WO2010143721A1

WO2010143721A1 - In-vivo information acquiring system and receiver device

Info

Publication number: WO2010143721A1
Application number: PCT/JP2010/059975
Authority: WO
Inventors: 誠一郎木許
Original assignee: オリンパスメディカルシステムズ株式会社
Priority date: 2009-06-12
Filing date: 2010-06-11
Publication date: 2010-12-16

Abstract

A control unit (31) selectively executes one of a normal mode (M1/M21) in which a receiving unit (33) is activated to receive an image data (D) and a halt mode (M2)/power-saving mode (M22) in which the receiving unit (33) is halted; executes the normal mode (M1/M21) at least for a time interval when the image data (D) is transmitted from a capsule-type medical device (10/10A); and executes the halt mode (M2)/power-saving mode (M22) for a time interval when no image data (D) is transmitted.

Description

In vivo information acquisition system and receiving apparatus

The present invention relates to an in-vivo information acquisition system and a receiving apparatus, and more particularly to an in-vivo information acquiring system that wirelessly transmits an image acquired by an in-subject introduction apparatus introduced into a subject to a receiving apparatus arranged outside the subject. And a receiving apparatus thereof.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a capsule-type in-subject introduction device that is orally introduced into a subject is a receiving device that carries information acquired in the subject by imaging or the like (hereinafter referred to as in-vivo information) by the subject. To wirelessly. The receiving device always waits for in-vivo information to be wirelessly transmitted from the in-subject introduction device, and when receiving the in-vivo information, whether the received in-vivo information is stored in, for example, a portable recording medium as needed. The data is sent to the display device connected via a network cable or the like in substantially real time.

In addition, among the intra-subject introduction devices, devices that observe the large intestine or the like far from the mouth execute the power saving mode for a certain period of time after the device is started in order to secure an operation time near the target site. (For example, refer to paragraph number 0026 of Patent Document 1 shown below). This intra-subject introduction apparatus is not operating for acquiring in-vivo information such as imaging during the power saving mode. Further, when returning to the normal mode, the intra-subject introduction apparatus executes an operation of acquiring in-vivo information by starting a paused operation.

JP 2004-148124 A

However, in the above-described conventional technology, the receiving device must always wait for in-vivo information to be transmitted from the intra-subject introduction device. Therefore, in the conventional technology, there is a problem that power is unnecessarily consumed in the receiving device, resulting in an increase in the size of a battery mounted on the receiving device.

In particular, when an in-subject introduction apparatus that shifts to the power saving mode for a certain time after activation is used, the in-vivo information is not transmitted from the in-subject introduction apparatus for a relatively long period of time. Since the receiving device arranged in the apparatus had to wait for transmission of in-vivo information from the in-vivo introduction device, the receiving device consumes a large amount of power unnecessarily. Had to have a battery installed.

As described above, in the conventional technique, the receiving apparatus must continue to wait for reception of in-vivo information in spite of a period in which in-vivo information is not transmitted from the in-vivo introduction apparatus. As a result, there is a problem that it is difficult to avoid an increase in size and weight of the receiving device carried by the subject.

Accordingly, the present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and an object thereof is to provide an in-vivo information acquisition system and a receiving apparatus that can reduce the power consumption of the receiving apparatus and reduce the size and weight of the receiving apparatus. And

In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, an in-vivo information acquisition system according to the present invention includes an in-subject introduction apparatus that is introduced into a subject and acquires in-vivo information inside the subject, A in-vivo information acquisition system comprising: a receiving unit that receives the in-vivo information transmitted from the in-subject introduction device, wherein the receiving device supplies power to the receiving unit; A control unit that controls the operation of the receiving unit; and a housing that portably accommodates the receiving unit, the power supply unit, and the control unit, wherein the control unit stores the in vivo information in the receiving unit. One of the first mode for receiving and the second mode for pausing the receiving unit is selectively executed, and the first mode is set at least during a period when in-vivo information is transmitted from the in-vivo introduction device. And the in-vivo information is not transmitted. Period, and executes the second mode.

The medical examination apparatus according to the present invention includes a receiving unit that receives in-vivo information transmitted from the intra-subject introduction device introduced into the subject, a power supply unit that supplies power to the receiving unit, and the receiving unit A control unit that controls power supply to the receiver, and a housing that portably accommodates the reception unit, the power supply unit, and the control unit, and the control unit stores the in vivo information in the reception unit. One of the first mode for receiving and the second mode for pausing the receiving unit is selectively executed, and the first mode is set at least during a period when in-vivo information is transmitted from the in-vivo introduction device. And executing the second mode during a period when the in-vivo information is not transmitted.

According to the present invention, the receiving device includes the first mode in which the receiving unit receives in-vivo information and the second mode in which the receiving unit is paused, and one of these is selectively executed. The power consumption in the receiving device can be reduced depending on whether or not the in-vivo information is transmitted, thereby realizing an in-vivo information acquisition system and receiving device that can reduce the size and weight of the receiving device.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of an in-vivo information acquisition system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of each device constituting the in-vivo information acquisition system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 3 is an external view showing a schematic configuration of the capsule medical device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a timing chart showing a schematic operation when image data is transmitted from the capsule medical device to the receiving device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a schematic operation of the capsule medical device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a schematic operation of the receiving apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a timing chart showing a schematic operation when image data is transmitted from the capsule medical device to the receiving device according to the modified example 1-1 of the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a timing chart showing a schematic operation of the capsule medical device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a timing chart showing a schematic operation when image data is transmitted from the capsule medical device to the receiving device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a schematic operation of the capsule medical device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a schematic operation of the receiving apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a capsule medical device according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a timing chart showing a schematic operation when image data is transmitted from the capsule medical device to the receiving device according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a schematic operation of the capsule medical device according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a schematic operation of the receiving apparatus according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. FIG. 16 is a timing chart showing a schematic operation when image data is transmitted from the capsule medical device to the receiving device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a schematic operation of the receiving apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 18 is a timing chart showing a schematic operation when image data is transmitted from the capsule medical device to the receiving device according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a schematic operation of the capsule medical device according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing a schematic operation of the receiving apparatus according to the fifth embodiment.

Hereinafter, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In addition, this invention is not limited by the following embodiment. Moreover, in the following description, each figure has shown only the shape, the magnitude | size, and positional relationship so that the content of this invention can be understood, Therefore, this invention was illustrated in each figure. It is not limited to only the shape, size, and positional relationship.

<Embodiment 1>
Hereinafter, the configuration and operation of the in-vivo information acquisition system 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment, as the intra-subject introduction apparatus, information in the subject 100 (in-subject information) is introduced into the subject 100 by oral route and moved from the esophagus to the anus of the subject 100. The case where the capsule medical device 10 to be acquired is used will be described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, various subjects such as a capsule medical device that acquires some in-subject information in the subject 100 in a state where it accumulates in various organs such as the stomach and intestine of the subject 100. An in-sample introduction device can be used. Further, as in-vivo information acquired by the capsule medical device 10, in the present embodiment, an image (in-subject image) acquired by imaging using the imaging unit 15 described later is taken as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and various information such as temperature, pressure, and pH value in the subject can be used as in-subject information.

(Constitution)
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of an in-vivo information acquisition system 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the in-vivo information acquisition system 1 can receive a capsule medical device 10 that is large enough to be swallowed by a subject 100 and image data sent as a radio signal from the capsule medical device 10. Receiver 30, a wired interface using communication cable 59 such as USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable, wireless interface such as Bluetooth, or portable recording medium 58 such as flash memory (registered trademark), etc. And an information processing device 50 capable of inputting and outputting data via the network.

The external antenna 20 is connected to the receiving device 30 via a connection cable 39 or a balun (not shown). A radio signal emitted from the capsule medical device 10 is input to the receiving device 30 via the extracorporeal antenna 20.

For example, the capsule medical device 10 periodically acquires an in-subject image and sequentially transmits the image data to the receiving device 30. Therefore, when the receiving device 30 and the information processing device 50 are connected by a wired or wireless interface and the in-vivo image received by the receiving device 30 is input to the information processing device 50 as needed, the information processing device 50 The in-subject image acquired by the capsule medical device 10 can be displayed to the user in substantially real time. For example, when the image acquisition cycle by the capsule medical device 10 is set to two frames per second, the information processing apparatus 50 acquires image data from the receiving device 30 and displays it at least twice a second. Thereby, the in-subject image is displayed to the user in substantially real time.

Here, the in-vivo information acquisition system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described in more detail using the block diagram shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of each device constituting the in-vivo information acquisition system 1 according to the present embodiment.

Capsule-type medical device As shown in FIG. 2, the capsule-type medical device 10 introduced into the subject 100 includes, for example, an imaging unit 15 that acquires an image in the subject 100 and a subject when the imaging unit 15 takes an image. The illumination unit 16 that illuminates the inside of the specimen 100, the signal processing unit 12 that performs predetermined processing on the data of the in-vivo image acquired by the imaging unit 15 (hereinafter referred to as image data), and the signal processing unit 12 are processed. The transmission unit 13 that transmits the received image data to the receiving device 30, the control unit 11 that controls each unit in the capsule medical device 10, and various programs and various setting data for the control unit 11 to control each unit are stored. And a battery 17 that supplies power to each unit in the capsule medical device 10. The battery 17 includes a power supply circuit (not shown).

The control unit 11 controls each unit in the capsule medical device 10 according to various programs and various setting data read from the storage unit 14, for example, so that the imaging operation inside the subject 100 and the acquired image data transmission operation are performed. Various operations are realized in each part. This control part 11 can be comprised using arithmetic processing units, such as CPU (Central Processing Unit) and MPU (Microprocessor), for example.

The storage unit 14 stores various programs that are appropriately executed by the control unit 11 and various setting data that are parameters when the programs are executed. The storage unit 14 can be configured using, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory). However, the storage unit 14 may include a RAM (Random Access Memory) used by the control unit 11 as an execution area for various programs.

The imaging unit 15 includes, for example, an imaging system 15a that images the inside of the subject 100 to generate image data of the in-subject image, and an optical system 15b that includes an objective lens disposed on the light receiving surface side of the imaging device 15a. And comprising. As shown in FIG. 3, the image pickup device 15a and the optical system 15b are mounted on a circuit board 15B including a drive circuit and the like for driving them. FIG. 3 is an external view showing a schematic configuration of the capsule medical device 10 according to the present embodiment.

On the circuit board 15B, an illumination unit 16 for illuminating the inside of the subject 100 with light during imaging and a drive circuit for the illumination unit 16 are also mounted. The drive circuits of the imaging unit 15 and the illumination unit 16 operate under the control of the control unit 11 to acquire image data of the in-subject image, for example, periodically (for example, 2 frames per second). Is input to the signal processing unit 12. In the following description, it is assumed that the imaging unit 15 and the illumination unit 16 include respective driving circuits. Further, the imaging unit 15 and the illumination unit 16 in the present embodiment are so-called in-subject information acquisition means for acquiring in-subject information. Therefore, when acquiring the temperature, pressure, pH value, etc. in the subject as the in-subject information, the imaging unit 15 and the illumination unit 16 are appropriately replaced with a thermometer, a pressure gauge, and a pH meter.

Referring back to FIG. Under the control of the control unit 11, the signal processing unit 12 performs predetermined processing such as correlated double sampling, amplification, and A / D (Analog to Digital) conversion on analog image data input from the imaging unit 15, for example. When executed, digital image data is generated. The signal processing unit 12 also superimposes a unique ID and a synchronization signal on the image data. The image data that has been subjected to various processes is input to the transmission unit 13.

The transmission unit 13 modulates the data input from the signal processing unit 12 under the control of the control unit 11, and then outputs the data as a radio signal from the antenna to the outside of the capsule medical device 10.

Further, as shown in FIG. 3, each part of the capsule medical device 10 has a substantially cylindrical or semi-elliptical spherical container 18 in which one end has a hemispherical dome shape and the other end is opened, The container 18 is accommodated in a capsule container (housing) including a hemispherical cap 19 that seals the inside of the container 18 in a watertight manner by being fitted into the opening of the container 18. The capsule containers (18, 19) are, for example, large enough to be swallowed by the subject 100. In the present embodiment, at least the cap 19 is formed of a transparent material, and the circuit board 15B on which the imaging unit 15 and the illumination unit 16 described above are mounted is on the side of the cap 19 in the capsule container (18, 19). Placed in. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the imaging direction of the imaging unit 15 and the illumination direction of the illumination unit 16 are directed to the outside of the capsule medical device 10 via the cap 19. Accordingly, the inside of the subject 100 can be imaged by the imaging unit 15 while the inside of the subject 100 is illuminated by the illumination unit 16.

In the present embodiment, the capsule medical device 10 including a set of the imaging unit 15 and the illumination unit 16 is taken as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, a plurality of sets of the imaging unit and illumination It is also possible to apply a so-called compound-eye capsule medical device having a section. For example, in a binocular capsule medical device, the container 18 has a hollow cylindrical shape with openings at both ends, and a transparent cap 19 is fitted into each opening. Moreover, an imaging part and an illumination part are provided in each opening so that it may face the capsule type medical device through the cap 19.

・ Receiver 30
Next, the configuration of receiving apparatus 30 according to the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the receiving device 30 arranged outside the subject 100 (for example, the surface of the subject 100 or clothes worn by the subject 100) receives the image data transmitted from the capsule medical device 10. A receiving unit 33, a signal processing unit 32 that performs predetermined processing on the received image data, a control unit 31 that controls each unit in the receiving device 30, and various programs and various types for the control unit 31 to control each unit A storage unit 34 that stores setting data and the like, a data input / output interface 35 that functions as an interface in communication with the information processing apparatus 50 described later, and a battery 36 that supplies power to each unit in the receiving apparatus 30 are provided.

The control unit 31 transfers image data acquired from the capsule medical device 10 to the information processing device 50 by controlling each unit in the receiving device 30 according to various programs and various setting data read from the storage unit 34, for example. The various operations are realized in each part. The control unit 31 can be configured using an arithmetic processing device such as a CPU or MPU.

The storage unit 34 stores various programs that are appropriately executed by the control unit 31, various setting data that are parameters used when the programs are executed, and the like. The storage unit 34 can be configured using, for example, a ROM or a RAM. The storage unit 34 can also function as an execution area when the control unit 31 executes various programs.

The receiving unit 33 performs various processes such as filtering, down-conversion, demodulation, and decoding on the received signal received from the capsule medical device 10 via the extracorporeal antenna 20 under the control of the control unit 31. This is input to the signal processing unit 32. Under the control of the control unit 31, the signal processing unit 32 separates and reconstructs image data from the data signal input from the reception unit 33, and inputs this to the data input / output interface 35. As described above, the data input / output interface 35 includes, for example, a USB interface, a Bluetooth (registered trademark) interface, and the like, and is connected to the information processing apparatus 50 (or the portable recording medium 58) under the control of the control unit 31. Mediates input / output of image data and the like. Note that the control unit 31 may record the data output from the signal processing unit 32 in the storage unit 34.

The battery 36 is composed of a primary battery or a secondary battery such as a dry battery. The battery 36 is a power supply unit that supplies power to each unit in the reception device 30 including the reception unit 33, and may include a power supply circuit (not shown). The electric power from the battery 36 is supplied to each part in the receiving apparatus 30 through this power supply circuit, for example.

Further, each part constituting the receiving device 30 is housed in a casing having a size and shape that can be carried by a subject 100 such as a person. Since the power supply unit including the battery 36 is mounted inside the housing in this way, the receiving device 30 according to the first embodiment does not require a power cable or the like, and thus can be carried by the subject 100. ing.

-Information processing apparatus Next, the structure of the information processing apparatus 50 by this Embodiment is demonstrated in detail using FIG. The information processing apparatus 50 according to the present embodiment is configured by an information processing apparatus having an arithmetic function and a display function such as a personal computer, for example, and as shown in FIG. 2, an interface for communication with the receiving apparatus 30 A data input / output interface 55 that functions as a signal processing unit 52, a signal processing unit 52 that performs predetermined processing on image data input via the data input / output interface 55 and generates an image signal for display, and a signal processing unit 52 A display unit 56 that displays an in-subject image based on the input image signal, a control unit 51 that executes control of various units in the information processing apparatus 50, various calculations, and the like, and various operations that the control unit 51 executes. And a recording unit 54 for storing various setting data.

The control unit 51 executes various control operations and arithmetic processes according to various programs and various setting data read from the recording unit 54, for example. This control part 51 can be comprised using arithmetic processing apparatuses, such as CPU, for example.

The recording unit 54 stores various programs that are appropriately executed by the control unit 51 and various setting data that are parameters used when the programs are executed. The recording unit 54 can be configured using, for example, a ROM or a RAM. The recording unit 54 can also function as an execution area when the control unit 51 executes various programs.

As described above, the data input / output interface 55 is configured by, for example, a USB interface or a Bluetooth (registered trademark) interface, and is connected to the receiving device 30 (or the portable recording medium 58) under the control of the control unit 51. Mediates input / output of image data, etc.

The signal processing unit 52 includes a video chip and a video memory mounted on a so-called video card or the like, and displays a display screen signal and a synchronization signal from image data input from the data input / output interface 55 or the control unit 51. These are sequentially output to the display unit 56.

The display unit 56 includes, for example, a display device such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) display, an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display, and the screen signal and the synchronization signal input from the signal processing unit 52. Based on the above, an image such as an in-subject image is displayed to the user.

(Operation)
Next, operation | movement of the in-vivo information acquisition system 1 by this Embodiment is demonstrated in detail using drawing. In the in-vivo information acquisition system 1, as described above, the capsule medical device 10 is configured such that the control unit 11 drives the imaging unit 15 and the illumination unit 16 to periodically image the inside of the subject 100. Image data of the in-sample image is generated, and the image data is wirelessly transmitted to the receiving device 30 via the transmission unit 13.

FIG. 4 is a timing chart showing a schematic operation when image data is transmitted from the capsule medical device 10 to the receiving device 30 according to the first embodiment. 4A is a timing chart showing a schematic transmission operation of the capsule medical device 10, and FIG. 4B is a timing chart showing a schematic reception operation of the receiving device 30.

As shown in FIG. 4A, the capsule medical device 10 repeats the imaging operation in a predetermined cycle G1 after activation, and wirelessly transmits the acquired image data D to the receiving device 30 as needed. Therefore, image data D is transmitted from the capsule medical device 10 in the cycle G1. Here, the transmission time of the individual image data D is G2, and the time interval between the preceding and following image data D, that is, the time interval when the image data D is not transmitted is G3.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 4B, when the receiving device 30 executes the receiving operation of the image data D after being activated, the receiving device 30 first receives the image data D until the first image data D is received. The standby reception operation R for standby is executed. In the following description, an operation mode for executing a normal operation including a reception standby operation R and a reception operation for image data D is referred to as a normal mode (first mode) M1. During the period in which the normal mode M1 is being executed, power is supplied to each unit in the receiving device 30 via the battery 36 and a power supply circuit (not shown).

Further, when the image data D is first received, the receiving device 30 pauses the reception standby operation R until the next time the image data D is transmitted. In the following description, an operation mode in which the reception standby operation R is paused is referred to as a pause mode (second mode) M2. The sleep mode M2 is a power saving mode for reducing power consumption in the receiving device 30, and is sequentially executed as soon as reception of the previous image data D is completed, for example. In other words, when the reception of the image data D is completed, the reception device 30 changes the operation mode from the normal mode M1 to the sleep mode M2. Note that triggers for executing the transition from the normal mode M1 to the sleep mode M2 include the reception of the image data D having a data amount determined in advance by the receiving device 30, and the reception start timing (for example, 1) of the image data D. Various conditions can be set such that a predetermined time has elapsed from the timing determined from the synchronization signal of the unit information, or that a predetermined number of clocks has been counted from the reception start timing of the image data D. . Here, when the passage of time is used as a trigger, the passage of time can be measured using, for example, a counter (not shown).

Further, for example, a predetermined code is embedded at the end of the image data D transmitted by the capsule medical device 10, and the reception device 30 is normally triggered by the reception device 30 (for example, the signal processing unit 32) recognizing the code. The operation mode may be changed from the mode M1 to the sleep mode M2.

In the following description, in the measurement of the elapsed time using the counter in the capsule medical device 10 or the reception device 30, for example, it should be measured based on how many unit time in the real time is the reference clock or The measured time is converted into the number of reference clocks.

In the sleep mode M2 according to the first embodiment, power may not be supplied to the reception unit 33. Thereby, it is possible to suppress power consumption in the receiving device 30. The supply / cutoff of power to the receiving unit 33 is controlled by the control unit 31, for example. In this case, the control unit 31 in the reception device 31 also functions as a power supply control unit that controls power supply to the reception unit 33. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a power supply circuit (not shown) may be configured to function as a power supply control unit that controls power supply to the reception unit 33. Further, the block in which the power supply is cut off during the sleep mode M1 by the power supply control unit and the operation is paused may include a part of the signal processing unit 32, the recording unit 34, and the control unit 31 in addition to the reception unit 33. . As a result, the power consumption in the receiving device 30 can be further reduced. The receiving unit 33 itself may have a power saving operation mode. In this case, the control unit 31 realizes switching between the normal mode M1 and the sleep mode M2 by transmitting a control signal to the reception unit 33 and switching between the normal operation and the power saving operation of the reception unit 33.

On the other hand, the trigger for shifting from the sleep mode M2 to the normal mode M1 can be set as follows. Here, the cycle G1 in which the image data D is transmitted from the capsule medical device 10 is substantially constant. The data amount of the image data D, that is, the transmission time G2 required for one transmission of the image data is substantially constant. Therefore, the receiving device 30 sets the sleep mode M2 in the time obtained by subtracting at least the transmission time G2 of the image data D from the cycle G1 and before the transmission of the next image data D is started (<G3). Execute. Hereinafter, the execution period of the pause mode M2 is referred to as a pause time R2. When there is a possibility that some error is included in the transmission start timing of the image data D, a time that can include a sufficient margin to absorb the error with respect to the transmission start timing of the next image data D Is set as the pause time R2, it is possible to avoid the failure to receive the next image data D.

The pause time R2 may be preset in the receiving device 30 as a time from the return timing from the previous pause mode M2 or the previous reception completion timing of the image data D, for example. The transmission timing of the image data D (or the time from the transmission timing of the previous image data D) may be embedded in the image data D, and the receiving device 30 may be determined each time from the embedded information. . When embedding the time information from the transmission timing or the transmission timing of the previous image data D in the image data D, the receiving device 30 is operated in accordance with the capsule medical device 10 operating at an operation clock having a different timing or a different cycle. Therefore, the versatility of the receiving device 30 can be improved.

When the pause time R2 is the time from the return timing from the previous pause mode M2, the pause time R2 can be set to the same time as the cycle G1 for transmitting the image data D in the capsule medical device 10, for example. Therefore, the configuration and operation can be simplified. Further, when the receiving device 30 determines the pause time R2 each time based on information embedded in the image data D, the receiving device 30 is set in the pause mode at a timing suitable for the operation timing (or operation cycle) of the capsule medical device 10. Since it is possible to return to the normal mode M1 from M2, it is possible to reduce power consumption more accurately in the receiving device 30.

Further, depending on the communication state and the like, there is a case where the receiving device 30 cannot receive the image data D. In order to deal with such a situation, the receiving device 30 continues the normal mode M1 until, for example, a predetermined period (first predetermined time) R3 has elapsed after returning to the normal mode M1. The predetermined time R3 covers the reception start timing of the image data D that is assumed when the next image data D can be normally received, and the error of the transmission timing of the image data D in the capsule medical device 10 is sufficiently large It is preferable to have a time width (time interval) that can be absorbed.

As described above, the receiving device 30 according to the present embodiment intermittently executes the normal mode M1 according to the transmission period of the image data D transmitted intermittently from the capsule medical device 10, and the image data D is transmitted. Since the mode is shifted from the normal mode M1 to the sleep mode M2 during the period when it is not performed, it is possible to efficiently reduce the power consumption without losing the reception of the image data D.

In the present embodiment, as described above, when the receiving device 30 cannot receive the image data D and cannot acquire the reception completion timing of the image data D, a certain period (predetermined time R3) is set. It is also possible to automatically shift to the sleep mode M2 and then return to the normal mode M1 from the sleep mode M2 at a timing before the next image data D is transmitted. That is, it is possible to realize the receiving device 30 that can accurately reduce the power consumption even when the image data D is missed. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the image data D cannot be received, the receiving device 30 may be configured to continue the normal mode until the next image data D is received.

Next, schematic operations of the capsule medical device 10 and the receiving device 30 according to the first embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a schematic operation of the capsule medical device 10 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a schematic operation of receiving apparatus 30 according to the first embodiment. In the following description, an example is given in which the return timing to the normal mode M1 is preset in the receiving device 30 as a timing when a predetermined time R1 has elapsed from the previous return timing.

First, as shown in FIG. 5, the capsule medical device 10 executes an initial operation after being started (step S101), and then shifts to a normal mode (step S102). The initial operation is an operation for preparation performed before the capsule medical device 10 performs a normal operation, such as reading and executing various programs from the storage unit 14.

When shifting to the normal mode, the capsule medical device 10 first determines whether or not the predetermined time G1 has elapsed (step S103) and waits until the predetermined time G1 has elapsed (No in step S103). . As a result of the determination in step S103, when it is determined that the predetermined time G1 has elapsed (Yes in step S103), the capsule medical device 10 performs an imaging operation (step S104), and acquires the image data D acquired thereby. Radio transmission is performed to the receiving device 30 (step S105). Thereafter, the capsule medical device 10 returns to step S103, and thereafter repeats the imaging operation and the image data transmission operation in the cycle of the predetermined time G1. Note that the operation shown in FIG. 5 is continued until, for example, the battery 17 in the capsule medical device 10 runs out.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6, after starting the operation, the receiving device 30 shifts to the normal mode M1 automatically or according to an operation by the user (step S111), and subsequently resets a counter (not shown) (step S112). Note that the counter continues to count the elapsed time after reset. Therefore, in this operation, the elapsed time after the transition to the normal mode M1, which is the reset timing, is measured by the counter.

Next, the receiving device 30 determines whether or not reception of the image data D from the capsule medical device 10 has started (step S113). When the reception of the image data D is started (Yes in Step S113), the receiving device 30 continues to receive the image data D until the reception of the image data D is completed (No in Steps S114 and S115). As described above, the completion of reception of the image data D indicates that a predetermined amount of data has been received, that a predetermined time has elapsed from the reception start timing of the image data D, or that the image data D has been received. Can be detected using various methods, such as recognition of a predetermined code embedded at the end of.

As a result of determining whether or not the reception of the image data D is completed in step S115, when it is detected that the reception of the image data D is completed (Yes in step S115), the receiving device 30 next shifts to the sleep mode M2. (Step S116). When shifting to the sleep mode M2, the receiving apparatus 30 determines whether or not the predetermined time R1 has elapsed since the shift to the previous normal mode M1 based on the count value of a counter (not shown) (step S117). The pause mode M2 is continued until the time R1 has elapsed (No in step S117). Thereafter, when the predetermined time R1 has elapsed (Yes in step S117), the receiving apparatus 30 determines whether the user has input an operation end instruction by operating an input unit (not shown), for example (step S118). If an end instruction has been input (Yes in step S118), this operation ends. On the other hand, if no termination instruction has been input (No in step S118), the receiving apparatus 30 returns to step S111, and thereafter performs the same operation.

If it is determined in step S113 that reception of the image data D has not started after shifting to the normal mode M1 (No in step S113), the receiving device 30 determines that the normal mode M1 is based on the count value of the counter. It is determined whether or not the predetermined time R3 has elapsed since the transition (step S119). If the predetermined time R3 has elapsed (Yes in step S119), the process proceeds to step S116 and transitions to the sleep mode M2. On the other hand, if the predetermined time R3 has not elapsed (No in step S119), the receiving apparatus 30 returns to step S113 and determines again whether or not reception of the image data D has started.

As described above, the receiving device 30 according to the first embodiment consumes the normal mode M1 for executing the normal operation including the reception standby operation R for the image data D and at least the reception standby operation R for the image data D. The sleep mode M2 for reducing power is provided, and the mode shifts to the sleep mode M2 during a period in which the image data D transmitted intermittently from the capsule medical device 10 is not transmitted. As a result, in the first embodiment, unnecessary power consumption in the receiving device 30 can be reduced. As a result, the capacity of the battery 36 mounted on the receiving device 30 is reduced, and the receiving device 30 is reduced in size and weight. It becomes possible to plan.

(Modification 1-1)
Here, Modification 1-1 of Embodiment 1 described above will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 7 is a timing chart showing a schematic operation when image data is transmitted from the capsule medical device 10 to the receiving device 30 according to the modified example 1-1 of the first embodiment. 7A is a timing chart showing the schematic transmission operation of the capsule medical device 10, and FIG. 7B is a timing chart showing the schematic reception operation of the receiving device 30.

In the first embodiment described above, when the image data D cannot be received, for example, the mode automatically shifts to the sleep mode M2 after a certain period (predetermined time R3) has elapsed from the return timing to the normal mode M1, or the following The normal mode M1 is continued until the image data D is received. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, when the image data D cannot be received for a relatively long period of time (for example, a period R6 in which three consecutive image data D should be transmitted), the receiving device 30 temporarily shifts to the sleep mode M2. Then, the reception standby operation R is periodically executed during the pause mode M2 for a short period (period R5), and it is determined whether or not the image data D or any wireless signal can be received during the period R5. Alternatively, when any wireless signal can be received, the operation described in Embodiment 1 (see FIG. 4 or FIG. 6) may be resumed. Note that whether or not the image data D or any wireless signal has been received is determined by whether or not the wireless signal is received during the reception standby operation R that is executed in a cycle longer than the predetermined time R1 and for a short period R5, for example. Based on whether the radio field intensity of the radio signal received during this reception standby period is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold, the image data D or some radio signal is received when this value exceeds a predetermined standard. It can be realized by determining that it has been completed.

By operating as described above, in Modification 1-1, the receiving device 30 executes the sleep mode M2 for a longer period of time when the radio wave condition is poor. It can be further reduced. Other configurations and operations are the same as those of the first embodiment described above, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted here.

<Embodiment 2>
Next, the configuration and operation of the in-vivo information acquisition system according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same configuration and operation as those of the above-described embodiment or its modified example are referred to, and redundant description is omitted.

The configuration of the in-vivo information acquisition system according to the second embodiment is the same as that of the in-vivo information acquisition system 1 according to the first embodiment described above. However, in the in-vivo information acquisition system 1 according to the second embodiment, for example, a capsule medical device 10 suitable for observing a site relatively far from the mouth such as the large intestine is used.

FIG. 8 is a timing chart showing a schematic operation of the capsule medical device 10 according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8, when the power is turned on at timing T0, the capsule medical device 10 first executes an initial mode (third mode) M11. This initial mode M11 includes a start-up operation and a normal operation, and is continued for a period P0. That is, the capsule medical device 10 performs a normal operation including an imaging operation for a certain period after the power is turned on and the startup operation is performed. At this time, the reception device 30 is also turned on in advance and the reception standby operation R for the image data D is executed, so that it is confirmed whether or not the reception device 30 can normally receive the image data D from the capsule medical device 10. It becomes possible to do.

When the period P0 elapses from the start (timing T1) or when the specified number of image data D is transmitted after the start, the capsule medical device 10 shifts to the timer operation mode (fourth mode) M12. The timer operation mode M12 is a power saving mode for reducing power consumption in the capsule medical device 10. In the timer operation mode M12, the capsule medical device 10 pauses the imaging operation and the image data D transmission operation. That is, power is not supplied to at least the imaging unit 15 and the illumination unit 16 during the timer operation mode M12. Note that at least the supply / cutoff of power to the reception unit 33 is controlled by the control unit 31 functioning as a power supply control unit, for example, as in the sleep mode M2 period in the first embodiment. In addition, during the timer operation mode M12, when it is not necessary to transmit data to the receiving device 30, the power supply to the signal processing unit 12 and the transmission unit 13 may be cut off. Thereby, the power consumption of the capsule medical device 10 can be significantly reduced. The timer operation mode M12 is continued for a period (second predetermined time) P1, for example.

In addition, the capsule medical device 10 measures the lapse of time after shifting to the timer operation mode M12 using, for example, a counter (not shown). The capsule medical device 10 shifts to the normal mode (third mode) M13 when a preset period P1 elapses after shifting to the timer operation mode M12 (timing T2). In the normal mode M13, the capsule medical device 10 performs an imaging operation and an image data D transmission operation. Note that the normal mode M13 is continued for a period P2 until, for example, the timing T3 when the battery 17 runs out.

Next, the schematic operation of the receiving device 30 that receives the image data D wirelessly transmitted from the capsule medical device 10 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a timing chart showing a schematic operation when image data D is transmitted from the capsule medical device 10 to the receiving device 30 according to the second embodiment. 9A is a timing chart showing the schematic transmission operation of the capsule medical device 10, and FIG. 9B is a timing chart showing the schematic reception operation of the receiving device 30.

As shown in FIG. 9A, after the capsule medical device 10 is activated, the capsule medical device 10 proceeds to the initial mode M11 as described above, and sequentially executes the activation operation and the normal operation. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 9B, the receiving device 30 first executes a normal mode (first mode) M21 after being activated. Here, the receiving device 30 may be activated prior to the capsule medical device 10. Thereby, it can be avoided that the transmission of the image data D by the capsule medical device 10 is started before the reception standby operation R is executed in the receiving device 30.

In the normal mode M21, the reception device 30 executes a reception standby operation R that waits for reception of the image data D from the capsule medical device 10. The reception standby operation R may be continuously executed during the normal mode M21, or the pause mode M2 is sandwiched between the normal mode M1 and the pause mode M2 described in the first embodiment. It may be executed intermittently. In the following, for the sake of simplification of explanation, an example in which it is continuously executed will be described.

In addition, after the transition to the normal mode M21 after activation, when a predetermined trigger condition is satisfied, the receiving device 30 transitions to the power saving mode (second mode) M22. As trigger conditions when the receiving device 30 shifts from the normal mode M21 to the power saving mode M22, for example, it is not necessary that a prescribed number of image data D is received from the capsule medical device 10 or that a predetermined time has elapsed since activation. For example, the counting by the counter shown in the figure, the detection that the capsule medical device 10 has shifted to the timer operation mode M12, and the like can be made.

When the trigger condition is that a prescribed number of image data D is received from the capsule medical device 10, for example, the receiving device 30 is a counter that counts the number of received image data D (hereinafter referred to as a count counter). Is implemented. In addition, in the first normal mode M21 after activation, the receiving device 30 shifts to the power saving mode M22 when the number of image data D measured using the count counter reaches a specified number.

However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the total number of image data D to be transmitted in the capsule medical device 10 is set, and the capsule medical device 10 embeds this total number in the image data D to receive the receiving device 30. When the number of received image data D measured using the count counter in the first normal mode M21 after the start-up of the receiving apparatus 30 reaches the notified total number, the process proceeds to the power saving mode M22. It can also be configured.

Furthermore, the image data D transmitted by the capsule medical device 10 is counted using a counter (not shown) and the remaining number of times of transmitting the image data D to the receiving device 30 (hereinafter referred to as the remaining number of times) is the current transmission target. In the case where the remaining number of times embedded in the image data D received by the receiving device 30 is “0”, the mode is shifted to the power saving mode M22. You can also.

Further, when it is determined that a predetermined time has elapsed after activation of the trigger condition by a counter (not shown), for example, the reception device 30 uses this counter to measure the elapsed time from the activation, and the elapsed time is determined in advance. It is configured to shift to the power saving mode M22 when the set predetermined time is reached.

Furthermore, when it is determined that the capsule medical device 10 has shifted to the timer operation mode M12 as the trigger condition, for example, the image data that the capsule medical device 10 transmits last in the first normal mode M21 after activation. In D, the capsule medical device 10 itself embeds the end of the initial mode M11 or the transition to the timer operation mode M12 or the transition instruction to the reception device 30 to the power saving mode M22. Based on the power saving mode M22.

In the following description, a case where the receiving apparatus 30 shifts from the normal mode M21 to the power saving mode M22 is described as an example with the trigger condition that the specified number of image data D is received from the capsule medical apparatus 10.

The power saving mode M22 is a power saving mode for reducing the power consumption in the receiving device 30 as in the sleep mode M2. Thereby, it is possible to suppress power consumption in the receiving device 30. In the power saving mode M22, power supply to the signal processing unit 32, the recording unit 34, and a part of the control unit 31 may be cut off. As a result, the power consumption in the receiving device 30 can be further reduced.

The power saving mode M22 is continued for a predetermined time (fourth predetermined time) R21, for example. The predetermined time R21 is set so that the power saving mode M22 ends before the timing T2 before the capsule medical device 10 returns from the timer operation mode M12 to the normal mode M13. Therefore, in the present embodiment, for example, an elapsed time after shifting to the power saving mode M22 in the receiving device 30 is measured by a counter (not shown) (hereinafter referred to as a time counter), and this count value reaches a predetermined time R21. In this case, the receiving apparatus 30 is configured to return to the normal mode M21. Note that, in the normal mode M21 after the return, the receiving device 30 may continuously execute the reception standby operation R, or as in the normal mode M1 and the sleep mode M2 described in the first embodiment. Alternatively, the pause mode M2 may be executed intermittently. In the following, for the sake of simplification of explanation, an example in which it is continuously executed will be described.

Next, schematic operations of the capsule medical device 10 and the receiving device 30 according to the second embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a schematic operation of the capsule medical device 10 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a schematic operation of receiving apparatus 30 according to the second embodiment.

First, as shown in FIG. 10, the capsule medical device 10 shifts to the initial mode M11 after activation (step S201). In the initial mode M11, the capsule medical device 10 first executes a start-up operation as an operation preparation (step S202), and executes normal operations including an imaging operation and an image data D transmission operation as soon as the operation preparation is completed. (Step S203). This initial mode M11 is continued for a period P0 corresponding to a predetermined time from the start of the capsule medical device 10 (No in step S204).

Thereafter, when the predetermined period of time elapses from the start and the period P0 ends (Yes in step S204), the capsule medical device 10 then shifts to the timer operation mode M12 (step S205). In the timer operation mode M12, the capsule medical device 10 measures the elapsed time after shifting to the timer operation mode M12 using a counter (not shown), and the count value of this counter becomes a value corresponding to the predetermined time R21. The timer operation mode M12 is continued until it reaches (No in step S206).

After the transition to the timer operation mode M12, when the predetermined time R21 elapses (Yes in step S206), the capsule medical device 10 transitions to the normal mode M13 (step S207) and includes an imaging operation and an image data D transmission operation. A normal operation is executed (step S208). This normal mode M13 is continued until, for example, the remaining amount of the battery 17 mounted on the capsule medical device 10 runs out.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 11, after starting the operation, the receiving device 30 shifts to the normal mode M21 automatically or according to an operation by the user (step S211), and subsequently resets a count counter (not shown) (step S212). . Next, the receiving device 30 waits for reception of the image data D from the capsule medical device 10 (No in step S213). When the image data D is received (Yes in step S213), the receiving device 30 increments the count counter by one (step S214), and then the count value of the count counter reaches a predetermined number set in advance. Is determined (step S215).

As a result of the determination in step S215, if the count value of the count counter has not reached the specified number (No in step S215), the receiving device 30 returns to step S213 and waits for reception of the next image data D. . On the other hand, when the count value of the count counter has reached the specified number (Yes in step S215), the receiving device 30 transitions to the power saving mode M22 (step S216).

In the power saving mode M22, the receiving device 30 first resets the time counter (step S217), and then the elapsed time after shifting to the power saving mode M22 measured by the time counter reaches the predetermined time R21. Until then, the power saving mode M22 is continued (No in step S218).

When the time since the shift to the power saving mode M22 has reached the predetermined time R21 (Yes in Step S218), the receiving device 30 returns to the normal mode M21 (Step S219), and the imaging operation and the image data D are changed. A normal operation including a transmission operation is executed (step S220). Further, the receiving device 30 sequentially determines, for example, whether or not the user has input an operation end instruction by operating an input unit (not shown) (step S221), and when the end instruction is input (step S221). This operation is terminated. On the other hand, if no termination instruction has been input (No in step S221), the receiving apparatus 30 returns to step S220, and thereafter performs the same operation.

As described above, the receiving device 30 according to the second embodiment pauses the normal mode M21 for executing the normal operation including the reception standby operation R for the image data D and at least the reception standby operation R for the image data D. The power saving mode M22 for reducing power is provided, and the capsule medical device 10 shifts to the timer operation mode M12, and shifts to the power saving mode M22 while the image data D is not transmitted. As a result, in the second embodiment, it is possible to reduce unnecessary power consumption in the receiving device 30. As a result, the capacity of the battery 36 mounted on the receiving device 30 is reduced, and the receiving device 30 is reduced in size and weight. It becomes possible to plan.

Since other configurations and operations are the same as those in the above-described embodiment or modification, detailed description is omitted here.

<Embodiment 3>
Next, the configuration and operation of the in-vivo information acquisition system according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same configuration and operation as those of the above-described embodiment or its modified example are referred to, and redundant description is omitted.

The configuration of the in-vivo information acquisition system according to the third embodiment is the same as that of the in-vivo information acquisition system 1 according to the first embodiment described above. However, in the in-vivo information acquisition system 1 according to the third embodiment, a capsule medical device 10A is used instead of the capsule medical device 10. As in the second embodiment, the capsule medical device 10A is suitable for observing a site relatively far from the mouth, such as the large intestine.

In the third embodiment, in order for the receiving device 30 to operate at a more appropriate timing with respect to the operation of the capsule medical device 10A, a cycle (for example, an operation clock) used as the operation reference by the capsule medical device 10A is used. A configuration that can be managed by the receiving device 30 is adopted. In addition, the operation clock in this description is an internal clock (also referred to as a reference clock) whose operation reference is the inside of the capsule medical device 10A or the reception device 30. For example, an operation clock during the timer operation mode M12 is an operation clock (hereinafter referred to as a low cycle operation clock) having a lower cycle than an operation clock (hereinafter referred to as a normal operation clock) during a normal mode M13 (including the initial mode M11). ), It is possible to further reduce the power consumption of the capsule medical device 10A during the timer operation mode M12.

For example, as shown in FIG. 12, the capsule medical device 10A includes a plurality of types of oscillators (Voltage Controlled Oscillator (VCO) 11a and LC oscillator 11b). It can be realized by using these oscillators for each mode. FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a capsule medical device 10A according to the third embodiment.

Here, in FIG. 12, the VCO 11a is constituted by, for example, a crystal resonator that oscillates at a substantially constant frequency with respect to an applied voltage. The LC oscillator 11b is an oscillator having a circuit configuration in which an inductor (L) and a capacitor (C) are connected in parallel. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and various combinations of oscillators that can oscillate at different frequencies can be applied. At this time, for example, by applying an oscillator with lower power consumption than the oscillator (for example, VCO 11a) used in the normal mode M13 (including the initial mode M11) to the oscillator used in the timer operation mode M12, during the timer operation mode M12 It is possible to further reduce the power consumption.

Further, the method of switching the operation clock having a different period for each mode is not limited to the above method, and various methods such as a method of applying a different voltage for each mode to a VCO such as a crystal resonator can be used.

However, if the operation clock during the normal mode M13 (or the initial mode M11) in the capsule medical device 10A is different from the operation clock during the timer operation mode M12, the operation of the receiving device 30 and the operation of the capsule medical device 10A are performed. In this case, a timing shift occurs.

Therefore, in the third embodiment, as described above, the receiving apparatus 30 can manage a cycle (for example, an operation clock) that is operated by the capsule medical device 10A. This can be realized, for example, when the capsule medical device 10A and the receiving device 30 execute the operation shown in FIG. FIG. 13 is a timing chart showing a schematic operation when image data D is transmitted from the capsule medical device 10A to the receiving device 30 according to the third embodiment. FIG. 13A is a timing chart showing a schematic transmission operation of the capsule medical device 10A, and FIG. 13B is a timing chart showing a schematic reception operation of the receiving device 30.

As shown in FIG. 13A, the capsule medical device 10A shifts from the initial mode M11 to the timer operation mode M12 after activation. At the initial stage of the timer operation mode M12, the capsule medical device 10A wirelessly transmits a signal (hereinafter referred to as timing signal B) for causing the receiving device 30 to detect the operation clock (low cycle operation clock) after switching twice or more. To do. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 13B, the receiving device 30 detects the transition to the timer operation mode M12 in the capsule medical device 10A by receiving the timing signal B two or more times. At the same time, based on the reception interval of the timing signal B, the period of the low cycle operation clock in the timer operation mode M12 in the capsule medical device 10A is detected.

The reception interval of the timing signal B can be detected by, for example, counting using the operation clock of the receiving device 30. As will be described later, the capsule medical device 10A transmits the timing signal B in a cycle obtained by dividing its own low-period operation clock by K (K is a positive integer). Therefore, if this 'K' is clear in advance in the receiving device 30, it is possible to calculate how many operating clocks of the receiving device 30 are with respect to one low-period operating clock of the capsule medical device 10A. . Further, the receiving device 30 operates based on the ratio of the calculated low-cycle operation clock and the operating clock of the receiving device 30, so that the receiving device 30 operates accurately in accordance with the operation of the capsule medical device 10 </ b> A. Is possible.

Further, the capsule medical device 10A transmits the timing signal B three times or more, and the receiving device 30 calculates the low cycle operation clock of the capsule medical device 10A from the average of the reception intervals between the timing signals B. Thus, it is possible to specify a more accurate cycle of the low-period operation clock in the receiving device 30.

Upon detecting (specifying) the transition to the timer operation mode M12 and the low-cycle operation clock cycle in the capsule medical device 10A, the reception device 30 subsequently shifts to the power saving mode M22 for a predetermined period R32. As with the predetermined time R21 in the second embodiment, the predetermined time R32 is such that the power saving mode M22 ends before the timing T2 before the capsule medical device 10A returns from the timer operation mode M12 to the normal mode M13. Set to At this time, since the low-cycle operation clock of the capsule medical device 10A is managed (detected) in the receiving device 30 as described above, reception is performed until the timing closer to the timing when the capsule medical device 10A returns to the normal mode M13. It becomes possible for the apparatus 30 to continue the power saving mode M22. In other words, in order to ensure that the image data D from the capsule medical device 10A is received by the receiving device 30, the timing for returning from the power saving mode M22 to the normal mode M21 that is set for the operation in the receiving device 30 is more capsule type. The medical device 10A can approach the return timing from the timer operation mode M12 to the normal mode M13.

That is, for example, when the duration of the timer operation mode M12 in the capsule medical device 10A is fixed in advance to the number of low-cycle operation clocks, the reception device 30 has its own operation clock and low-cycle operation clock. From this ratio, the timing at which the capsule medical device 10A returns from the timer operation mode M12 to the normal mode M13 can be accurately predicted. As a result, the time margin set for the operation timing of the receiving device 30 can be reduced, and thus the power saving mode M22 can be continued for a longer period by the receiving device 30.

In the third embodiment, as in the second embodiment described above, the receiving device 30 may continuously execute the reception standby operation R in the normal mode M21 after returning, As in the normal mode M1 and the pause mode M2 described in the first embodiment, the pause mode M2 may be intermittently executed.

Next, schematic operations of the capsule medical device 10A and the receiving device 30 according to the third embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a schematic operation of the capsule medical device 10A according to the third embodiment. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a schematic operation of receiving apparatus 30 according to the third embodiment. In FIG. 14, the same operations as those of the capsule medical device 10 according to the second embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 10 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted. Similarly, in FIG. 15, operations similar to those of receiving apparatus 30 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention shown in FIG. 11 are given the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

First, as shown in FIG. 14, the capsule medical device 10A performs imaging after operation preparation by executing the initial mode M11 and executing the startup operation and the normal operation for a predetermined time (period P0) after startup. The operation and the transmission operation of the image data D are repeated (steps S201 to S204), and then the mode is shifted to the timer operation mode M12 (step S205). The operations so far are the same as steps S201 to S205 in FIG. 10 in the second embodiment. During the initial mode M11, the operation clock of the capsule medical device 10A is a normal operation clock based on the oscillation of the VCO 11a.

Next, the capsule medical device 10A switches the operation clock to the low cycle operation clock by switching the operation clock source from the VCO 11a to the LC oscillator 11b (step S301). Subsequently, the capsule medical device 10A transmits the timing signal B a predetermined number of times (two times or more) based on the cycle of the low cycle operation clock (step S302). For example, the capsule medical device 10A repeats transmitting a predetermined pattern of data as the timing signal B a predetermined number of times (for example, twice) according to a cycle obtained by dividing the low cycle operation clock by K (K is a positive integer).

After that, the capsule medical device 10A continues the timer operation mode M12 until a predetermined time elapses after shifting to the timer operation mode M12 (No in step S206), as in step S206 of FIG. Then (Yes in step S206), the process proceeds to the normal mode M13 (step S207).

When shifting to the normal mode M13, the capsule medical device 10A switches the operation clock source from the LC oscillator 11b to the VCO 11a, thereby switching the operation clock to the normal operation clock (step S303), and then the same as step S208 in FIG. In addition, the normal operation including the imaging operation and the transmission operation of the image data D is executed until the remaining amount of the battery 17 is exhausted (step S208).

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 15, after starting the operation, the receiving apparatus 30 proceeds to the normal mode M21 and resets a counter (not shown) (steps S211 to S212) in the same manner as steps S211 to S212 in FIG. ). Next, the receiving device 30 monitors whether or not the image data D has been received from the capsule medical device 10A (step S213). If the image data D has not been received (No in step S213), the timing signal is subsequently received. It is monitored whether or not B has been received (step S311). When the image data D is received (Yes in step S213) or when the timing signal B is not received (No in step S311), the receiving device 30 transmits the next image data D. To monitor.

On the other hand, when the timing signal B has been received (Yes in step S311), the receiving apparatus 30 determines whether or not the timing signal B has been received a predetermined number of times (for example, twice) or more in total (step S312). If the timing signal B is not received more than the number of times (No in Step S312), the process waits until the next timing signal B is received (No in Step S313), and receives the next timing signal B (Yes in Step S313). ) And return to step S312. At this time, the fact that the receiving device 30 has successfully received the timing signal B is confirmed by using a sound (including a buzzer sound, voice announcement, etc.), text, electrical decorations, etc. ) Or the like.

Further, as a result of the determination in step S312, when the timing signal B has been received a predetermined number of times or more in total (Yes in step S312), the receiving device 30 determines from the time difference (reception interval) of the timing at which the timing signal B is received The cycle of the low cycle operation clock is specified (step S314), and the time during which the receiving device 30 can continue the power saving mode M22 based on the specified cycle of the low cycle operation clock, that is, the capsule medical device 10A operates as a timer. The count value of the time counter corresponding to the time before the timing of returning from the mode M12 to the normal mode M13 is calculated, and this is set as the target count value of the time counter (step S315).

Next, the receiving device 30 shifts to the power saving mode M22 (step S216) and resets the count value of the time counter (step S217). The time counter counts the elapsed time after reset during the power saving mode M22.

Thereafter, the receiving device 30 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed after shifting to the power saving mode M22 by determining whether or not the count value of the time counter has reached the target count value set in step S315. Determination is made (step S316), and the power saving mode M22 is continued until a predetermined time elapses (No in step S316).

On the other hand, when the predetermined time has elapsed after shifting to the power saving mode M22 (Yes in step S316), the receiving device 30 returns to the normal mode M21 (step S219), and will be described in steps S220 to S221 in FIG. The same operation as that performed is executed.

As described above, the receiving device 30 according to the third embodiment pauses the normal mode M21 for executing the normal operation including the reception standby operation R for the image data D and at least the reception standby operation R for the image data D and consumes it. The power saving mode M22 for reducing power is provided, and the capsule medical device 10A shifts to the timer operation mode M12, and shifts to the power saving mode M22 while the image data D is not transmitted. Thereby, in this Embodiment 3, it becomes possible to reduce the unnecessary power consumption in the receiver 30, and as a result, the capacity | capacitance of the battery 36 which the receiver 30 mounts is reduced, and the receiver 30 is reduced in size and weight. It becomes possible to plan.

Further, in the third embodiment, even if the capsule medical device 10A operates with an operation clock having a different period from that during the normal mode M13 (including the initial mode M11) during the timer operation mode M12, the timer operation mode M12 Since the receiving device 30 can accurately capture the period of the operation clock during the period, the receiving device 30 can be operated in accordance with the operation of the capsule medical device 10A.

In the third embodiment, the case where the capsule medical device 10A operates with an operation clock having a different period from that during the normal mode M13 (including the initial mode M11) during the timer operation mode M12 is taken as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the capsule medical device 10A operates with an operation clock having the same cycle during the timer operation mode M12 and during the normal mode M13 (including the initial mode M11), That is, even when the capsule medical device 10A does not switch the operation clock according to the mode, it is possible to specify the cyclic error between the operation clock in the receiving device 30 and the operation clock in the capsule medical device 10A. The receiving device 30 is configured to operate accurately in accordance with the operation of the capsule medical device 10A. It is possible to become.

In the third embodiment, the period in which the capsule medical device 10A transmits the timing signal B is set as the initial period of the timer operation mode M12. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the capsule medical device 10A The timing signal B based on the normal operation clock may be transmitted twice or more in the initial mode M11 after startup. With this configuration, the receiving device 30 is configured to calculate the ratio of the cycle of its own operation clock to the cycle of the normal operation clock of the capsule medical device 10A from the reception interval of the timing signal B. Not only the return timing from the mode M12 but also the operation timing of the other capsule medical device 10A can be configured so that the receiving device 30 operates accurately.

<Embodiment 4>
Next, the configuration and operation of the in-vivo information acquisition system according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same configuration and operation as those of the above-described embodiment or its modified example are referred to, and redundant description is omitted.

The configuration of the in-vivo information acquisition system according to the fourth embodiment is the same as that of the in-vivo information acquisition system 1 according to the first embodiment described above. However, in the in-vivo information acquisition system 1 according to the fourth embodiment, as in the second embodiment, a capsule medical device 10 suitable for observing a site relatively far from the mouth such as the large intestine is used. It is done.

Further, in the above-described Embodiment 2/3, the receiving device 30 has a certain timing (for example, the timing at which reception of a specified number of image data D from the capsule medical device 10 / 10A is completed or the capsule medical device 10 / 10A has a timer). Based on the elapsed time from the detection of the transition to the operation mode M12), the power saving mode M22 is returned to the normal mode M21. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the receiving device 30 can determine whether the receiving device 30 can receive any signal (for example, image data D transmitted from the capsule medical device 10). It can also be configured to return from the normal mode M21 (for example, a power saving mode M22 described later). In the fourth embodiment, the predetermined trigger condition when the receiving apparatus 30 shifts from the normal mode M21 to the power saving mode M22 can be the same as that in any of the above-described embodiments and modifications thereof. . In the following description, as in the second embodiment, the reception device 30 shifts from the normal mode M21 to the power saving mode M22 with the trigger condition that the specified number of image data D is received from the capsule medical device 10. Take the case as an example.

Here, a schematic operation of the receiving device 30 that receives the image data D wirelessly transmitted from the capsule medical device 10 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 16 is a timing chart showing a schematic operation when image data D is transmitted from the capsule medical device 10 to the receiving device 30 according to the fourth embodiment. 16A is a timing chart showing a schematic operation of the capsule medical device 10, and FIG. 16B is a timing chart showing a schematic operation of the receiving device 30.

As shown in FIG. 16 (a), the capsule medical device 10 shifts from the initial mode M11 to the timer operation mode M12 after activation. In addition, the capsule medical device 10 proceeds to the normal mode M13 after continuing the timer operation mode M12 for a predetermined time.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 16B, after starting the operation, the receiving device 30 first executes the normal mode M21 and receives the image data D from the capsule medical device 10. Thereafter, when the capsule medical device 10 shifts to the timer operation mode M12 and the transmission of the image data D is suspended, the receiving device 30 shifts to the power saving mode M22. For example, the suspension of transmission of the image data D from the capsule medical device 10 is performed for a predetermined time (third predetermined time) E13 (> G3) from the reception completion timing of the previous image data D in the reception device 30, and the next image data. D can be detected based on failure to receive D. The predetermined time E13 is longer than at least the time interval G3 in which the image data D is not transmitted from the capsule medical device 10 in the initial mode M11. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the receiving device 30 from erroneously detecting the suspension of transmission of the image data D even when the capsule medical device 10 is in the initial mode M11 (or normal mode M13) period. However, the trigger for executing the transition from the normal mode M21 to the power saving mode M22 is not limited to the above-described trigger, and that the image data D having a cumulative data amount determined in advance by the receiving device 30 has been received, The time determined in advance from the timing at which reception of the first image data D from the capsule medical device 10 is started (for example, the timing determined from the synchronization signal of one unit of information), or from the capsule medical device 10 Various conditions can be set such that the predetermined number of clocks is counted from the timing at which reception of the first image data D is started.

In the power saving mode M22, the receiving device 30 performs the reception standby operation R intermittently. In the example shown in FIG. 16B, the reception standby operation R is intermittently executed in a cycle of a predetermined time E41. Each reception standby operation R is continued for a predetermined time E43 (> G3), for example. In this case, the time from the previous reception standby operation R end timing to the next reception standby operation R start timing is E42. In the fourth embodiment, the ratio (E42 / E43) of the time E42 during which the reception standby operation R is paused to the predetermined time E43 during which the reception standby operation R is executed in one cycle is increased, so that in the power saving mode M22 period. The power consumption of the receiving device 30 can be further reduced.

However, if the ratio (E42 / E43) is too large, the receiving device 30 may not be able to detect the transition of the capsule medical device 10 to the normal mode M13 with good timing. Therefore, for example, when the cycle for executing the intermittent reception standby operation R is about 1 minute (E43≈1 minute), it is preferable that the time (E43) for which the reception standby operation R is continued be about several seconds. Thereby, it is possible to cause the receiving device 30 to detect the shift of the capsule medical device 10 to the normal mode M13 with good timing.

Thereafter, when the reception device 30 detects that transmission of the image data D from the capsule medical device 10 has been resumed by the reception standby operation R that is intermittently executed during the period of the power saving mode M22, the receiving device 30 starts from the power saving mode M22. After returning to the normal mode M21, the reception standby operation R and the image data D transmission operation are executed.

Next, schematic operations of the capsule medical device 10 and the receiving device 30 according to the fourth embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the operation of the capsule medical device 10 according to the fourth embodiment can be the same as the operation of the capsule medical device 10 according to the second embodiment (see FIG. 10). The operation of the device 30 will be described by paying attention.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a schematic operation of the receiving device 30 according to the fourth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 17, after starting the operation, the receiving apparatus 30 performs the same operation as steps S211 to S216 in FIG. 11, thereby executing the normal mode M21 and then shifting to the power saving mode M22 (step S211). To S216).

When shifting to the power saving mode M22, the receiving apparatus 30 executes the reception standby operation R for a predetermined time E43 (step S411), and whether or not the image data D or other data is received during the reception standby operation R. Is determined (step S412). If the result of determination in step S412 is that no data has been received (No in step S412), the receiving apparatus 30 returns to step S411 and executes the intermittent reception standby operation R again.

On the other hand, if the result of determination in step S412 is that data has been received (Yes in step S412), the receiving apparatus 30 returns to the normal mode M21 (step S219), and thereafter the same as steps S220 to S221 in FIG. Various operations are executed (steps S220 to S221).

As described above, the receiving device 30 according to the fourth embodiment pauses and consumes the normal mode M21 for executing the normal operation including the reception standby operation R for the image data D and at least the reception standby operation R for the image data D. The power saving mode M22 for reducing power is provided, and the capsule medical device 10 shifts to the timer operation mode M12, and shifts to the power saving mode M22 while the image data D is not transmitted. As a result, in the fourth embodiment, it is possible to reduce unnecessary power consumption in the receiving device 30. As a result, the capacity of the battery 36 mounted on the receiving device 30 is reduced, and the receiving device 30 is reduced in size and weight. It becomes possible to plan.

<Embodiment 5>
Next, the configuration and operation of the in-vivo information acquisition system according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same configuration and operation as those of the above-described embodiment or its modified example are referred to, and redundant description is omitted.

The configuration of the in-vivo information acquisition system according to the fifth embodiment is the same as that of the in-vivo information acquisition system 1 according to the first embodiment described above. In the in-vivo information acquisition system 1 according to the fifth embodiment, a capsule medical device 10A similar to the third embodiment is used as the in-subject introduction device. However, in the fifth embodiment, it is not necessary to provide a plurality of operation clock sources (11a, 11b) that generate operation clocks having different periods.

Further, the capsule medical device 10A according to the fifth embodiment intermittently transmits the timing signal C throughout the timer operation mode M12. On the other hand, similarly to the receiving device 30 according to the fourth embodiment, the receiving device 30 according to the fifth embodiment intermittently executes the reception standby operation R of the predetermined time R52 throughout the power saving mode M22. The timing signal C transmitted from the capsule medical device 10A is received.

The timing signal C includes, for example, information on the total number of timing signals C transmitted by the capsule medical device 10A during the timer operation mode M12 or information on the remaining number of timing signals C transmitted during the remaining timer operation mode M12. Is added by the capsule medical device 10A. Therefore, in the receiving device 30 according to the fifth embodiment, the capsule medical device 10A operates in the timer operation mode from the information on the total number or remaining number of the timing signals C added to the timing signal C and the reception interval of the timing signals C. It is possible to accurately estimate the timing for shifting from M12 to the normal mode M13.

Note that the timing signal C may be, for example, the timing signal B according to the third embodiment added with information on the total number or remaining number of timing signals C to be transmitted. In the fifth embodiment, the capsule medical device 10A may use an operation clock having a period different from that of the normal mode M13 (or the initial mode M11) during the timer operation mode M12, or the normal mode M13 (or An operation clock having the same cycle as the initial mode M11) may be used. Hereinafter, for simplification of description, the capsule medical device 10A operates in the timer operation mode M12 when the operation clock having the same cycle as that of the normal mode M13 (or the initial mode M11) is used, that is, when the timer operation mode M12 shifts. Take the case where the clock is not switched as an example.

Here, a schematic operation of the receiving device 30 that receives the image data D wirelessly transmitted from the capsule medical device 10A will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 18 is a timing chart showing a schematic operation when image data D is transmitted from the capsule medical device 10A to the receiving device 30 according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 18A is a timing chart showing the schematic operation of the capsule medical device 10A, and FIG. 18B is a timing chart showing the schematic operation of the receiving device 30.

As shown in FIG. 18A, the capsule medical device 10A shifts from the initial mode M11 to the timer operation mode M12 after activation. In the timer operation mode M12, the capsule medical device 10A periodically wirelessly transmits the timing signal C in a transmission cycle C51 based on its operation clock. Note that the transmission time of one timing signal C is C52.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 18B, the receiving device 30 intermittently executes the reception standby operation R during the power saving mode M22, thereby transmitting the timing signal C transmitted from the capsule medical device 10A. Receive. At this time, the reception device 30 intermittently performs a reception standby operation R for a relatively short period (predetermined time R52> C52) in the reception cycle R51 that is substantially the same as the transmission cycle C51 in which the capsule medical device 10A transmits the timing signal C. To run. In addition, the reception device 30 continues the normal mode M21 until at least two timing signals C are received in order to identify the transmission cycle C51 in which the capsule medical device 10A transmits the timing signal C and the timing. After that, when the transmission cycle C51 and the transmission timing of the timing signal C are specified from the two received timing signals C, the receiving apparatus 30 shifts to the power saving mode M22 and saves power until a specific number of timing signals C are received. Continue the mode M22. Thereby, it can comprise so that the receiving device 30 may receive the timing signal C transmitted from 10 A of capsule type medical devices, without leaking.

However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the reception device 30 may be configured to intermittently execute the reception standby operation R in a relatively short time in a reception cycle different from the transmission cycle C51. In this case, information on the remaining number of timing signals C transmitted during the remaining timer operation mode M12 is added to the timing signal C. The receiving device 30 determines from the remaining number of timing signals C scheduled to be transmitted added to the last received timing signal C, the reception interval between the two received timing signals C, and the difference between the remaining numbers added to each. The transmission cycle C51 of the timing signal C is calculated, and from the transmission cycle C51, the timing at which the timing signal C was last received and the information of the remaining number added thereto, the capsule medical device 10A starts from the timer operation mode M12. The timing for shifting to the normal mode M13 is predicted, and the power saving mode M22 returns to the normal mode M21 at a timing earlier than the predicted timing.

Next, schematic operations of the capsule medical device 10A and the receiving device 30 according to the fifth embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a schematic operation of the capsule medical device 10A according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing a schematic operation of receiving apparatus 30 according to the fifth embodiment.

First, as shown in FIG. 19, the capsule medical device 10 </ b> A takes an image after preparation for operation by shifting to the initial mode M <b> 11 for a predetermined time (period P <b> 0) after the activation and performing the activation operation and the normal operation. The operation and the transmission operation of the image data D are repeated (steps S201 to S204), and then the mode is shifted to the timer operation mode M12 (step S205). The operations so far are the same as steps S201 to S205 in FIG. 10 in the second embodiment.

Next, the capsule medical device 10A specifies the total number of timing signals C to be transmitted during the timer operation mode M12, and sets it to a counter value N (timing signal C = N) (not shown) (step S501). . Next, the capsule medical device 10A adds the information of the value N to the timing signal C and transmits it (step S502). Next, the capsule medical device 10A decrements the counter value N by one (N = N−1) (step S503), and determines whether or not the decremented value N is “0” (N = 0). Determination is made (step S504).

As a result of the determination in step S504, when the value N of the counter is not “0” (No in step S504), the capsule medical device 10A has a predetermined time (transmission cycle C51) from the timing at which the timing signal C was transmitted immediately before. Wait until the time elapses (No in step S505), wait until the time elapses (Yes in step S505), return to step S502, and transmit the timing signal C to which the decremented value N is added.

On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S504, when the value N of the counter is “0” (Yes in step S504), the capsule medical device 10A shifts to the normal mode M13 (step S207), and then in FIG. Similar to step S208, normal operations including the imaging operation and the image data D transmission operation are executed until the remaining amount of the battery 17 is exhausted (step S208).

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 20, after starting the operation, the receiving apparatus 30 proceeds to the normal mode M21 and resets a count counter (not shown) (steps S211 to S212) in the same manner as steps S211 to S212 of FIG. ). Next, the receiving device 30 monitors whether or not the image data D has been received from the capsule medical device 10A (step S213). If the image data D has not been received (No in step S213), the timing signal is subsequently received. It is monitored whether or not C is received (step S311). When the image data D is received (Yes in step S213) or when the timing signal C is not received (No in step S311), the receiving device 30 transmits the next image data D. To monitor.

On the other hand, when the timing signal C has been received (Yes in step S311), the receiving apparatus 30 determines whether or not the timing signal C has been received a predetermined number of times (for example, twice) or more in total (step S312). If the timing signal C is not received more than the number of times (No in Step S312), the process waits until the next timing signal C is received (No in Step S313), and receives the next timing signal C (Yes in Step S313). ) And return to step S312. At this time, the fact that the receiving device 30 has successfully received the timing signal C is confirmed by using a sound (including a buzzer sound, a voice announcement, etc.), text, electrical decorations, etc. ) Or the like.

If the timing signal C has been received a predetermined number of times or more in total as a result of the determination in step S312 (Yes in step S312), the receiving device 30 determines from the time difference (reception interval) of the timing at which the timing signal C is received. The transmission cycle C51 and the transmission timing of the timing signal C are specified (step S511), and then the capsule is calculated from the specified transmission cycle C51 and the transmission timing and the value N of the total number of transmissions added to the timing signal C received last. The timing at which the medical device 10A shifts from the timer operation mode M12 to the normal mode M13 is estimated (step S512), and the duration of the power saving mode M22 that ends at a timing earlier than this timing is specified (step S514). Thereafter, the receiving device 30 shifts to the power saving mode M22 (step S514).

When shifting to the power saving mode M22, the receiving apparatus 30 first waits until the predetermined time R53 elapses after the shift (No in Step S515), and when the predetermined time R53 elapses (Yes in Step S515), the predetermined time R52. During this time, the reception standby operation R is executed (step S516). Subsequently, the receiving device 30 determines whether or not the timing signal C has been received in the reception standby operation R in step S516 (step S517), and if not received (No in step S517), returns to step S515. In step S515, it is determined whether or not the predetermined time R53 has elapsed from the end timing of the previous intermittent reception standby operation R.

On the other hand, when the timing signal C has been received as a result of the determination in step S517 (Yes in step S517), the reception device 30 specifies the value N added to the timing signal C, and is this “0”? It is determined whether or not (step S518). As a result of the determination in step S518, when the value N is not “0” (No in step S518), the receiving apparatus 30 returns to step S515, and thereafter performs the same operation.

On the other hand, if the value N is “0” as a result of the determination in step S518 (Yes in step S518), the receiving apparatus 30 returns to the normal mode M21 (step S219), and thereafter performs the same operation. .

As described above, the receiving device 30 according to the fifth embodiment pauses the normal mode M21 for executing the normal operation including the reception standby operation R for the image data D and at least the reception standby operation R for the image data D. The power saving mode M22 for reducing power is provided, and the capsule medical device 10A shifts to the timer operation mode M12, and shifts to the power saving mode M22 while the image data D is not transmitted. Thereby, in this Embodiment 3, it becomes possible to reduce the unnecessary power consumption in the receiver 30, and as a result, the capacity | capacitance of the battery 36 which the receiver 30 mounts is reduced, and the receiver 30 is reduced in size and weight. It becomes possible to plan.

In addition, the above-described embodiment and its modifications are merely examples for carrying out the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to these, and various modifications according to specifications and the like are within the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, it is obvious from the above description that various other embodiments are possible within the scope of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 In-vivo information acquisition system 10 Capsule type medical device 11 Control part 11a VCO
11b LC oscillator 13 Transmission unit 14 Storage unit 15 Imaging unit 16 Illumination unit 17 Battery 30 Reception device 31 Control unit 32 Signal processing unit 33 Reception unit 34 Storage unit 36 Battery 100 Subject B, C Timing signal C51 Transmission cycle C52 Transmission time D Image data E13, E41, E43 Predetermined time E42 time G1 Predetermined time G2 Transmission time G3 Time interval M1, M13, M21 Normal mode M2 Pause mode M11 Initial mode M12 Timer operation mode M22 Power saving mode P0, P1, P2 Period R Reception standby Operation R1, R3 Predetermined time R2 Pause time R5, R6 Period R21, R32, R52, R53 Predetermined time R51 Reception cycle T0, T1, T2, T3 Timing

Claims

An in-subject introduction device that is introduced into a subject to acquire in-vivo information inside the subject, and a receiving unit that receives the in-vivo information transmitted from the in-subject introduction device. An in-vivo information acquisition system,
The receiving device is:
A power supply for supplying power to the receiver;
A control unit for controlling the operation of the receiving unit;
A housing for accommodating the receiving unit, the power supply unit, and the control unit in a portable manner;
With
The control unit selectively executes one of a first mode in which the reception unit receives the in-vivo information and a second mode in which the reception unit is paused, and at least from the in-vivo introduction device. An in-vivo information acquisition system that executes the first mode for a period during which in-vivo information is transmitted and executes the second mode for a period during which the in-vivo information is not transmitted.
The control unit shifts to the second mode when reception of the previous in-vivo information by the receiving unit is completed, and before the transmission of the next in-vivo information from the in-vivo introduction device is started, The in-vivo information acquisition system according to claim 1, wherein the in-vivo information acquisition system is shifted to a first mode.
The control unit identifies a timing at which transmission of the next in-vivo information is started based on a timing at which the previous in-vivo information is received, and before a timing at which transmission of the next in-vivo information is started. The in-vivo information acquisition system according to claim 2, wherein the in-vivo information acquisition system is shifted to the first mode.
After the transition to the first mode, when the in-vivo information is not received by the receiving unit, the control unit continues the first mode until the first predetermined time elapses, and the first predetermined time The in-vivo information acquisition system according to claim 1, wherein the in-vivo information acquisition system shifts to the second mode after elapse.
The in-vivo introduction device includes a third mode in which in-vivo information is periodically transmitted by repeating the in-vivo information acquisition operation and the in-vivo information transmission operation, the in-vivo information acquisition operation, and the in-vivo information acquisition operation. Selectively executing one of the fourth mode in which the in vivo information transmission operation is paused,
The control unit executes the first mode during the period in which in-vivo information is transmitted from the intra-subject introduction device when the intra-subject introduction device executes the third mode, 2. The in vivo information acquisition according to claim 1, wherein the second mode is executed during the period in which in vivo information is not transmitted from the in-subject introduction device by the introduction device executing the fourth mode. system.
The in-subject introduction device shifts to the fourth mode when a predetermined condition is satisfied after activation, and returns to the third mode after continuing the fourth mode for a second predetermined time. Item 6. The in vivo information acquisition system according to Item 5.
The control unit intermittently supplies power to the reception unit during the second mode to cause the reception unit to perform an intermittent reception standby operation. During the intermittent reception standby operation, the reception unit The in-vivo information acquisition system according to claim 5, wherein when the reception of data is detected, the process shifts to the first mode.
The duration of one intermittent reception standby operation is longer than the time from the completion of transmission of the previous in-vivo information from the in-vivo introduction device to the start of transmission of the next in-vivo information. The in vivo information acquisition system according to claim 7.
The raw time from the end of the previous intermittent reception standby operation to the start of the next intermittent reception standby operation is shorter than the transmission time of one piece of the in-vivo information. In-vivo information acquisition system.
The in-vivo information acquisition according to claim 1, wherein the control unit shifts to the second mode when a period in which the receiving unit has not received in-vivo information continues for a third predetermined time. system.
The in-vivo information acquisition system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit returns to the first mode after continuing the second mode for a fourth predetermined time.
The in-subject introduction apparatus adds information on the time until the next in-vivo information is transmitted to the in-vivo information, and transmits the information.
The control unit returns to the first mode after continuing the second mode based on time information until transmission of the next in-vivo information added to the previous in-vivo information. The in vivo information acquisition system according to claim 1.
The in-subject introduction apparatus includes an imaging unit that images the inside of the subject.
The in-vivo information acquisition system according to claim 1, wherein the in-vivo information is image data acquired by the imaging unit.
A receiving unit for receiving in-vivo information transmitted from the intra-subject introduction device introduced into the subject;
A power supply for supplying power to the receiver;
A control unit for controlling power supply to the receiving unit;
A housing for accommodating the receiving unit, the power supply unit, and the control unit in a portable manner;
With
The control unit selectively executes one of a first mode in which the reception unit receives the in-vivo information and a second mode in which the reception unit is paused, and at least from the in-vivo introduction device. A receiving apparatus that executes the first mode during a period during which in-vivo information is transmitted, and executes the second mode during a period during which the in-vivo information is not transmitted.