WO2022190256A1

WO2022190256A1 - In-subject information acquisition device, inspection system, control method, and program

Info

Publication number: WO2022190256A1
Application number: PCT/JP2021/009511
Authority: WO
Inventors: 正一天野
Original assignee: オリンパスメディカルシステムズ株式会社
Priority date: 2021-03-10
Filing date: 2021-03-10
Publication date: 2022-09-15

Abstract

Provided are: an in-subject information acquisition device that is capable of suppressing temporary increases in electricity consumption while setting a brightness appropriate for an observed region; an inspection system; a control method; and a program. The in-subject information acquisition device comprises: an imaging control unit 149 that switches the operating mode of an imaging unit 13 between a first operating mode and a second operating mode in which the imaging frame rate is lower than that in the first operating mode and the imaging period per frame is longer than that in the first operating mode on the basis of an assessment result from a first assessment unit 148, and causes the imaging unit 13 to capture images; and a wireless control unit 150 that causes a wireless communication unit 15 to transmit image data at a timing at which a transmission period in which the wireless communication unit 15 transmits image data and an imaging period in which the imaging unit 13 captures images are different periods, and a certain length of time has passed after a predetermined reference timing, regardless of the operating mode at the time of image capturing.

Description

Intra-subject information acquisition device, inspection system, control method and program

The present disclosure relates to an intra-subject information acquisition device, an examination system, a control method, and a program.

　In the field of endoscopy, a capsule endoscope that is introduced into a subject and performs imaging is known. A capsule endoscope has an imaging function and a wireless communication function inside a capsule-shaped casing that is sized to be introduced into the digestive tract of a subject. After being swallowed by the subject, such a capsule endoscope captures images while moving in the digestive tract by peristaltic motion or the like, sequentially generates image data of the interior of the subject's organs, and wirelessly transmits the image data. The wirelessly transmitted image data is received by a receiving device provided outside the subject. The image data received by the receiving device is captured by an image display device such as a work station, and subjected to predetermined image processing to display an in-vivo image of the subject as a still image or moving image. Thereby, an operator such as a doctor can observe the in-vivo image of the subject as a still image or a moving image.

By the way, when a capsule endoscope is used to observe the inside of a subject, the distance from the imaging unit to the imaging target (the inner wall of the organ) is short when passing through a narrow organ such as the esophagus. Therefore, the illumination light easily reaches the object to be imaged, and as a result, the reflected light from the object to be imaged becomes bright. On the other hand, when the capsule endoscope is passing through a large organ such as the stomach, the distance from the imaging unit to the imaging target is long, so it is difficult for the illumination light to reach the imaging target. The reflected light from is dark.

In this way, in capsule endoscopy, the amount of reflected light from the object to be imaged varies depending on the part of the organ in the subject. Therefore, the capsule endoscope has a problem that the intensity level of the image data, that is, the brightness level of the in-vivo image corresponding to the image data differs depending on the part being passed.

In order to solve such a problem, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-200001 discloses that the frame rate of the image sensor is changed by changing the frame rate and the imaging period according to the amount of light received by the image sensor (that is, the intensity of the image data output by the image sensor). It is disclosed to perform control.

Specifically, in Patent Document 1, when the distance from the capsule endoscope to the object to be imaged is short, the amount of light received by the image sensor increases, and the intensity of the image data does not exceed a predetermined range. By increasing the frame rate of the device, the imaging period per frame is shortened and the amount of light received by the imaging device is reduced. On the contrary, in Patent Document 1, when the distance from the capsule endoscope to the object to be imaged is long, the amount of light received by the image sensor decreases, and the frame rate is adjusted so that the intensity of the image data does not fall below a predetermined range. By lowering it, the imaging period per frame is lengthened and the amount of light received by the imaging device is increased.

As described above, in Patent Document 1, for a capsule endoscope, the frame rate of the imaging device is controlled based on the intensity of the image data, and the imaging period per frame is adjusted to correspond to the image data. The brightness level of the in-vivo image is kept within a certain range.

International Publication No. 2016/084500

By the way, in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, when changing the frame rate and the imaging period, the imaging period for imaging the imaging target and the wireless communication transmission period for wirelessly transmitting the image data output by the imaging element to the external receiving device is not considered at all. Therefore, in Patent Document 1 described above, if the imaging period of the imaging device is set long for the purpose of increasing the amount of light received by the imaging device, the imaging period of the imaging device and the transmission period for wirelessly transmitting image data , and the imaging device and the wireless communication unit operate at the same time. As a result, in Patent Document 1 described above, the peak current becomes high and the power consumption accumulated in the capsule endoscope temporarily increases. The voltage drop caused by the sudden increase may prevent the image data from being transmitted to the receiving device.

The present disclosure has been made in view of the above, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide an intra-subject information acquisition apparatus capable of suppressing a temporary increase in power consumption while controlling brightness suitable for an observation site. , inspection system, control method and program.

In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, an intra-subject information acquisition apparatus according to the present disclosure includes an illumination unit that irradiates illumination light toward a subject, and receives light reflected within the subject. a wireless communication unit that wirelessly transmits the image data generated by the imaging unit; an amount of illumination light emitted by the illumination unit; and an amount of light received by the imaging unit. is less than a threshold value; and based on the determination result of the first determination unit, the operation mode of the imaging unit is set to the first operation mode, and the an imaging control unit that causes the imaging unit to perform imaging by switching between a second operation mode in which an imaging frame rate is lower than that in the first operation mode and an imaging period for one frame is longer than that in the first operation mode; , a transmission period during which the wireless communication unit transmits the image data and an imaging period during which the imaging unit captures images, and the period is a fixed time from a predetermined reference timing regardless of an operation mode at the time of imaging. and a wireless control unit that transmits the image data to the wireless communication unit at the elapsed timing.

Further, in the above disclosure, the intra-subject information acquisition apparatus according to the present disclosure further includes a reference signal generation unit that generates a reference signal having a predetermined cycle at predetermined intervals, and the wireless control unit generates the reference signal. The image data is transmitted to the wireless communication unit at a timing after a certain period of time has elapsed from the rising timing.

Further, in the intra-subject information acquisition apparatus according to the present disclosure, in the above disclosure, the imaging control unit determines that either one of the light emission amount and the light reception amount is less than the threshold value by the first determination unit. when the imaging unit is caused to perform imaging in the second operation mode, and when the first determination unit determines that one of the amount of light emission and the amount of received light is not less than the threshold value, the imaging unit An image is captured in the first operation mode.

Further, in the intra-subject information acquisition apparatus according to the present disclosure, in the above disclosure, the first determination unit determines whether the amount of light emitted or the amount of light received each time the wireless communication unit transmits the image data. It is determined whether one of them is less than the threshold.

Further, in the above disclosure, the in-vivo information acquisition apparatus according to the present disclosure includes a battery that supplies power, and whether or not to suppress power consumption of the battery based on power information indicating at least the remaining amount of the battery. and a second determination unit that determines the light emission by the first determination unit when the second determination unit determines that the power consumption of the battery is to be suppressed. When it is determined that one of the amount and the amount of received light is not less than the threshold value, the operation mode of the imaging unit is switched to a third operation mode in which the imaging frame rate is lower than that of the first operation mode, and the When the imaging unit is caused to capture an image, and the second determination unit determines to suppress the power consumption of the battery, the first determination unit determines that one of the light emission amount and the light reception amount is less than the threshold value. When it is determined that it is, the operation mode is switched to a fourth operation mode in which the imaging frame rate is lower than that of the second operation mode, and the imaging unit is caused to perform imaging.

Further, in the intra-subject information acquiring apparatus according to the present disclosure, in the above disclosure, the wireless control unit causes the wireless communication unit to start transmitting the image data generated by the imaging unit in the first operation mode. transmission start timing, transmission start timing for causing the wireless communication unit to start transmitting the image data generated by the image capturing unit in the second operation mode, and the image data generated by the image capturing unit in the third operation mode; The transmission start timing for starting transmission of image data to the wireless communication unit and the transmission start timing for starting transmission of the image data generated by the imaging unit in the fourth operation mode to the wireless communication unit are described above. The image data is transmitted to the wireless communication unit so that the timing after a certain period of time has passed is the same.

Further, in the intra-subject information acquiring apparatus according to the present disclosure, the threshold can be changed according to a user's operation.

Further, in the intra-subject information acquisition apparatus according to the present disclosure, in the above disclosure, the wireless control unit transmits operation identification information indicating an operation mode of the imaging unit when transmitting the image data to the wireless communication unit. The image data is associated with the image data and transmitted to the wireless communication unit.

Further, an inspection system according to the present disclosure is introduced into a subject so that it can be introduced into a subject, and includes an intra-subject information acquiring device that transmits image data obtained by capturing an image of the inside of the subject; and a receiving device for receiving the image data, wherein the intra-subject information acquisition device includes an illumination unit that irradiates illumination light toward the subject, and an illumination unit that receives light reflected from the subject. an imaging unit that captures an image and generates the image data; a wireless communication unit that wirelessly transmits the image data generated by the imaging unit; a first determination unit that determines whether or not one of them is less than a threshold; an imaging control unit for switching between a second operation mode in which an imaging frame rate is lower than that in the operation mode of (1) and an imaging period for one frame is longer than that in the first operation mode, and causing the imaging unit to perform imaging; A transmission period during which the wireless communication unit transmits the image data and an imaging period during which the imaging unit captures images are different periods, and a predetermined time has elapsed from a predetermined reference timing regardless of the operation mode at the time of imaging. and a wireless control unit configured to transmit the image data to the wireless communication unit at a timing.

Further, a control method according to the present disclosure includes an illumination unit that irradiates illumination light toward a subject, an imaging unit that captures an image by receiving light reflected in the subject, and generates image data; and a wireless communication unit that wirelessly transmits the image data generated by the imaging unit. a first determination step of determining whether any one of the amounts is less than a threshold; and setting the operation mode of the imaging unit to the first operation mode based on the determination result of the first determination step; An imaging control step of causing the imaging unit to perform imaging by switching between a second operation mode in which an imaging frame rate is lower than that in the first operation mode and an imaging period for one frame is longer than that in the first operation mode. and a transmission period during which the wireless communication unit transmits the image data and an imaging period during which the imaging unit captures images, and are constant from a predetermined reference timing regardless of the operation mode at the time of imaging. and a wireless control step of causing the wireless communication unit to transmit the image data at a timing after a lapse of time.

Further, the program according to the present disclosure includes an illumination unit that irradiates illumination light toward a subject, an imaging unit that performs imaging by receiving light reflected in the subject, and generates image data; and a wireless communication unit that wirelessly transmits the image data generated by the imaging unit, wherein either one of the amount of illumination light emitted by the illumination unit and the amount of light received by the imaging unit is less than a threshold. a first determination step for determining whether or not the operation mode of the imaging unit is set to a first operation mode based on the determination result of the first determination step; an image capturing control step of switching between a second operation mode in which an image capturing frame rate is lowered and an image capturing period of one frame is longer than that of the first operation mode, and causing the image capturing unit to perform image capturing; A transmission period for transmitting image data and an imaging period for imaging by the imaging unit are different periods, and the image data is transmitted at a timing after a predetermined time has passed from a predetermined reference timing, regardless of the operation mode at the time of imaging. to the wireless communication unit.

According to the present disclosure, it is possible to suppress a temporary increase in power consumption while controlling the brightness suitable for the observation site.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of an inspection system according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of the capsule endoscope according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure. 3 is a block diagram illustrating functional configurations of a control unit, a wireless communication unit, and a power supply unit according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure; FIG. FIG. 4 is a timing chart comparing operation timings of two operation modes executable by the capsule endoscope according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a timing chart showing operations in a first operation mode, which is one of the operation modes executable by the capsule endoscope according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 is a timing chart showing operations in a second operation mode, which is one of the operation modes executable by the capsule endoscope according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure. FIG. 7 is a timing chart showing switching timings of operation modes of the capsule endoscope according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an overview of processing executed by the capsule endoscope according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a capsule endoscope according to Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure; FIG. 10 is a timing chart illustrating operations in a third operation mode, which is one of operation modes executable by the capsule endoscope according to Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure. FIG. 11 is a timing chart illustrating operations in a fourth operation mode, which is one of operation modes executable by the capsule endoscope according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an outline of processing executed by the capsule endoscope according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure;

Below, the form for carrying out the present disclosure will be described in detail together with the drawings. It should be noted that the present disclosure is not limited by the following embodiments. In addition, each drawing referred to in the following description only schematically shows the shape, size, and positional relationship to the extent that the contents of the present disclosure can be understood. That is, the present disclosure is not limited only to the shapes, sizes, and positional relationships illustrated in each drawing. Furthermore, in the description of the drawings, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. Furthermore, as an example of an inspection system according to the present disclosure, an inspection system including a capsule endoscope that functions as an intra-subject information acquisition device will be described.

(Embodiment 1)
[Schematic configuration of inspection system]
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of an inspection system according to Embodiment 1. FIG. The examination system 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes a capsule endoscope 10 that is introduced into a subject 2 such as a patient to perform imaging, generates image data, and wirelessly transmits the image data, and wirelessly transmits the image data from the capsule endoscope 10 . a receiving device 4 for receiving the obtained image data via a receiving antenna unit 3 attached to the subject 2; and an image display device 5 for displaying an image.

After being introduced into the subject 2 by oral ingestion or the like, the capsule endoscope 10 moves inside the digestive tract and is finally discharged to the outside of the subject 2 . During this time, the capsule endoscope 10 moves inside the organ (gastrointestinal tract) by peristaltic motion, images the interior of the subject 2, sequentially generates images, and wirelessly transmits the images. A detailed configuration of the capsule endoscope 10 will be described later.

The receiving antenna unit 3 has a plurality of receiving antennas 3a to 3h. Each of the receiving antennas 3a to 3h is realized by using a loop antenna, for example, and is detachably attached to a predetermined position on the external surface of the subject 2. FIG. Specifically, each of the receiving antennas 3a to 3h is detachably attached to a position corresponding to each organ in the subject 2, which is the passage area of the capsule endoscope 10. FIG. Although each of the receiving antennas 3a to 3h is detachably attached to the subject 2 in FIG. 1, the number of antennas to be attached to the subject 2 can be changed as appropriate. Furthermore, in FIG. 1, each of the receiving antennas 3a to 3h is individually and detachably attached. There may be.

The receiving device 4 receives image data wirelessly transmitted from the capsule endoscope 10 via each of the receiving antennas 3a to 3h. The receiving device 4 performs predetermined processing on the image data received from the capsule endoscope 10, and stores the image data and related information related to the image data in an internal memory. The receiving device 4 has a display section for displaying the reception state of the image data wirelessly transmitted from the capsule endoscope 10 and an input section such as operation buttons and a touch panel for operating the receiving device 4 .

The image display device 5 is configured using, for example, a workstation or personal computer. The image display device 5 acquires the image data stored in the memory of the receiving device 4 and related information related to the image data via the cradle 4a to which the receiving device 4 is attached. The image display device 5 performs predetermined image processing on the image data acquired from the receiving device 4 to generate an in-vivo image of the inside of the subject 2 and displays it on the screen. In FIG. 1, the cradle 4a is connected to the USB port of the image display device 5, and the reception device 4 is connected to the cradle 4a, whereby the reception device 4 and the image display device 5 are connected. It is configured to transfer image data to the image display device 5 .

[Schematic configuration of capsule endoscope]
Next, a schematic configuration of the capsule endoscope 10 will be described. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of the capsule endoscope 10. As shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 2, the capsule endoscope 10 includes a capsule housing 11, which is an exterior case formed in a size that facilitates introduction into the internal organs of the subject 2, and light that illuminates the interior of the subject. an illumination unit 12 that generates light, an imaging unit 13 that captures an image by receiving light reflected in the subject and outputs image data (image signal), and processes the image data input from the imaging unit 13. , a control unit 14 that controls each component of the capsule endoscope 10, a wireless communication unit 15 that performs modulation processing and the like on image data output from the imaging unit 13 and wirelessly transmits the data, and a capsule endoscope. A power supply unit 16 that supplies power to each component of the endoscope 10 and an oscillator 17 that generates a clock signal for operating each component of the capsule endoscope 10 are provided.

The capsule-shaped housing 11 consists of a cylindrical housing 111, a dome-shaped housing 112, and a dome-shaped housing 113. Capsule-shaped housing 11 is realized by covering both open ends of cylindrical housing 111 with dome-shaped housing 112 and dome-shaped housing 113 . The cylindrical housing 111 and the dome-shaped housing 113 are colored housings that are substantially opaque to visible light. On the other hand, the dome-shaped housing 112 is a dome-shaped optical member that is transparent to light in a predetermined wavelength band such as visible light. Capsule-type housing 11 configured in this manner liquid-tightly encloses lighting unit 12, imaging unit 13, control unit 14, wireless communication unit 15, power supply unit 16, and oscillation unit 17. FIG.

The illumination unit 12 is composed of a light-emitting element such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode) or an LD (Laser Diode). The illumination unit 12 illuminates the subject with illumination light by emitting white light or the like under the control of the control unit 14 . Specifically, the illumination unit 12 irradiates illumination light through the dome-shaped housing 112 onto the subject within the imaging field of the imaging element 132 .

The imaging unit 13 has an optical system 131 such as a condenser lens, and an imaging device 132 such as a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) image sensor or a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensor. The optical system 131 collects the reflected light from the field of view of the imaging element 132 , which is the light reflected by the illumination unit 12 irradiating the subject, and forms an image on the imaging surface of the imaging element 132 . The imaging element 132 generates image data by receiving reflected light from the imaging field on its imaging surface and performing photoelectric conversion processing, and outputs this image data.

In the first embodiment, a monocular system for imaging one end in the long axis La direction of the capsule endoscope 10 is used. may be used. In this compound-eye capsule endoscope 10, the optical axes of the two imaging units 13 are substantially parallel to or substantially coincident with the long axis La of the capsule housing 11, and the imaging fields of view are directed in opposite directions. It should be placed so that it faces That is, in the compound-eye capsule endoscope 10, the imaging surfaces of the imaging elements 132 in each of the two imaging units 13 may be arranged so as to be orthogonal to the long axis La.

The control unit 14 controls the operation of each component within the capsule endoscope 10, and also controls the input/output of signals between these components. The control unit 14 is configured using a memory and a processor having hardware such as an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array). A detailed functional configuration of the control unit 14 will be described later.

The wireless communication unit 15 performs modulation processing, etc. on the image data input from the control unit 14 to generate wireless data, and transmits this wireless data to the outside. The wireless communication unit 15 is configured using a wireless communication module that performs modulation processing and the like, a transmitting antenna, and the like.

The power supply unit 16 has a power storage unit such as a button battery or a capacitor, and a switch unit such as a magnetic switch or an optical switch. When the power supply unit 16 is configured to have a magnetic switch, the power supply unit 16 switches between on and off states according to a magnetic field applied from the outside. The power supply unit 16 supplies power from the storage unit to each component of the capsule endoscope 10 when in the ON state, and stops power supply to each component of the capsule endoscope 10 when in the OFF state. do. Specifically, the power supply unit 16 supplies power to each of the illumination unit 12, the imaging unit 13, the control unit 14, the wireless communication unit 15, and the oscillation unit 17 when in the ON state, and supplies power to each of the capsule unit 17 in the OFF state. Power supply to each component of the type endoscope 10 is stopped.

The oscillator 17 generates and outputs a first imaging CLK signal (clock signal) that serves as a reference for the operation of each component of the capsule endoscope 10 . The oscillator 17 is configured using a crystal oscillator or the like.

In FIG. 2, as an example of the configuration of the capsule endoscope 10, a configuration in which the capsule endoscope 10 is passively moved by peristaltic motion of the subject has been described. Alternatively, it may be configured to be movable within the subject 2 by guidance from the outside. For example, in the capsule endoscope 10 in which a permanent magnet is provided inside, the inside of the subject 2 is guided by a magnetic field generated outside the subject 2 acting on the permanent magnet provided inside. It may be moved within the specimen 2 .

[Functional configuration of control unit, wireless communication unit and power supply unit]
Next, functional configurations of the control unit 14, the wireless communication unit 15, and the power supply unit 16 described above will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing functional configurations of the control unit 14, the wireless communication unit 15, and the power supply unit 16. As shown in FIG.

First, the control unit 14 will be explained. As shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 14 includes a reference signal generation unit 141, a second imaging clock generation unit 142, a switching unit 143, a first output buffer 144, a radio clock signal generation unit 145, It has a second output buffer 146 , an image memory section 147 , a first determination section 148 , an imaging control section 149 and a wireless control section 150 .

Based on the first imaging CLK signal input from the oscillator 17, the reference signal generation unit 141 generates a reference signal for driving the imaging control unit 149 and the wireless control unit 150 every predetermined period. The generated reference signal is output to imaging control section 149 and radio control section 150 .

The second imaging clock generation unit 142 generates a second imaging CLK signal obtained by dividing the frequency of the first imaging CLK signal to a predetermined frequency based on the first imaging CLK signal input from the oscillation unit 17. and outputs this second imaging CLK signal to the switching unit 143 . Specifically, the second imaging clock generation unit 142 generates a second imaging CLK signal having a frequency obtained by dividing the first imaging CLK signal by two, and outputs the second imaging CLK signal to the switching unit 143 .

Under the control of the imaging control unit 149, the switching unit 143 selects either the first imaging CLK signal input from the oscillation unit 17 or the second imaging CLK signal input from the second imaging clock generation unit 142. One of them is output to the first output buffer 144 .

Under the control of the imaging control unit 149 , the first output buffer 144 selects either the first imaging CLK signal or the second imaging CLK signal input from the switching unit 143 and outputs the signal to the imaging unit 13 . Output.

The wireless clock signal generation unit 145 generates a reference wireless CLK signal by dividing the frequency of the first imaging CLK signal into a predetermined frequency based on the first imaging CLK signal input from the oscillation unit 17. Outputs the reference radio CLK signal to the second output buffer 146 . Specifically, the wireless clock signal generator 145 generates a reference wireless CLK signal having a frequency obtained by dividing the frequency of the first imaging CLK signal by 8, and outputs the reference wireless CLK signal to the second output buffer 146 .

Under the control of the radio control section 150 , the second output buffer 146 outputs a radio CLK signal obtained by amplifying the reference radio CLK signal input from the radio clock signal generation section 145 to the radio communication section 15 .

Under the control of the imaging control section 149, the image memory section 147 stores the image data input from the imaging section 13 by sequentially writing them. Specifically, the image memory unit 147 sequentially writes the image data input from the imaging unit 13 based on the write signal (W) that instructs the writing of the image data input from the imaging control unit 149. do. Further, under the control of the wireless control unit 150 , the image memory unit 147 reads the stored image data and outputs it to the wireless communication unit 15 and the first determination unit 148 . Specifically, the image memory unit 147 sequentially reads the image data to be stored based on a read signal (R) input from the wireless control unit 150 and instructs to read the image data, and the wireless communication unit 15 and the first to the determination unit 148 of.

The first determination unit 148 determines whether one of the amount of illumination light emitted by the illumination unit 12 and the amount of light received by the imaging unit 13 (image sensor 132) is less than a threshold value, and captures the determination result. Output to control unit 149 and radio control unit 150 . Specifically, the first determination unit 148 determines whether the amount of light received by the imaging unit 13 (image sensor 132) is less than the threshold, and determines whether the amount of light received by the imaging unit 13 (image sensor 132) is less than the threshold. Otherwise, an operation mode instruction signal is output to the imaging control unit 149 and the wireless control unit 150 to cause the imaging unit 13 to perform imaging in the first operation mode. On the other hand, when the amount of light received by the imaging unit 13 (imaging element 132) is not less than the threshold, the first determination unit 148 instructs the imaging control unit 149 and the wireless control unit 150 to set the imaging unit 13 in the second operation mode. An operation mode instruction signal for imaging is output. Also, the first determination unit 148 sets the threshold based on the power information input from the power supply unit 16 . Specifically, the first determination unit 148 sets the threshold according to the remaining battery level included in the power information input from the power supply unit 16 . Note that the threshold can be appropriately changed by the user. For example, the threshold is set by providing a receiving mechanism inside the capsule endoscope 10 for receiving a wireless signal from an external device arranged outside the subject 2, and generating a signal that changes to a value desired by the user. It may be changed by transmitting from an external device to the capsule endoscope 10 and rewriting. Furthermore, the threshold may be set by the manufacturer to a threshold desired by the user at the stage of manufacturing the capsule endoscope 10 .

The imaging control unit 149 controls driving of each of the illumination unit 12 and the imaging unit 13 based on the reference signal input from the reference signal generation unit 141 . Further, the imaging control unit 149 sets the operation mode of the imaging unit 13 to the first operation mode based on the reference signal input from the reference signal generation unit 141 and the determination result of the first determination unit 148 . The imaging unit 13 is caused to perform imaging by switching between a second operation mode in which the imaging frame rate is lower than that in the operation mode and the imaging period for one frame is longer than in the first operation mode. Specifically, when the imaging control unit 149 causes the imaging unit 13 to perform imaging in the first operation mode, the imaging control unit 149 outputs the imaging CLK selection signal to the switching unit 143 , thereby inputting the first CLK input from the oscillation unit 17 . to output the imaging CLK signal. Further, the imaging control unit 149 outputs an imaging clock enable signal to the first output buffer 144 in synchronization with the rise timing of the reference signal, thereby sending the operation CLK signal (first 1 imaging CLK signal) is output. In addition, when the imaging control unit 149 causes the imaging unit 13 to perform imaging in the second operation mode, the imaging control unit 149 outputs the imaging CLK selection signal to the switching unit 143 . A second imaging CLK signal is output. Furthermore, the imaging control unit 149 outputs an operation CLK signal (second imaging CLK signal) is output. Furthermore, the imaging control unit 149 causes the illumination unit 12 to emit illumination light by outputting a light emission instruction signal to the illumination unit 12 according to the reference signal.

The wireless control unit 150 determines that the transmission period during which the wireless communication unit 15 transmits image data and the imaging period during which the imaging unit 13 performs imaging are different periods, and regardless of the operation mode at the time of imaging, a predetermined reference The image data is transmitted to the wireless communication unit 15 at a timing after a certain period of time has passed from the timing. Specifically, based on the reference signal generated by the reference signal generation unit 141, the wireless control unit 150 causes the transmission period during which the wireless communication unit 15 transmits image data and the imaging period during which the imaging unit 13 captures images. It is a period in which the image data generated by the imaging unit 13 in the first operation mode is transmitted to the wireless communication unit 15 at the transmission start timing, and the image data generated by the imaging unit 13 in the second operation mode is transmitted wirelessly. A transmission start timing for causing the communication unit 15 to start transmission, and a wireless communication unit 15 for transmitting image data when a predetermined time has passed from the rising timing of the reference signal. Here, the imaging period during which the imaging unit 13 takes an image is a period from the start time when exposure of the imaging device 132 of the imaging unit 13 is started to the end time when reading of image data from each pixel of the imaging device 132 is finished. . That is, based on the reference signal generated by the reference signal generation unit 141, the wireless control unit 150 controls the transmission period during which the wireless communication unit 15 transmits image data and the imaging period during which the imaging unit 13 captures images. The wireless communication unit 15 is controlled so that the image data is transmitted by the wireless communication unit 15 . Specifically, based on the reference signal generated by the reference signal generating unit 141, the wireless control unit 150 outputs the wireless clock enable signal to the second output buffer 146, and outputs the wireless CLK signal to the second output buffer 146. is output, the image data is transmitted to the wireless communication unit 15 . More specifically, the wireless control unit 150 outputs the wireless clock enable signal as a second output at a timing that does not overlap with the imaging period during which the imaging unit 13 takes an image and a predetermined time has passed since the rising timing of the reference signal. The image data is transmitted to the wireless communication unit 15 by outputting to the buffer 146 and causing the second output buffer 146 to output the wireless CLK signal. Furthermore, when transmitting image data to the wireless communication unit 15 , the wireless control unit 150 causes the wireless communication unit 15 to transmit operation identification information indicating the operation mode of the imaging unit 13 in association with the image data. As a result, when the user interprets images on the image display device 5, the user can understand under what imaging conditions each image was captured. In the first embodiment, the imaging period of the imaging unit 13 is defined as the period from the start time when the imaging element 132 starts to be exposed to the end time when the reading of image data from each pixel of the imaging element 132 ends. For example, it may be an illumination period during which the illumination unit 12 emits illumination light.

Under the control of the wireless control unit 150, the wireless communication unit 15 transmits image data according to the wireless CLK signal input from the second output buffer 146. The wireless communication unit 15 has a wireless transmission unit 151 and a wireless antenna 152 . The wireless transmission unit 151 modulates the image data input from the image memory unit 147 and transmits the image data subjected to the modulation processing to the outside via the wireless antenna 152 . The wireless transmission unit 151 is configured using, for example, a communication module or the like.

The power supply unit 16 has a battery 161 and a power supply monitoring unit 162 . The battery 161 is configured using a button battery or the like. The power monitoring unit 162 monitors at least the remaining amount of the battery 161 and outputs the monitoring result to the first determination unit 148 . Note that the power supply monitoring unit 162 is configured using a coulometer or the like.

[Operation timing of capsule endoscope]
Next, operation timing of the capsule endoscope 10 will be described. FIG. 4 is a timing chart comparing operation timings of two operation modes executable by the capsule endoscope 10 . FIG. 5 is a timing chart showing operations in the first operation mode, which is one of the operation modes that can be executed by the capsule endoscope 10. FIG. FIG. 6 is a timing chart showing operations in the second operation mode, which is one of the operation modes that the capsule endoscope 10 can execute.

In addition, in FIG. 4, the upper side shows the operation timing when the operation mode of the capsule endoscope 10 is the first operation mode, and the lower side shows the operation timing when the operation mode of the capsule endoscope 10 is the second operation mode. shows the operation timing in the case of Furthermore, in FIG. 4, in order from the top, (a) indicates the reference signal, (b) indicates the capture rate in the first operation mode, (c) indicates the imaging period in the first operation mode, ( d) shows the first imaging CLK signal, (e) shows the operation timing of the image memory unit 147 in the first operation mode, (g) shows the wireless transmission period in the first operation mode, (g) indicates the wireless CLK signal for the first operating mode, (h) indicates the capture rate for the second operating mode, (i) indicates the imaging period for the second operating mode, (j) indicates the second imaging CLK signal, (k) the operation timing of the image memory unit 147 in the second operation mode, (l) the wireless transmission period in the second operation mode, and (m) the second operation mode. wireless CLK signal. 5, (a) to (g) are the same as (a) to (g) in FIG. 4, and (a) and (h) to (m) are the same as (a) to (g) in FIG. ) and (h) to (m) are the same.

[Regarding the first operation mode]
First, the first operation mode will be explained. In the first operation mode, as shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the frame rate of the image pickup unit 13 (image pickup device 132) is set higher and the image pickup period of the image pickup unit 13 is set shorter than in the second operation mode. It's a pattern.

Specifically, as shown in (a) to (c) of FIG. 4, in the first operation mode, the imaging control unit 149 sets the capture rate of the imaging device 132 to 32 fps, and 32 fps at the capture rate In response to the rising timing of the reference signal (the pulse is in a HIGH state), the image pickup unit 13 is caused to pick up images four times per second, and the rest of the capture rate frames are stopped. That is, in the first operation mode, based on the reference signal generated by the reference signal generation unit 141, the imaging control unit 149 causes the imaging unit 13 to perform imaging at intervals of 4 fps, and one imaging period is 31 fps. .Control to take an image in 3 msec.

Furthermore, in the first operation mode, the imaging control unit 149 sequentially reads image data captured by the imaging unit 13 and stores the data in the image memory unit 147 .

Subsequently, in the first operation mode, the wireless control unit 150 transmits the signal to the second buffer 146 wirelessly after a certain time T1 has passed from the rise timing of the reference signal generated by the reference signal generation unit 141 (the pulse is in a HIGH state). While outputting the enable signal, based on the reference signal generated by the reference signal generation unit 141 , the image data stored in the image memory unit 147 are sequentially read out and the wireless communication unit 15 is caused to perform modulation processing. send to.

As described above, the first operation mode performs imaging at a high frame rate in a bright imaging scene (for example, the esophagus and the small intestine) in the first half of the examination of the subject 2 by the capsule endoscope 10, and the idle period of the imaging unit 13 is reduced. By taking a long time, we aim to reduce power consumption.

[Second Operation Mode]
Next, the second operation mode will be explained. As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, in the second operation mode, the frame rate of the image pickup unit 13 (image pickup device 132) is lower than that in the first operation mode, and the image pickup period of the image pickup unit 13 (image pickup device 132 is This is a control pattern in which the exposure period) is set long.

Specifically, as shown in (a), (h), and (i) of FIG. 4, in the second operation mode, the imaging control unit 149 sets the capture rate of the imaging device 132 to 16 fps, and Control is performed so that the image capturing unit 13 is caused to capture images twice per second and the rest of the frames at the capture rate are paused according to the rise timing of the reference signal (the pulse is in a HIGH state) within 16 fps at the capture rate. That is, in the second operation mode, based on the reference signal generated by the reference signal generation unit 141, the imaging control unit 149 causes the imaging unit 13 to perform imaging at intervals of 2 fps, and one imaging period is 62 fps. .Control to image at 5 msec.

Furthermore, in the second operation mode, the imaging control unit 149 sequentially reads image data captured by the imaging unit 13 and stores the data in the image memory unit 147 .

Subsequently, in the second operation mode, the wireless control unit 150 transmits the signal to the second buffer 146 wirelessly after a certain time T1 has passed from the rise timing of the reference signal generated by the reference signal generation unit 141 (the pulse is in a HIGH state). While outputting the enable signal, based on the reference signal generated by the reference signal generation unit 141 , the image data stored in the image memory unit 147 are sequentially read out and the wireless communication unit 15 is caused to perform modulation processing. send to.

Thus, in the second operation mode, a bright in-vivo image is acquired by imaging at a low frame rate in a dark imaging scene (for example, the stomach and duodenum) in the first half of the examination of the subject 2 by the capsule endoscope 10. do.

Furthermore, in the first operation mode and the second operation mode, the imaging control unit 149 controls the imaging period of the imaging unit 13 and the wireless communication of the wireless communication unit 15 based on the reference signal generated by the reference signal generation unit 141 . and are different from each other. Further, in the first operation mode and the second operation mode, the wireless control unit 150 transmits the image data to the wireless communication unit 15 after a predetermined time T1 has elapsed from the rise of the reference signal. .

By the way, conventionally, in order for the receiving device 4 to reliably receive the image data from the capsule endoscope 10, the receiving device 4 must store the transmission start timing of the image data from the capsule endoscope 10. must. As a result, conventionally, when image data are transmitted at mutually different timings, it is necessary for the reception device 4 to reset the timing at which wireless communication from the capsule endoscope 10 is started every time the operation mode is switched. was there.

On the other hand, in the first operation mode and the second operation mode described above, even when the imaging timing of the imaging unit 13 by the imaging control unit 149 is switched, the wireless control unit 150 transmits image data. In order to transmit the image data to the wireless communication unit 15 at the same cycle after the predetermined time T1 has passed since the rise of the reference signal, the reception timing for the reception device 4 to receive the image data by wireless communication is set again. No need. As a result, the receiving device 4 can reduce the processing load and can be realized with a simple configuration.

[Operation mode switching timing]
Next, the switching timing of the operation mode of the capsule endoscope 10 will be described. FIG. 7 is a timing chart showing switching timings of the operation modes of the capsule endoscope 10 . Also, with reference to FIG. 7, the timing of switching the operation mode of the capsule endoscope 10 from the first operation mode to the second operation mode will be described.

In addition, in FIG. 7, the upper side shows an example of the operation timing of the conventional technology, and the lower side shows the switching timing of the operation mode of the capsule endoscope 10 according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 7, (a) shows the imaging operation timing of the conventional technology, (b) shows the wireless transmission timing of the conventional technology, (c) shows the reference signal of the capsule endoscope 10, and (d ) indicates the capture rate of the imaging unit 13, (e) indicates the imaging period, (f) indicates the imaging CLK signal (first imaging CLK signal or second imaging CLK signal), and (g) indicates the image. (h) indicates the read timing of the image memory unit 147, (i) indicates the brightness integration and threshold comparison by the first determination unit 148, and (j) indicates the inside of the capsule. The mode of operation of the scope 10 is indicated, (l) indicating the radio transmission period and (m) indicating the radio CLK signal.

As shown in (a) and (b) of FIG. 7, in the conventional technology, image data is transmitted in the same imaging period while imaging at 2 fps.

On the other hand, as shown in (i) and (j) of FIG. 7, when the operation mode of the capsule endoscope 10 is the first operation mode, the first determination unit 148 determines whether the image data is less than the threshold value, the imaging control unit 149 changes the operation mode of the capsule endoscope 10 according to the rise timing of the reference signal generated by the reference signal generation unit 141. Switch to the second mode of operation. In this case, the imaging control unit 149 sets the imaging period of the imaging unit 13 longer by switching the frame rate of the imaging unit 13 (imaging element 132) from 4 fps to 2 fps. Thereafter, the wireless control unit 150 reads the image data captured by the imaging unit 13 at the previous rise timing of the reference signal from the image memory unit 147 and transmits the image data after a lapse of a certain time T1 from the rise timing of the next reference signal.

In the conventional technology, image data is transmitted according to the rising timing of the reference signal, which is the same as the imaging timing of the imaging unit 13, so a voltage drop occurs. On the other hand, the capsule endoscope 10 causes the wireless control unit 150 to reproduce the image data captured by the imaging unit 13 at the timing of the previous rise of the reference signal after a predetermined time T1 has elapsed from the timing of the next rise of the reference signal. Since the data is read from the memory unit 147 and transmitted, voltage drop can be prevented.

Subsequently, when the operation mode is the second operation mode and the first determination unit 148 determines that the integrated brightness value based on the image data is not less than the threshold value, the capsule endoscope 10 performs imaging control. The unit 149 switches the operation mode of the capsule endoscope 10 from the second operation mode to the first operation mode according to the rise timing of the reference signal generated by the reference signal generation unit 141 . Further, the wireless control unit 150 reads out the image data from the image memory unit 147 and wirelessly transmits the image data after a predetermined time T1 has elapsed from the rising timing of the reference signal, which is the same as the image capturing timing when the image capturing unit 13 captured the image data. As a result, the capsule endoscope 10 can transmit one frame more image data than the conventional technology.

[Processing of Capsule Endoscope]
Next, processing executed by the capsule endoscope 10 will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an overview of the processing executed by the capsule endoscope 10. As shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 8, first, the imaging control unit 149 initializes the control pattern of the imaging unit 13 (step S101). Specifically, based on the reference signal input from the reference signal generation unit 141, the imaging control unit 149 controls the switching unit 143 to output the first imaging CLK signal input from the oscillation unit 17. Thereby, the operation mode of the imaging unit 13 is set to the first operation mode.

Subsequently, the imaging control unit 149 causes the imaging unit 13 to start imaging based on the reference signal input from the reference signal generation unit 141 (step S102). In this case, the imaging control unit 149 temporarily stores the image data generated by the imaging unit 13 by writing it in the image memory unit 147 .

After that, based on the reference signal input from the reference signal generation section 141, the wireless control section 150 reads the image data from the image memory section 147 and outputs it to the wireless communication section 15 (step S103). In this case, when the operation mode of the capsule endoscope 10 is the first operation mode, the wireless control unit 150 outputs the image data to the wireless communication unit 15 every time T1 elapses from the rise timing of the reference signal. , when the operation mode of the capsule endoscope 10 is the second operation mode, the image data is output to the wireless communication unit 15 at every predetermined time T1 from the rise timing of the reference signal after the imaging unit 13 finishes imaging. do.

Subsequently, the first determination unit 148 determines whether or not the received light amount of the in-vivo image corresponding to the image data read from the image memory unit 147 is less than the threshold (step S104). When the first determination unit 148 determines that the received light amount of the in-vivo image corresponding to the image data read from the image memory unit 147 is less than the threshold (step S104: Yes), the capsule endoscope 10 , the process proceeds to step S105, which will be described later. On the other hand, if the first determination unit 148 determines that the amount of received light of the in-vivo image corresponding to the image data read out from the image memory unit 147 is not less than the threshold (step S104: No), The scope 10 proceeds to step S106, which will be described later.

In step S105, the imaging control unit 149 switches the operation mode of the imaging unit 13 from the first operation mode to the second operation mode. Specifically, the imaging control unit 149 controls the switching unit 143 so that the second imaging CLK signal generated by the second imaging clock generation unit 142 is output to the imaging unit 13. . As a result, the operation mode of the capsule endoscope 10 is switched from the first operation mode to the second operation mode. After step S105, the capsule endoscope 10 proceeds to step S108, which will be described later.

In step S106, the first determination unit 148 determines whether or not the operation mode of the imaging unit 13 is the first operation mode. When the first determination unit 148 determines that the operation mode of the imaging unit 13 is the first operation mode (step S106: Yes), the capsule endoscope 10 proceeds to step S108, which will be described later. On the other hand, if the first determination unit 148 determines that the operation mode of the imaging unit 13 is not the first operation mode (step S106: No), the capsule endoscope 10 proceeds to step S107, which will be described later. Transition.

In step S107, the imaging control unit 149 switches the operation mode of the imaging unit 13 from the second operation mode to the first operation mode. Specifically, the imaging control unit 149 switches the operation mode of the imaging unit 13 to the first operation mode by controlling the switching unit 143 to output the first imaging CLK signal input from the oscillation unit 17. set. After step S107, the capsule endoscope 10 proceeds to step S108.

In step S108, if the observation of the subject 2 is finished (step S108: Yes), the capsule endoscope 10 finishes this process. On the other hand, if the observation of the subject is not finished (step S108: No), the capsule endoscope 10 returns to step S102 described above.

According to the first embodiment described above, the imaging control unit 149 sets the operation mode of the imaging unit 13 to the first operation mode based on the determination result of the first determination unit 148. Since the imaging unit 13 performs imaging by switching between the second operation mode in which the imaging frame rate is lowered and the imaging period for one frame is longer than the first operation mode, the operation mode is set according to the imaging conditions of the observation site. can be imaged.

Further, according to Embodiment 1, the transmission period during which the wireless communication unit 15 transmits image data and the imaging period during which the imaging unit 13 performs imaging are different periods, and regardless of the operation mode at the time of imaging, Since image data is transmitted to the wireless communication unit 15 at a timing after a certain period of time has passed from a predetermined reference timing, the imaging unit 13 and the wireless communication unit 15 do not operate at the same time, resulting in a temporary increase in power consumption. can be prevented, and a voltage drop caused by an increase in current consumption can be prevented.

Further, according to Embodiment 1, the transmission period during which the wireless communication unit 15 transmits image data and the imaging period during which the imaging unit 13 performs imaging are different periods, and regardless of the operation mode at the time of imaging, Since the image data is transmitted to the wireless communication unit 15 at a timing after a certain period of time has elapsed from the predetermined reference timing, there is no need to change the setting of the timing at which the receiving device 4 receives the image data for each control pattern. 4 processing load can be reduced.

According to Embodiment 1, the first determination unit 148 determines whether or not the received light amount (luminance value) of the in-vivo image corresponding to the image data generated by the imaging unit 13 is equal to or greater than the threshold. However, without being limited to this, it may be determined whether or not the amount of illumination light emitted by the illumination unit 12 is equal to or greater than a threshold value. In this case, the first determination unit 148 determines the amount of light emitted by the illumination unit 12 based on the instruction signal from the imaging control unit 149 for instructing the illumination unit 12 to emit light or the irradiation time of the illumination light emitted by the illumination unit 12. It may be determined whether or not the amount of emitted light is equal to or greater than a threshold.

(Embodiment 2)
Next, Embodiment 2 will be described. In the first embodiment described above, the operation mode of the capsule endoscope is switched to either the first operation mode or the second operation mode based on the brightness value of the in-vivo image corresponding to the image data. In the second embodiment, the remaining battery level is further used to subdivide the operation modes of the capsule endoscope. Specifically, in the second embodiment, when the remaining battery level becomes equal to or less than the threshold, the operation mode of the capsule endoscope is set to either a third operation mode or a fourth operation mode, which will be described later. switch. Therefore, the capsule endoscope according to the second embodiment differs from the capsule endoscope 10 of the examination system 1 according to the first embodiment described above. A capsule endoscope according to the second embodiment will be described below. Further, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same configurations as those of the inspection system 1 according to the first embodiment described above, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[Configuration of Capsule Endoscope]
FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the capsule endoscope. A capsule endoscope 10A shown in FIG. 9 includes a controller 14A instead of the controller 14 of the capsule endoscope 10 according to the first embodiment. Furthermore, the control unit 14A further includes a second determination unit 200 in addition to the configuration of the control unit 14 according to the first embodiment described above. Furthermore, the control unit 14A includes an imaging control unit 210 instead of the imaging control unit 149 of the control unit 14 according to the first embodiment described above. Furthermore, the control section 14A further includes a second determination section 200 .

The second determination unit 200 determines whether or not to suppress the power consumption of the battery 161 based on the battery information indicating at least the remaining amount of the battery 161 input from the power supply monitoring unit 162, and images the determination result. Output to control unit 210 . Specifically, the second determination unit 200 determines whether the remaining amount of the battery 161 is less than a threshold based on at least the battery information indicating the remaining amount of the battery 161 input from the power monitoring unit 162. and outputs the determination result to the imaging control unit 210 . Here, the power information includes the remaining amount of power of the battery 161, the voltage value, the elapsed time from the activation of the capsule endoscope 10A, and the like.

When the second determination unit 200 determines that the power consumption of the battery 161 should be suppressed, the imaging control unit 210 determines whether the light emission amount of the illumination unit 12 or the light reception amount of the imaging unit 13 is determined by the first determination unit 148 . When it is determined that one is not less than the threshold, the operation mode of the imaging unit 13 is switched to a third operation mode having a lower imaging frame rate than the first operation mode, and the imaging unit 13 is caused to take an image. Furthermore, when the second determination unit 200 determines that the power consumption of the battery 161 should be suppressed, the imaging control unit 210 causes the first determination unit 148 to determine the amount of light emitted by the illumination unit 12 and the amount of light received by the imaging unit 13. When it is determined that either one of them is less than the threshold, the operation mode is switched to the fourth operation mode having a lower imaging frame rate than the second operation mode, and the imaging unit 13 is caused to take an image.

[Operation timing of capsule endoscope]
Next, operation timing of the capsule endoscope 10A will be described. FIG. 10 is a timing chart showing operations in the third operation mode, which is one of the operation modes that can be executed by the capsule endoscope 10A. FIG. 11 is a timing chart showing operations in a fourth operation mode, which is one of the operation modes executable by the capsule endoscope 10A. 10 and 11, the operation mode set by the imaging control unit 210 when the second determination unit 200 determines that the remaining amount of the battery 161 is equal to or less than the threshold will be described.

10 and 11, (a) indicates the reference signal, (b) indicates the capture rate of the imaging unit 13, and (c) indicates the imaging period of the imaging unit 13 (d ) indicates the imaging CLK signal (first imaging CLK signal or second imaging CLK signal) of the imaging unit 13, (e) indicates the operation timing of the image memory unit 147, (f) indicates the wireless transmission period, (g) shows the wireless CLK signal.

[Regarding the third operation mode]
First, the third operation mode will be explained. As shown in FIG. 10, the third operation mode reduces the frame rate of the image pickup unit 13 (image pickup device 132) from that in the first operation mode described above, while reducing the image pickup period of the image pickup unit 13 (the exposure of the image pickup device 132). period) is set to be the same as in the first operation mode.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10, in the third operation mode, the imaging control unit 210 sets the capture rate of the imaging device 132 to 32 fps, and the rising timing of the reference signal ( pulse is in a HIGH state), the imaging unit 13 is caused to capture images twice per second, and control is performed to pause the remaining capture rate frames. That is, in the third operation mode, based on the reference signal generated by the reference signal generation unit 141, the imaging control unit 210 causes the imaging unit 13 to perform imaging at intervals of 2 fps, and one imaging period is 31 .Control to take an image in 3 msec.

Furthermore, in the third operation mode, the imaging control unit 210 sequentially reads image data captured by the imaging unit 13 and stores the data in the image memory unit 147 .

Subsequently, in the third operation mode, the wireless control unit 150 sends a signal to the second buffer 146 wirelessly after a certain time T1 has passed from the rising timing of the reference signal generated by the reference signal generating unit 141 (the pulse is in a HIGH state). While outputting the enable signal, based on the reference signal generated by the reference signal generation unit 141 , the image data stored in the image memory unit 147 are sequentially read out and the wireless communication unit 15 is caused to perform modulation processing. send to.

In this way, the third operation mode performs imaging at a frame rate as high as possible while reducing power consumption in a bright imaging scene (for example, large intestine mucosa) in the latter half of the examination of the subject 2 by the capsule endoscope 10 .

[Fourth Operation Mode]
Next, the fourth operation mode will be explained. As shown in FIG. 11, the fourth operation mode reduces the frame rate of the image pickup unit 13 (image pickup device 132) from that of the third operation mode described above, while increasing the image pickup period of the image pickup unit 13 (image pickup device 132). This is a control pattern in which the exposure period) is set to be the same as in the second operation mode.

Specifically, in the fourth operation mode, the imaging control unit 149 sets the capture rate of the imaging device 132 to 16 fps, and the capture rate is set to 16 fps according to the rising timing of the reference signal (the pulse is in a HIGH state). Then, control is performed such that the imaging unit 13 is caused to capture images only once per second, and the rest of the frames of the capture rate are paused. That is, in the fourth operation mode, based on the reference signal generated by the reference signal generation unit 141, the imaging control unit 210 causes the imaging unit 13 to perform imaging at a frame rate of 1 fps, and one imaging period is set to 62.5 msec. to control imaging.

Furthermore, in the fourth operation mode, the imaging control unit 149 sequentially reads image data captured by the imaging unit 13 and stores the data in the image memory unit 147 .

Subsequently, in the fourth operation mode, the wireless control unit 150 transmits the signal to the second buffer 146 wirelessly after a certain time T1 has passed from the rising timing of the reference signal generated by the reference signal generation unit 141 (the pulse is in a HIGH state). While outputting the enable signal, based on the reference signal generated by the reference signal generation unit 141 , the image data stored in the image memory unit 147 are sequentially read out and the wireless communication unit 15 is caused to perform modulation processing. send to.

As described above, the fourth operation mode reduces power consumption by further lowering the frame rate in a dark imaging scene (for example, a distant view of the large intestine) in the latter half of the examination of the subject 2 by the capsule endoscope 10, while reducing brightness. In-vivo images can be obtained without problems.

Further, in the third operation mode and the fourth operation mode, similar to the above-described first operation mode and second operation mode, the image pickup control unit 210 operates based on the reference signal generated by the reference signal generation unit 141. Therefore, the imaging period of the imaging unit 13 and the wireless communication period of the wireless communication unit 15 are made different from each other. Further, in the first to fourth operation modes, the wireless control unit 150 transmits the image data to the wireless communication unit 15 after a predetermined time T1 has elapsed from the rise of the reference signal. . As a result, even when the imaging timing of the imaging unit 13 by the imaging control unit 210 is switched, the capsule endoscope 10 allows the wireless control unit 150 to synchronize the transmission timing of the image data from the rise of the reference signal. Since the image data is transmitted to the wireless communication unit 15 after the predetermined time T1 has elapsed, there is no need to reset the reception timing for the reception device 4 to receive the image data by wireless communication. As a result, the receiving device 4 can reduce the processing load and can be realized with a simple configuration.

Furthermore, in the third operation mode, when the amount of light received by the imaging unit 13 is sufficient and the remaining amount of the battery 161 is equal to or less than the threshold, the number of images captured per second is higher than that in the first operation mode. The power consumption of the battery 161 is suppressed by changing the number of times from four to two. Furthermore, even if the amount of light received by the imaging unit 13 is not sufficient, the fourth operation mode is set when the remaining amount of the battery 161 is equal to or less than the threshold value, compared to the second operation mode. The power consumption of the battery 161 is suppressed by reducing the number of imaging times per second from two to one.

[Processing of Capsule Endoscope]
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an overview of the processing executed by the capsule endoscope 10A. In FIG. 12, steps S201 to S207 correspond to steps S101 to S107 in FIG. 8 described above, respectively.

In step S208, the second determination unit 200 determines whether or not to suppress the power consumption of the battery 161 based on the battery information indicating at least the remaining amount of the battery 161 input from the power supply monitoring unit 162. Specifically, the second determination unit 200 determines whether or not the remaining amount of the battery 161 is equal to or less than a threshold based on the power information of the battery 161 input from the power supply monitoring unit 162. When the remaining amount is equal to or less than the threshold, it is determined that the power consumption of the battery 161 should be suppressed. Here, the power information includes the remaining amount of power of the battery 161, the voltage value, the elapsed time from the activation of the capsule endoscope 10A, and the like. When the second determination unit 200 determines to suppress the power consumption of the battery 161 (step S208: Yes), the capsule endoscope 10A proceeds to step S210, which will be described later. On the other hand, if the second determination unit 200 determines not to suppress the power consumption of the battery 161 (step S208: No), the capsule endoscope 10A proceeds to step S209, which will be described later.

In step S209, if the observation of the subject 2 is finished (step S209: Yes), the capsule endoscope 10A finishes this process. On the other hand, if the observation of the subject is not finished (step S209: No), the capsule endoscope 10A returns to step S202 described above.

In step S210, the imaging control unit 210 performs setting for switching the operation mode of the imaging unit 13 to the third operation mode. Specifically, the imaging control unit 210 switches the operation mode of the imaging unit 13 to the third operation mode by controlling the switching unit 143 to output the first imaging CLK signal input from the oscillation unit 17. Make settings to switch. As a result, when the amount of light received (brightness value) of the in-vivo image corresponding to the image data generated by the imaging unit 13 is equal to or greater than the threshold when the remaining amount of the battery 161 is equal to or less than the threshold, the capsule endoscope 10A Since it can be estimated that the distance to the object to be imaged (the inner wall of the organ) is short and the illumination light easily reaches the object to be imaged, consumption of the battery 161 is avoided by setting the frame rate to 2 fps.

Subsequently, the imaging control unit 210 causes the imaging unit 13 to start imaging based on the reference signal input from the reference signal generation unit 141 (step S211). In this case, the imaging control unit 210 temporarily stores the image data generated by the imaging unit 13 by writing it in the image memory unit 147 .

After that, based on the reference signal input from the reference signal generation section 141, the wireless control section 150 reads image data from the image memory section 147 and transmits it to the wireless communication section 15 (step S212). In this case, when the operation mode of the capsule endoscope 10 is the third operation mode, the wireless control unit 150 causes the wireless communication unit 15 to transmit the image data every time T1 elapses from the rise timing of the reference signal. , when the operation mode of the capsule endoscope 10 is the fourth operation mode, the image data is transmitted to the wireless communication unit 15 every predetermined time T1 from the rising timing of the reference signal after the imaging unit 13 finishes imaging. Let

Subsequently, the first determination unit 148 determines whether or not the received light amount of the in-vivo image corresponding to the image data stored in the image memory unit 147 is less than the threshold (step S213). When the first determination unit 148 determines that the received light amount of the in-vivo image corresponding to the image data stored in the image memory unit 147 is less than the threshold (step S213: Yes), the capsule endoscope 10 The process proceeds to step S214, which will be described later. On the other hand, if the first determination unit 148 determines that the received light amount of the in-vivo image corresponding to the image data stored in the image memory unit 147 is not less than the threshold (step S213: No), capsule endoscopy The mirror 10 proceeds to step S215, which will be described later.

In step S214, the imaging control unit 210 switches the operation mode of the imaging unit 13 from the third operation mode to the fourth operation mode. Specifically, the imaging control unit 210 controls the switching unit 143 so that the second imaging CLK signal generated by the second imaging clock generation unit 142 is output to the imaging unit 13. . As a result, the operation mode of the capsule endoscope 10A is switched from the third operation mode to the fourth operation mode. In this case, when the capsule endoscope 10A is passing through an organ such as the large intestine, it is difficult for the illumination light from the illumination unit 12 to reach the imaging target because the distance to the imaging target is long. The reflected light from is dark. Under such imaging conditions, the intensity of the in-vivo image corresponding to the image data generated by the imaging unit 13 is less than the preset threshold. Therefore, the imaging control unit 210 switches the control pattern to the fourth operation mode having a lower imaging frame rate and a longer imaging period (exposure time) than the third operation mode. In this case, even in the fourth operation mode, the wireless control unit 150 determines that the period during which the image data generated by the imaging unit 13 is wirelessly transmitted is the same as in the third operation mode. The wireless communication unit 15 is caused to perform wireless transmission so as not to overlap with the imaging period (exposure period). After step S214, the capsule endoscope 10A proceeds to step S217, which will be described later.

In step S215, the first determination unit 148 determines whether or not the operation mode of the imaging unit 13 is the third operation mode. When the first determination unit 148 determines that the operation mode of the imaging unit 13 is the third operation mode (step S215: Yes), the capsule endoscope 10A proceeds to step S217, which will be described later. On the other hand, if the first determination unit 148 determines that the operation mode of the imaging unit 13 is not the third operation mode (step S215: No), the capsule endoscope 10A proceeds to step S216, which will be described later. Transition.

In step S216, the imaging control unit 210 performs setting for switching the operation mode of the imaging unit 13 from the fourth operation mode to the third operation mode. Specifically, the imaging control unit 210 switches the operation mode of the imaging unit 13 to the first operation mode by controlling the switching unit 143 to output the first imaging CLK signal input from the oscillation unit 17. set. After step S216, the capsule endoscope 10A proceeds to step S217.

At step S217, if the observation of the subject 2 is finished (step S217: Yes), the capsule endoscope 10A finishes this process. On the other hand, if the observation of the subject is not finished (step S217: No), the capsule endoscope 10A returns to step SS211 described above.

According to the second embodiment described above, when the second determination unit 200 determines that the power consumption of the battery 161 is to be suppressed, the first determination unit 148 determines that the amount of light emitted by the illumination unit 12 is reduced. and the amount of light received by the imaging unit 13 is determined not to be less than the threshold, the operation mode of the imaging unit 13 is switched to a third operation mode having a lower imaging frame rate than the first operation mode to perform imaging. When the second determination unit 200 determines that the power consumption of the battery 161 should be suppressed while causing the unit 13 to capture an image, the first determination unit 148 determines which of the light emission amount of the illumination unit 12 and the light reception amount of the imaging unit 13 is determined. When one of them is determined to be less than the threshold, the imaging unit 13 switches to the fourth operation mode, which has a lower imaging frame rate than the second operation mode and the same one-frame imaging period as the third operation mode. to take an image. As a result, the capsule endoscope 10A can be ejected from the subject 2 and the subject 2 can be observed even when the battery 161 is running low.

(Other embodiments)
Various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of components disclosed in the inspection systems according to the first and second embodiments of the present disclosure described above. For example, some components may be deleted from all the components described in the inspection systems according to the first and second embodiments of the present disclosure described above. Furthermore, the components described in the inspection systems according to the first and second embodiments of the present disclosure described above may be combined as appropriate.

Also, in the inspection systems according to the first and second embodiments of the present disclosure, the above-described "unit" can be read as "means" or "circuit". For example, the control unit can be read as control means or a control circuit.

In addition, in the description of the flowcharts in this specification, expressions such as "first", "after", and "following" were used to clarify the context of the processing between steps. The required order of processing is not uniquely defined by those representations. That is, the order of processing in the flow charts described herein may be changed within a consistent range.

As described above, some of the embodiments of the present application have been described in detail based on the drawings, but these are examples, and various modifications, It is possible to carry out the invention in other forms with modifications.

1 Inspection System 2 Subject 3 Receiving Antenna Unit 3a to 3h Receiving Antenna 4 Receiving Device 4a Cradle 5

Image Display Device

10, 10A Capsule Endoscope 11 Capsule Housing 12 Illumination Unit 13

Imaging Unit

14, 14A Control Unit 15 Wireless Communication Unit 16 Power Supply Unit 17 Oscillation Unit 111 Cylindrical Case 112 Dome-Shaped Case 113 Dome-Shaped Case 131 Optical System 132 Imaging Device 141 Reference Signal Generation Section 142 Second Imaging Clock Generation Section 143 Switching Section 144 First Output Buffer 145 Radio Clock Signal Generation Section 146 Second Output Buffer 147 Image Memory Section 148

First Determination Section

149, 210 Imaging Control Section 150 Radio Control Section 151 Radio Transmission Section 152 Radio Antenna 161 Battery 162 Power Supply Monitoring Section 200 Second Judging part

Claims

an illumination unit that irradiates illumination light toward a subject;
an imaging unit that performs imaging by receiving light reflected in the subject and generates image data;
a wireless communication unit that wirelessly transmits the image data generated by the imaging unit;
a first determination unit that determines whether one of the amount of light emitted by the illumination unit and the amount of light received by the imaging unit is less than a threshold;
Based on the determination result of the first determination unit, the operation mode of the imaging unit is set to the first operation mode, the imaging frame rate is set lower than that of the first operation mode, and the one-frame imaging period is set to the first operation mode. an imaging control unit that switches between a second operation mode longer than the first operation mode and causes the imaging unit to take an image;
A transmission period during which the wireless communication unit transmits the image data and an imaging period during which the imaging unit captures images are different periods, and a predetermined time has elapsed from a predetermined reference timing regardless of the operation mode at the time of imaging. a wireless control unit for transmitting the image data to the wireless communication unit at the timing;
comprising a
Intra-subject information acquisition device.
The intra-subject information acquisition device according to claim 1,
further comprising a reference signal generation unit that generates a reference signal having a predetermined period at predetermined intervals;
The wireless control unit
causing the wireless communication unit to transmit the image data at a timing after a predetermined time has elapsed from the rising timing of the reference signal;
Intra-subject information acquisition device.
The intra-subject information acquisition device according to claim 1 or 2,
The imaging control unit is
When the first determination unit determines that one of the light emission amount and the light reception amount is less than the threshold value, causing the imaging unit to perform imaging in the second operation mode,
When the first determination unit determines that one of the light emission amount and the light reception amount is not less than the threshold value, causing the imaging unit to perform imaging in the first operation mode;
Intra-subject information acquisition device.
The intra-subject information acquisition device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The first determination unit is
Determining whether one of the light emission amount and the light reception amount is less than the threshold each time the wireless communication unit transmits the image data,
Intra-subject information acquisition device.
The intra-subject information acquisition device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
a battery for powering;
a second determination unit that determines whether or not to suppress the power consumption of the battery based on at least the power information indicating the remaining amount of the battery;
further comprising
The imaging control unit is
When the second determination unit determines that the power consumption of the battery is suppressed, and the first determination unit determines that one of the light emission amount and the light reception amount is not less than the threshold value, The operation mode of the imaging unit is switched to a third operation mode in which the imaging frame rate is lower than that in the first operation mode and the imaging period of one frame is the same as the first operation mode, and the imaging unit picks up an image. while letting
When the first determination unit determines that one of the light emission amount and the light reception amount is less than the threshold value when the second determination unit determines that the power consumption of the battery is to be suppressed switching to a fourth operation mode in which the imaging frame rate is lower than that in the second operation mode and the imaging period of one frame is the same as in the third operation mode, and causes the imaging unit to perform imaging;
Intra-subject information acquisition device.
The intra-subject information acquisition device according to claim 5,
The wireless control unit
a transmission start timing for starting transmission of the image data generated by the imaging unit in the first operation mode to the wireless communication unit; a transmission start timing for causing the communication unit to start transmission; a transmission start timing for causing the wireless communication unit to start transmitting the image data generated by the imaging unit in the third operation mode; transmitting the image data to the wireless communication unit so that the transmission start timing for starting transmission of the image data generated in the operation mode of (1) to the wireless communication unit is the same as the timing after the predetermined time has elapsed;
Intra-subject information acquisition device.
The intra-subject information acquisition device according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
The threshold is
can be changed according to user operation,
Intra-subject information acquisition device.
The intra-subject information acquisition device according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
The wireless control unit
When the image data is transmitted to the wireless communication unit, operation identification information indicating an operation mode of the imaging unit is associated with the image data and transmitted to the wireless communication unit.
Intra-subject information acquisition device.
an intra-subject information acquisition device that is introduceably introduced into a subject and that transmits image data obtained by imaging the inside of the subject;
a receiving device that receives the image data transmitted from the intra-subject information acquisition device;
with
The in-vivo information acquisition device includes:
an illumination unit that irradiates illumination light toward the subject;
an imaging unit that performs imaging by receiving light reflected from the subject and generates the image data;
a wireless communication unit that wirelessly transmits the image data generated by the imaging unit;
a first determination unit that determines whether one of the amount of light emitted by the illumination unit and the amount of light received by the imaging unit is less than a threshold;
Based on the determination result of the first determination unit, the operation mode of the imaging unit is set to the first operation mode, the imaging frame rate is set lower than that of the first operation mode, and the one-frame imaging period is set to the first operation mode. an imaging control unit that switches between a second operation mode longer than the first operation mode and causes the imaging unit to take an image;
A transmission period during which the wireless communication unit transmits the image data and an imaging period during which the imaging unit captures images are different periods, and a predetermined time has elapsed from a predetermined reference timing regardless of the operation mode at the time of imaging. a wireless control unit for transmitting the image data to the wireless communication unit at the timing;
comprising
inspection system.
an illumination unit that irradiates illumination light toward a subject; an imaging unit that captures an image by receiving light reflected within the subject and generates image data; and the image data generated by the imaging unit. A control method executed by an in-vivo information acquiring apparatus comprising a wireless communication unit that performs wireless transmission,
a first determination step of determining whether one of the amount of light emitted by the illumination unit and the amount of light received by the imaging unit is less than a threshold;
Based on the determination result of the first determination step, the operation mode of the imaging unit is set to the first operation mode, the imaging frame rate is set lower than that of the first operation mode, and the one-frame imaging period is set to the first operation mode. an image capturing control step of switching between a second operation mode longer than the first operation mode and allowing the image capturing unit to capture an image;
A transmission period during which the wireless communication unit transmits the image data and an imaging period during which the imaging unit captures images are different periods, and a predetermined time has elapsed from a predetermined reference timing regardless of the operation mode at the time of imaging. a wireless control step of transmitting the image data to the wireless communication unit at the timing;
including,
control method.
an illumination unit that irradiates illumination light toward a subject; an imaging unit that captures an image by receiving light reflected within the subject and generates image data; and the image data generated by the imaging unit. a wireless communication unit that performs wireless transmission;
a first determination step of determining whether one of the amount of light emitted by the illumination unit and the amount of light received by the imaging unit is less than a threshold;
Based on the determination result of the first determination step, the operation mode of the imaging unit is set to the first operation mode, the imaging frame rate is set lower than that of the first operation mode, and the one-frame imaging period is set to the first operation mode. an image capturing control step of switching between a second operation mode longer than the first operation mode and allowing the image capturing unit to capture an image;
A transmission period during which the wireless communication unit transmits the image data and an imaging period during which the imaging unit captures images are different periods, and a predetermined time has elapsed from a predetermined reference timing regardless of the operation mode at the time of imaging. a wireless control step of transmitting the image data to the wireless communication unit at the timing;
to run
program.