WO2008062594A1 - Encapsulated endoscope - Google Patents
Encapsulated endoscope Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2008062594A1 WO2008062594A1 PCT/JP2007/066799 JP2007066799W WO2008062594A1 WO 2008062594 A1 WO2008062594 A1 WO 2008062594A1 JP 2007066799 W JP2007066799 W JP 2007066799W WO 2008062594 A1 WO2008062594 A1 WO 2008062594A1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- capsule
- imaging unit
- imaging
- subject
- capsule endoscope
- Prior art date
Links
- 238000003384 imaging method Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 587
- 239000002775 capsule Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 373
- 230000003287 optical effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 181
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 171
- 230000005484 gravity Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 161
- 210000000056 organ Anatomy 0.000 claims abstract description 120
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 123
- 238000005286 illumination Methods 0.000 claims description 114
- 230000000007 visual effect Effects 0.000 claims description 13
- 239000005871 repellent Substances 0.000 claims description 8
- 230000002265 prevention Effects 0.000 claims description 6
- 230000002940 repellent Effects 0.000 claims description 4
- 210000002784 stomach Anatomy 0.000 description 85
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 description 33
- 230000006870 function Effects 0.000 description 20
- 125000006850 spacer group Chemical group 0.000 description 17
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 15
- 239000000758 substrate Substances 0.000 description 13
- 210000000813 small intestine Anatomy 0.000 description 9
- 210000003238 esophagus Anatomy 0.000 description 7
- 230000035945 sensitivity Effects 0.000 description 7
- 238000001727 in vivo Methods 0.000 description 5
- 230000033001 locomotion Effects 0.000 description 5
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 4
- 210000002429 large intestine Anatomy 0.000 description 4
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 4
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 4
- 238000012545 processing Methods 0.000 description 4
- 210000001835 viscera Anatomy 0.000 description 4
- 230000007423 decrease Effects 0.000 description 3
- 210000001035 gastrointestinal tract Anatomy 0.000 description 3
- 206010034960 Photophobia Diseases 0.000 description 2
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000008602 contraction Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 description 2
- 208000013469 light sensitivity Diseases 0.000 description 2
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000008855 peristalsis Effects 0.000 description 2
- NDVLTYZPCACLMA-UHFFFAOYSA-N silver oxide Chemical compound [O-2].[Ag+].[Ag+] NDVLTYZPCACLMA-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 230000009747 swallowing Effects 0.000 description 2
- YCKRFDGAMUMZLT-UHFFFAOYSA-N Fluorine atom Chemical compound [F] YCKRFDGAMUMZLT-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 235000014676 Phragmites communis Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- XUIMIQQOPSSXEZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Silicon Chemical compound [Si] XUIMIQQOPSSXEZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 230000009471 action Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000470 constituent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000001839 endoscopy Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229910052731 fluorine Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000011737 fluorine Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000000968 intestinal effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000006386 memory function Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000002572 peristaltic effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000009467 reduction Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910052710 silicon Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000010703 silicon Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910001923 silver oxide Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 230000002269 spontaneous effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012546 transfer Methods 0.000 description 1
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Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
- A61B1/04—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor combined with photographic or television appliances
- A61B1/042—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor combined with photographic or television appliances characterised by a proximal camera, e.g. a CCD camera
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
- A61B1/00002—Operational features of endoscopes
- A61B1/00011—Operational features of endoscopes characterised by signal transmission
- A61B1/00016—Operational features of endoscopes characterised by signal transmission using wireless means
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
- A61B1/00147—Holding or positioning arrangements
- A61B1/00158—Holding or positioning arrangements using magnetic field
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
- A61B1/00163—Optical arrangements
- A61B1/00174—Optical arrangements characterised by the viewing angles
- A61B1/00179—Optical arrangements characterised by the viewing angles for off-axis viewing
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
- A61B1/04—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor combined with photographic or television appliances
- A61B1/041—Capsule endoscopes for imaging
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
- A61B1/06—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor with illuminating arrangements
- A61B1/0625—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor with illuminating arrangements for multiple fixed illumination angles
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
- A61B1/00002—Operational features of endoscopes
- A61B1/00025—Operational features of endoscopes characterised by power management
- A61B1/00027—Operational features of endoscopes characterised by power management characterised by power supply
- A61B1/00032—Operational features of endoscopes characterised by power management characterised by power supply internally powered
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
- A61B5/07—Endoradiosondes
- A61B5/073—Intestinal transmitters
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a capsule endoscope that is introduced into an organ of a subject such as a patient and images an image inside the organ of the subject.
- the receiving device has a wireless communication function and a memory function, and sequentially stores images received from the capsule endoscope in the subject in a recording medium.
- a user such as a doctor or a nurse is allowed to capture the image stored in the recording medium of the receiving device into the image display device.
- the image of the organ in the subject is displayed on the display of the image display device.
- the user observes the image in the subject displayed on the image display device, and uses the force S to diagnose the subject.
- a capsule endoscope there is one in which a float is provided in a casing so that the specific gravity of the entire apparatus is about 1 (that is, the apparatus can float in water) (for example, see Patent Document 1).
- the capsule endoscope exemplified in Patent Document 1 floats on water introduced into the digestive tract of a subject. While playing, it passes through the stomach, small intestine, etc. of the subject in a short time by the flowing action of water and the peristaltic movement of the organ, and reaches the large intestine.
- the capsule capsule endoscope that can force, can intensively take images of the inside of the large intestine of the subject.
- Patent Document 1 Japanese Translation of Special Publication 2004—529718
- the capsule endoscope that can float in water exemplified in Patent Document 1 described above is introduced together with water into the stomach of a subject, and the image inside the stomach is widened while floating in the water. There is a case where an image is captured in a range. In this way, taking a wide range of images of the inside of the stomach with a capsule endoscope suspended in water introduced into the stomach is an effective method for observing the inside of the subject's stomach in detail.
- the conventional capsule endoscope with force by taking close-up images of the inside of a small organ such as the esophagus, small intestine, or large intestine of a subject, provides a clear image inside the organ. obtain. For this reason, there is a risk that the conventional capsule endoscope that has power may unclearly capture a wide range of images inside a large organ such as the stomach.
- the organ having a small space here is a small-diameter organ having a small local inner diameter, and an organ having a small gap between the capsule endoscope introduced into the organ and the inner wall of the organ. is there.
- An organ with a wide space is a visceral organ with a large local diameter compared with force and a small-diameter organ, and there is a gap between the capsule endoscope introduced into the organ and the inner wall of the organ. Larger organs than small-diameter organs.
- the present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and is a capsule that can float in a liquid introduced into an organ with a wide space and can reliably capture a wide and clear image inside the organ.
- An object is to provide a mold endoscope.
- a capsule-type endoscope which is effective in the present invention, includes a capsule-type casing and an imaging unit fixedly arranged inside the capsule-type casing.
- a capsule endoscope that captures an image of the internal organ by the imaging unit in a state of floating in a liquid introduced into the internal organ of the subject.
- the specific gravity p with respect to the introduced liquid is set to p (p ⁇ 1), the capsule-type housing is divided so that the plane is flat, and the capsule-type housing is divided so that the volume ratio is p to 1 p, and the volume ratio is p
- a straight line connecting the center of the volume of the capsule and the center of gravity of the capsule housing is substantially perpendicular to the plane, and the center is located farther from the plane than the center of the volume.
- the visual field boundary surface forming the angle of view and the plane do not intersect outside the capsule housing.
- the capsule endoscope which is effective in the present invention, includes a capsule casing and an imaging unit fixedly arranged inside the capsule casing, and is introduced into an organ in a subject. and in the capsule endoscope for capturing an image of the inside of the organ by the imaging unit in a floating state to the liquid, Ku density ([rho for liquid to be the introduction of the capsule housing
- the capsule-type casing is divided so that the plane is flat, and the capsule-type casing is divided so that the volume ratio is ⁇ to 1 ⁇ , and the center of the volume of the portion where the volume ratio is ⁇ and the capsule-type casing
- a straight line connecting the center of gravity of the imaging unit is substantially perpendicular to the plane, the center exists at a position farther from the plane than the center of the volume, and includes an illumination unit that illuminates the imaging field of view of the imaging unit, The illumination boundary surface forming the light distribution angle of the illumination light emitted from the illumination unit and the plane do not intersect outside the capsule-type housing.
- the capsule endoscope according to the present invention is based on the above invention.
- the optical axis of the imaging unit is a volume ratio of the capsule casing divided by the plane. Intersects the surface of the part of ⁇ .
- the capsule endoscope according to the present invention is based on the above invention! /
- the optical axis of the imaging unit is a volume ratio of the capsule casing divided by the plane. Is characterized by intersecting the surface of the part 1 ⁇ .
- the capsule endoscope according to the present invention is based on the surface of the portion where the volume ratio of the capsule casing divided by the plane is ⁇ .
- An image pickup unit that intersects with the optical axis is further provided.
- the capsule endoscope according to the present invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, the plane and the optical axis of the imaging unit are substantially perpendicular to each other. .
- the capsule endoscope according to the present invention provides the capsule according to the above invention!
- the optical characteristics of the imaging unit where the surface of the part with the volume ratio p of the mold housing intersects the optical axis, and the surface of the part of the volume ratio of the capsule housing with the optical axis intersects the optical axis It differs from the optical characteristics of the imaging unit.
- the capsule endoscope that is effective in the present invention is characterized in that the different optical characteristic is a focal length of the imaging unit.
- a capsule endoscope that is effective in the present invention includes an illuminating unit that illuminates the imaging field of view of the imaging unit according to the above-described invention, and the different optical characteristics include the illumination It is the light quantity of the part.
- the surface of the portion where the volume ratio of the capsule casing is p intersects with the optical axis.
- the optical axis of the imaging unit and the optical axis of the imaging unit where the surface of the portion of the capsule-type housing having a volume ratio of 1 p intersects the optical axis are substantially parallel to each other.
- the capsule casing includes an optical member for the imaging unit to image a subject, and an outer surface of the optical member.
- a transparent water droplet prevention film is formed.
- the transparent water droplet preventing film is a water-repellent transparent film or a hydrophilic transparent film.
- a capsule endoscope that is effective in the present invention includes a capsule housing and an imaging unit fixedly arranged inside the capsule housing, and is introduced into an organ in a subject. and in the capsule endoscope for capturing an image of the inside of the organ by the imaging unit in a floating state to the liquid, if the specific gravity ([rho Ku 1) for liquid to be the introduction of the capsule casing, the capsule The casing is divided into a plane, and the capsule casing is divided so that the volume ratio is ⁇ vs.
- the imaging is performed from a position where the visual field boundary surface forming the angle of view of the imaging unit intersects the plane, the center being substantially perpendicular to the plane, the center being located farther from the plane than the center of the volume.
- the distance to the part is from the surface of the capsule-type housing And greater than twice 3. The distance to the image portion.
- the capsule endoscope which is effective in the present invention includes a capsule casing and the capsule casing.
- the capsule type casing is divided into a plane and the capsule casing is divided so that the volume ratio is ⁇ to 1 ⁇ .
- An illuminating unit that illuminates an imaging field of the imaging unit, and the distance from the position where the illumination boundary surface forming the light distribution angle of the illumination light emitted by the illuminating unit intersects the plane to the imaging unit is the capsule.
- the imaging unit is adapted to the subject in the imaging direction determined by the floating posture of the casing maintained when floating on the liquid surface inside the organ.
- the optical characteristics of the organ can be set, and it is possible to reliably capture a wide and clear image of the inside of the organ while floating on the surface of the liquid introduced into the organ having a large space such as the stomach.
- FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example of an in-vivo information acquisition system having a capsule endoscope according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 2 is a schematic side sectional view showing a configuration example of a capsule endoscope according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram for explaining the operation of a capsule endoscope that images the inside of the stomach in the air while floating on the water surface inside the stomach of the subject.
- FIG. 4 is a schematic side sectional view schematically showing an example of the configuration of a capsule endoscope according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the capsule endoscope that alternately images the inside of the stomach in the air and in the liquid while floating in the stomach of the subject! It is a schematic diagram.
- FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a configuration example of a capsule endoscope according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a configuration example of a capsule endoscope according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the operation of a capsule endoscope that alternately images the inside of the stomach in the air and in the liquid while being obliquely suspended on the water surface inside the stomach of the subject.
- FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the operation of a capsule endoscope that alternately images the inside of the stomach in the air and in the liquid while being obliquely suspended on the water surface inside the stomach of the subject.
- FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing a capsule endoscope in which the optical axis of the imaging unit is perpendicular to the liquid surface in a state where it floats on the liquid introduced into the body.
- FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram for explaining the principle that the capsule endoscope maintains the posture in the liquid.
- FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a modification of the capsule endoscope in which the optical axis of the imaging unit is perpendicular to the liquid surface in a state where it floats on the liquid introduced into the body.
- FIG. 11 In Fig. 11, the specific gravity, the position of the center of gravity, and the position of the imaging unit are set so that the water surface does not enter the visual field boundary surface and the illumination boundary surface while floating in the liquid introduced into the body. It is a schematic diagram which shows a capsule type endoscope.
- FIG. 12 In Fig. 12, the specific gravity, the position of the center of gravity, and the position of the imaging unit were set so that the water surface does not enter the visual field boundary surface and the illumination boundary surface while floating in the liquid introduced into the body. It is a schematic diagram which shows the modification of a capsule type
- FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating a capsule endoscope in which a visual field boundary surface or an illumination boundary surface intersects with a liquid surface at a position sufficiently away from the capsule housing.
- FIG. 1 shows in-subject information having a force capsule endoscope according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows one structural example of an acquisition system.
- the in-subject information acquisition system includes a capsule endoscope 2 that captures an image in the subject 1, and an image in the subject 1 that is captured by the capsule endoscope 2.
- a receiving device 3 for receiving, an image display device 4 for displaying an image in the subject 1 received by the receiving device 3, and a portable device for transferring data between the receiving device 3 and the image display device 4 And a mold recording medium 5.
- the capsule endoscope 2 has an imaging function that sequentially captures images in the subject 1 in time series, and a wireless communication function that sequentially wirelessly transmits the captured images in the subject 1 to the outside. It has.
- the force and the specific gravity of the capsule endoscope 2 are set so as to float on the surface of a desired liquid such as water.
- a capsule endoscope 2 is introduced into the organ of the subject 1 and takes an image of the inside of the organ.
- the capsule endoscope 2 floats on the surface of the liquid introduced into the organ and takes a specific floating posture.
- a wide range of images inside the organ are sequentially captured in the state of force and a specific floating posture.
- the image inside the organ imaged by the capsule endoscope 2 is transmitted wirelessly sequentially to the receiving device 3 outside the subject 1.
- the capsule endoscope 2 advances along the digestive tract of the subject 1 due to the peristalsis of the organ.
- the capsule endoscope 2 sequentially captures images in the subject 1 at predetermined intervals, for example, 0.5 second intervals, and sequentially transmits the obtained images in the subject 1 to the receiving device 3. .
- the receiving device 3 is connected to, for example, a plurality of receiving antennas 3a to 3h distributed on the body surface of the subject 1, and the capsule endoscope is connected via the plurality of receiving antennas 3a to 3h.
- the wireless signal from 2 is received, and the image in the subject 1 included in the received wireless signal is acquired.
- the portable recording medium 5 is detachably attached, and the image in the subject 1 is sequentially stored in the portable recording medium 5. In this way, the receiving device 3 stores the image group in the subject 1 captured by the capsule endoscope 2 in the portable recording medium 5.
- the receiving antennas 3a to 3h are realized by using, for example, a loop antenna, and receive a radio signal transmitted by the capsule endoscope 2.
- Such receiving antennas 3a to 3h are provided at predetermined positions on the body surface of the subject 1, for example, the transfer of the capsule endoscope 2 in the subject 1. It is distributed at positions corresponding to the movement path (ie, digestive tract).
- the receiving antennas 3a to 3h may be distributed at predetermined positions on a jacket worn by the subject 1. In this case, the receiving antennas 3a to 3h are positioned on the body surface of the subject 1 corresponding to the movement path of the capsule endoscope 2 in the subject 1 when the subject 1 wears this jacket. Placed in.
- the number of receiving antennas is not particularly limited to eight as long as one or more receiving antennas are arranged for the subject 1.
- the portable recording medium 5 is a portable recording medium such as CompactFlash (registered trademark).
- the portable recording medium 5 is detachable from the receiving device 3 and the image display device 4 and has a structure capable of outputting and recording data when attached to both.
- the portable recording medium 5 sequentially stores various data such as an image group in the subject 1 acquired by the receiving apparatus 3 when attached to the receiving apparatus 3.
- the storage data such as the image group in the subject 1 is output to the image display device 4.
- patient information related to the subject 1 such as a patient name and a patient ID is written on the portable recording medium 5 by the image display device 4.
- the image display device 4 is for displaying an image or the like in the subject 1 captured by the capsule endoscope 2. Specifically, the image display device 4 captures various data such as the image group in the subject 1 through the portable recording medium 5 described above, and displays the acquired image group in the subject 1 on the display. It has a configuration such as a workstation. Such an image display device 4 has a processing function for a user such as a doctor or a nurse to observe (inspect) an image in the subject 1 and diagnose the subject 1. In this case, the user sequentially displays images in the subject 1 on the image display device 4 and observes (examines) the parts in the subject 1, such as the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine. Next, subject 1 is diagnosed.
- FIG. 2 is a schematic side sectional view showing a configuration example of the capsule endoscope 2 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
- the capsule endoscope 2 according to the first embodiment includes a casing 11 formed in a capsule shape, an illumination unit 12 that illuminates the inside of an organ of a subject, An imaging unit 13 that captures an image inside the organ of the subject illuminated by the illumination unit 12 (an image in the subject), and a wireless that wirelessly transmits the image in the subject captured by the imaging unit 13 to the outside And a communication unit 14.
- the capsule endoscope 2 includes a power supply unit 15 that supplies driving power to each of the components, and a control unit 16 that controls each component.
- the casing 11 is a capsule-type casing formed in a size that can be easily introduced into the subject, and is formed by the case main body 11a and the optical dome l ib.
- the case body 11a is a cylindrical case with one end opened and the other end (ie, the dome portion 11c) closed in a dome shape.
- the illumination unit 12, the imaging unit 13, the wireless communication unit 14, the power supply unit 15, and the control Each component of the capsule endoscope 2 such as the section 16 is accommodated inside.
- the optical dome l ib is a transparent optical member formed in a dome shape, and is attached to the opening end that is one end of the case body 11a, and closes the opening end.
- a transparent water droplet preventing film is formed on the outer surface of the optical dome l ib.
- the transparent water droplet preventing film formed on the outer surface of the optical dome IB may be a water-repellent transparent film or a hydrophilic transparent film.
- the casing 11 formed by the case main body 11a and the optical dome l ib includes each component of the capsule endoscope 2 (illumination unit 12, imaging unit 13, wireless communication unit 14, power supply Part 15 and control part 16 etc.).
- the illumination unit 12 functions as an illumination unit that illuminates the inside of the organ of the subject imaged by the imaging unit 13 (that is, the subject of the imaging unit 13). Specifically, the illumination unit 12 is disposed on the optical dome l ib side inside the housing 11, and illuminates the subject of the imaging unit 13 through the optical dome l ib.
- Such an illumination unit 12 includes a plurality of light emitting elements 12a that emit illumination light to the subject of the imaging unit 13, and an illumination substrate 12b on which a circuit for realizing the function of the illumination unit 12 is formed. Have.
- the plurality of light emitting elements 12a are mounted on the illumination board 12b and emit illumination light to the imaging field of the imaging unit 13 through the optical dome 1 lb.
- the plurality of light emitting elements 12a illuminate the subject (that is, the inside of the organ of the subject) of the imaging unit 13 with the illumination light.
- Such a light emitting element 12a has a light emission amount that is larger than that of a conventional capsule endoscope (capsule endoscope that closely images the inside of an organ of a subject) according to the subject of the imaging unit 13. Shine Bright light is emitted.
- the illumination board 12b is a rigid circuit board formed in, for example, a disk shape, and is disposed on the optical dome rib side inside the housing 11. A lens frame of the imaging unit 13 to be described later is passed through the central portion of the illumination board 12b.
- the imaging unit 13 functions as an imaging unit that captures an image of the subject (inside the organ of the subject) illuminated by the illumination unit 12. Specifically, the imaging unit 13 is fixedly arranged on the optical dome l ib side inside the casing 11 and depends on the force and the attitude of the casing 11 (specifically, the floating attitude of the casing 11 floating on the liquid surface). An image of the subject in the determined imaging direction A1 is taken.
- Such an imaging unit 13 includes a solid-state imaging device 13a such as a CCD or CMOS, an optical system 13b that forms an image of a subject on the light receiving surface of the solid-state imaging device 13a, and a function for realizing the functions of the imaging unit 13. And an imaging substrate 13c on which a circuit is formed.
- the solid-state imaging device 13a captures an image of a subject illuminated by the illumination unit 12.
- the solid-state imaging device 13a has an imaging field in the imaging direction A1 determined by the floating posture of the housing 11, and is inside the organ in the imaging field illuminated by the illuminating unit 12 (in other words, Take a picture of the subject.
- the solid-state imaging device 13a has a light receiving surface that receives light from a subject located in the imaging field, and photoelectrically converts light from the subject received through the light receiving surface to detect the subject. Take an image (ie, an image in the subject).
- Optical characteristics such as the amount of received light of the solid-state imaging device 13a are set according to the subject in the imaging direction A1.
- the optical system 13b includes a lens 13d that forms an image of a subject on the light receiving surface of the solid-state imaging device 13a, and a lens frame 13e that holds the lens 13d.
- the lens 13d condenses the light from the subject located in the imaging direction A1 on the light receiving surface of the solid-state image sensor 13a, and forms an image of the object on the light receiving surface of the solid-state image sensor 13a.
- Optical characteristics such as the focal length and depth of field of the lens 13d are set according to the subject located in the imaging direction A1.
- the lens frame 13e has a cylindrical structure with both ends opened, and holds the lens 13d inside the cylinder. Specifically, the lens frame 13e holds the lens 13d inside the cylinder near the opening at one end. The other end of the lens frame 13e is fixed to the solid-state image sensor 13a in such a manner that light from the subject is guided to the light receiving surface of the solid-state image sensor 13a. Such a lens frame 13e is provided with the above-mentioned fixed frame. The lens 13d is held at a predetermined distance from the body imaging element 13a. The distance between the arrangement of the solid-state imaging device 13a and the lens 13d defined by the lens frame 13e is set according to the subject in the imaging direction A1. One end of the lens frame 13e (the holding portion side of the lens 13d) is passed through the illumination board 12b and fixed to the illumination board 12b.
- the imaging board 13c is a rigid circuit board formed in a disk shape, for example, and is fixedly arranged on the optical dome l ib side inside the housing 11. Specifically, the imaging substrate 13c is fixedly disposed near the illumination substrate 12b and closer to the dome portion 11c of the case body 11a than the illumination substrate 12b.
- the above-described solid-state imaging device 13a and the control unit 16 are mounted on the imaging substrate 13c.
- the wireless communication unit 14 functions as a wireless communication unit that sequentially wirelessly transmits an image in the subject imaged by the imaging unit 13 to an external reception device 3 (see FIG. 1).
- the radio communication unit 14 is fixedly arranged on the dome portion 11c side inside the casing 11, and sequentially wirelessly transmits an image inside the organ, which is a subject in the imaging direction A1, to the reception device 3.
- Such a radio communication unit 14 includes a radio unit 14a that generates a radio signal including an image in the subject, an antenna 14b that transmits the radio signal generated by the radio unit 14a to the outside, and a radio communication unit 14 And a wireless board 14c on which a circuit for realizing the function is formed.
- the wireless unit 14a receives an image signal including an image in the subject imaged by the solid-state imaging device 13a described above, and performs a modulation process or the like on the received image signal.
- the wireless unit 14a generates a wireless signal including an image in the subject.
- the antenna 14b is a loop-shaped or coil-shaped antenna, and sequentially transmits the radio signal generated by the radio unit 14a to the receiving device 3 outside the subject.
- the radio board 14c is a rigid circuit board formed in a disk shape, and is fixedly arranged on the dome portion 11c side inside the housing 11, for example.
- the radio unit 14a and the antenna 14b are mounted on the radio board 14c.
- the power supply unit 15 is fixedly arranged on the dome portion 11c side in the housing 11, and each component of the capsule endoscope 2 according to the first embodiment (that is, the illumination unit 12, the imaging unit 13, the wireless unit).
- the drive power is supplied to the communication unit 14 and the control unit 16).
- Such a power supply 15 A battery 15a having a predetermined power; power supply boards 15b and 15c on which a circuit for realizing the function of the power supply unit 15 is formed; and a switch 15d for switching an on / off state of power supply from the battery 15a. .
- the battery 15a is a button-type battery such as a silver oxide battery, for example, and is connected between the power supply boards 15b and 15c as required (for example, two) as shown in FIG.
- the power supply boards 15b and 15c have a positive electrode terminal and a negative electrode terminal that are electrically connected to the power and the battery 15a.
- the power supply boards 15b, 15c and the circuit boards (that is, the illumination board 12b, the imaging board 13c, and the wireless board 14c) of each component of the capsule endoscope 2 are electrically connected by a flexible board or the like.
- the switch 15d is, for example, a reed switch that performs an on / off switching operation by an external magnetic force, and is provided on the power supply board 15c. Specifically, the switch 15d performs an on / off switching operation of power, and switches on / off the power supply from the battery 15a. As a result, the switch 15d controls the supply of power from the battery 15a to each component of the capsule endoscope 2.
- the control unit 16 is mounted on, for example, the imaging board 13c, and controls each component of the capsule endoscope 2 according to the first embodiment. Specifically, the control unit 16 controls the light emitting element 12a of the illumination unit 12 described above, the solid-state imaging device 13a of the imaging unit 13, and the wireless unit 14a of the wireless communication unit 14. More specifically, the control unit 16 synchronizes with the light emission operation of the plurality of light emitting elements 12a so that the solid-state imaging element 13a captures an image of the subject at predetermined time intervals. The operation timing with the solid-state imaging device 13a is controlled.
- Such a control unit 16 has various parameters related to image processing such as white balance, and generates image signals including an image of the subject (image in the subject) captured by the solid-state imaging device 13a. It has a function. In addition, the control unit 16 transmits an image signal including the image in the subject to the wireless communication unit 14, and controls the wireless unit 14a so as to generate and output a radio signal including the image in the subject.
- the capsule endoscope 2 has a structure in which the illumination unit 12, the imaging unit 13, the wireless communication unit 14, the power supply unit 15, and the control unit 16 are accommodated in the capsule-shaped casing 11. (See Figure 2.)
- the capsule endoscope 2 having such a structure is used for organs of a subject. It floats on the surface of the liquid introduced inside. That is, the force and the specific gravity of the capsule endoscope 2 are set to be equal to or lower than the specific gravity of a predetermined liquid (for example, water) introduced into the organ of the subject.
- a predetermined liquid for example, water
- the specific gravity of the capsule endoscope 2 that floats on the surface of the liquid is measured by, for example, forming a space of a predetermined volume or more inside the housing 11, or floating on the housing 11 This is realized by providing a member (not shown).
- the specific gravity of the capsule endoscope 2 is such that a part of the capsule endoscope 2 (for example, an optical dome 1 lb) suspended from the surface of the liquid introduced into the organ of the subject is removed from the liquid. It is desirable that it should be lifted.
- the force, the center of gravity of the capsule endoscope 2 is the floating posture of the capsule endoscope 2 that is floating on the surface of the liquid, that is, the floating posture of the casing 11 is changed to a specific floating posture. It is set to be maintained.
- FIG. 2 for example, by arranging the battery 15a of the power supply unit 15 on the dome portion 11c side inside the housing 11 with the center C of the housing 11 as a boundary, The center of gravity G of the mirror 2 is set at a position deviated from the center C of the casing 11.
- the center of gravity G is set on the opposite side of the imaging unit 13 described above with the center C of the casing 11 as a boundary. That is, the above-described imaging unit 13 is fixedly disposed inside the casing 11 that is opposite to the center of gravity G with respect to the center C of the casing 11.
- the distance between the circuit boards is appropriately maintained, and as a result, the appropriate arrangement of the respective components necessary for setting the specific gravity and the center of gravity of the capsule endoscope 2 can be easily realized.
- Such spacers can be replaced with MID (Molded Interconnect Device).
- MID Molded Interconnect Device
- the casing 11 By setting the center of gravity G of the capsule endoscope 2 at a position deviated from the center C of the casing 11 in this way, the casing 11 in a state where the capsule endoscope 2 floats on the liquid surface.
- the floating posture is maintained at a specific floating posture.
- the floating posture of the housing 11 is such that the imaging direction A1 of the imaging unit 13 is directed above the liquid (the liquid in which the capsule endoscope 2 is floating) by the force and the center of gravity G. Maintain a specific floating posture.
- the imaging unit 13 described above includes, for example, as shown in FIG. 2, the optical axis of the imaging unit 13 corresponding to the imaging direction A1 (that is, the optical axis of the lens 13d) and the center of the casing 11 in the longitudinal direction.
- the shafts are fixedly arranged so that they are parallel or collinear with each other.
- the center of gravity G of the capsule endoscope 2 is set at a position deviating from the center C of the casing 11 and on or near the center axis C L. By setting the center of gravity G at such a position, the floating posture of the housing 11 is maintained in a specific floating posture in which the imaging direction A1 of the imaging unit 13 is directed substantially vertically upward.
- the subject in the imaging direction A1 determined by the force and the floating posture of the casing 11 is an air subject positioned above the liquid that floats the capsule endoscope 2.
- the above-described imaging unit 13 captures an image of the subject in the air located in the imaging direction A1 with force and through the optical dome ib.
- the imaging unit 13 is a subject in the imaging direction A1 determined by the floating posture of the casing 11 when the capsule endoscope 2 floats on the surface of the liquid introduced into the organ of the subject. Image.
- the imaging unit 13 captures an image of an air subject located in the imaging direction A1 through the optical dome l ib.
- Such optical characteristics of the imaging unit 13 are set in accordance with the subject in the imaging direction A1 (the subject in the air) determined by the force and the floating posture of the casing 11.
- the optical characteristics of the imaging unit 13 include imaging characteristics that determine the focal position in the imaging direction A1, the depth of field at the focal position in the imaging direction A1, the angle of view that defines the imaging field of view of the imaging unit 13, and the subject image. The amount of received light at the time of imaging.
- the imaging characteristics of the imaging unit 13 are optical characteristics for determining the focal position in the imaging direction A1. Yes, for example, by adjusting the distance between the arrangement of the solid-state imaging device 13a and the lens 13d and the focal length of the lens 13d. As shown in FIG. 2, the imaging characteristics of the imaging unit 13 are set so as to focus on a position P1 at a distance L1 from the imaging unit 13 with respect to the imaging direction A1.
- the force, the distance L1 in the imaging direction A1 is the capsule endoscope in a state where it floats on the liquid inside the organ from an air subject located above the liquid introduced inside the organ of the subject. 2 (specifically, the distance to the imaging unit 13) is approximately equal.
- the imaging unit 13 of the capsule endoscope 2 in a state of floating on the liquid surface inside the organ is in the air located above the liquid. It is possible to focus on the vicinity of the subject (specifically, near the inner wall of the organ in the air).
- the distance L1 of the force and the imaging direction A1 is generally compared to the distance between the imaging unit of a conventional capsule endoscope that closely images the inside of a narrow organ such as the esophagus or the small intestine and the subject. Long. Therefore, the imaging characteristics of the imaging unit 13 are set so as to focus on a distant position P1 as compared to the focal position of the conventional capsule endoscope.
- the depth of field D1 of the imaging unit 13 is set by adjusting the distance between the arrangement of the solid-state imaging device 13a and the lens 13d, the focal length of the lens 13d, the distance L1 in the imaging direction A1 described above, and the like. It is done.
- the depth of field D1 set in this way is set to have a predetermined width with the position P1 in the imaging direction A1 as the center, as shown in FIG.
- the depth of field D1 is determined by considering the position of the liquid surface inside the organ of the subject and the expansion / contraction motion of the organ, when the air subject located in the imaging direction A1 is near the imaging unit 13. It is set to be in the area between the point and the far point.
- the angle of view of the imaging unit 13 defines the imaging field of view of the imaging unit 13. For example, the distance between the arrangement of the solid-state imaging device 13a and the lens 13d, the focal length of the lens 13d, and the solid-state imaging device 1 It is set by adjusting the light receiving surface of 3a.
- the angle of view of the imaging unit 13 captures a wider range of subjects (inside the organs in the air) within the imaging field of view than conventional capsule endoscopes that take close-up images inside an organ with a small space such as the esophagus or small intestine. Is set as follows. In this case, it is desirable that the angle of view of the imaging unit 13 be set to a wider angle than that of a conventional capsule endoscope suitable for force and close proximity imaging.
- the amount of light received by the imaging unit 13 when capturing an image of a subject is determined by the amount of light in the space such as the esophagus or the small intestine. It is set larger than the conventional capsule endoscope imaging unit suitable for close-up imaging inside narrow organs. Specifically, the light emitting element 12a of the illuminating unit 12 described above has a light emission amount sufficient to illuminate an air subject located in the imaging direction A1 (compared to a conventional capsule endoscope suitable for close-up imaging). Thus, a large amount of illumination light) is emitted.
- the light receiving sensitivity of the imaging unit 13 (specifically, the solid-state imaging device 13a) is to receive reflected light of the subject power in the air generated when the illumination light of the light emitting device 12a is irradiated on the subject in the air.
- a suitable light receiving sensitivity is set. As a result, the amount of light received by the imaging unit 13 is sufficient to clearly capture a wide range of images of the subject in the air.
- FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram for explaining the operation of the capsule endoscope 2 for imaging the inside of the stomach in the air while floating on the water surface inside the stomach of the subject 1.
- the capsule endoscope 2 is swallowed together with a necessary amount of water from the mouth of the subject 1 and introduced into the stomach of the subject 1.
- the capsule endoscope 2 since the capsule endoscope 2 is set to have a specific gravity lower than that of water (for example, about 0.8), it floats on the water surface inside the stomach of the subject 1.
- the capsule endoscope 2 in a state of being floated on the surface of force and water captures an image of the inside of the stomach of the subject 1 by the imaging unit 13 while maintaining a specific floating posture.
- the capsule endoscope 2 set to a specific gravity equal to or lower than that of the water is floated on the surface of the required amount of water W introduced into the stomach of the subject 1. And take a specific floating posture.
- the center of gravity G of the capsule endoscope 2 is a position deviating from the center of the casing 11 as described above, and is opposite to the imaging unit 13 with the center C as a boundary (preferably the central axis Set on CL).
- the capsule endoscope 2 in the floating state has a specific floating posture on the surface of the water W, that is, a mode in which the optical dome l ib is levitated from the water surface. Take a floating posture.
- the casing 11 sinks the dome portion 11c side of the case body 11a under the surface of the water W (in the liquid) and the imaging direction A1 of the imaging unit 13 above the water W.
- Maintain a floating posture Due to the floating posture of the casing 11, the imaging direction A1 of the imaging unit 13 is determined above the water W (for example, vertically upward).
- the imaging unit 13 captures an image of a subject in the air located in the imaging direction A1 determined by the force and the floating posture of the casing 11.
- the plurality of light emitting elements 12a sufficiently illuminate the stomach interior 100 in the air, which is a subject in the imaging direction A1.
- the imaging unit 13 captures an image of the inside of the stomach 100 that is sufficiently illuminated by a plurality of light emitting elements 12a.
- the optical characteristics of the imaging unit 13 are set in accordance with the subject in the imaging direction A1 determined by the force and the floating posture of the casing 11 (that is, the stomach interior 100 in the air). Specifically, the imaging characteristics of the imaging unit 13 are set so as to focus on the vicinity of the subject in the air located in the imaging direction A1, that is, the vicinity of the stomach wall of the stomach interior 100.
- the distance L1 in the imaging direction A1 described above is substantially equal to the distance (subject distance) between the imaging unit 13 of the capsule endoscope 2 in a state of floating on the surface of the water W and the stomach interior 100 in the air.
- the distance between the arrangement of the solid-state imaging device 13a and the lens 13d, the focal length of the lens 13d, and the like are adjusted.
- the depth of field D1 of the imaging unit 13 is within a region between the near point and the far point of the imaging unit 13 with respect to force and the imaging direction A1 (that is, within the focusing region of the imaging unit 13). It is set so that the inside of the stomach 100 is located.
- the angle of view of the imaging unit 13 is a wide range of the stomach interior 100 located in the focusing region of the imaging unit 13 defined by the force, the imaging characteristics, and the depth of field D1 (that is, the stomach interior). It is set so that it can capture images over a wider range (compared to close-up imaging).
- the light reception sensitivity of the imaging unit 13 is a light reception suitable for receiving reflected light from the stomach interior 100 that is generated when the illumination light of the plurality of light emitting elements 12a is irradiated to the stomach interior 100. Sensitivity is set.
- the imaging unit 13 having optical characteristics set in accordance with the subject in the imaging direction A1 (inside the stomach in the stomach 100) has a far-in-focus area as compared with the case of performing close-up imaging inside the organ. Then, the stomach interior 100 in the air located in the far-in-focus area is captured in the imaging field of view defined by the angle of view. In addition, the stomach interior 100 in the air captured in the imaging field of the imaging unit 13 is sufficiently illuminated by the plurality of light emitting elements 12a. If water droplets are generated on the outer surface of the optical dome l ib, the image is picked up by the imaging unit 13 through the optical dome l ib.
- the optical dome l ib has a water-repellent transparent film or a transparent water-drop prevention film such as a hydrophilic transparent film on the outer surface of the optical dome l ib. Generation of water droplets on the outer surface of the can be prevented. For example, if a water-repellent transparent film such as silicon-based or fluorine-based is formed on the outer surface of the optical dome l ib, the outer surface of the optical dome l ib can be applied even when the optical dome l ib is subjected to a water droplet force S. The water droplets can be allowed to flow down without leaving them, so that the water droplets do not interfere with the imaging over the 1 lb optical dome.
- a water-repellent transparent film such as silicon-based or fluorine-based
- the imaging unit 13 has a wide range of forces inside the stomach 100 in the air located in the imaging direction A1 in the imaging direction A1 through the optical dome l ib of the casing 11 that maintains a specific floating posture on the surface of the water W. A clear image can be reliably captured.
- the specific gravity of the capsule endoscope having a structure in which the imaging unit is fixedly arranged inside the capsule-type casing is determined in the organ of the subject.
- the specific gravity of the liquid to be introduced into the part is set.
- the single imaging unit 13 is fixedly arranged inside the case 11 and on the opposite side of the center of gravity G of the capsule endoscope 2 with the center C of the case 11 as a boundary.
- the center of the casing A multi-lens capsule endoscope with an imaging unit fixedly arranged on the same side (center of gravity) as the opposite side of the center of gravity of the capsule endoscope.
- FIG. 4 is a schematic side sectional view schematically showing a configuration example of the capsule endoscope according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
- the capsule endoscope 20 according to the second embodiment has a casing 21 instead of the casing 11 of the capsule endoscope 2 of the first embodiment described above, and is controlled.
- a control unit 26 is provided instead of the unit 16, and an illumination unit 22 and an imaging unit 23 are further provided.
- the wireless communication unit 14 receives externally a wireless signal including the image in the subject imaged by the imaging unit 13 and a radio signal including the image in the subject imaged by the imaging unit 23. Wireless transmission to device 3 alternately.
- the in-vivo information acquiring system according to the second embodiment has a capsule endoscope 20 instead of the capsule endoscope 2 according to the first embodiment.
- Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment, and the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals.
- the casing 21 is a capsule-type casing formed in a size that can be easily introduced into the subject, similar to the casing 11 of the capsule endoscope 2 according to the first embodiment described above. It is. Specifically, the housing 21 is formed by a cylindrical case body 21a and optical domes ib and 21b.
- the case main body 21a is a cylindrical case with both ends open, and is in a capsule shape such as the illumination units 12, 22, the imaging units 13, 23, the wireless communication unit 14, the power supply unit 15, and the control unit 26.
- Each component of the endoscope 20 is housed inside.
- the illumination unit 12 and the imaging unit 13 described above are fixedly arranged near the one opening end of the case body 21a, and the lighting unit 22 and the imaging unit 23 are fixedly arranged near the other opening end.
- the wireless communication unit 14 the power supply unit 15, and the control unit described above are included. 26 is arranged.
- the optical dome l ib is a transparent optical member formed in a dome shape, and a transparent water droplet prevention film such as a water repellent transparent film or a hydrophilic transparent film is formed on the outer surface.
- a transparent water droplet prevention film such as a water repellent transparent film or a hydrophilic transparent film is formed on the outer surface.
- Such an optical dome l ib is attached to one opening end of the case main body 21a, specifically, the opening end on the side where the illumination unit 12 and the imaging unit 13 are fixedly arranged, and closes the opening end.
- the optical dome 21b is a transparent optical part formed in a dome shape. Although it is a material, a water droplet prevention film is not formed on its outer surface.
- Such an optical dome 21b is attached to the other opening end of the case main body 21a, specifically, the opening end on the side where the illumination unit 22 and the imaging unit 23 are fixedly arranged. close.
- the 21 liquid-tightly accommodates the components of the capsule endoscope 20 (the illumination units 12 and 22, the imaging units 13 and 23, the wireless communication unit 14, the power supply unit 15, the control unit 26, and the like).
- the illumination unit 22 functions as an illumination unit that illuminates the inside of the organ of the subject imaged by the imaging unit 23 (that is, the subject of the imaging unit 23). Specifically, the illumination unit 22 is disposed on the optical dome 21b side inside the casing 21, and illuminates the subject of the imaging unit 23 through the optical dome 21b. Such an illumination unit 22 includes a plurality of light emitting elements 22a that emit illumination light to the subject of the imaging unit 23, and an illumination substrate 22b on which a circuit for realizing the function of the illumination unit 22 is formed. Have.
- the illuminating unit 12 of the capsule endoscope 20 is disposed on the optical dome l ib side inside the casing 21, and illuminates the subject in the imaging direction A1 (that is, the subject of the imaging unit 13) as described above.
- the plurality of light emitting elements 22a are mounted on the illumination board 22b and emit illumination light to the imaging field of the imaging unit 23 through the optical dome 21b.
- the plurality of light emitting elements 22a illuminate the subject (that is, the inside of the organ of the subject) of the imaging unit 23 with the illumination light.
- Such a light emitting element 22a has an illumination light amount sufficient to illuminate a subject that is imaged in close proximity by the imaging unit 23 (specifically, a light emission amount smaller than the light emitting element 12a of the illumination unit 12 described above). Is emitted.
- the illumination board 22b is a rigid circuit board formed in a disk shape, for example, and is disposed on the optical dome 21b side inside the housing 21. A lens frame of the imaging unit 23 described later is passed through the central portion of the illumination board 22b.
- the imaging unit 23 functions as an imaging unit that captures an image of the subject (inside the organ of the subject) illuminated by the illumination unit 22.
- the image pickup unit 23 is fixedly arranged on the optical dome 21b side inside the housing 21, and is determined by force and the posture of the housing 21 (specifically, the floating posture of the housing 21 floating on the liquid surface). Take an image of the subject in the shooting direction A2.
- the imaging direction A2 is, for example, the direction opposite to the imaging direction A1 of the imaging unit 13 described above.
- Such an imaging unit 23 includes a solid-state imaging device 23a such as a CCD or CMOS, and a solid-state imaging
- the optical system 23b forms an image of a subject on the light receiving surface of the element 23a, and an imaging substrate 23c on which a circuit for realizing the function of the imaging unit 23 is formed.
- the imaging unit 13 of the capsule endoscope 20 is fixedly disposed on the optical dome l ib side inside the housing 21 and, as described above, captures an image of a subject in the imaging direction A1 (for example, inside an organ in the air). Take an image.
- the solid-state image sensor 23a captures an image of the subject illuminated by the illumination unit 22.
- the solid-state imaging device 23a has an imaging field in the imaging direction A2 determined by the floating posture of the casing 21, and is inside the organ in the imaging field illuminated by the illuminating unit 22 (that is, Take a picture of the subject.
- the solid-state imaging device 23a has a light receiving surface that receives light from a subject located in the imaging field, and photoelectrically converts light from the subject received through the light receiving surface to subject the subject. Take an image (ie, an image in the subject).
- Optical characteristics such as the amount of light received by the solid-state imaging device 23a are set according to the subject in the imaging direction A2.
- the optical system 23b includes a lens 23d that forms an image of a subject on the light receiving surface of the solid-state imaging device 23a, and a lens frame 23e that holds the lens 23d.
- the lens 23d condenses the light from the subject located in the imaging direction A2 on the light receiving surface of the solid-state image sensor 23a, and forms an image of the object on the light receiving surface of the solid-state image sensor 23a.
- Optical characteristics such as the focal length and depth of field of the lens 23d are set according to the subject located in the imaging direction A2.
- the lens frame 23e has a cylindrical structure with both ends opened, and holds the lens 23d inside the cylinder. Specifically, the lens frame 23e holds the lens 23d inside the cylinder near the opening at one end. The other end of the lens frame 23e is fixed to the solid-state image sensor 23a in such a manner that light from the subject is guided to the light receiving surface of the solid-state image sensor 23a. Such a lens frame 23e holds the lens 23d at a predetermined distance with respect to the above-described solid-state imaging device 23a. The distance between the arrangement of the solid-state imaging device 23a and the lens 23d defined by the lens frame 23e is set according to the subject in the imaging direction A2. One end of the lens frame 23e (the holding part side of the lens 23d) is passed through the illumination board 22b described above and fixed to the illumination board 22b.
- the imaging board 23c is a rigid circuit board formed in a disk shape, for example, and includes a housing 21. Fixed to the inner optical dome 21b side. Specifically, the imaging board 23c is fixedly disposed near the illumination board 22b and closer to the center C of the housing 21 than the illumination board 22b.
- the above-described solid-state imaging device 23a is mounted on the imaging substrate 23c.
- the wireless communication unit 14 includes the wireless unit 14a, the antenna 14b, and the wireless substrate 14c.
- the wireless communication unit 14 includes the wireless signal including the image in the subject imaged by the imaging unit 13, and the imaging unit 23.
- the wireless signal including the image in the subject imaged by the wireless transmission is alternately wirelessly transmitted to the external receiving device 3.
- the wireless unit 14a alternately generates and generates a wireless signal including the image in the subject imaged by the imaging unit 13 and a wireless signal including the image in the subject imaged by the imaging unit 23.
- Wireless signals are output sequentially to antenna 14b.
- the antenna 14b is a radio signal generated by the radio unit 14a, that is, a radio signal including an image in the subject imaged by the imaging unit 13, and the inside of the subject imaged by the imaging unit 23.
- the wireless signal including the image is alternately transmitted.
- the power supply unit 15 is fixedly disposed on the optical dome 21b side inside the casing 21, and each component of the capsule endoscope 20 according to the second embodiment (that is, the illumination units 12, 22 and the imaging unit 13). , 23, wireless communication unit 14, control unit 26, etc.).
- the control unit 26 is mounted on, for example, the imaging board 13c, and controls each component of the capsule endoscope 20 according to the second embodiment.
- the control unit 26 includes the light-emitting elements 12a and 22a of the illumination units 12 and 22 described above, the solid-state image sensors 13a and 23a of the imaging units 13 and 23, and the wireless unit 14a of the wireless communication unit 14.
- the control unit 26 controls the operation timing of the plurality of light emitting elements 12a and the solid-state imaging device 13a.
- control unit 26 synchronizes with the light emission operation of the plurality of light emitting elements 22a so that the solid-state imaging element 23a captures an image of the subject at predetermined time intervals. Controls the operation timing with 23a.
- the control unit 26 alternately performs the control for the light emitting element 12a and the solid-state imaging element 13a and the control for the light emitting element 22a and the solid-state imaging element 23a every predetermined time.
- Such a control unit 26 has various parameters relating to image processing such as white balance, and an image processing function that alternately generates image signals including respective images of the subject alternately captured by the solid-state imaging devices 13a and 23a.
- the wireless unit 14a is controlled so that each image signal including an image in the subject is alternately transmitted to the wireless communication unit 14, and each wireless signal including the image in the subject is alternately generated and output.
- the capsule endoscope 20 includes the illumination unit 12, 22, the imaging unit 13, 23, the wireless communication unit 14, the power supply unit 15, and the control unit 26 inside the capsule-shaped casing 21. (See Fig. 4).
- the capsule endoscope 20 having such a structure floats on the surface of the liquid introduced into the organ of the subject. That is, the force, the specific gravity of the capsule endoscope 20 is set below the specific gravity of a predetermined liquid (for example, water) introduced into the organ of the subject.
- a predetermined liquid for example, water
- the force and the specific gravity of the capsule endoscope 20 floating on the surface of the liquid are, for example, formed by forming a space of a predetermined volume or more in the housing 21 or floating in the housing 21. This is realized by providing a member (not shown).
- the specific gravity of the capsule endoscope 20 is such that a part of the capsule endoscope 20 (for example, 1 lb optical dome) in a state of floating on the surface of the liquid introduced into the organ of the subject is removed from the liquid. It is desirable that it should be lifted.
- the center of gravity of the capsule endoscope 20 with force is the floating posture of the capsule endoscope 20 that is floating on the surface of the liquid, that is, the floating posture of the casing 21 is changed to a specific floating posture. It is set to be maintained.
- the battery 15a of the power supply unit 15 is arranged on the optical dome 21b side inside the casing 21 with the center C of the casing 21 as a boundary, thereby providing a capsule type.
- the center of gravity G of the endoscope 20 is set at a position deviated from the center C of the casing 21.
- the center of gravity G is set on the optical dome 21b side with respect to the center C of the casing 21, that is, on the opposite side of the imaging unit 13 described above and on the same side as the imaging unit 23.
- the center of gravity G is set on the central axis CL or in the vicinity thereof at a position deviated from the center C of the casing 21 to the optical dome 21b side (imaging unit 23 side).
- the imaging unit 13 is fixedly disposed inside the casing 21 on the opposite side of the center of gravity G from the center C of the casing 21, and the imaging unit 23 is centered on the center C of the casing 21.
- the specific gravity and the center of gravity of the capsule endoscope 20 are set. Appropriate arrangement of each required component is easily realized. It should be noted that such a spacer may be used as an MLD (Molded Interconnect Device), so that the flexible substrate and the spacer can be used together.
- MLD Molded Interconnect Device
- the casing 21 By setting the center of gravity G of the capsule endoscope 20 at a position deviated from the center C of the casing 21 in this way, the casing 21 in a state where the capsule endoscope 20 floats on the liquid surface.
- the floating posture is maintained at a specific floating posture.
- the floating posture of the casing 21 is such that the imaging direction A1 of the imaging unit 13 is directed above the liquid (the liquid in which the capsule endoscope 20 is floating) by the force and the center of gravity G.
- a specific floating posture is maintained such that the imaging direction A2 of the imaging unit 23 is directed below the liquid surface (that is, in the liquid).
- the optical axis of the imaging unit 13 corresponding to the imaging direction A1 that is, the optical axis of the lens 13d
- the central axis CL in the longitudinal direction of the housing 21 are parallel or the same. It is fixedly placed so as to be located on a straight line.
- the above-described imaging unit 23 is fixedly disposed so that the optical axis of the imaging unit 23 corresponding to the imaging direction A2 (that is, the optical axis of the lens 23d) and the central axis CL are parallel or collinear with each other. . That is, the optical axes of the imaging units 13 and 23 are positioned parallel to each other or on the same straight line.
- the center of gravity G of the capsule endoscope 20 has a specific floating posture such that the imaging direction A1 of the imaging unit 13 is directed above the liquid and the imaging direction A2 of the imaging unit 23 is oriented in the liquid. Maintain body 21.
- the imaging direction A1 of the imaging unit 13 is almost vertically upward depending on the force and the floating posture of the casing 21 And the imaging direction A2 of the imaging unit 23 is substantially vertically downward.
- the subject in the imaging direction A1 determined by the force and the floating posture of the casing 21 is an air subject located above the liquid that floats the capsule endoscope 20.
- the imaging unit 13 described above captures an image of the subject in the air located in the imaging direction A1 through the optical dome lib as in the case of the first embodiment described above.
- the subject in the imaging direction A2 determined by the floating posture of the casing 21 is a subject in the liquid positioned below the liquid that floats the capsule endoscope 20.
- the imaging unit 23 described above captures an image of the subject in the liquid located in the imaging direction A2 through the optical dome 21b.
- optical characteristics of the imaging unit 23 that captures the subject in the imaging direction A2 determined by the force and the floating posture of the casing 21 will be described. Note that the optical characteristics of the imaging unit 13 that captures the subject in the imaging direction A1 are set according to the air subject in the imaging direction A1, as in the case of the first embodiment described above.
- the imaging unit 23 captures the imaging direction determined by the floating posture of the casing 21 when the capsule endoscope 2 floats on the surface of the liquid introduced into the organ of the subject. Take a picture of the A2 subject. In this case, the imaging unit 23 takes an image of the subject in the liquid located in the imaging direction A2 through the optical dome 21b.
- Such optical characteristics of the imaging unit 23 are set according to the subject in the imaging direction A2 (subject in liquid) determined by the floating posture of the casing 21.
- the optical characteristics of the imaging unit 23 include imaging characteristics that determine the focal position in the imaging direction A2, the depth of field at the focal position in the imaging direction A2, the angle of view that defines the imaging field of view of the imaging unit 23, and the subject image. The amount of light received when taking an image.
- the imaging characteristics of the imaging unit 23 are optical characteristics for determining the focal position in the imaging direction A2. For example, the distance between the arrangement of the solid-state imaging device 23a and the lens 23d and the focal length of the lens 23d are adjusted. Is set by As shown in FIG. 4, the imaging characteristics of the imaging unit 23 are set so as to focus on the position P2 at a distance L2 from the imaging unit 23 with respect to the imaging direction A2.
- the force, the distance L2 in the imaging direction A2 is shorter than the distance L1 in the imaging direction A1 described above, and is located below the liquid introduced into the organ of the subject.
- the imaging unit 23 of the capsule endoscope 20 in a state of floating on the liquid surface inside the organ can move in the liquid located below the liquid. Can be focused near the subject (specifically, near the inner wall of the organ in the fluid).
- the imaging characteristics of the imaging unit 13 described above are set so as to focus farther than the imaging characteristics of the imaging unit 23 that captures an object in liquid close to the imaging.
- the depth of field D2 of the imaging unit 23 is set by adjusting the distance between the arrangement of the solid-state imaging device 23a and the lens 23d, the focal length of the lens 23d, the distance L2 of the imaging direction A2 described above, and the like. It is done.
- the depth of field D2 set in this way is set to have a predetermined width with the position P2 in the imaging direction A2 as the center, as shown in FIG. Specifically, the depth of field D2 is determined based on the position of the liquid surface inside the organ of the subject and the expansion / contraction motion of the organ, when the subject in the liquid located in the imaging direction A2 is near the imaging unit 23. It is set to be in the area between the point and the far point.
- the angle of view of the imaging unit 23 defines the imaging field of view of the imaging unit 23.
- the distance between the arrangement of the solid-state imaging device 23a and the lens 23d, the focal length of the lens 23d, and the solid-state imaging device 2 It is set by adjusting the light receiving surface of 3a.
- the angle of view of the imaging unit 23 is set so that the subject in the liquid is captured in the imaging field of view, as in the case of close-up imaging inside an organ with a small space such as the esophagus or small intestine.
- angle of view of the imaging unit 13 described above may be set to be approximately the same as the angle of view of the imaging unit 23 suitable for force and close proximity imaging, but compared to the angle of view of the force and imaging unit 23. It should be set to a wide angle!
- the amount of light received by the imaging unit 23 when the image of the subject is captured in proximity is set to be approximately the same as that in the case of capturing an image inside a narrow organ such as the esophagus or small intestine.
- the light emitting element 22a of the illuminating unit 22 described above emits illumination light having a sufficient light emission amount to illuminate a subject in the liquid located in the imaging direction A2.
- the light-receiving sensitivity of the imaging unit 23 (specifically, the solid-state image sensor 23a) is reflected by the reflected light from the subject in the liquid that is generated when the illumination light from the light-emitting element 22a is applied to the subject in the liquid. It is set to a suitable light sensitivity. .
- the light emission amount of the light emitting element 12a described above is larger than that of the light emitting element 22a that illuminates the subject in the liquid.
- FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram for explaining the operation of the capsule endoscope 20 that alternately images the inside of the stomach in the air and in the liquid while floating in the stomach of the subject 1 and floating on the water surface. is there.
- the capsule endoscope 20 is swallowed together with a necessary amount of water from the mouth of the subject 1 and introduced into the stomach of the subject 1.
- the capsule endoscope 20 since the capsule endoscope 20 is set to have a specific gravity lower than that of water (for example, about 0.8), the capsule endoscope 20 floats on the water surface inside the stomach of the subject 1.
- the capsule endoscope 20 in a state of being floated on the surface of force or water, while taking a specific floating posture, takes an image of the stomach inside the air with the imaging unit 13, and in the liquid with the imaging unit 23. Take an image of the stomach.
- the capsule endoscope 20 alternately captures an image inside the stomach in the air and an image inside the stomach in the liquid by the imaging units 13 and 23.
- the capsule endoscope 20 set to a specific gravity equal to or lower than that of the water floats on the surface of the required amount of water W introduced into the stomach of the subject 1. And take a specific floating posture.
- the center of gravity G of the capsule endoscope 20 is a position deviated from the center C of the casing 21 as described above, and is opposite to the imaging unit 13 with the center C as a boundary (preferably the central axis). Set on CL).
- the capsule endoscope 20 in the floating state causes the optical dome 2 to float on the surface of the water W, that is, the optical dome l ib floats from the water surface.
- the casing 21 has the imaging direction A1 of the imaging unit 13 directed above the water W and the surface of the water W due to the force and the center of gravity G as described in the first embodiment. Maintain a floating posture in which the imaging direction A2 of the imaging unit 23 faces downward (in liquid).
- the imaging direction A1 of the imaging unit 13 is determined above the water W (for example, vertically upward), and the imaging direction A2 of the imaging unit 23 is below the water W ( (For example, vertically below).
- the imaging unit 23 captures an image of the subject in the liquid located in the imaging direction A2 determined by the force and the floating posture of the casing 21.
- multiple The light emitting element 22a sufficiently illuminates the stomach interior 101 in the liquid, which is a subject in the imaging direction A2, which is a force.
- the imaging unit 23 takes close-up images of the stomach interior 101 in the liquid sufficiently illuminated by the force and the plurality of light emitting elements 22a.
- the optical characteristics of the imaging unit 23 are set according to the subject in the imaging direction A2 determined by the force and the floating posture of the casing 21 (ie, the stomach interior 101 in the liquid). Specifically, the imaging characteristics of the imaging unit 23 are set so as to focus on the vicinity of the subject in the liquid located in the imaging direction A2, that is, the vicinity of the stomach wall of the stomach interior 101 in the liquid.
- the distance L2 in the imaging direction A2 described above is substantially equal to the distance (subject distance) between the imaging unit 23 of the capsule endoscope 20 in a state of floating on the surface of the water W and the stomach interior 101 in the liquid. In this way, the distance between the arrangement of the solid-state imaging device 23a and the lens 23d, the focal length of the lens 23d, and the like are adjusted.
- the depth of field D2 of the image pickup unit 23 is within the region between the near point and the far point of the image pickup unit 23 with respect to the force and the image pickup direction A2 (that is, within the focusing region of the image pickup unit 23). It is set so that the stomach interior 101 is located.
- the angle of view of the imaging unit 23 is suitable for close-up imaging of the stomach interior 101 in the liquid located in the focusing area of the imaging unit 23 defined by the force, imaging characteristics and depth of field D2. Is set.
- the light receiving sensitivity of the imaging unit 23 is suitable for receiving reflected light from the stomach interior 101 in the liquid that is generated when the illumination light of the plurality of light emitting elements 22a is applied to the stomach interior 101 in the liquid. Set to light sensitivity.
- the imaging unit 23 which has optical characteristics set according to the subject in the imaging direction A2 (inside the stomach 101 in the liquid), is in the liquid in the focused area within the imaging field of view defined by the angle of view. Capture the inside 101 of the stomach.
- the stomach interior 101 in the liquid captured in the imaging field of the imaging unit 23 is sufficiently illuminated by the plurality of light emitting elements 22a. Therefore, the imaging unit 23 ensures a clear image of the stomach interior 101 in the liquid located in the imaging direction A2 through the optical dome 21b of the casing 21 that maintains a specific floating posture on the surface of the water W. Take close-up imaging with force S.
- the imaging unit 13 is the subject in the imaging direction A1 determined by the floating posture of the casing 21 on the surface of the water W (inside the stomach 100 in the air), as in the case of the first embodiment described above. It is possible to reliably capture a wide range of clear images.
- the specific gravity of the capsule endoscope having a structure in which the first and second imaging units are fixedly arranged inside the capsule-type casing. Is set to be less than the specific gravity of the liquid introduced into the organ of the subject, and it is a position that is off the center of the housing and is opposite to the first imaging unit and the same side as the second imaging unit.
- the casing is maintained in a specific floating posture when floating on the liquid surface inside the organ of the subject.
- the optical characteristics of the first imaging unit are set according to the subject in the air located in the first imaging direction determined by the specific floating posture maintained by this case, and the specific floating state maintained by this case is maintained.
- To the subject in the liquid located in the second imaging direction determined by the posture Align Te are set to the optical properties of the second imaging unit. For this reason, as in the case of Embodiment 1 described above, the subject in the air located within the focusing area of the first imaging unit is reliably captured within the wide imaging field of view of the first imaging unit.
- the object in the liquid located within the in-focus area of the second imaging unit can be reliably captured in the imaging field of view of the second imaging unit.
- the center of gravity G of the capsule endoscope 20 is set on the central axis CL of the casing 21, and the imaging direction A1 of the imaging unit 13 is parallel to the central axis CL of the casing 21.
- the center of gravity G of the capsule endoscope is set at a position further away from the center axis CL, and the center of gravity G opposite to the center axis CL in the longitudinal direction of the casing is set.
- the direction inclined to the side is the imaging direction of the imaging unit 13.
- FIG. 6 is a schematic side sectional view schematically showing a configuration example of the capsule endoscope according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
- a capsule endoscope 30 according to the third embodiment has a casing 31 instead of the casing 21 of the capsule endoscope 20 of the second embodiment described above, and the capsule Insert the weight member 37 to adjust the position of the center of gravity G of the endoscope 30.
- the imaging direction A3 of the imaging unit 13 is set to a direction inclined to the opposite side of the center of gravity G with respect to the central axis CL of the housing 31.
- the in-vivo information acquiring system according to the third embodiment includes a capsule endoscope 30 instead of the capsule endoscope 20 according to the second embodiment.
- Other configurations are the same as those of the second embodiment, and the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals.
- the casing 31 is a capsule-type casing formed in a size that can be easily introduced into the subject, in the same manner as the casing 21 of the capsule endoscope 20 according to the second embodiment. Is the body. Specifically, the housing 31 is formed by a cylindrical case body 31a and optical domes 21b and 31b.
- the case body 31a is a cylindrical case having both ends opened. Specifically, the case body 31 a has an open end (inclined open end) that opens in a direction inclined to the opposite side of the center of gravity G of the capsule endoscope 30 with respect to the longitudinal center axis CL of the casing 31. At one end, and the other end has an open end that opens in the same direction as the central axis CL.
- Such a case body 31a includes the components of the capsule endoscope 30, such as the illumination units 12, 22, the imaging units 13, 23, the wireless communication unit 14, the power supply unit 15, the control unit 26, and the weight member 37. House inside.
- the illuminating unit 12 and the imaging unit 13 are fixedly disposed near one opening end (inclined opening end) of the case body 31a, and the illuminating unit 22 and the imaging unit 23 are disposed near the other opening end. Fixed placement.
- the above-described wireless communication unit 14, power supply unit 15, and control unit 26 are provided in the internal region of the case body 31a sandwiched between the illumination unit 12 and the imaging unit 13, and the illumination unit 22 and the imaging unit 23, the above-described wireless communication unit 14, power supply unit 15, and control unit 26 are provided. Is placed.
- a weight member 37 is fixedly disposed in the vicinity of the opening at the other end of the case main body 31a.
- the optical dome 31b is a transparent optical member formed in a dome shape, and is attached to the inclined opening end (opening end on the side where the illumination unit 12 and the imaging unit 13 are fixedly arranged) of the case body 31a. And close the inclined open end.
- a transparent water droplet prevention film such as a water repellent transparent film or a hydrophilic transparent film is formed on the outer surface of the optical dome 31b.
- the optical dome 21b is attached to the other opening end of the case body 31a, specifically, the opening end on the side where the illumination unit 22 and the imaging unit 23 are fixedly arranged. Close.
- the casing 31 formed by the case main body 31a and the optical domes 21b and 31b at both ends includes each component of the capsule endoscope 30 (the illumination units 12 and 22, the imaging units 13 and 23, The wireless communication unit 14, the power supply unit 15, the control unit 26, the weight member 37, etc.) are stored in a liquid-tight manner.
- the imaging unit 13 fixedly arranged inside the casing 31 (specifically, near the inclined opening end of the case main body 31a) has a central axis of the casing 31 instead of the imaging direction A1 described above.
- the imaging direction A3 is directed in a direction inclined to the opposite side of the center of gravity G of the capsule endoscope 30 with respect to CL.
- the optical axis of the imaging unit 13 (that is, the optical axis of the lens 13d) is inclined to the opposite side of the center of gravity G of the capsule endoscope 30 with respect to the central axis CL.
- the optical characteristics of the imaging unit 13 are set according to the subject in the imaging direction A3.
- the optical characteristics of the imaging unit 13 are set in the same manner as when imaging the subject in the imaging direction A1 described above, except that the imaging direction is changed from the imaging direction A1 described above to the imaging direction A3. . Therefore, the imaging unit 13 captures an image of a subject in the air located in the imaging direction A3, as in the imaging direction A1 described above.
- the illumination unit 12 (specifically, the plurality of light emitting elements 12a) fixedly disposed near the inclined opening end of the case body 31a that has force is used in the case of the above-described subject in the air in the imaging direction A1.
- the illumination field of view of the imaging unit 13, that is, the subject in the imaging direction A3 is sufficiently illuminated.
- the weight member 37 is for adjusting the position of the center of gravity G of the capsule endoscope 30.
- the weight member 37 is fixedly disposed, for example, near the opening at the other end of the case body 31a, that is, near the opening end to which the optical dome 21b is attached.
- the weight of the weight member 37 is less than the specific gravity of the liquid (eg, water) introduced into the organ of the subject even when the weight member 37 is fixedly arranged inside the housing 31. It is possible to suppress the specific gravity.
- Such a weight member 37 moves the center of gravity G of the capsule endoscope 30 to a position away from the central axis CL of the casing 31 while maintaining the specific gravity of the capsule endoscope 30 below the liquid.
- the capsule endoscope 30 includes an illumination unit 12, 22, an imaging unit 13, 23, a wireless communication unit 14, a power supply unit 15, a control unit 26, an Yo And a weight member 37 (see FIG. 6).
- the capsule endoscope 30 having such a structure floats on the surface of the liquid introduced into the organ of the subject. That is, the specific gravity of the capsule endoscope 30 is set to be equal to or lower than the specific gravity of a predetermined liquid (for example, water) introduced into the organ of the subject.
- a predetermined liquid for example, water
- the force and the specific gravity of the capsule endoscope 30 floating on the surface of the liquid are, for example, formed by forming a space of a predetermined volume or more in the housing 31 or floating in the housing 31. This is realized by providing a member (not shown).
- the specific gravity of the capsule endoscope 30 is such that a part of the capsule endoscope 30 (for example, the optical dome 31b) floats on the surface of the liquid introduced into the organ of the subject from the liquid. It is desirable that the amount is sufficient.
- the center of gravity of the capsule endoscope 30 with force, the floating posture of the capsule endoscope 30 in a state of floating on the surface of the liquid, that is, the floating posture of the casing 31 is changed to a specific floating posture. It is set to be maintained.
- the battery 15a of the power supply unit 15 is disposed on the optical dome 21b side inside the housing 31 with the center C of the housing 31 as a boundary, and the case body 31a.
- the center of gravity G of the capsule endoscope 30 deviates from the center C and the center axis CL of the housing 31.
- the center of gravity G is on the optical dome 21b side with respect to the center C of the casing 31, and deviates from the center axis CL on the opposite side of the optical axis of the imaging unit 13 inclined with respect to the center axis CL. Set to position.
- the imaging unit 13 has an aspect in which the optical axis (imaging direction A3) is inclined to the opposite side of the center of gravity G with respect to the center axis CL, and on the opposite side of the center of gravity G with respect to the center C of the housing 31. It is fixedly arranged inside a certain casing 31. In addition, the imaging unit 23 is fixedly disposed inside the casing 31 that is on the same side as the center of gravity G (center of gravity side) with the center C of the casing 31 as a boundary.
- the spacer 202c between the board 15b and the imaging board 23c, the distance between each circuit board is kept appropriate, and as a result, necessary to set the specific gravity and center of gravity of the capsule endoscope 30. Appropriate arrangement of each component is easily realized. It should be noted that such a spacer may be used as an MLD (Molded Interconnect Device), so that the flexible substrate and the spacer can be used together.
- MLD Molded Interconnect Device
- the housing 31 floats in a state where the capsule endoscope 30 floats on the liquid surface. Attitude is maintained in a specific floating position.
- the floating posture of the casing 31 is such that the imaging direction A3 of the imaging unit 13 is directed above the liquid (the liquid in which the capsule endoscope 30 is floating) by the center of gravity G.
- a specific floating posture is maintained such that the imaging direction A2 of the imaging unit 23 is directed below the liquid surface (that is, in the liquid).
- the imaging unit 13 described above is configured in such a manner that the optical axis of the imaging unit 13 corresponding to the imaging direction A3 (that is, the optical axis of the lens 13d) is inclined to the opposite side of the center of gravity G with respect to the central axis CL. Fixed placement. Further, the above-described imaging unit 23 is fixedly arranged so that the optical axis of the imaging unit 23 corresponding to the imaging direction A2 (that is, the optical axis of the lens 23d) and the central axis CL are parallel to or collinear with each other. .
- the center of gravity G of the capsule endoscope 30 which has force is in a specific floating posture such that the imaging direction A3 of the imaging unit 13 is directed above the liquid and the imaging direction A2 of the imaging unit 23 is oriented in the liquid.
- Maintain case 31 Due to the floating posture of the casing 31, the imaging direction A3 of the imaging unit 13 faces substantially vertically upward, and the imaging direction A2 of the imaging unit 23 faces downward of the liquid level.
- the subject in the imaging direction A3 determined by the force and the floating posture of the casing 31 is an air subject located above the liquid that floats the capsule endoscope 30.
- the imaging unit 13 described above captures an image of the air subject located in the imaging direction A3 through the optical dome 31b, as in the case of the second embodiment described above.
- the subject in the imaging direction A2 determined by the floating posture of the casing 31 is a capsule endoscope. It is a subject in the liquid located below the liquid that floats 30.
- the imaging unit 23 described above captures an image of the subject in the liquid located in the imaging direction A2 through the optical dome 21b.
- FIG. 7 illustrates the operation of the force-pseed endoscope 30 that alternately images the inside of the stomach in the air and in the liquid while being obliquely suspended in the stomach of the subject 1 and / or in the water surface.
- the capsule endoscope 30 is swallowed from the mouth of the subject 1 together with a necessary amount of water and introduced into the stomach of the subject 1.
- the capsule endoscope 30 is set to have a specific gravity equal to or lower than water (for example, about 0.8), and the center of gravity G is set at a position away from the central axis CL of the casing 31. It floats diagonally on the water surface inside the stomach of 1.
- the capsule endoscope 30 in a state where it floats on the surface of the water is kept in a specific floating posture, and the imaging unit 13 takes an image of the inside of the stomach in the air, and the imaging unit 23 Take an image of the stomach inside.
- the capsule endoscope 30 alternately captures an image of the inside of the stomach in the air and an image of the inside of the stomach in the liquid by the imaging units 13 and 23.
- the capsule endoscope 30 set to have a specific gravity equal to or lower than that of the water floats on the surface of the necessary amount of water W introduced into the stomach of the subject 1. And take a specific floating posture.
- the center of gravity G of the capsule endoscope 30 is a position deviated from the center C of the casing 31 to the opposite side of the imaging unit 13, and from the central axis CL to the optical axis of the imaging unit 13. It is set at a position off the opposite side.
- the capsule endoscope 30 with the center of gravity G set in such a position floats obliquely with the central axis CL inclined with respect to the water surface of the water W, so that the optical dome 31b floats from the water surface and is optical.
- the dome 21b is in a floating position in the form of being submerged.
- the casing 31 takes a floating posture in which the central axis CL is inclined with respect to the water surface of the water W (hereinafter referred to as an inclined floating posture) due to the force and the center of gravity G.
- the inclined floating posture is maintained such that the imaging direction A1 of the imaging unit 13 is directed and the imaging direction A2 of the imaging unit 23 is directed below the surface of the water W (in liquid).
- the imaging direction A3 of the imaging unit 13 is as described above. As in the case of Embodiment 2, it is determined above water W (for example, vertically above). At the same time, the imaging direction A2 of the imaging unit 23 is determined below the water W. In this case, as in the case of the second embodiment described above, the imaging unit 13 is the subject in the imaging direction A3 determined by the floating posture of the casing 31 on the surface of the water W (the stomach interior 100 in the air). It is possible to reliably capture a wide range of clear images.
- the imaging unit 23 is configured to capture the subject in the imaging direction A2 (the stomach interior 101 in the liquid) determined by the floating posture of the casing 31 on the surface of the water W. Providing close-up images of clear images
- the center of gravity G is set as described above. Therefore, the tilted floating posture (see Fig. 7) is maintained with the imaging direction A3 pointing above the water W (in the air) and the imaging direction A2 pointing below the water W (in the liquid). Therefore, compared to the first and second embodiments described above, the required amount of water W that causes the capsule endoscope 30 to float, for example, in the stomach (water introduced into the organ of the subject) is greater than that in the first and second embodiments. Can be reduced. As a result, the force S reduces the burden on the subject 1 swallowing the force, the capsule endoscope 30 and the water W.
- Embodiment 3 of the present invention has substantially the same configuration as that of Embodiment 2 described above, and further includes first and second fixedly arranged inside the housing.
- the optical axis of the first imaging unit among the imaging units is tilted with respect to the central axis of the casing, and is positioned away from the center of the casing to the opposite side of the first imaging unit.
- the amount of light emitted by the light emitting element 12a of the illuminating unit 12 is larger than that in the case of close-up imaging inside an organ.
- the light emission amount of the light emitting element 12a is not limited to the case of close-up imaging inside the organ (specifically, the illumination light emitted by the light emitting element 22a of the illumination unit 22 that illuminates the subject in the imaging direction A2).
- the light receiving sensitivity of the solid-state imaging device 13a of the imaging unit 13 that captures an image of a subject in the air may be made higher than in the case of close-up imaging inside an organ.
- one or more batteries 15a may be connected to the power supply unit 15 as long as a necessary amount of driving power can be supplied to each component of the capsule endoscope according to the present invention.
- the force in which the center of gravity of the capsule endoscope is set at a position deviated from the center of the casing by the arrangement of the battery 15a of the power supply unit 15 is not limited to this.
- the center of gravity of the capsule endoscope is deviated from the center of the casing by the arrangement of any component (illumination unit, imaging unit, power supply unit, wireless communication unit, control unit, etc.) constituting the capsule endoscope.
- the position may be set.
- a weight member or a floating member may be additionally arranged in the casing, and the center of gravity of the capsule endoscope may be set at a position away from the center of the casing by the arrangement of the weight member or the floating member.
- the center of gravity of the capsule endoscope may be set at a position off the center of the casing by an arrangement combining the constituent parts of the mold endoscope, the weight member, the floating member, and the like.
- the center of gravity of the capsule endoscope is set at a position deviated from the central axis of the casing by the arrangement of the battery 15a of the power supply unit 15 and the arrangement of the weight member 37.
- the present invention is not limited to this, and the center of gravity of the capsule endoscope is supported by the arrangement of any component (illumination unit, imaging unit, power supply unit, wireless communication unit, control unit, etc.) that constitutes the capsule endoscope. It may be set at a position off the body center axis.
- a weight member or a floating member may be additionally arranged on the housing, and the center of gravity of the capsule endoscope may be set at a position away from the central axis of the housing by the force, the arrangement of the weight member or the floating member.
- the center of gravity of the capsule endoscope may be set off the center axis of the housing by combining the components of the capsule endoscope, the weight member, the floating member, etc.! /.
- the force that the central axis CL of the housing and the optical axis of the imaging unit 23 are positioned in parallel or on the same straight line is not limited to this and is described above.
- the imaging is performed with respect to the central axis CL of the housing.
- the optical axis of the image unit 23 may be tilted.
- the optical axis of the imaging unit 23 may be inclined to the opposite side of the center of gravity of the capsule endoscope, and may be inclined to the center of gravity.
- the optical axis of the imaging unit 23 may be flat fi to the optical axis of the imaging unit 13 corresponding to the imaging direction A3 described above.
- the force in which the imaging unit is fixedly arranged in the vicinity of the opening end of the cylindrical case body that is one component of the housing is not limited to this.
- An opening may be formed in the middle part of the case body, and the imaging unit may be fixedly arranged near the opening in the middle part.
- an optical member that forms a part of the casing is attached to the opening of the intermediate portion.
- a transparent water droplet preventing film such as a hydrophilic transparent film or a water repellent transparent film may be formed on the outer surface of the optical member.
- the capsule endoscope obtains an in-vivo image by receiving light reflected by an organ wall surface by the imaging device with light irradiated by the illumination unit. At this time, since the reflected light from the liquid surface is also received at the same time, there is a problem that the acquired image becomes unclear.
- Fig. 8 shows a capsule endoscope that floats on the liquid introduced into the body and in which the optical axis of the imaging unit is perpendicular to the liquid surface.
- p is the specific gravity of the capsule endoscope with respect to the liquid introduced into the body.
- the volume of the capsule endoscope is divided by the ratio of p: 1-p, and a plane perpendicular to the optical axis is defined.
- the capsule endoscope When the center of gravity of the capsule endoscope is farther from the center of the volume of the volume ratio p part with respect to the plane perpendicular to the optical axis, and the volume ratio of the capsule endoscope to the volume ratio p part of the volume When the straight line connecting the center is parallel to the optical axis, the capsule endoscope floats so that the optical axis of the imaging unit is perpendicular to the liquid surface. At this time, the water surface coincides with a plane perpendicular to the optical axis. [0143] The principle of maintaining the posture of the capsule endoscope that satisfies the above conditions in the liquid will be described with reference to FIG. The capsule endoscope floats with the volume ratio p submerged in water.
- the capsule endoscope When the capsule endoscope is tilted by ⁇ , the shape of the volume ratio p actually changes, and the center of the volume moves accordingly. However, since the amount of change is small, this principle is not affected.
- the capsule endoscope when the center of the volume of the volume ratio p part is far from the center of gravity of the capsule endoscope with respect to the plane dividing the capsule endoscope, the capsule endoscope is When ⁇ is tilted, torque is generated in the direction in which the capsule endoscope is further tilted. Therefore, the posture of the capsule endoscope is further tilted and the posture is not maintained.
- the position of the imaging unit in the capsule endoscope, the position of the center of gravity, and the straight line connecting the center of the volume of the volume ratio p part and the center of gravity of the capsule endoscope are parallel to the optical axis.
- the specific gravity it is possible to reliably realize a capsule endoscope that floats so that the optical axis of the capsule endoscope is perpendicular to the liquid surface.
- the visual field boundary surface and the illumination boundary surface do not have a plane perpendicular to the optical axis that divides the capsule endoscope and an intersection outside the capsule endoscope.
- the imaging direction of the capsule endoscope can be uniquely determined. Therefore, since the doctor can grasp the observation direction of the capsule endoscope, the diagnostic performance is improved.
- Fig. 10 shows a modification of the capsule endoscope.
- the imaging unit is tilted with respect to the long axis of the capsule endoscope. Even under this condition, the position of the center of gravity of the capsule endoscope is set so as to satisfy the above conditions (see Figs. 8 and 9), so that the direction of the optical axis of the imaging unit in the liquid is relative to the liquid level. Can be vertical.
- a capsule endoscope in which the specific gravity, the position of the center of gravity, and the position of the imaging unit are set so that the liquid surface is suspended in the liquid introduced into the body and the water surface does not enter the field boundary surface and the illumination boundary surface.
- Figure 11 shows this.
- ⁇ is the specific gravity of the capsule endoscope with respect to the liquid introduced into the body.
- the volume of the capsule endoscope is divided by the ratio of ⁇ : 1- ⁇ , and a plane that does not have an intersection at the visual field boundary surface, the illumination boundary interface, and the outside of the capsule endoscope is defined.
- the center of gravity of the capsule endoscope When the center of gravity of the capsule endoscope is farther than the center of the volume of the volume ratio ⁇ with respect to this plane, the center of gravity of the capsule endoscope is connected to the center of the volume of the volume ratio ⁇ portion.
- the capsule endoscope When the straight line is perpendicular to the plane, the capsule endoscope floats on the liquid surface with no water entering the field boundary and the illumination boundary. At this time, the water surface coincides with the plane.
- the liquid can be made into a liquid without entering the visual field boundary and the illumination boundary.
- a floating capsule endoscope can be realized with certainty.
- Capsule-type endoscopy where the specific gravity, the position of the center of gravity, and the position of the imaging unit are set so that they do not float in the liquid introduced into the body and the water surface does not enter the visual field boundary and the illumination boundary.
- Figure 12 shows a modification of the mirror.
- the imaging unit is arranged to be inclined with respect to the long axis of the capsule endoscope. Even under this condition, the capsule endoscope is placed on the liquid surface by setting the center of gravity of the capsule endoscope so as to satisfy the same condition as in the case of the second embodiment described above (see FIG. 5). It is possible to float in a state where the water surface does not enter the field boundary and the illumination boundary.
- the amount of light decreases in inverse proportion to the square of the distance. Therefore, if the distance to the water surface is more than 3.2 times the distance from the imaging unit to the capsule surface (the outer surface of the capsule-type housing), the light intensity decreases to about 1/10. Therefore, it can be said that the effect of light reflection is also reduced to 1/10 or less.
- the capsule endoscope will have a clear image. Can acquire the image.
- the capsule endoscope which is effective in the present invention, is useful for imaging an image in a subject, and particularly ensures a wide and clear image inside a large organ. Suitable for capsule endoscopes that can take images.
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- Biomedical Technology (AREA)
- Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
- Medical Informatics (AREA)
- Molecular Biology (AREA)
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Description
Claims
Priority Applications (6)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
JP2008545327A JP5203962B2 (ja) | 2006-11-24 | 2007-08-29 | カプセル型内視鏡 |
AU2007322906A AU2007322906B2 (en) | 2006-11-24 | 2007-08-29 | Encapsulated endoscope |
EP07806276A EP2085015A4 (en) | 2006-11-24 | 2007-08-29 | ENCAPSULATED ENDOSCOPE |
CN2007800435181A CN101541225B (zh) | 2006-11-24 | 2007-08-29 | 胶囊型内窥镜 |
KR1020097010510A KR101089395B1 (ko) | 2006-11-24 | 2007-08-29 | 캡슐형 내시경 |
US12/471,985 US8439822B2 (en) | 2006-11-24 | 2009-05-26 | Capsule endoscope |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
JP2006-317684 | 2006-11-24 | ||
JP2006317684 | 2006-11-24 |
Related Child Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/471,985 Continuation US8439822B2 (en) | 2006-11-24 | 2009-05-26 | Capsule endoscope |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO2008062594A1 true WO2008062594A1 (en) | 2008-05-29 |
Family
ID=39429535
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/JP2007/066799 WO2008062594A1 (en) | 2006-11-24 | 2007-08-29 | Encapsulated endoscope |
Country Status (7)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US8439822B2 (ja) |
EP (1) | EP2085015A4 (ja) |
JP (1) | JP5203962B2 (ja) |
KR (1) | KR101089395B1 (ja) |
CN (1) | CN101541225B (ja) |
AU (1) | AU2007322906B2 (ja) |
WO (1) | WO2008062594A1 (ja) |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
JPWO2008062594A1 (ja) | 2010-03-04 |
CN101541225A (zh) | 2009-09-23 |
EP2085015A4 (en) | 2010-03-10 |
AU2007322906A1 (en) | 2008-05-29 |
AU2007322906B2 (en) | 2011-01-20 |
US8439822B2 (en) | 2013-05-14 |
US20090299144A1 (en) | 2009-12-03 |
EP2085015A1 (en) | 2009-08-05 |
CN101541225B (zh) | 2012-11-28 |
JP5203962B2 (ja) | 2013-06-05 |
KR20090074085A (ko) | 2009-07-03 |
KR101089395B1 (ko) | 2011-12-07 |
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