Patent Application
20080021270
The present invention relates to a body insertable apparatus, which is inserted into a subject and picks up an image inside the subject, and to a body insertable apparatus system.
Recently, a swallowable capsule endoscope has been proposed in a field of endoscopes. The capsule endoscope has an imaging function and a radio transmission function. After being swallowed by a patient, i.e., a subject, from the mouth for an observation (examination), the capsule endoscope travels through inside body cavities, e.g. internal organs such as stomach and small intestine following peristaltic movements and sequentially captures images using the imaging function, according to which intra-subject images are captured at 0.5-second intervals, for example, until naturally discharged from a living body (human body) of the subject.
While the capsule endoscope travels through the internal organs, the capsule endoscope captures images in the body cavities thereby obtaining image data, and sequentially transmits the image data to an outside using the radio communication function. The image data is accumulated in a memory provided outside. When the subject carries the receiving apparatus equipped with the radio communication function and the memory function, the subject can move freely without inconveniences even after swallowing the capsule endoscope and before discharging the same. After the capsule endoscope is discharged, a doctor or a nurse can display images of the organs on a display unit or the like based on the image data accumulated in the memory, and make diagnosis (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
Generally, an imaging mechanism provided in the capsule endoscope has an optical system for focusing light supplied from outside, and a photoelectric transducer that converts the light focused by the optical system to electric signals. The capsule endoscope has a data generator that generates image data based on the electric signals output from the imaging mechanism. A necessary processing such as modulation is performed on the image data generated by the data generator, and the processed image data is radio transmitted to outside.
The aforementioned capsule endoscope having a plurality of imaging mechanisms is proposed. The plurality of imaging mechanisms are provided inside the capsule endoscope to obtain a plurality of image data, in which each image data corresponds to different field of view. Thus, obtainable information on the body cavity of a patient increases so that the doctor can make diagnosis on the body cavity more accurately.
Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2003-19111
However, when the capsule endoscope comes to have the plurality of imaging mechanisms, a size of the capsule endoscope increases due to an increase in a number of elements provided therein, and a number of wirings electrically connecting the elements increases correspondingly. Normally, each element housed in the capsule endoscope is arranged on a different board. Hence, as the number of elements increases, the number of boards housed in the capsule endoscope increases, and inside the capsule endoscope, a region occupied by the boards increases. Further, it is required to electrically connect the elements with each other. Hence, the number of the wirings electrically connecting the boards increases along with the increase in the number of the boards. As a result, the size of the capsule endoscope increases, and probability of disconnection of the wirings increases along with the increase in the number of the wirings. Therefore, the capsule endoscope having the aforementioned configuration is not appropriate.
The present invention is provided in view of the foregoing, and an object of the present invention is to realize a body insertable apparatus, which suppresses increase in the number of boards due to increase in the number of elements, and to realize a body insertable apparatus system.
A body insertable apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention is inserted into a subject and picks up an image inside a subject, and includes an outer casing member that determines an outer shape of the body insertable apparatus; an imaging board that is arranged inside the outer casing member; a first imaging mechanism that is arranged on one region of the imaging board and includes a first optical system, and a first photoelectric transducer that photoelectrically converts light coming through the first optical system; and a second imaging mechanism that is arranged on other region of the imaging board and includes a second optical system, and a second photoelectric transducer that photoelectrically converts light coming through the second optical system.
According to this body insertable apparatus, the first photoelectric transducer and the second photoelectric transducer are arranged on the same imaging board. Hence, a number of boards provided inside the outer casing member can be reduced, and increase in a size of the body insertable apparatus can be suppressed.
In the body insertable apparatus, the first imaging mechanism may be arranged on a first face of the imaging board, and the second imaging mechanism may be arranged on a second face of the imaging board, the second face being different from the first face.
The body insertable apparatus according to the present invention may further include a data generator that is arranged on the imaging board and generates image data based on electric signals output from the first photoelectric transducer and the second photoelectric transducer.
In the body insertable apparatus, the first photoelectric transducer and the data generator may be electrically connected to each other through a wiring configuration formed on the imaging board, and the second photoelectric transducer and the data generator may be electrically connected to each other through a wiring configuration formed on the imaging board.
In the body insertable apparatus, the imaging board may have a bent portion outside the regions on which the first imaging mechanism and the second imaging mechanism are arranged.
In the body insertable apparatus, the imaging board may be bent at plural bent portions to form a U-shaped cross section, and the first photoelectric transducer, the second photoelectric transducer, and the data generator may be arranged on a face of protruding region side of the U-shaped imaging board. The body insertable apparatus may further include a power supply unit that is arranged on a face of depressed region side of the U-shaped imaging board.
The body insertable apparatus may further include a first illuminating board that has a curved shape matching with a shape of an inner face of the outer casing member and is arranged near the first imaging mechanism, a first illuminating unit that is arranged on the first illuminating board and outputs illuminating light in synchronization with an imaging operation of the first imaging mechanism, a second illuminating board that has a curved shape matching with the shape of an inner face of the outer casing member and is arranged near the second imaging mechanism, a second illuminating unit that is arranged on the second illuminating board and outputs illuminating light in synchronization with an imaging operation of the second imaging mechanism.
A body insertable apparatus system according to another aspect of the present invention includes a body insertable apparatus that is inserted into a subject, picks up an image inside the subject, and transmits a radio signal containing information on the image picked up; and a receiving device that receives the radio signal transmitted by the body insertable apparatus. The body insertable apparatus includes an outer casing member that determines an outer shape of the body insertable apparatus; an imaging board that is arranged inside the outer casing member; a first imaging mechanism that is arranged on one region of the imaging board and includes a first optical system, and a first photoelectric transducer that photoelectrically converts light coming through the first optical system; a second imaging mechanism that is arranged on other region of the imaging board and includes a second optical system, and a second photoelectric transducer that photoelectrically converts light coming through the second optical system; and a transmitting unit that transmits the radio signal containing the information on the image picked up by the first imaging mechanism and the second imaging mechanism. The receiving device includes a receiving circuit that performs a predetermined receiving processing on the radio signal received by a receiving antenna; and a signal processing unit that extracts the information on the image from a signal on which the receiving processing is performed by the receiving circuit.
In a body insertable apparatus and a body insertable apparatus system according to the present invention, a first photoelectric transducer and a second photoelectric transducer are arranged on a same imaging board. Consequently, a number of boards provided inside an outer casing member can be reduced, and increase in size of the body insertable apparatus can be suppressed.
1 Subject
2 Capsule endoscope
3 Receiving device
4 Display device
5 Portable recording medium
6
a-6h Receiving antennas
9 Antenna selector
10 Receiving circuit
11 Signal processing unit
12 Control unit
13 Storage unit
14 A/D converter
15 Power supply unit
17 Outer casing member
17
a Imaging window
17
b Imaging window
18 Imaging board
19 First imaging mechanism
19
a First imaging device
19
b First optical system
19
c Holder member
20 Second imaging mechanism
20
a Second imaging device
20
b Second optical system
20
c Holder member
21 First illuminating board
22 First illuminating unit
23 Second illuminating board
24 Second illuminating unit
25 Transmitting unit
25
a Transmitting board
25
b transmitting antenna
26 Power unit
26
a Power board
26
b,
26
c Storage battery
27 Data generator
28 Timing controller
29 Wiring configuration
29
a Printed wiring
29
b Through hole
30 Selector
32 First illuminating board
33 Second illuminating board
34, 35 Opening
37 Capsule endoscope
38 Outer casing member
38
a,
38
b Imaging window
39
a,
39
b Bent portion
39 Imaging board
40 Transmitting unit
Hereinafter, embodiments of a body insertable apparatus and a body insertable apparatus system according to the present invention is explained. It should be noted that the accompanying drawings are merely schematic, and relation between width and thickness of each portion, thickness ratio of one portion to another, and the like may be different in an actual apparatus and a system. The dimensional relations and the ratio may be different from one drawing to another.
A body insertable apparatus system according to a first embodiment is explained.
The display device 4 serves to display a subject interior image and the like picked up by the capsule endoscope 2 and received by the receiving device 3, and the display device 4 has a configuration such as a workstation that displays the image based on data acquired from the portable recording medium 5. Specifically, the display device 4 may have a configuration that directly displays the image through a cathode ray tube (CRT) display, a liquid crystal display, and the like, or may have a configuration that outputs the image to other medium, such as a printer.
The portable recording medium 5 is detachable with respect to the receiving device 3 and the display device 4, and can record or output the information when the portable recording medium 5 is attached to the receiving device 3 or the display device 4. Specifically, the portable recording medium 5 is attached to the receiving device 3 and records the subject interior image, while the capsule endoscope 2 travels through inside the body cavity of the subject 1. After the capsule endoscope 2 is discharged from the subject 1, the portable recording medium 5 is removed from the receiving device 3, and attached to the display device 4. Then, the display device 4 reads the data recorded on the portable recording medium 5. Unlike when the receiving device 3 is connected to the display device 4 through a cable, the subject 1 can freely move while the capsule endoscope 2 travels through inside the subject 1, since the data is transferred between the receiving device 3 and the display device 4 through a portable recording medium 5 consisting of a compact flash® memory and the like.
Receiving antennas 6a to 6h consist of, for example, loop antennas. During their use, the loop antennas are fixed on predetermined positions of a body surface of the subject 1, and the receiving antennas 6a to 6h preferably have securing units for fixing the loop antennas on the body surface of the subject 1.
The receiving device 3 serves to perform a receiving processing on the radio signals received through one of the receiving antennas 6a to 6h.
The antenna selector 9 serves to select the antenna, which is appropriate for receiving the radio signals, from the receiving antennas 6a to 6h. Specifically, the antenna selector 9 selects the predetermined receiving antenna 6 under the control of the control unit 12, and outputs the radio signals received through the selected receiving antenna 6 to the receiving circuit 10.
The receiving circuit 10 serves to perform the predetermined processing such as the demodulation on the radio signals received through the selected receiving antenna 6. The receiving circuit 10 outputs the analog signals, which correspond to the strength of the radio signals, to the A/D converter 14.
The signal processing unit 11 serves to extract predetermined information from the signals, on which the predetermined processing is performed by the receiving circuit 10. For example, when the radio signals to be received by the receiving device 3 are transmitted from an electronic device having an imaging function, the signal processing unit 11 extracts the image data from the signals output from the receiving circuit 10.
The control unit 12 serves to perform a general controlling of operations including an antenna selection operation performed by the antenna selector 9. Specifically, the control unit 12 transfers the information output from the signal processing unit 11 to the storage unit 13, and stores the transferred information in the storage unit 13. Further, the control unit 12 selects the receiving antenna 6 to be used based on digital signals (for example, received signal strength indicator (RSSI)), which are output from the A/D converter 14, corresponding to the receiving strength, and the control unit 12 commands the antenna selector 9 to select the receiving antenna 6.
The storage unit 13 serves to store the information extracted by the signal processing unit 11. Specifically, the storage unit 13 may have a memory and the like that store the information; however, in the first embodiment, the storage unit 13 writes the information into the portable recording medium 5.
The capsule endoscope 2 is explained. The capsule endoscope 2 functions as a body insertable apparatus. The capsule endoscope 2 acquires the image data inside the subject 1, and transmits the radio signals containing the acquired image data to the receiving device 3.
The transmitting unit 25 serves to transmit the radio signals to the receiving device 3. Specifically, the transmitting unit 25 is arranged at a predetermined position inside the outer casing member 17, and has a transmitting board 25a, on which electronic circuit required to perform modulation and the like is formed, and a transmitting antenna 25b that transmits signals on which the processing is performed by the electronic circuit formed on the transmitting board 25a.
The power unit 26 serves to supply the driving power to the elements, such as the first imaging mechanism 19, provided inside the capsule endoscope 2. Specifically, the power unit 26 has a power board 26a on which a required electronic circuit including electrodes is formed, and a storage battery 26b arranged on the power board 26a and electrically connected to the electrodes formed on the power board 26a.
The imaging board 18 serves to support the elements such as the first imaging mechanism 19 and the second imaging mechanism 20. Specifically, the first imaging mechanism 19 is arranged on the first face of the imaging board 18, the second imaging mechanism 20 is arranged on the second face opposing to the first face, and the data generator 27 and the timing controller 28 are arranged on one of the first face and the second face. Since the elements are arranged on the same board, the wiring configuration 29 that electrically connects the elements is formed on the imaging board 18. The wiring configuration 29 includes a through hole 29b that electrically connects the first face and the second face of the imaging board 18 to each other, in addition to a printed wiring configuration 29a formed on a surface of the imaging board 18.
The first imaging mechanism 19 serves to convert external light coming through an imaging window 17a formed at the outer casing member 17 to electric signals. Specifically, the first imaging mechanism 19 has a first imaging element 19a that functions as a photoelectric transducer, a first optical system 19b that focuses the external light coming through the imaging widow 17a on a light receiving face of the first imaging element 19a, and a holder member 19c that secures the first optical system 19b therein.
The first imaging element 19a outputs electric signals corresponding to strength of light focused on the predetermined light receiving face, and functions as a first photoelectric transducer. Specifically, the first imaging element 19a consists of a charge coupled device (CCD), and has a photoelectric transducer such as a photodiode arranged in a matrix shape on the predetermined light receiving face. In the first embodiment, the first imaging element 19a has a predetermined electrical connecting terminal (not shown) at a section that is in contact with the first face of the imaging board 18, and the first imaging element 19a is electrically connected to the wiring configuration 29 formed on the imaging board 18 through the connecting terminal.
The first optical system 19b serves to focus the external light coming through the imaging window 17a on the light receiving face of the first imaging element 19a. In the example of
The second imaging mechanism 20 serves to convert the external light coming through an imaging window 17b formed at the outer casing member 17 to electric signals. Specifically, as similar to the first imaging mechanism 19, the second imaging mechanism 20 has a second imaging element 20a, a second optical system 20b, and a holder member 20c that secures the second optical system 20b therein. As similar to the first imaging device 19a, the second imaging device 20a consists of a CCD and the like, and has a predetermined connecting terminal at a section that is in contact with the second face of the imaging board 18. The second optical system 20b has a configuration similar to the configuration of the first optical system 19b, and the holder member 20c has a configuration that is similar to the configuration of the holder member 19c; therefore, explanations thereof are not to be repeated.
The first illuminating unit 22 and the second illuminating unit 24 serve to output illuminating light that illuminates tissue, i.e., an imaging object, inside the subject during the imaging operation by the first imaging mechanism 19 and the second imaging mechanism 20. Specifically, the first illuminating unit 22 and the second illuminating unit 24 consist of a light emitting diode (LED) and the like, and the first illuminating unit 22 and the second illuminating unit 24 output the illuminating light with timings in synchronization with the imaging operation of the first imaging mechanism 19 and the second imaging mechanism 20, respectively.
The timing controller 28 serves to at least control operation timings of the elements, such as the first imaging mechanism 19, arranged on the imaging board 18. Specifically, the timing controller 28 includes, for example, a timing generator that generates pulse signals, which is reference to the driving timing, and the timing controller 28 outputs controlling signals generated based on the reference pulse signals to each element.
Connection relationships among the elements provided in the capsule endoscope 2 are explained.
The selector 30 serves to select the electric signals output from one of the first imaging mechanism 19 and the second imaging mechanism 20, and outputs the selected electric signals to the data generator 27. Although the selector 30 is not shown in
In the connection relationships among the aforementioned elements, the elements used for an image data generation, i.e., the first imaging mechanism 19, the second imaging mechanism 20, the first illuminating unit 22, the second illuminating unit 24, the selector 30, the data generator 27, and the timing controller 28, are connected to each other by the wiring configuration 29 formed on the imaging board 18. Hence, among the connections shown in
Advantages associated with the body insertable apparatus system according to the first embodiment is explained. In the aforementioned capsule endoscope 2 of the first embodiment, the first imaging mechanism 19 and the second imaging mechanism 20 are arranged on the single imaging board 18. Thus, a number of boards provided in the capsule endoscope 2 can be reduced compared to when the first imaging mechanism 19 and the second imaging mechanism 20 are each arranged on a different board.
In the first embodiment, the first imaging mechanism 19 is arranged on the first face of the imaging board 18, and the second imaging mechanism 20 is arranged on the second face that is different from the first face. Since the first embodiment employs the aforementioned configuration, an imaging field of view of the first imaging mechanism 19 differs from an imaging field of view of the second imaging mechanism 20, and a subject interior image associated with a wider range can be obtained.
The first imaging mechanism 19 and the second imaging mechanism 20, and in addition, the elements, such as the data generator 27, associated with the generation of the image data are each arranged on the imaging board 18. Since the wiring configuration 29 formed on the imaging board 18 electrically connects each element, a region occupied by the wiring configuration provided inside the capsule endoscope 2 can be reduced. Particularly, when the plurality of imaging mechanisms are provided as similar to the first embodiment, the number of the wiring configuration running towards the data generator 27 from the imaging mechanisms increases by the increased number of the imaging mechanisms. When the data generator 27 is arranged on a board that is different from a board on which the imaging mechanisms are arranged, the number of the wiring configuration used to connect the boards is increased compared to when a single imaging mechanism is provided. Thus, the region occupied by the wiring configuration increases. In the first embodiment, however, the first imaging mechanism 19, the second imaging mechanism 20, the data generator 27 can be connected to each other by printed wiring 29a and the like. Thus, even when the number of the imaging mechanisms is increased, the region occupied by the wiring configuration inside an interior space region of the capsule endoscope 2 does not increase, and it can be prevented to increase a size of the capsule endoscope 2.
Modification
A modification of a body insertable apparatus system according to the first embodiment is explained. In the modification, a first illuminating board and a second illuminating board provided in the capsule endoscope are curved so as to match with a shape of an inner face of the outer casing member of the capsule endoscope.
Generally, the outer casing member 17 of the capsule endoscope has a shape in which semispherical dorm members are fixed on both ends of a cylindrical member, and it is apparent from
By the capsule endoscope employing the aforementioned configuration, a region, in which the elements other than the first illuminating board 32 and the like are arranged, can sufficiently be obtained. Since the first illuminating board 32 and the second illuminating board 33 have the curved shapes that match with the shape of the inner face of the outer casing member 17, spaces between the outer casing member 17 and each of the first illuminating board 32 and the second illuminating board 33 can be reduced, and the region in which other elements are arranged can sufficiently be obtained on the inner face (a face opposite to a face in front of the outer casing member 17) of the first illuminating board 32 and the like.
Depressed portions housing the first illuminating unit 22 and the second illuminating unit 24 can be formed on, for example, the first illuminating board 32 and the second illuminating board 33. By the capsule endoscope employing the aforementioned configuration, height of protrusions formed by the first illuminating unit 22 and the like can be reduced or eliminated. Thus, a space region between the board such as the first illuminating board 32 and the outer casing member 17 can be reduced.
A body insertable apparatus system according to a second embodiment is explained. In the body insertable apparatus system according to the second embodiment, an imaging board provided in the capsule endoscope has a predetermined bent portion, and the bent portion forms a U-shaped cross section of the imaging board.
As shown in
The first imaging mechanism 19 and the second imaging mechanism 20 are arranged so that optical axes of the optical system match with a traveling direction and a direction opposite to the traveling direction (i.e., longitudinal direction of the outer casing member 38) of the capsule endoscope 37. Imaging windows 38a and 38b are formed corresponding to imaging field of views of the first imaging mechanism 19 and the second imaging mechanism 20, respectively, on the outer casing member 38. Electrical properties of each of the first imaging mechanism 19, the second imaging mechanism 20, the data generator 27, and the timing controller 28 are the same as the electrical properties explained in the first embodiment, and as similar to the first embodiment, elements are electrically connected to each other by the wiring configuration 29 such as the printed wiring configuration 29a and the through hole 29b. To realize the configuration having the bent portion, it is preferred to form the imaging board 39 by a flexible board or a rigid/flexible composite board, or at least regions corresponding to the bent portions 39a and 39b are preferred to be made by a flexible board that can easily be bent.
Advantages associated with the body insertable apparatus system according to the second embodiment is explained. As similar to the first embodiment, in the body insertable apparatus system according to the second embodiment, both the first imaging mechanism 19 and the second imaging mechanism 20 are arranged on the single imaging board 39, so that an advantage such that the number of the boards can be reduced is obtained.
In the body insertable apparatus system according to the second embodiment, the imaging board 39 provided in the capsule endoscope 37 has the bent portions 39a and 39b so that the cross section of the imaging board 39 has U-shape. Therefore, even when the imaging field of views of the first imaging mechanism 19 and the second imaging mechanism 20 extend in the longitudinal direction of the outer casing member 38, the first imaging mechanism 19 and the second imaging mechanism 20 may be arranged on the same imaging board 39. As similar to the first embodiment, when the first imaging mechanism 19 and the second imaging mechanism 20 are arranged on the front face and the back face, respectively, of the plate-like board having no bent portion, other elements such as the batteries 26b and 26c are required to be arranged, with respect to the first imaging mechanism 19 and the like, in a short side direction of the outer casing member 38 to avoid blocking the imaging field of views. Consequently, a size of the capsule endoscope 37 increases. On the other hand, in the body insertable apparatus system according to the second embodiment, the cross section of the imaging board 39 provided in the capsule endoscope 37 has the U-shape, and the batteries 26b and 26c are arranged on the depressed region side of the U-shape. Therefore, even though the imaging field of views of the first imaging mechanism 19 and the second imaging mechanism 20 extend in the longitudinal direction of the outer casing member 38, the increase in the size of the capsule endoscope 37 can be prevented.
As described hereinbefore, a body insertable apparatus and a body insertable apparatus system according to the present invention are useful for an image capturing process of an image of a subject interior such as a body cavity interior, and appropriate for a body insertable apparatus and a body insertable apparatus system that can suppress increase in size of the body insertable apparatus while having an imaging function for obtaining a plurality of images, each corresponding to a different field of view inside the subject.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2004-201931 | Jul 2004 | JP | national |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind | 371c Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/JP05/12419 | 7/5/2005 | WO | 12/29/2006 |
