JP4892065B2 - Receiver and in-subject information acquisition system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a receiving apparatus or an in-subject information acquisition system that includes an antenna that receives a radio signal including an information component of a predetermined unit constituting an information body portion, and that processes the information component of the radio signal received by the antenna. Is.

  In recent years, capsule endoscopes equipped with an imaging function and a wireless communication function have appeared in the field of endoscopes. In this capsule endoscope, an observation period from when it is swallowed from the subject's mouth for observation (examination) until it is spontaneously discharged from the subject's body, for example, inside an organ such as the stomach or small intestine It has a function of moving (within the body cavity) with the peristaltic motion and sequentially imaging using the imaging function.

  In addition, during this observation period of moving inside these organs, image data imaged in the body cavity by the capsule endoscope is sequentially transmitted to the outside of the subject by a wireless communication function such as Bluetooth, and an external receiving device It is stored in a memory provided in the inside. When the subject carries the receiving device having the wireless communication function and the memory function, the subject suffers inconvenience even during the observation period from swallowing the capsule endoscope until it is discharged. It becomes possible to act freely. After the observation, a doctor or a nurse can make a diagnosis by displaying an image in the body cavity on a display means such as a display based on the image data stored in the memory of the receiving device (for example, Patent Document 1). reference).

  By the way, in the conventional capsule endoscope, in the capsule endoscope system, the image data captured by the capsule endoscope is wirelessly transmitted by the same data configuration as that in the case of image transmission by the NTSC system, for example. That is, in the conventional capsule endoscope system, as image data corresponding to one image, synchronization data including a vertical synchronization signal for synchronizing in the vertical direction, and scanning line data of each scanning line including a horizontal synchronization signal, Are transmitted with a so-called horizontal blanking period provided between the scanning line data.

Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2001-231186 (page 3, FIG. 1)

  By the way, in the conventional capsule endoscope system, the receiving apparatus scans after detecting the vertical direction of the image using the vertical synchronization signal, that is, the head portion, among the data transmitted from the capsule endoscope. Image information corresponding to one image has been acquired by detecting a horizontal synchronizing signal for each line data, detecting the head of each scanning line data, and processing each scanning line data. The conventional capsule endoscope system employs an asynchronous method in which the frequency of the radio signal transmitted from the capsule endoscope is not synchronized with the frequency of the reference clock on the receiving device side. In this case, when the radio signal transmitted from the capsule endoscope is disturbed during transmission due to external noise or the like, the receiving apparatus uses the frequency of the reference clock of the receiver apparatus and the radio signal transmitted from the capsule endoscope. The vertical synchronization signal could not be detected because the frequency was not synchronized. As a result, there has been a problem that the receiving apparatus cannot detect the head of the image information to which the vertical synchronization signal is added and cannot process this image information. Similarly, when the wireless signal is disturbed during reception of the wireless signal corresponding to one image, the receiving device cannot detect the horizontal synchronization signal attached to the head of each scanning line data. As a result, the receiving device could not perform image processing on the scanning line data for which the horizontal synchronization signal could not be detected. Therefore, the conventional receiving apparatus is forced to process the scanning line data after the horizontal synchronization signal that cannot be detected as noise, and cannot accurately acquire one image corresponding to the image data. It was. As described above, conventionally, all the images in the body cavity acquired by the capsule endoscope cannot be provided to the doctor or nurse who is the user, which may hinder accurate diagnosis by the user.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described drawbacks of the prior art, and by accurately synchronizing the capsule endoscope and the receiving apparatus, image information corresponding to one image is accurately obtained. It is an object of the present invention to provide a receiving device and an in-subject information acquisition system that can perform the above-described processing.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, a receiving apparatus according to the present invention includes an antenna that receives a radio signal including an information component of a predetermined unit constituting an information body portion, and the radio received by the antenna In a receiving device that processes the information component of the signal, a synchronization signal attached to the information component is detected for each information component, and when the synchronization signal is detected, a detection signal indicating the head of the information component is generated. When the synchronization signal is not detected, a detection unit that generates a reproduction signal indicating a head of the information component based on the detection signal generated last time, and the detection signal generated by the detection unit or the detection signal A timing signal that outputs a timing signal that indicates the processing start timing of the information component in accordance with the input timing of the information component based on the reproduction signal And processing means for starting the processing of the information component in synchronization with the input timing of the information component based on the timing signal output from the timing signal output means. Features.

  The receiving device according to the present invention is characterized in that the detection means outputs the detection signal when it detects a predetermined portion or more set in advance in the entire synchronization signal.

  Further, in the receiving device according to the present invention, when the detection means does not detect the synchronization signal in a period from the generation of the previous detection signal to the detection of the synchronization signal for the next information component, The reproduction signal is generated.

  Further, in the receiving device according to the present invention, the timing signal output means causes the detection means to output an initial output of the timing signal based on the reproduction signal rather than an initial output of the timing signal based on the detection signal. The playback signal generation period is advanced.

  In the receiving apparatus according to the present invention, the wireless signal is a signal including an image signal, the information component is a scanning line component constituting the image signal, and the synchronization signal is a horizontal synchronization signal. It is characterized by that.

  The receiving apparatus according to the present invention is characterized in that the wireless signal is formed including in-subject information acquired by a transmitting apparatus introduced into the subject.

  In addition, an in-subject information acquisition system according to the present invention is introduced into a subject and transmits a radio signal including the acquired information to the outside, and is transmitted from the in-subject introduction device. In the subject information acquisition system comprising a receiving device that receives a received radio signal, the in-subject introduction device is a signal including the acquired in-subject information and is provided at the head of each predetermined signal component. A signal output unit that outputs a signal with a processing reference signal; and a wireless transmission unit that wirelessly transmits the signal output by the signal output unit to the outside. An antenna that receives a radio signal including an information component of a predetermined unit and a synchronization signal attached to the information component are detected for each information component, and when the synchronization signal is detected, the head of the information component is indicated. When a detection signal is generated and the synchronization signal is not detected, a detection unit that generates a reproduction signal indicating a head of the information component based on the detection signal generated last time, and the generation unit Timing signal output means for outputting, to the processing means, a timing signal for instructing processing start timing of the information component in correspondence with the input timing of the information component to the processing means based on the detection signal or the reproduction signal; And processing means for starting the processing of the information component in synchronization with the input timing of the information component based on the timing signal output from the timing signal output means. .

  According to the receiving device of the present invention, when the synchronization signal cannot be detected from the information component of the received radio signal, a reproduction signal is generated based on the detection signal generated last time, and the reproduction signal is used. Since the processing synchronization with respect to the information component is reliably performed, the information component of the received radio signal can be processed accurately. As a result, according to the present invention, when the signal to be processed is an image signal, the image signal transmitted from the transmission device is accurately processed on the reception device side and transmitted to the user from the transmission device. Images can be provided appropriately.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an overall configuration of an in-vivo information acquiring system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the receiving apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the capsule endoscope shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the processing operation of the reference signal component output unit shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating signal components output from the reference signal component output unit and the signal processing unit illustrated in FIG. 3. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a signal component output from the insertion unit shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating signal components output from the reference signal component output unit and the signal processing unit illustrated in FIG. 3. FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a signal component output from the insertion unit shown in FIG. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating signal components output from the insertion unit illustrated in FIG. FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the capsule endoscope according to the second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a configuration of the receiving apparatus according to the second embodiment. FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of the receiving apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the processing operation of the synchronization signal detector shown in FIG. FIG. 14 is a timing chart for explaining detection signal generation and output processing shown in FIG. FIG. 15 is a timing chart illustrating detection signal generation and output processing shown in FIG. FIG. 16 is a timing chart for explaining the reproduction signal generation and output processing shown in FIG. FIG. 17 is a timing chart for explaining the reproduction signal generation and output processing shown in FIG. FIG. 18 is a timing chart for explaining the processing operation of the timing signal generator shown in FIG. FIG. 19 is a timing chart for explaining the processing operation of the timing signal generator shown in FIG.

  Hereinafter, a transmitting apparatus, a receiving apparatus, and an in-vivo information acquiring system, which are the best modes for carrying out the present invention (hereinafter simply referred to as “embodiments”), will be described with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the diagrams are schematic, and the relationship between the thickness and width of each part, the ratio of the thicknesses of each part, etc., are different from the actual ones. Of course, there are parts with different relationships and ratios. In the description of the drawings, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. In the following, the embodiment will be described using an example in which the transmission device and the reception device are applied to the in-subject information acquisition system. However, as an application field of the transmission device and the reception device, the in-subject information acquisition system is described. Needless to say, it is not necessary to interpret it in a limited manner.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a wireless in-vivo information acquiring system including a transmitting device and a receiving device according to an embodiment. In FIG. 1, an in-subject information acquisition system is introduced into the body of a subject 1, a capsule endoscope 2 that takes an image of a body cavity and transmits data such as an image signal to a receiving device 3, And a receiving device 3 having a wireless receiving function. The in-subject information acquisition system also includes a display device 4 that displays an image in the body cavity based on a radio signal received by the receiving device 3, and a portable device for transferring data between the receiving device 3 and the display device 4. A mold recording medium 5. The receiving device 3 includes an antenna group 3a and an external device 3b that performs processing of a radio signal received by the antenna group 3a.

  The display device 4 is for displaying and processing an in-vivo image captured by the capsule endoscope 2, and a workstation that performs image display and image processing based on data obtained by the portable recording medium 5. Etc. The display device 4 may be configured to directly display an image using a CRT display, a liquid crystal display, or the like, or may be configured to output an image to another medium such as a printer.

  The portable recording medium 5 can be attached to and detached from the external device 3b and the display device 4, and has a structure capable of outputting or recording information when being inserted into both. Specifically, the portable recording medium 5 is inserted into the external device 3 b and transmitted from the capsule endoscope 2 while the capsule endoscope 2 is moving in the body cavity of the subject 1. Record the data. Then, after the capsule endoscope 2 is ejected from the subject 1, that is, after imaging of the inside of the subject 1 is finished, the capsule endoscope 2 is taken out from the external device 3b and inserted into the display device 4 to be attached to the display device. The data recorded by 4 is read out. For example, data is exchanged between the external device 3b and the display device 4 using a portable recording medium 5 such as a compact flash (registered trademark) memory, so that the external device 3b and the display device 4 are connected by wire. Unlike the case, the subject 1 can freely move during imaging in the body cavity. In this example, the portable recording medium 5 is used to exchange data between the external device 3b and the display device 4. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the external device 3b has another built-in recording device, for example, You may comprise so that both may be wired or wirelessly connected for a data transfer between the display apparatuses 4 using a hard disk.

  Next, the capsule endoscope 2 and the receiving device 3 will be described. In the first embodiment, the capsule endoscope 2 functions as a transmitting device and an in-subject introduction device in the scope of claims, and is introduced into the subject 1 so as to be inside the subject. It has a function of acquiring image information as information and transmitting a radio signal to the receiving device 3.

  First, the receiving device 3 will be described. FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram showing the overall configuration of the receiving device 3. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the receiving device 3 includes an antenna group 3a having receiving antennas A1 to An for receiving radio signals transmitted from the capsule endoscope 2, and receiving antennas A1 to An. And an external device 3b that performs predetermined processing on a radio signal received via the network.

  The receiving antennas A1 to An are for receiving radio signals transmitted from the capsule endoscope 2. Specifically, the receiving antennas A <b> 1 to An have a configuration including, for example, a loop antenna and a fixing means for fixing the loop antenna on the surface of the subject 1. In the first embodiment, the capsule endoscope 2 that is a radio signal transmission source is introduced into the subject 1 and transmits a radio signal while moving inside the subject 1, so that the receiving antenna A1 ~ An is selected based on the control of the external device 3b, and the one with the best radio signal reception condition, for example, the one with the highest reception intensity, is selected according to the position of the capsule endoscope 2 The radio signal is received via the receiving antenna A.

  The external device 3a is for performing predetermined reception processing on a radio signal received via any one of the reception antennas A1 to An. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the external device 3 b includes a reception unit 31, a conversion unit 33, a synchronization signal detection unit 34, an image processing unit 35, a control unit 36, a storage unit 37, and a power supply unit 38. The receiving unit 31 switches the antenna A used when receiving a radio signal, performs reception processing such as demodulation and analog / digital conversion on the radio signal received via the switched antenna A, and outputs the signal Sa. Output. The conversion unit 33 converts the signal Sa output from the reception unit 31 into an image signal S1 in a signal format that can be processed by the image processing unit 35. For example, when the signal Sa is in the serial format, the conversion unit 33 outputs the image signal Sl converted into the parallel format. The synchronization signal detection unit 34 detects various synchronization signals from the signal Sa and outputs a timing signal St that instructs the timing of image processing in the image processing unit 35. The image processing unit 35 performs a predetermined process on the image signal S1 output from the conversion unit 33 and outputs an image signal Sf corresponding to an image of one frame. The control unit 36 performs output control of the image signal Sf input through the image processing unit 35 together with overall control. The synchronization ensuring unit 39 includes a reference clock 39a that outputs a clock signal that is a processing reference for the radio signal transmitted from the capsule endoscope 2. When the radio signal received by the receiving unit 31 includes a predetermined reference signal component, the synchronization ensuring unit 39 uses the reference signal included in the reference signal component to generate the clock signal of the reference clock 39a. The frequency is changed in accordance with the frequency fluctuation of the radio signal transmitted from the capsule endoscope 2, and the frequency of the radio signal transmitted from the capsule endoscope 2 is synchronized with the frequency of the reference clock 39a. Yes. The storage unit 37 stores the image signal Sf based on the control of the control unit 36. Each image captured by the capsule endoscope 2 is stored in the storage unit 37. The power supply unit 38 supplies driving power to each of the above components. The external device 3a detects the strength of the radio signal received via the receiving antenna A, and the control unit 36 receives the antenna A used when receiving the radio signal so that the reception strength is maximized. The receiving unit 31 is instructed to switch to the antenna A for use.

  Next, the capsule endoscope 2 will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the capsule endoscope 2. As shown in FIG. 3, the capsule endoscope 2 includes an in-subject information acquisition unit 11 for acquiring in-subject information that is a processing target in the signal processing unit 12, and the acquired in-subject information. And a wireless transmission unit 15 for wireless transmission to the reception device 3. The capsule endoscope 2 is predetermined for the in-subject information output from the in-subject information acquisition unit 11 (this in-subject information will be described as the CCD signal C in the first embodiment). And a signal processing unit 12 that outputs the image signal S.

  The capsule endoscope 2 includes a reference signal component output unit 13 that generates and outputs a reference signal component D having a frequency selected corresponding to the synchronization mode in the capsule endoscope 2. The reference signal component D is used to synchronize the reference clock 39a of the receiving device 3 with the radio signal transmitted from the capsule endoscope 2, and includes at least reference signals including different signal levels.

  When the reference signal component D is output from the reference signal component output unit 13, the capsule endoscope 2 inserts the reference signal component D into the image signal S output from the signal processing unit 12 to the wireless transmission unit 15. An insertion section 14 for outputting is provided. The insertion unit 14 inserts and outputs the reference signal component D output from the reference signal component output unit 13 in a predetermined blank period in the image signal S or a horizontal blanking period in which no signal component exists. In addition to inserting the reference signal component D, the insertion unit 14 may have a function of superimposing the reference signal component D on a predetermined signal component.

  Moreover, the capsule endoscope 2 includes a timing generation unit 16 for synchronizing the drive timings of the above-described components. The timing generator 16 has a reference clock 16a that outputs a clock signal having a frequency of x [MHz], for example, and controls the drive timing of each component using the clock signal output from the reference clock 16a. is doing.

  In addition, the capsule endoscope 2 includes a battery 17 for supplying driving power of each component, and also includes a synchronization mode in the capsule endoscope 2, that is, whether or not a reference signal component is inserted and a reference to be inserted. A storage unit 22 is provided for storing instruction information indicating the frequency of the reference signal included in the signal component. The storage unit 22 stores identification information such as the use, model, and product number of the capsule endoscope 2, and such identification information functions as instruction information.

  The in-subject information acquisition unit 11 is for acquiring in-subject information when the capsule endoscope 2 is introduced into the subject 1. In the first embodiment, an in-subject image is acquired as in-subject information, and the in-subject information acquisition unit 11 has a configuration including an imaging function for performing image acquisition. Specifically, the in-subject information acquiring unit 11 is an LED 18 that functions as an illuminating unit, an LED driving circuit 19 that controls driving of the LED 18, and an imaging unit that captures an image of at least a part of the area illuminated by the LED 18. A CCD 20 that functions and outputs a CCD signal C, which is image information, and a CCD drive circuit 21 that controls the drive of the CCD 20 are provided. The LED drive circuit 19 and the CCD drive circuit 21 control the drive of the LED 18 and the CCD 20 in accordance with the timing instructed from the timing generator 16. In the first embodiment, the CCD is used as the imaging unit. However, such a configuration is not essential, and the imaging unit may be configured by a CMOS or the like, for example.

  The wireless transmission unit 15 is for wireless transmission of information input via the insertion unit 14 to the outside. Specifically, the wireless transmission unit 15 includes a transmission circuit 25 that performs necessary modulation processing on input information and a transmission antenna 26.

  The signal processing unit 12 is for generating an image signal S by performing a predetermined process on the CCD signal C acquired by the CCD 20, and functions as an information body output unit in the claims. Further, the image signal S output by the signal processing unit 12 functions as an information body part in the claims. The signal processing unit 12 outputs a scanning line component Se corresponding to each scanning line of the image information captured by the CCD 20 in the image signal period TM constituting one frame period (frame period) corresponding to one image. . The image signal S includes a head synchronization period TS having a head standard synchronization component Sd including a vertical synchronization signal, and a scanning line component Se corresponding to each scanning line including a horizontal synchronization signal and a predetermined line between each scanning line component Se. And an image signal period TM having a configuration provided with a horizontal blanking period Th that is a blanking period. The horizontal blanking period Th does not include any signal component. Here, the vertical synchronization signal and the horizontal synchronization signal are signals used to reconstruct an image in the receiving device 3, and the vertical synchronization signal is used for synchronizing in the vertical direction. Used for horizontal synchronization.

  The reference signal component output unit 13 selects a synchronization mode for the receiving device 3 in the capsule endoscope 2 based on the instruction information stored in the storage unit 22, and a frequency reference corresponding to the selected synchronization mode. This is for generating a signal and outputting a reference signal component D including the generated reference signal in accordance with the timing instructed by the timing generator 16. The reference signal component output unit 13 includes a synchronization mode selection unit 23 and a reference signal generation unit 24. The synchronization mode selection unit 23 selects a synchronization mode in the capsule endoscope 2 based on the instruction information stored in the storage unit 22. Specifically, the synchronization mode selection unit 23 determines whether or not the reference signal component corresponding to the synchronization mode in the capsule endoscope 2 is inserted, and the reference signal included in the reference signal component when the reference signal component is inserted. Select the frequency. The synchronization mode selection unit 23 corresponds to the complete synchronization mode in which the frequency corresponding to the frequency of the image signal S output from the signal processing unit 12 is used as a reference signal, and the frequency of the CCD signal C output from the in-subject information acquisition unit 11. Either a fixed synchronous mode using a frequency as a reference signal or an asynchronous mode not using a reference signal and not inserting a reference signal component is selected. The reference signal generation unit 24 generates a reference signal having a frequency corresponding to the synchronization mode selected by the synchronization mode selection unit 23, and outputs a reference signal component D including the generated reference signal. When the complete synchronization mode is selected by the synchronization mode selection unit 23, the reference signal generation unit 24 generates a complete reference signal having a frequency corresponding to the frequency of the image signal S output by the signal processing unit 12, and this complete reference A complete reference signal component Dp including the signal is output. Further, the reference signal generation unit 24 generates a fixed reference signal having a frequency corresponding to the frequency of the CCD signal C output from the in-subject information acquisition unit 11 when the fixed synchronization mode is selected by the synchronization mode selection unit 23. Then, a fixed reference signal component Dc including this fixed reference signal is output. The reference signal generator 24 does not generate a signal when the asynchronous mode is selected by the synchronous mode selector 23.

  Here, when the frequency of the reference clock 16a in the capsule endoscope 2 is x [MHz], the output frequency of the image signal S output from the signal processing unit 12 is (x / 6) [MHz]. The frequency of the drive clock of the CCD 20 is (x / 4) [MHz] obtained by dividing the reference clock x [MHz]. The timing generator 16 supplies a signal having an output frequency (x / 6) [MHz] of the image signal S and a signal supplying (x / 4) [MHz] which is the frequency of the drive clock of the CCD 20. And a processing timing of each component is controlled based on a signal output from the supply source.

Further, the reference signal generation unit 24 generates and outputs a signal having a frequency of (1/2 ⁿ ) of (x / 6) [MHz] as a complete reference signal. The reference signal generator 24 generates and outputs a signal having a frequency of (1/2 ⁿ ) of (x / 4) [MHz] as a fixed reference signal. For example, the reference signal generation unit 24 divides the frequency signal of the frequency of (x / 6) [MHz] and the fixed frequency divider frequency of the signal of frequency (x / 4) [MHz]. And a frequency dividing circuit for change. Each frequency dividing circuit and each signal supply source in the reference signal generation unit 24 are arranged via switches.

  When the complete synchronization mode is selected, the synchronization mode selection unit 23 turns on the switch between the complete change frequency dividing circuit and the (x / 6) [MHz] signal supply source, The signal generator 24 can be supplied with a signal of (x / 6) [MHz]. As a result, the reference signal generator 24 can generate and output a complete reference signal. When the fixed synchronization mode is selected, the synchronization mode selection unit 23 turns on the switch between the fixed change frequency dividing circuit and the (x / 4) [MHz] signal supply source, The signal generator 24 can be supplied with a signal of (x / 4) [MHz]. As a result, the reference signal generator 24 can generate and output a fixed reference signal. Note that when the asynchronous mode is selected, the synchronous mode selection unit 23 stops supplying signals to the reference signal generation unit 24 by maintaining the OFF state for any switch. As a result, the reference signal generator 24 does not generate any signal.

  Next, the processing operation of the reference signal component output unit 13 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the processing operation of the reference signal component output unit 13 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, first, the synchronization mode selection unit 23 acquires the instruction information and the like stored in the storage unit 22 (step S102), and based on the acquired instruction information, the complete synchronization mode and the fixed synchronization mode. Then, one of the asynchronous modes is selected (step S104). Then, the reference signal generation unit 24 determines whether the synchronization mode selected by the synchronization mode selection unit 23 is the complete synchronization mode, the fixed synchronization mode, or the asynchronous mode (Step S106). When the reference signal generation unit 24 determines that the synchronization mode selected by the synchronization mode selection unit 23 is a complete synchronization mode (step S106: complete synchronization mode), the reference signal generation unit 24 generates and generates a complete reference signal (step S108). The complete reference signal component Dp including the complete reference signal is output to the insertion unit 14 in accordance with the processing timing instructed from the timing generation unit 16 (step S110). Further, when the reference signal generation unit 24 determines that the synchronization mode selected by the synchronization mode selection unit 23 is the fixed synchronization mode (step S106: fixed synchronization mode), the reference signal generation unit 24 generates a fixed reference signal (step S112). The fixed reference signal component Dc including the generated fixed reference signal is output to the insertion unit 14 in accordance with the processing timing instructed from the timing generation unit 16 (step S114). Further, when the reference signal generation unit 24 determines that the synchronization mode selected by the synchronization mode selection unit 23 is an asynchronous mode (step S106: asynchronous mode), the reference signal generation unit 24 does not generate or output a reference signal.

  Next, the complete synchronization mode will be described. For example, when the synchronization mode selection unit 23 acquires information indicating that the capsule endoscope 2 is for an esophagus with a short imaging period among the identification information stored in the storage unit 22, Select the synchronization mode.

  Here, the signal processing unit 12 outputs image information picked up by the CCD 20 in the image signal period TM constituting one frame period (frame period) corresponding to one image. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, during the image signal period TM, the number of image line periods TH corresponding to the number of scanning lines is provided, and the signal processing unit 12 relates to each of the image line periods TH. A scanning line component Se corresponding to each scanning line of the image information is generated and output. The signal processing unit 12 generates a horizontal synchronization signal and outputs it in a state where it is attached to the head portion of the scanning line component Se. Further, a horizontal blanking period Th is provided between adjacent image line periods TH, and any signal component is included in the horizontal blanking period Th of the image signal S output from the signal processing unit 12. Suppose that there is no. In addition, a leading synchronization period corresponding to a processing preparation period for one image is provided on the receiving device side in the leading portion of one frame period, and the signal processing unit 12 performs vertical synchronization signals within the leading synchronization period TS. And a standard synchronization component Sd including the vertical synchronization signal is output. The image signal S includes a standard synchronization component Sd and each scanning line component Se, and includes a horizontal blanking period Th between the scanning line components Se.

  When the complete synchronization mode is selected by the synchronization mode selection unit 23, the reference signal generation unit 24 generates a complete reference signal and outputs a complete reference signal component Dp. As shown in FIG. 5, the reference signal component output unit 13 outputs a complete reference signal component Dp corresponding to the first half period of the head synchronization period TS and the horizontal blanking period Th under the control of the timing generation unit 16. To do. Further, as described above, the signal processing unit 12 outputs the standard synchronization component Sd in the head synchronization period TS under the control of the timing generation unit 16, and outputs the scanning line component Se in each image line period TH. To do. As described above, when the complete synchronization mode is selected by the synchronization mode selection unit 23, the timing generation unit 16 sets the output timing of the complete reference signal component Dp in the reference signal generation unit 24 to the first half period of the head synchronization period TS and the horizontal level. It is assumed that it corresponds to the blanking period Th.

  As a result, as shown in FIG. 6, in the configuration of the signal output from the insertion unit 14, the complete reference signal component Dp is inserted in the first half period of the head synchronization period TS, and the horizontal line between the scanning line components Se The complete reference signal component Dp is inserted in the blanking period Th. That is, the capsule endoscope 2 sends a radio signal including image information from the radio transmission unit 15 to the receiving device 3 in a state where the complete reference signal component Dp is inserted in the head synchronization period TS and the horizontal blanking period Th. Will be sent.

  On the receiving device 3 side, a complete reference signal is extracted from the received complete radio signal from the complete reference signal component Dp inserted in the leading synchronization period TS and the horizontal blanking period Th. Then, the receiving device 3 performs a phase comparison between the extracted complete reference signal and a signal obtained by dividing the clock signal output from the reference clock 39a on the receiving device 3 side, so that the reference clock on the receiving device 3 side is compared. The synchronization of the frequency of the signal obtained by dividing the clock signal output from 39a and the radio signal transmitted from the capsule endoscope 2 is ensured. Thereafter, the receiving device 3 uses the complete reference signal of the complete reference signal component Dp inserted in the horizontal blanking period Th for each period corresponding to the horizontal blanking period Th, and uses the complete reference signal of the complete reference signal component Dp. The process of ensuring synchronization with the radio signal transmitted from the endoscope 2 is repeated, and the frequency of the reference clock 39a is adjusted in accordance with the fluctuation of the radio signal transmitted from the capsule endoscope 2. . Therefore, the receiving device 3 completely adjusts the frequency of the reference clock 39a to the frequency of the radio signal transmitted from the capsule endoscope 2 in accordance with the frequency variation of the radio signal transmitted from the capsule endoscope 2. Since it is possible to synchronize, even if the vertical synchronization signal and the horizontal synchronization signal cannot be accurately detected among the radio signals transmitted from the capsule endoscope 2, the capsule endoscope 2 can accurately acquire the image captured

  Next, the fixed synchronization mode will be described. For example, in the synchronization mode selection unit 23, among the identification information stored in the storage unit 22, the capsule endoscope 2 is for the esophagus having a short imaging period, and noise is mixed in the image information captured by the CCD 20. When the information indicating the model is acquired, the fixed synchronization mode is selected. In this case, the reference signal generator 24 generates a fixed reference signal corresponding to the output frequency (x / 4) [MHz] of the CCD signal C, and outputs a fixed reference signal component Dc including the fixed reference signal. As shown in FIG. 7, the reference signal component output unit 13 outputs a fixed reference signal component Dc including a fixed reference signal corresponding to the first half period of the head synchronization period TS and the horizontal blanking period Th. In this case, when the fixed synchronization mode is selected by the synchronization mode selection unit 23, the timing generation unit 16 sets the output timing of the fixed reference signal component Dc in the reference signal generation unit 24 to the first half period of the head synchronization period TS and the horizontal block. It is assumed that it corresponds to the ranking period Th.

  As a result, as shown in FIG. 8, the configuration of the signal output from the insertion unit 14 is such that the fixed reference signal component Dc is inserted in the first half of the head synchronization period TS, and the horizontal line between the scanning line components Se. A fixed reference signal component Dc is inserted in the blanking period Th. That is, the capsule endoscope 2 receives a wireless signal including image information from the wireless transmission unit 15 in a state where the fixed reference signal is inserted in the first half period of the head synchronization period TS and the horizontal blanking period Th. Will be sent to.

  On the receiving device 3 side, a fixed reference signal is extracted from the fixed reference signal component Dc in the leading synchronization period TS from the received radio signal, and the clock signal of the reference clock 39a of the receiving device 3 is extracted using this fixed reference signal. Adjust the frequency according to the frequency fluctuation of the radio signal. Then, the vertical synchronization signal is extracted from the signal component in the head synchronization TS, and the head portion of the image signal of one frame is detected. Thereafter, the control unit 36 uses the fixed reference signal of the fixed reference signal component Dc inserted in the horizontal blanking period Th to set the frequency of the clock signal of the reference clock 36 to the radio transmitted from the capsule endoscope 2. The change is repeated corresponding to the frequency fluctuation of the signal, and the matching of the frequency of the radio signal and the frequency of the clock signal of the reference clock 39a is maintained. As a result, the receiving device 3 can accurately detect the head portion of each scanning line by using the fixed reference signal inserted in the horizontal blanking period Th, and the head of the image information corresponding to each scanning line can be detected. Since the portion can be detected, the image information corresponding to the entire image can be accurately acquired.

  Next, the asynchronous mode will be described. When the synchronization mode selection unit 23 acquires information indicating that the capsule endoscope 2 is for the small intestine having a long imaging period among the identification information stored in the storage unit 22, the reference signal component The reference signal generation unit 24 does not generate or output the reference signal component to be inserted in the head synchronization period and the horizontal blanking period without selecting the insertion of D. As a result, as shown in FIG. 9, the configuration of the signal output from the insertion unit 14 includes the standard synchronization component Sd in the head synchronization period TS output from the signal processing unit 12 and the scanning line component Se in the image line period TH. Become. In this case, the receiving device 3 extracts a vertical synchronization signal and a horizontal synchronization signal from the received wireless signal, and processes an image signal included in the received wireless signal using the vertical synchronization signal and the horizontal synchronization signal. When the capsule endoscope 2 transmits a radio signal using the asynchronous mode, it is not necessary to generate a reference signal to be inserted during the horizontal blanking period Th. For this reason, when the asynchronous mode is selected, the power consumption in the capsule endoscope 2 can be reduced as compared with the case where the complete synchronization mode and the fixed synchronization mode are selected. In particular, the asynchronous mode is suitable when the capsule endoscope 2 performs long-time imaging and image information transmission.

  As described above, the capsule endoscope 2 according to the first embodiment changes the frequency of the reference clock on the receiving side corresponding to the frequency fluctuation of the radio signal transmitted from the receiving side in addition to the asynchronous mode. By making it possible to select a plurality of synchronization modes including the complete synchronization mode and the fixed synchronization mode that can be made, an appropriate synchronization mode can be flexibly selected in accordance with the use of the capsule endoscope 2. Further, in the capsule endoscope 2 according to the first embodiment, a signal in which the complete synchronization mode or the fixed synchronization mode is selected and the reference signal component D including the complete reference signal or the fixed reference signal is inserted according to the application. Send. By using such a reference signal, the receiving device 3 changes the frequency of the reference clock 39a in accordance with the frequency variation of the transmission signal transmitted from the capsule endoscope 2, and from the capsule endoscope 2 The frequency of the transmitted radio signal and the frequency of the reference clock of the receiving device can be synchronized, and the received radio signal can be accurately processed regardless of the frequency fluctuation. For this reason, the receiving device 3 can accurately process the image information even when the vertical synchronization signal and the horizontal synchronization signal cannot be accurately detected. As a result, the receiving device 3 can accurately provide the user with the image in the body cavity acquired by the capsule endoscope 2 and can support accurate diagnosis by the user.

  The synchronization mode selection unit 23 may change the synchronization mode in the capsule endoscope 2 every predetermined time based on the instruction information stored in the storage unit 22 and the like. For example, the synchronization mode selection unit 23 selects the complete synchronization mode or the fixed synchronization mode during the period corresponding to the esophagus part with a short imaging time, and selects the asynchronous mode during the period corresponding to the small intestine part with a long imaging time. As described above, the synchronization mode most suitable for the imaging unit may be changed during the operation period of the capsule endoscope 2. Further, in the first embodiment, the case where the synchronization mode selection unit 23 selects the synchronization mode based on the instruction information stored in the storage unit 22 has been described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, when the capsule endoscope 2 has a reception function, the synchronization mode selection unit 23 may select the synchronization mode based on instruction information transmitted from the outside.

(Embodiment 2)
Next, a second embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, a predetermined reproduction signal is generated and generated for a scanning line in which a horizontal synchronization signal cannot be detected in a receiving apparatus that processes a radio signal transmitted from a capsule endoscope using an asynchronous mode. The image signal is processed based on the reproduced signal.

  FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the capsule endoscope according to the second embodiment. The capsule endoscope according to the second embodiment is, for example, like the capsule endoscope 202 shown in FIG. 10, compared with the capsule endoscope 2 shown in FIG. It has a configuration in which the unit 14 and the storage unit 22 are deleted, and transmits a radio signal using the asynchronous mode described above. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 9, from the capsule endoscope 202, a head synchronization period TS including a vertical synchronization signal and an image line period TH and a horizontal block in which a scanning line component Se including a horizontal synchronization signal is transmitted. A radio signal corresponding to the image signal S having a configuration including an image signal period TM in which the ranking period Th is alternately repeated is transmitted.

  Next, a receiving apparatus according to the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a schematic configuration of the receiving apparatus according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 11, the receiving device 203 in the second embodiment has a reference clock 239a having the same function as the reference clock 39a in place of the synchronization ensuring unit 39, as compared with the receiving device 3 shown in FIG. . The receiving device 203 includes an external device 203 b having a synchronization signal detection unit 234 instead of the synchronization signal detection unit 34. The synchronization signal detection unit 234 detects a vertical synchronization signal and a horizontal synchronization signal from the signal Sa output from the reception unit 31 based on the clock signal output from the reference clock 239a, and detects the vertical synchronization signal and the horizontal synchronization signal. Based on the signal, a timing signal for instructing the timing of the processing operation in the image processing unit 35 is output to the image processing unit 35. Further, when the horizontal synchronization signal cannot be detected, the synchronization signal detection unit 234 generates a reproduction signal for this scanning line, and outputs a timing signal St to the image processing unit 35 based on the generated reproduction signal. Based on the timing signal output from the synchronization signal detection unit 234, the image processing unit 35 synchronizes with the input timing of the image signal S1 and starts processing the image signal S1. Specifically, the image processing unit 35 distinguishes the pixel signal corresponding to the first pixel of one frame and the first pixel of each scanning line according to the timing signal output from the synchronization signal detection unit 234, and for each pixel signal Perform predetermined processing. Note that the receiving device 203 employs an asynchronous mode.

  Next, the synchronization signal detection unit 234 of the external device 203b shown in FIG. 11 will be described. FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of the external device 203b shown in FIG. In FIG. 12, among the components configuring the synchronization signal detection unit 234, particularly, components related to detection of the horizontal synchronization signal and generation of the timing signal St based on the horizontal synchronization signal are shown.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the synchronization signal detection unit 234 controls the processing operations of the respective components of the horizontal synchronization signal detection unit 236, the reproduction unit 237, the timing signal generation unit 238, and the synchronization signal detection unit 234. A control unit 239 is provided.

  The horizontal synchronization signal detection unit 236 detects a horizontal synchronization signal corresponding to each scanning line from the signal Sa output from the reception unit 31. When the horizontal synchronization signal is detected, the horizontal synchronization signal is detected. The detection signal Sh indicating the head of the scanning line component to which the horizontal synchronization signal is attached is output to the timing signal generator 238. Further, when the horizontal synchronization signal detection unit 236 detects a predetermined portion or more of the signal Sa forming the horizontal synchronization signal, the horizontal synchronization signal cannot be detected. The detection signal Sh is output as a detection of the horizontal synchronization signal.

  When the horizontal synchronization signal detection unit 236 cannot detect the horizontal synchronization signal, the reproduction unit 237 generates a reproduction signal Shd for this scanning line component based on the horizontal synchronization signal detected last time by the horizontal synchronization signal detection unit 236. Is output to the timing signal generator 238. When the horizontal synchronization signal is not detected in the period from when the horizontal synchronization signal detection unit 236 generates the previous detection signal until the detection of the synchronization signal for the next scanning line component, the reproduction unit 237 reproduces the reproduction signal Shd. Is generated. The reproduction signal Shd indicates the head of the scanning line component for which no horizontal synchronization signal has been detected. The reproducing unit 237 transmits a radio signal from the capsule endoscope 202 according to a certain image line period TH and a certain horizontal blanking period Th, and the receiving device 203 performs according to the image line period TH and the horizontal blanking period Th. Assuming that a radio signal is received, a reproduction signal Shd is generated. Based on this assumption, the playback unit 237 causes the horizontal synchronization signal detection unit 236 to execute the operation after the period when the horizontal synchronization signal detection unit 236 outputs the detection signal Sh next after the previous detection signal Sh is output. When the detection signal Sh is not output, the reproduction signal Shd is generated and output.

  Based on the detection signal Sh output from the horizontal synchronization signal detection unit 236 or the reproduction signal Shd output from the reproduction unit 237, the timing signal generation unit 238 generates a scanning line component in the image signal Sl to the image processing unit 35. Corresponding to the input timing, a timing signal St instructing the processing start timing of the scanning line component in the image signal S1 is output to the image processing unit 35. The timing signal generator 238 outputs a timing signal St for each pixel signal constituting one pixel in the image signal S1. In addition, the timing signal generation unit 238 advances the initial output of the timing signal St based on the reproduction signal Shd by the generation period of the reproduction signal in the reproduction unit 237 than the initial output of the timing signal St based on the detection signal Sh. Yes. As a result, the timing signal generation unit 238 causes the image processing unit 35 to process the pixel signal positioned at the head of the image signal Sl regardless of whether the detection signal Sh is used or the reproduction signal Shd is used. The timing can be accurately indicated.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 13, the processing operation until the synchronization signal detection unit 234 outputs the timing signal St based on the horizontal synchronization signal will be described. As shown in FIG. 13, in the synchronization signal detection unit 234, first, the synchronization control unit 239 determines whether or not the horizontal synchronization signal detection unit 236 has extracted a horizontal synchronization signal from the signal Sa (step S202).

  When the synchronization control unit 239 determines that the horizontal synchronization signal detection unit 236 has extracted the horizontal synchronization signal (step S202: Yes), the horizontal synchronization signal detection unit 236 determines that the signal width of the extracted horizontal synchronization signal is equal to or greater than a predetermined width. Is determined, that is, whether or not the signal width of the extracted horizontal synchronizing signal is equal to or larger than the employable width (step S204). When the horizontal synchronization signal detection unit 236 determines that the signal width of the extracted horizontal synchronization signal is greater than or equal to the employable width (step S204: Yes), the horizontal synchronization signal detection unit 236 employs the extracted horizontal synchronization signal (step S206) and detects the detection signal Sh. Is output to the timing signal generator 238 (step S208). On the other hand, if the horizontal synchronization signal detection unit 236 determines that the signal width of the extracted horizontal synchronization signal is not equal to or greater than the employable width (step S204: No), the horizontal synchronization signal is not employed (step S210), and step S212. Proceed to In this case, the horizontal synchronization signal detector 236 does not generate or output the detection signal Sh.

  When the synchronization control unit 239 determines that the horizontal synchronization signal detection unit 236 cannot extract the horizontal synchronization signal (step S202: No), or the horizontal synchronization signal extracted by the horizontal synchronization signal detection unit 236 is not employed (step S202). S210) When the detection signal Sh is not generated, the synchronization control unit 239 instructs the reproduction unit 237 to generate the reproduction signal Shd, and the reproduction unit 237 generates the reproduction signal Shd and outputs it to the timing signal generation unit 238. (Step S212).

  The timing signal generation unit 238 generates a timing signal St using the received detection signal Sh or reproduction signal Shd (step S214). Then, the synchronization control unit 239 determines whether the timing signal generation unit 238 has generated the timing signal St using the detection signal Sh or the reproduction signal Shd (step S216).

  When the synchronization control unit 239 determines that the timing signal generation unit 238 has generated the timing signal St using the detection signal Sh (step S216: detection signal), the synchronization control unit 239 makes a predetermined reference timing to the timing signal generation unit 238. The timing signal St is output (step S218). This reference timing does not consider the generation period of the reproduction signal Shd in the reproduction unit 237. In accordance with the reference timing, the timing signal generation unit 238 outputs the timing signal St after a predetermined reference waiting period has elapsed since the detection signal Sh was input from the horizontal synchronization signal detection unit 237, and then the timing signal St The signal St is output.

  On the other hand, when the synchronization control unit 239 determines that the timing signal generation unit 238 has generated the timing signal St using the reproduction signal Shd (step S216: reproduction signal), the synchronization control unit 239 gives the timing signal generation unit 237 a reproduction signal signal. The timing signal St is output at the timing. The reproduction signal timing takes into account the reproduction signal generation period in the reproduction unit 237. The timing signal generation unit 238 outputs the timing signal St after a predetermined reproduction standby period from the time when the reproduction signal Shd is output from the reproduction unit 238 according to the reproduction signal timing, and then at a constant output timing. The timing signal St is output (step S220). The reproduction standby period is a period from when the reproduction signal Shd is input until the timing signal St generated based on the reproduction signal Shd is output, based on the detection signal Sh after the detection signal Sh is input. Compared with the period during which the generated timing signal St is output, the period is shortened by a period corresponding to the reproduction signal generation period in the reproduction unit 237. Thus, the timing signal output unit 238 outputs the timing signal St by changing the output timing in accordance with either the detection signal Sh or the reproduction signal Shd.

  Next, each process described in FIG. 13 will be described with reference to timing charts shown in FIG. First, signal processing until the horizontal synchronization signal detector 236 outputs the detection signal Sh will be described. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a timing chart of each signal and each counter until the horizontal synchronization signal detection unit 236 detects the horizontal synchronization signal and outputs the detection signal Sh. In FIG. 14, (a) corresponds to the clock signal input from the reference clock 239a to the synchronization control unit 239, and the signal (6C) for 6 clocks corresponds to the signal width of the pixel signal per pixel of the signal Sa. To do. (B) corresponds to the horizontal synchronization signal Sh0 extracted by the horizontal synchronization signal detector 236, and (c) is output to the synchronization controller 239 when the horizontal synchronization signal detector 236 detects the horizontal synchronization signal Sh0. Corresponding to the detection signal Sha, (d) corresponds to the count value of the detection signal generation counter Ch included in the synchronization control unit 239, and (e) is a detection signal generated by the horizontal synchronization signal detection unit 236. Corresponding to Sh, (f) corresponds to the counter reset signal Scr for the reproduction counter Chd included in the synchronization control unit 239, and (g) corresponds to the count value of the reproduction counter Chd.

  In FIG. 14, as shown in FIG. 14B, the horizontal synchronization signal detector 236 will be described assuming that, for example, the horizontal synchronization signal Sh0 corresponding to 6C (here, the entire signal width of the horizontal synchronization signal Sh0 corresponds to the 6C width). .) Is detected, the falling portion of the horizontal synchronization signal Sh0 is detected as indicated by the arrow Y1, and the detection signal Sha is detected at the next clock of the falling portion of the horizontal synchronization signal Sh0 as indicated by (c). Is output. Then, as indicated by the arrow Y2, upon receiving this detection signal Sha, the synchronization control unit 239 resets the count value of the detection counter Ch to “0” and starts counting according to the clock signal. Under the control of the synchronization control unit 239, the horizontal synchronization signal detection unit 236 starts generating and outputting the detection signal Sh when the count value of the detection counter Ch is “6”, as indicated by an arrow Y3. As indicated by the arrow Y4, the generation and output of the detection signal Sh is stopped when the count value is “11”. That is, the horizontal synchronization signal generation unit 236 generates and outputs a detection signal Sh for 6C after 6C corresponding to one pixel after detecting the falling portion of the horizontal synchronization signal. Thereafter, as indicated by an arrow Y5, the horizontal synchronization signal detection unit 236 outputs the counter reset signal Scr to the synchronization control unit 239 after the detection signal Sh is generated, that is, when the count value of the detection counter Ch is “12”. To do. As indicated by an arrow Y6, the synchronization control unit 239 receives the counter reset signal Scr, returns the count value “20591” of the reproduction counter Chd that has been counting to “0”, and starts counting according to the clock signal. To do. The width from the count value “0” to “20591” corresponds to the image signal width of one scanning line including the horizontal synchronization signal. For this reason, the synchronization control unit 239 resets the count value of the reproduction counter Chd on the assumption that the detection of the horizontal synchronization signal in this scanning line has been normally detected by the end of the output of the detection signal Sh, and the next scanning line In order to determine whether or not the horizontal sync signal can be detected at, the reproduction counter Chd starts counting again.

  Here, if the signal width of the extracted horizontal synchronization signal is equal to or larger than the employable width, the horizontal synchronization signal detection unit 236 employs the extracted horizontal synchronization signal to generate the detection signal Sh. For example, the horizontal synchronization signal detection unit 236 determines that the extracted horizontal synchronization signal Sh0 is 3C width or more out of 6C width corresponding to the entire width of the horizontal synchronization signal, as shown in FIG. If so, the synchronization signal detection unit 234 can accurately generate and output the timing signal St to the image processing unit 35. For this reason, when the signal width of the horizontal synchronization signal Sh0 is 3C or more, the horizontal synchronization signal detector 236 outputs the detection signal Sha, and resets and starts the detection counter Ch. As a result, the horizontal synchronization signal detector 236 generates and outputs a detection signal Sh. However, as shown in (e) of FIG. 15 (2), the horizontal synchronization signal detector 236 determines that the extracted horizontal synchronization signal Sh0 is 2C or less of the 6C width corresponding to the entire width of the horizontal synchronization signal. In this case, it is difficult for the synchronization signal detection unit 234 to accurately generate and output the timing signal St to the image processing unit 35. For this reason, when the signal width of the horizontal synchronization signal Sh0 is 2C or less, the horizontal synchronization signal detector 236 does not output the detection signal Sha and does not generate or output the detection signal Sh. As described above, when the synchronization signal detection unit 234 cannot extract the horizontal synchronization signal Sh0 having a signal width that allows accurate generation and output of the timing signal St, the reproduction unit 237 does not detect the detection signal Sh. A timing signal St is generated using the generated and output reproduction signal Shd.

  Next, with reference to a timing chart shown in FIG. 16, signal processing until the reproduction signal Shd is generated and output in the reproduction unit 237 will be described. Each timing chart shown in (a) to (f) of FIG. 16 includes the clock signal, the horizontal synchronization signal Sh0, the detection signal Sha, the count value of the detection counter Ch, the detection signal Sh, and the reproduction counter Chd described in FIG. Corresponds to the count value. Further, (g) in FIG. 16 corresponds to the reproduction signal Shd generated in the reproduction unit 237, and (h) corresponds to the counter reset signal Scr described in FIG.

  In FIG. 16B, when the horizontal synchronization signal Sh0 is not detected by the horizontal synchronization signal detector 236 as indicated by an arrow Y7, the detection signal Sha is not generated as indicated by (c) and the arrow Y8. The count value of the detection counter Ch is not reset. As a result, as indicated by (e) and the arrow Y9, the detection signal Sh is not output from the horizontal synchronization signal detection unit 236. In this case, in FIG. 16E, the synchronization control unit 239, as shown by the arrow Y11, even if the count value “20591” of the playback counter Chd is the counter reset signal Scr for the playback counter Chd. If it is determined that there is no instruction for resetting the count value and counting start based on the horizontal sync signal, it is determined that the horizontal sync signal is not detected by the horizontal sync signal detector 236, and the playback signal Shd is generated to the playback unit 237. Instruct. The case where the count value of the reproduction counter Chd is “20591” corresponds to the case where a period corresponding to the image signal width of one scanning line has elapsed. At the count value “20591”, if the horizontal synchronization signal Sh0 can be detected normally, the generation of the detection signal Sh, the completion of the output, and the output of the counter reset signal Scr are completed as shown in FIG. is there. Therefore, when the synchronization control unit 239 does not receive the counter reset signal Scr when the reproduction counter Chd count value “20591”, the horizontal synchronization signal detection unit 236 detects the horizontal synchronization signal Sh0 by this period. It cannot be determined that the detection signal Sh is not output.

  In this case, the playback unit 237 controls the playback signal at the count value “20597” after the 6C width including the count value “20591” of the playback counter Chd, as indicated by the arrow Y12, under the control of the synchronization control unit 239. Generation and output of Shd are started, and generation and output of the reproduction signal Shd are stopped when the count value is “20602” as indicated by an arrow Y13. Then, as indicated by an arrow Y14, the reproducing unit 267 outputs a counter reset signal Scr to the synchronization control unit 239 after the generation of the reproduction signal Shd is completed. The synchronization control unit 239 receives this counter reset signal, resets the count value of the reproduction counter Chd to “0”, and then causes the reproduction counter Chd to start counting as indicated by an arrow Y15.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 16, the reproducing unit 237 has a 12C width, that is, an amount corresponding to the signal width of two pixels, compared with the case where the detection signal Sh is output from the horizontal synchronization signal detecting unit 236. The reproduction signal Shd is generated and output at a later timing.

  It is necessary to absorb the generation and output of the reproduction signal Shd at this late timing. For this reason, when the reproducing unit 237 generates and outputs the reproduction signal Shd2 for the scanning line component next to the generated scanning line component, the period corresponding to the signal width of two pixels. A playback signal is generated and output at an earlier timing. Specifically, as indicated by an arrow Y21 in FIGS. 17 (f) and 17 (g2), the reproducing unit 237 generates the reproduction signal Shd first corresponding to the scanning line next to the output scanning line. Generation and output of the reproduction signal Shd2 are started when the count value is “20584”, which is 12C earlier than the generation timing of the reproduction signal Shd. In this way, the reproduction unit 237 generates the reproduction signal Shd2 at a timing earlier by the time corresponding to the 12C width, that is, the signal width corresponding to two pixels. Then, as indicated by an arrow Y22, the reproducing unit 237 stops generating and outputting the reproduction signal Shd2 when the count value is “20590” 6C width after the count value “20584”. Thereafter, the reproduction unit 267 outputs the counter reset signal Scr to the synchronization control unit 239 after the generation of the reproduction signal Shd2 is completed, as indicated by an arrow Y23. The synchronization control unit 239 receives the counter reset signal Scr, resets the count value of the reproduction counter Chd to “0”, and then causes the reproduction counter Chd to start counting, as indicated by an arrow Y24.

  Next, signal processing for generation of the timing signal St in the timing signal generation unit 238 will be described with reference to a timing chart shown in FIG. 18A corresponds to the case where the timing signal generation unit 238 generates the timing signal St using the detection signal Sh, FIG. 18A corresponds to the detection signal Sh, and FIG. 18B corresponds to the timing signal generation. Corresponding to the reset signal Str instructing the resetting and counting of the count value to the timing counter Ct of the unit 238, (c) corresponds to the count value of the timing counter Ct, and (d) represents the timing signal generating unit. Corresponding to the timing signal St generated by 238, (e) corresponds to the data signal in each scanning line of the image signal S1 output from the converting unit 33. FIG. 18 (2) corresponds to the case where the timing signal generator 238 generates the timing signal St using the reproduction signal Shd, (f) corresponds to the reproduction signal Shd, and (g) represents the reset. Corresponding to the signal Str, (h) corresponds to the count value of the timing counter Ct, (i) corresponds to the timing signal St, and (j) corresponds to the data signal. In FIG. 18, each signal and each counter are processed based on the clock signal shown in FIG. The timing counter Ct starts from the count value “0” and proceeds to the count value “5”. Then, the timing counter Ct is automatically reset to the “0” value and advances the count. As shown in the data signals (e) and (j) indicating pixel information in the signal Sa input to the conversion unit 33, each pixel has a signal width of 6C, and the timing counter Ct is Counting is performed according to the signal width per pixel.

  First, the case where the timing signal generation unit 238 generates the timing signal St using the detection signal Sh will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 18A, when the reception of the detection signal Sh is detected, the timing signal generation unit 238 outputs the reset signal Str shown in (b) to the timing counter Ct as indicated by an arrow Y31. As a result, as indicated by the arrow Y32, the count value of the timing counter Ct shown in (c) is reset to “0”, and then the count is advanced. Then, the timing signal generator 238 generates the reset signal Str during the count value “1” of the timing counter Ct, as indicated by the arrows Y33 and (d). In this case, as indicated by an arrow Y34, the next reset signal Str is generated while the count value “1” of the timing counter Ct is reached next, that is, in correspondence with the next pixel in the data signal. As described above, the timing signal generation unit 238 sequentially generates the timing signal St for each pixel unit of the data signal in accordance with the count value “1” of the timing counter Ct. The reset signal Str is output so as to reset the timing counter Ct at approximately the center of the signal width per pixel of the data signal. The center of the signal width per pixel of the data signal corresponds to the information main body indicating the luminance of the pixel. For this reason, the synchronization signal detection unit 234 generates the timing signal St at approximately the center of the signal width per pixel of the data signal, and instructs the image processing unit 35 to perform the processing. Pixel luminance information and the like can be acquired.

  A case where the timing signal generation unit 238 generates the timing signal St using the reproduction signal Shd will be described with reference to FIG. Similarly to the case shown in FIG. 18A, the timing signal generation unit 238 detects the reception of the reproduction signal Shd as shown in (f), and outputs the reset signal Str as shown by the arrow Y36 and (g). Output. As a result, as indicated by the arrow Y37, the count value of the reset counter Ctr in (h) is reset, and as indicated by the arrows Y38, Y39 and (i), the timing signal generation unit 238 performs the pixel unit of the data signal. A timing signal St is generated every time. The timing signal generation unit 238 converts the generated timing signal St so as to correspond to the signal format of the image signal S1 output from the conversion unit 33, and then outputs the converted signal to the image processing unit 35. For example, when the signal Sa input to the conversion unit 33 is in serial format, and the conversion unit 33 processes the signal Sa and outputs a parallel format image signal Sl, the timing signal generation unit 238 generates the generated timing. The signal St is converted so as to correspond to the parallel format.

  Here, as shown in (a) and (f), the reproduction signal Shd is input to the timing signal generator 238 later than the detection signal Sh by 12C corresponding to two pixels. As a result, when the timing signal St is generated using the reproduction signal Shd, the timing signal generation unit 238 generates the timing signal St with a delay of two pixels compared to the case where the timing signal St is generated using the detection signal Sh. Will be. As a result, the synchronization control unit 239 causes the timing signal generation unit 238 to output the timing signal St to the image processing unit 35 in accordance with the timing at which the image signal S1 is input to the image processing unit 35. It is necessary to change the output timing of the timing signal St generated using the timing signal St and the timing signal St generated using the reproduction signal Shd. That is, as described in step S218 and step S220 in FIG. 13, the timing signal generation unit 238 outputs the timing signal St based on the detection signal Sh using the reference timing, and reproduces using the reproduction signal timing. A timing signal St based on the signal Shd is output.

  Therefore, with reference to FIG. 19, the reference timing and the reproduction signal timing at which the timing signal St is output from the timing signal generator 238 will be described. FIG. 19A shows the count value of the output counter Co included in the synchronization control unit 239. The output counter Co starts counting upon reception of the detection signal Sh or the reproduction signal Shd, and counts for each signal width corresponding to one pixel of the image signal S1 output from the conversion unit 33. When the output counter Co advances to the count value “9”, the count value is reset to “0” and the count is advanced. (B) corresponds to the output instruction signal Si for the timing signal St generated based on the detection signal Sh among the output instruction signals output from the synchronization control unit 239 to the timing signal generation unit 239. That is, the output instruction signal Si corresponds to the reference timing. (C) corresponds to the output instruction signal Sid for the timing signal St generated based on the detection signal Shd. That is, the output instruction signal Sid corresponds to the reproduction signal timing. (B) and (c) show a case where the timing signal St is output at a duty ratio of 50%.

  As shown in FIG. 19B, for the timing signal St based on the detection signal Sh, for example, the synchronization control unit 239 changes the output instruction signal Si from the count value “3” to the count value “7”. And instruct the timing signal generator 238 to output the timing signal St. In this case, the timing signal generation unit 238 outputs the timing signal St to the image processing unit 35 between the count value “3” and the count value “7” in accordance with the instruction of the output instruction signal Si. Thus, the timing signal generation unit 238 outputs the timing signal St from the count value “3” of the output counter Co using such a reference timing.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 19C, for the timing signal St based on the reproduction signal Shd, the synchronization control unit 239 compares the output instruction signal Sid with the output instruction signal Si. The count value “1” that is advanced by the count is output from the count value “5”, and the timing signal generation unit 238 is instructed to output the timing signal St. In this way, the timing signal St generated based on the reproduction signal Shd is output at a timing that absorbs the delay in input of the reproduction signal Shd. That is, the period from when the reproduction signal Shd is input to when the timing signal St generated based on the reproduction signal Shd is output is the timing signal generated based on the detection signal Sh after the detection signal Sh is input. Compared with the period during which St is output, the period corresponding to the generation period of the reproduction signal in the reproduction unit 237, that is, the period corresponding to two pixels is shortened.

  As described above, the synchronization control unit 239 outputs the timing signal St to the image processing unit 35 at a timing corresponding to the timing signal generation unit 238 when the detection signal Sh and the reproduction signal Shd are input to the timing signal generation unit 238. I am letting. Therefore, the synchronization signal detection unit 234 matches the timing at which the image signal Sl is input to the image processing unit 35 with respect to both the timing signal St using the detection signal Sh and the timing signal St using the reproduction signal Shd. Can be output to the image processing unit 35, and the image processing timing in the image processing unit 35 can be accurately instructed.

  When the horizontal synchronization signal cannot be detected from the radio signal transmitted in the asynchronous mode, the reception device 203 according to the second embodiment generates a reproduction signal based on the previously detected horizontal synchronization signal. Since the reproduction signal is used to synchronize the processing with respect to the scanning line component, the information component of the received radio signal can be accurately processed. For this reason, the receiving apparatus 203 according to the second embodiment can perform image processing on an image signal corresponding to a scanning line for which a horizontal synchronization signal could not be detected, and thus supports one image. The image information to be obtained can be acquired accurately. As a result, the receiving device 203 can accurately provide the user with the image in the body cavity acquired by the capsule endoscope, and can support accurate diagnosis by the user.

  In the second embodiment, the case where the timing signal generation unit 238 changes the output timing of the timing signal St corresponding to the case where the detection signal Sh or the reproduction signal Shd is used has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The horizontal synchronization signal detection unit 236 outputs the detection signal Sh to the timing signal generation unit 238 in accordance with the timing when the reproduction signal Shd is output from the reproduction unit 237 under the control of the synchronization control unit 239. Also good. Also in this case, the timing signal generation unit 238 can output the timing signal St to the processing unit 35 in accordance with the input timing of the image signal Sl.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Subject 2,202 Capsule-type endoscope 3,203 Reception apparatus 3a Antenna group 3b, 203b External apparatus 4 Display apparatus 5 Portable recording medium 11 In-subject information acquisition part 12 Signal processing part 13 Reference signal component output part 14 Insertion unit 15 Wireless transmission unit 16 Timing generation unit 17 Battery 18 LED
19 LED drive circuit 20 CCD
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 21 CCD drive circuit 22 Storage part 23 Synchronization mode selection part 24 Reference signal generation part 25 Transmission circuit 26 Transmission antenna 31 Reception part 33 Conversion part 34,234 Synchronization signal detection part 35 Image processing part 36 Control part 37 Storage part 38 Power supply part 39 Synchronization ensuring unit 39a, 239a Reference clock 236 Horizontal synchronization signal detecting unit 237 Reproducing unit 238 Timing signal generating unit 239 Synchronization control unit

Claims (7)

In a receiving apparatus that processes an information component of a radio signal received by the antenna, including an antenna that receives a radio signal including an information component of a predetermined unit constituting an information body part,
When the synchronization signal attached to the information component is detected for each information component and the synchronization signal is detected, a detection signal indicating the head of the information component is generated, and when the synchronization signal is not detected, the previous time Detection means for generating a reproduction signal indicating the head of the information component based on the generated detection signal;
Based on the detection signal or the reproduction signal generated by the detection means, a timing signal output means for outputting a timing signal for instructing the processing start timing of the information component in correspondence with the input timing of the information component;
Based on the timing signal output from the timing signal output means, processing means for starting processing of the information component in synchronization with the input timing of the information component;
A receiving apparatus comprising:   The receiving device according to claim 1, wherein the detection unit outputs the detection signal when detecting a predetermined part or more of the entire synchronization signal.   The detection means generates the reproduction signal when the synchronization signal is not detected in a period from the generation of the previous detection signal to the detection of the synchronization signal for the next information component. The receiving device according to claim 1 or 2.   The timing signal output means advances the initial output of the timing signal based on the reproduction signal by the generation period of the reproduction signal in the detection means from the initial output of the timing signal based on the detection signal. The receiving device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The wireless signal is a signal including an image signal,
The information component is a scanning line component constituting the image signal,
The receiving apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the synchronization signal is a horizontal synchronization signal.   The receiving apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the wireless signal is formed including in-subject information acquired by a transmitting apparatus introduced into the subject. A subject comprising an intra-subject introduction device that transmits a radio signal including information acquired and introduced into the subject to the outside, and a reception device that receives a radio signal transmitted from the intra-subject introduction device. In the internal information acquisition system,
The in-subject introduction device comprises:
A signal output means for outputting a signal including the acquired in-subject information and having a processing reference signal added to the head portion of each predetermined signal component;
Wireless transmission means for wirelessly transmitting the signal output by the signal output means to the outside;
With
The receiving device is:
An antenna for receiving a radio signal including an information component of a predetermined unit constituting the information body part;
When the synchronization signal attached to the information component is detected for each information component and the synchronization signal is detected, a detection signal indicating the head of the information component is generated, and when the synchronization signal is not detected, the previous time Detection means for generating a reproduction signal indicating the head of the information component based on the generated detection signal;
Based on the detection signal or the reproduction signal generated by the detection means, a timing signal for instructing the processing start timing of the information component in correspondence with the input timing of the information component to the processing means. Timing signal output means for outputting to
Based on the timing signal output from the timing signal output means, processing means for starting processing of the information component in synchronization with the input timing of the information component;
An in-subject information acquisition system comprising:

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