovers a previously memorized shape when the temperature exceeds a threshold temperature may be applied to the temperature sensor portion of the capsule endoscope according to the present invention. Is possible.

  As described above, the present invention includes various embodiments and the like not described herein.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Capsule-type endoscope system 3, 11, 13 Capsule-type endoscope 5 Receiving device 7 Cradle 9 Display device 12, 39 Temperature sensor part 14, 40, 528 Control part 21 1st contact 22 2nd contact 31 Imaging part 32 Illumination unit 33 Signal processing unit 34 Transmission unit 35 Power storage unit 36, 527 Storage unit 37 Battery 38 Power switch unit 41 Power storage control unit 42 Voltage measurement unit 43 Power supply control unit 51 Antenna units 51a to 51h Reception antenna 52 Main body device 100 Subject 121 First sensor unit 122 Second sensor unit 123 Third sensor unit 141, 529 Expected operation time determination unit 391 Bimetal member 392 Support member 393 First metal plate 394 Second metal plate 521 Switching unit 522 Reception unit 523 Signal processing unit 524 A / D converter 525 Display unit 526 I / F unit

Claims (9)

A capsule endoscope that is introduced into a subject and can perform a predetermined function in the subject,
A battery for supplying power;
A temperature sensor unit that has a structure whose shape changes with a change in temperature, and detects the temperature inside the capsule endoscope using the change in the shape;
A power storage unit capable of storing electric charge by supplying power from the battery;
A power storage control unit that stores a predetermined charge in the power storage unit based on a detection result of the temperature sensor unit;
A voltage measuring unit for measuring a voltage of the power storage unit;
A storage unit for storing voltage information related to the voltage measured by the voltage measurement unit;
A capsule endoscope characterized by comprising:   The capsule endoscope according to claim 1, wherein the power storage unit includes a film capacitor.   The voltage information includes a difference between a reference voltage, which is a voltage in a state where the predetermined charge is stored in the power storage unit, and a voltage measured by the voltage measurement unit. Capsule type endoscope. The temperature sensor unit has a bimetal member formed using two metal plates having different coefficients of thermal expansion,
The bimetal member, when reaching a threshold temperature, at least a part is electrically connected to the power storage control unit, and a part different from the part is electrically connected to the battery. The capsule endoscope according to any one of the above.   5. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a control unit that performs control to transmit voltage information stored in the storage unit to the outside when the capsule endoscope is activated. Capsule type endoscope. Based on the voltage information stored in the storage unit, an expected operation time determination unit that determines an expected operation time when the capsule endoscope is activated, and
An informing unit for informing the outside of information according to the determination result of the expected operation time determining unit;
The capsule endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising: A capsule endoscope that is introduced into a subject and can execute a predetermined function in the subject, and can communicate wirelessly with the capsule endoscope and receives information from the capsule endoscope A capsule endoscope system including a receiving device,
The capsule endoscope is:
A battery for supplying power;
A temperature sensor unit that has a structure whose shape changes with a change in temperature, and detects the temperature inside the capsule endoscope using the change in the shape;
A power storage unit capable of storing electric charge by supplying power from the battery;
A power storage control unit that stores a predetermined charge in the power storage unit based on a detection result of the temperature sensor unit;
A voltage measuring unit for measuring a voltage of the power storage unit;
A storage unit for storing voltage information related to the voltage measured by the voltage measurement unit;
When the power source of the capsule endoscope is activated, a control unit that performs control to transmit voltage information stored in the storage unit to the receiving device;
Have
The receiving device is:
Based on the voltage information stored in the storage unit, an expected operation time determination unit that determines an expected operation time when the capsule endoscope is activated,
An informing unit for informing the outside of information according to the determination result of the expected operation time determining unit;
A capsule endoscope system comprising:   The capsule endoscope system according to claim 7, wherein the notification unit includes a display unit capable of displaying the determination result.   The capsule endoscope system according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the power storage unit is a film capacitor.

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