Capsule endoscope and touch-based activation and starting method therefor

Abstract

The present invention specifically relates to a capsule endoscope and a touch-based activation and starting method therefor. The capsule endoscope comprises a shell, a capsule core, and a capacitive sensing touch member, wherein the capacitive sensing touch member is fixed relative to the capsule core, and the capacitive sensing touch member and the inner wall of the shell are arranged adjacent to each other. A touch of a human is detected by means of the capacitive sensing touch member, and then a touch sensing level signal is outputted to a first PCB, so that a power supply module of the capsule endoscope is connected to supply power to the capsule endoscope, thereby avoiding accidental shutdown of the capsule endoscope.

Description

Capsule endoscope and touch-activated start-up method thereof

[0001] Cross-references

[0002] This application claims priority to a Chinese patent application filed on July 24, 2023, with application number 202310923910.6, entitled “Capsule endoscope and touch-activated power-on method thereof,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to the technical field of medical devices, and in particular to a capsule endoscope and a touch-activated startup method thereof. Background Art

[0004] At present, capsule endoscopy is effectively used in the diagnosis of gastrointestinal diseases because of its advantages such as convenient examination, no trauma or pain, and no impact on the normal life of the examinee.

[0005] Capsule endoscopes on the market are commonly activated by magnets or light. Magnet-activated capsule endoscopes are susceptible to malfunction due to interference from external magnetic fields and cannot be used in conjunction with external magnetic control devices. Light-activated capsule endoscopes, while avoiding interference from magnets, are easily activated by natural light or other sources of light. Furthermore, if a light-activated capsule endoscope is accidentally shut down inside the body, it cannot be reactivated. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a capsule endoscope and its touch-activated activation method to address these issues. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present invention aims to provide a capsule endoscope which has a compact structure, is easy to install, has high startup stability and sensitivity, and is energy-saving and efficient.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, one embodiment of the present invention provides a capsule endoscope, comprising a shell, a capsule core disposed within the shell and fixed relative to an inner wall of the shell, the capsule core comprising a first PCB board, and the capsule endoscope further comprising a capacitive sensing touch element disposed within the shell and electrically connected to the first PCB board, the capacitive sensing touch element being fixed relative to the capsule core; wherein the capacitive sensing touch element is disposed adjacent to the inner wall of the shell.

[0008] As a further improvement of an embodiment of the present invention, the capacitive sensing touch element includes a touch sensing portion and a sensing circuit, the sensing circuit electrically connecting the touch sensing portion and the first PCB board, wherein the touch sensing portion is arranged adjacent to the inner wall of the housing.

[0009] As a further improvement of one embodiment of the present invention, the shell includes a first end and a second end arranged opposite to each other along the axis of the shell; the capsule core also includes a camera unit and a battery, the camera unit is arranged adjacent to the first end, the battery is arranged between the camera unit and the first PCB board, and the shell includes a transparent portion arranged in the field of view of the camera unit; wherein the first PCB board is arranged close to the second end.

[0010] As a further improvement of one embodiment of the present invention, the battery and the first PCB board are arranged adjacent to each other along the axis of the housing, and the battery is arranged on the side of the first PCB board facing the camera unit; wherein, the sensing circuit extends from the first PCB board toward the direction close to the battery, and the touch sensing part is insulated and fixed on the outer wall of the battery.

[0011] As a further improvement of one embodiment of the present invention, one end of the sensing circuit is electrically connected to the first PCB board, and the other end of the sensing circuit is bent and extended toward the battery to be electrically connected to the touch sensing part; wherein, the side of the touch sensing part close to the battery is a backing surface, and the backing surface is adhered to the outer wall of the battery.

[0012] As a further improvement to one embodiment of the present invention, the capacitive sensing touch element is arranged between the first PCB board and the second end; the capacitive sensing touch element also includes a supporting component, which is insulated and fixed to the first PCB board and extends toward the second end. The supporting component and the inner wall of the housing define an accommodation space for accommodating the touch sensing portion and the sensing circuit.

[0013] As a further improvement of one embodiment of the present invention, one end of the sensing circuit is electrically connected to the first PCB board, and the other end of the sensing circuit is electrically connected to the touch sensing part; the sensing circuit includes a fixed portion and a bent portion, the fixed portion extends from one end of the sensing circuit toward the other end of the sensing circuit and is insulated and fixed to the supporting component, and the bent portion bends and extends from the fixed portion toward the other end of the sensing circuit.

[0014] As a further improvement of one embodiment of the present invention, the second end portion is an arc segment; the touch sensing portion is an arc-shaped structure that bends and extends from the other end of the sensing circuit toward the arc segment and is adapted to the arc segment; wherein the supporting component includes an arc end surface, the arc end surface is arranged adjacent to the touch sensing portion, and the touch sensing portion is arranged between the arc end surface and the second end portion.

[0015] As a further improvement of one embodiment of the present invention, the capsule core further includes a magnet, which is arranged between the camera unit and the battery. The camera unit, the magnet, the battery, and the first PCB board are arranged in sequence along the axial direction of the shell.

[0016] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention also provides a touch-activated power-on method with high power-on stability and sensitivity, energy saving and high efficiency.

[0017] A touch-activated startup method for a capsule endoscope as described above comprises:

[0018] After the touch sensing signal of the capacitive sensing touch element is acquired, the power supply module of the capsule endoscope is turned on.

[0019] As a further improvement of an embodiment of the present invention, after the capacitive sensing touch element acquires touch sensing signals at a preset signal acquisition frequency f within a preset time period T1, the power supply module remains in an on state;

[0020] When the capacitive sensing touch element fails to obtain a touch sensing signal at least once within a preset time period T1 at a preset signal acquisition frequency f, determining whether the capsule endoscope obtains a control instruction of an external control device corresponding to the capsule endoscope;

[0021] After confirming that the capsule endoscope has acquired the control instruction of the external control device corresponding to the capsule endoscope, determining whether the capsule endoscope can communicate with the portable recorder corresponding to the outside of the capsule endoscope;

[0022] After confirming that the capsule endoscope can communicate with the corresponding portable recorder outside the capsule endoscope, the power supply module remains in the on state;

[0023] After confirming that the capsule endoscope has not obtained the control instruction of the external control device corresponding to the capsule endoscope, the power supply module of the capsule endoscope is disconnected.

[0024] As a further improvement of an embodiment of the present invention, when the power supply module of the capsule endoscope is disconnected without receiving a disconnection instruction, a touch sensing signal of the capacitive sensing touch member is obtained;

[0025] After the touch sensing signal of the capacitive sensing touch element is acquired, the power supply module of the capsule endoscope is turned on.

[0026] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages: the capsule endoscope and its touch-activated power-on method provided by the present invention detect touch-sensing data from the human body (cavity) through a capacitive sensing touch element disposed within the housing, which then outputs a touch-sensing level signal to the first PCB board, thereby connecting the capsule endoscope's power supply module and powering the capsule endoscope. Furthermore, the capacitive sensing touch element is mounted on the capsule core, forming a single unit with the capsule core and then being installed within the housing, offering the advantage of modular installation. This technical solution requires the human body (cavity) to contact the portion of the housing corresponding to the capacitive sensing touch element in order to activate the endoscope, thereby avoiding interference between magnet-activated and light-activated systems. Furthermore, the capsule endoscope can remain powered on while in contact with the cavity within the body, preventing accidental shutdown of the capsule. If an unexpected situation causes the power supply module to lose power or shut down, the circuit of the capacitive sensing touch element will continue to detect whether a cavity is in contact with the corresponding outer shell portion of the capacitive sensing touch element. Since the capsule endoscope is located within the human body, the outer shell portion corresponding to the capacitive sensing touch element is in constant contact with the cavity, and the capsule endoscope will restart the power supply module, remain powered on, and operate normally. Therefore, the present invention has the advantages of a compact structure, easy installation, high startup stability and sensitivity, and energy efficiency. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] FIG1 is a schematic diagram showing the structural composition of a first embodiment of a fixing method for a capacitive sensing touch element of a capsule endoscope according to the present invention.

[0028] FIG2 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the capsule endoscope of the present invention.

[0029] FIG3 is a schematic diagram showing the structural composition of a second embodiment of a fixing method for a capacitive sensing touch element of a capsule endoscope according to the present invention.

[0030] FIG4 is a flow chart of a touch-activated startup method for a capsule endoscope according to the present invention.

[0031] In the figure: 1. Shell; 11. First end; 12. Second end; 13. Transparent shell; 14. Non-transparent shell; 2. Capsule core; 21. First PCB board; 22. Second PCB board; 23. Third PCB board; 24. Camera unit; 25. Magnet; 26. Battery; 3. Fixing structure; 4. Capacitive sensing touch element; 41. Touch sensing part; 42. Sensing circuit; 421. Fixing part; 422. Bending part; 43. Supporting component; 431. Fixed end face; 432. Arc end face; 44. Accommodating space. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] The preferred embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings so that the advantages and features of the present invention can be more easily understood by those skilled in the art, thereby making a clearer and more precise definition of the protection scope of the present invention.

[0033] The terms "including" and "having" and any variations thereof in the present invention are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions. Reference to "embodiments" herein means that the specific features, structures, or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiments may be included in at least one embodiment of the present application. The appearance of the phrase in various places in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it an independent or alternative embodiment that is mutually exclusive with other embodiments. It is explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein may be combined with other embodiments.

[0034] As shown in Figures 1 and 2 , the present invention primarily relates to a capsule endoscope comprising a housing 1 and a capsule core 2 disposed within the housing 1 and secured relative to the inner wall of the housing 1. Specifically, the capsule endoscope further comprises a securing structure 3 securing the capsule core 2 to the inner wall of the housing 1. The housing 1 is biocompatible and non-corrosive to digestive fluids. The capsule core 2 includes a first PCB 21.

[0035] The capsule endoscope also includes a capacitive sensing touch element 4 disposed within the housing 1 and electrically connected to the first PCB 21. The capacitive sensing touch element 4 is fixed relative to the capsule core 2. The capacitive sensing touch element 4 is mounted on the capsule core 2, forming a single unit with the capsule core 2 and then secured within the housing 1 via a fixing structure 3.

[0036] The capacitive sensing touch element 4 can penetrate insulating materials (such as glass and plastic) to accurately detect touch signals, with a penetration thickness of at least 8mm. The activation method using the capacitive sensing touch element 4 ensures that detection sensitivity, stability, and reliability remain unchanged due to changes in environmental conditions or long-term use, and is waterproof and highly resistant to interference. Therefore, the capacitive sensing touch element 4 can penetrate the housing 1, detect touch data from the human body (cavity), and then output a touch-sensing level signal (touch sensing signal) to the first PCB board 21, thereby connecting the capsule endoscope's power supply module and powering the capsule endoscope. This technical solution requires the human body (cavity) to contact the portion of the housing corresponding to the capacitive sensing touch element 4 to activate the capsule endoscope. This avoids interference between magnet-activated and light-activated activations. Furthermore, the capsule endoscope can remain powered on while in contact with the cavity within the body, preventing accidental shutdown of the capsule endoscope.

[0037] The capacitive sensing touch element 4 is positioned adjacent to the inner wall of the housing 1. The optimal spacing between the capacitive sensing touch element 4 and the inner wall of the housing 1 can be calculated based on experimental data to ensure detection sensitivity and stability. The absence of interference from other components between the capacitive sensing touch element 4 and the inner wall of the housing 1 improves detection accuracy and stability.

[0038] Furthermore, the capacitive touch sensing element 4 includes a touch sensing portion 41 and a sensing circuit 42 electrically connecting the touch sensing portion 41 to the first PCB 21. The touch sensing portion 41 functions as a touch-sensing button. The touch sensing portion 41 includes a touch circuit for sensing touch. The touch circuit acquires real-time touch sensing data at a frequency of N times per minute. Upon receiving touch sensing data indicating human contact with the touch sensing portion 41, the sensing circuit 42 outputs a touch-sensing level signal, thereby electrically connecting to the first PCB 21 and energizing the capsule endoscope's power supply module.

[0039] In order to improve the accuracy and stability of detection, the touch sensing portion 41 is disposed adjacent to the inner wall of the housing 1 .

[0040] Furthermore, the housing 1 includes a first end 11 and a second end 12 that are oppositely disposed along the axial direction of the housing 1. The extending direction toward the first end 11 is defined as the front, and the extending direction toward the second end 12 is defined as the rear.

[0041] The capsule core 2 also includes a camera unit 24 positioned adjacent to the first end 11 and a battery 26 positioned between the camera unit 24 and the first PCB 21. Specifically, the camera unit 24 is positioned at the front end of the housing 1. The battery 26 is positioned in the middle of the housing 1. The first PCB 21 is positioned near the second end 12 and at the rear end of the housing 1.

[0042] The battery 26 is in electrical contact with the first PCB 21 and can be electrically connected to the first PCB 21 via an electrical connector. The first PCB 21 includes a power supply module that is in electrical contact with the battery 26. The battery 26 can be connected or disconnected from the power supply module, thereby powering on the capsule endoscope.

[0043] Preferably, the housing 1 includes a transparent portion disposed within the field of view of the camera unit 24. The camera unit 24 captures the environment outside the housing 1 through the transparent portion, so as to realize the "digestive tract visualization" of the capsule endoscope.

[0044] Referring to FIG. 1 , a first embodiment of a fixing method for the capacitive sensing touch element 4 is shown, in which the touch sensing portion 41 is disposed in the middle area of ​​the housing 1. The battery 26 and the first PCB board 21 are disposed adjacent to each other in the axial direction of the housing 1, and the battery 26 is disposed on the side of the first PCB board 21 facing the camera unit 24. The battery 26 and the first PCB board 21 are electrically connected. The capacitive sensing touch element 4 extends from the first PCB board 21 toward the battery 26, so that the touch sensing portion 41 is disposed in the middle area of ​​the housing 1. With this arrangement, based on the structure of the original capsule endoscope, there is no need to change the size of the housing 1, and the axial length of the capsule endoscope is not occupied, which has the advantages of small space occupation and reduced cost.

[0045] Specifically, the sensing circuit 42 extends from the first PCB 21 toward the battery 26, and the touch sensing portion 41 is insulated and fixed to the outer wall of the battery 26. The battery 26 secures the touch sensing portion 41, eliminating the need for a separate, dedicated fixing component. One end of the sensing circuit 42 is electrically connected to the first PCB 21, and the other end is electrically connected to the touch sensing portion 41.

[0046] Furthermore, one end of the sensing circuit 42 is electrically connected to the first PCB 21, and the other end of the sensing circuit 42 bends and extends toward the battery 26 to electrically connect to the touch sensing portion 41. The side of the touch sensing portion 41 closest to the battery 26 is an adhesive-backed surface, which is bonded to the outer wall of the battery 26. This provides the advantages of simple installation and ease of operation.

[0047] Furthermore, the touch sensing portion 41 is a circular structure.

[0048] FIG3 shows a second embodiment of a capacitive sensing touch element 4 secured between the first PCB 21 and the second end 12. The capacitive sensing touch element 4 extends from the first PCB 21 toward the second end 12. Positioning the capacitive sensing touch element 4 in the rear end region of the housing 1 fully utilizes the space between the first PCB 21 and the second end 12, maintaining the existing structure of the capsule endoscope without changing the dimensions of the housing 1.

[0049] Specifically, the capacitive sensing touch element 4 includes a touch sensing portion 41, a sensing circuit 42, and a support member 43. The support member 43 is insulated and fixed to the first PCB 21 and extends toward the second end 12. A receiving space 44 for accommodating the touch sensing portion 41 and the sensing circuit 42 is defined between the support member 43 and the inner wall of the housing 1. The support member 43 is used to securely mount the touch sensing portion 41, thereby placing it close to the rear end of the housing 1 and improving the sensitivity and stability of the touch sensing portion 41.

[0050] Furthermore, one end of the sensing circuit 42 is electrically connected to the first PCB board 21 , and the other end of the sensing circuit 42 is electrically connected to the touch sensing portion 41 .

[0051] The sensing circuit 42 includes a fixed portion 421 extending from one end of the sensing circuit 42 toward the other end thereof and insulated and fixed to the support member 43; and a curved portion 422 extending from the fixed portion 421 toward the other end of the sensing circuit 42. The curved portion 422 is electrically connected to the touch sensing portion 41. The fixed portion 421 is disposed in an area adjacent to the first PCB 21 and the support member 43.

[0052] Furthermore, the second end portion 12 is an arc segment. The touch sensing portion 41 is an arc-shaped structure that curves and extends from the other end of the sensing circuit 42 in the direction of the arc segment and is configured to conform to the arc segment. The touch sensing portion 41 is arranged parallel to and adjacent to the second end portion 12. The optimal spacing between the touch sensing portion 41 and the second end portion 12 can be calculated based on experimental data to ensure detection sensitivity and stability.

[0053] The bent portion 422 is provided for adaptability so as to extend toward the second end portion 12 of the housing 1 .

[0054] The support component 43 includes an arcuate end surface 432 adjacent to the touch sensing portion 41. The touch sensing portion 41 is disposed between the arcuate end surface 432 and the second end portion 12. The support component 43 also includes a fixed end surface 431 insulated and fixed to the first PCB. The fixed end surface 431 is disposed opposite the arcuate end surface 432. This provides the advantages of a simple fixing method and a compact structure.

[0055] As shown in Figure 1 , the capsule core 2 further includes a magnet 25 disposed between the camera unit 24 and the battery 26. Magnet 25 is used to cooperate with an external processing terminal, which can apply an external magnetic field to the capsule endoscope, thereby controlling the capsule endoscope's active movement within the subject's digestive tract via magnet 25. This eliminates the need for a drive mechanism within the housing 1, thereby reducing the internal volume of the housing 1. Furthermore, the present invention's activation via the capacitive sensing touch element 4 is less susceptible to being affected by magnet 25, thereby ensuring stable activation.

[0056] The camera unit 24 , the magnet 25 , the battery 26 , and the first PCB board 21 are sequentially arranged along the axial direction of the housing 1 to reduce the radial length of the housing 1 .

[0057] Furthermore, capsule core 2 includes a third PCB 23 secured to camera unit 24, and a second PCB 22 electrically connected to third PCB 23 via a flexible circuit board. Second PCB 22 is also electrically connected to first PCB 21 via a flexible circuit board. First PCB 21, second PCB 22, and third PCB 23 are arranged parallel to each other and spaced apart axially along housing 1, forming a multilayer PCB system.

[0058] The magnet 25 is disposed between the third PCB board 23 and the second PCB board 22 , and the battery 26 is disposed between the first PCB board 21 and the second PCB board 22 .

[0059] Referring to Figure 2, further, the housing 1 includes a transparent housing 13 and a non-transparent housing 14 connected to the transparent housing 13. The transparent housing 13 and the non-transparent housing 14 define an inner cavity of the housing 1. The transparent housing 13 and the non-transparent housing 14 are fixedly connected. Specifically, the transparent housing 13 and the non-transparent housing 14 are fixed by adhesive bonding. Of course, in other embodiments, the transparent housing 13 and the non-transparent housing 14 can also be fixed by threaded connection or clamping, which will not be described in detail. The first end 11 is arranged at the end of the transparent housing 13, and the second end 12 is arranged at the end of the non-transparent housing 14. The transparent housing 13 includes a transparent portion within the field of view of the camera unit 24.

[0060] Referring to FIG. 4 , in order to solve the above problems, the present invention further provides a touch-activated power-on method with high power-on stability and sensitivity, and energy saving and high efficiency.

[0061] A touch-activated startup method for a capsule endoscope as described above comprises:

[0062] After the touch sensing signal of the capacitive sensing touch element 4 is acquired, the power supply module of the capsule endoscope is turned on.

[0063] The capacitive sensing touch element 4 can penetrate the housing 1, detect touch sensing data from the human body (cavity), and then output a touch sensing level signal (touch sensing signal) to the first PCB board 21, thereby connecting the capsule endoscope's power supply module and powering the capsule endoscope. Specifically, there is an inductive capacitance between any two conductive objects. When the surrounding environment remains unchanged, the inductive capacitance value is fixed. When a human body approaches the capacitive sensing touch element 4, parasitic capacitance is generated between the capacitive sensing touch element 4 and the human body, causing the total capacitance value of the capacitive sensing touch element 4 to increase. After detecting a change in the inductive capacitance value, a level signal will be output to activate the capsule endoscope's power supply module.

[0064] Further, determining whether the touch sensing signal of the capacitive sensing touch element 4 is continuously obtained, specifically, after the capacitive sensing touch element 4 obtains the touch sensing signal at the preset signal acquisition frequency f within the preset time period T1, the power supply module remains in the on state;

[0065] When the capacitive sensing touch element 4 fails to obtain a touch sensing signal at least once within a preset time period T1 at a preset signal acquisition frequency f, determining whether the capsule endoscope obtains a control instruction of an external control device corresponding to the capsule endoscope;

[0066] After confirming that the capsule endoscope has acquired the control instruction of the external control device corresponding to the capsule endoscope, determining whether the capsule endoscope can communicate with the portable recorder corresponding to the outside of the capsule endoscope;

[0067] After confirming that the capsule endoscope can communicate with the corresponding portable recorder outside the capsule endoscope, the power supply module remains in the on state;

[0068] After confirming that the capsule endoscope has not obtained the control instruction of the external control device corresponding to the capsule endoscope, the power supply module of the capsule endoscope is disconnected.

[0069] Among them, the preset signal acquisition frequency f and the preset time period T1 are calculated based on experimental data. The preset signal acquisition frequency f is also related to the rate at which the capacitive sensing touch element 4 acquires signals and the signal processing speed. The touch circuit will acquire real-time touch sensing data at a low frequency of N times per minute.

[0070] Specifically, if the capacitive sensing touch element 4 detects human touch sensing data, the sensing circuit 42 will output a touch sensing level signal, turning on the power supply module of the capsule endoscope, thereby powering the capsule endoscope. At this time, the capsule endoscope will detect whether there is a continuous touch sensing signal. If a continuous touch sensing signal is detected, the capsule endoscope will remain powered on and operate normally.

[0071] If the detected touch sensing signal is not continuous, the capsule endoscope will check whether it has received a control command from the external control device. If it has received a control command from the external control device and confirms that the capsule endoscope and the external portable recorder are communicating normally, the capsule endoscope will remain powered on and operate normally. If it has not received a control command from the external control device, it will be determined that it is interference or an incorrect startup and the power supply module will be disconnected to save power. The activation method using the capacitive sensing touch element 4 has the advantages of energy saving, high efficiency and precise control of power on and off.

[0072] Further, when the power supply module of the capsule endoscope is disconnected without receiving a disconnection instruction, a touch sensing signal of the capacitive sensing touch member 4 is obtained;

[0073] After the touch sensing signal of the capacitive sensing touch element 4 is acquired, the power supply module of the capsule endoscope is turned on.

[0074] Among them, after the capsule endoscope enters the human body, if an unexpected situation causes the power supply module to lose power or shut down, the circuit of the capacitive sensing touch member 4 will continue to detect whether there is a cavity contacting the outer shell part corresponding to the capacitive sensing touch member 4. Since the capsule endoscope is located in the human body, the outer shell part corresponding to the capacitive sensing touch member 4 is always in contact with the cavity, and the capsule endoscope will restart the power supply module, keep it on, and work normally.

[0075] Therefore, the capacitive sensing touch element 4 of the present application can restart the power supply module when an unexpected situation causes the power supply module to be powered off, or restart the power supply when it is accidentally shut down, ensuring that the capacitive sensing touch element 4 can always be in working condition in the human body.

[0076] Compared to the prior art, the capsule endoscope and its touch-activated power-on method provided by the present invention utilizes a capacitive sensing touch element 4 disposed within the housing 1 to penetrate the housing 1, detect touch-sensing data from the human body (cavity), and then output a touch-sensing level signal to the first PCB board 21, thereby connecting the capsule endoscope's power supply module and powering the capsule endoscope. Furthermore, the capacitive sensing touch element 4 is mounted on the capsule core 2, forming a single unit with the capsule core 2 and then installed within the housing 1, offering the advantage of modular installation. This technical solution requires the human body (cavity) to contact the portion of the housing corresponding to the capacitive sensing touch element 4 in order to activate the endoscope. This avoids interference between activation by magnet 25 and activation by light. Furthermore, the capsule endoscope remains powered on while in contact with the cavity within the body, preventing accidental shutdown of the capsule. If an unexpected situation causes the power supply module to lose power or shut down, the circuit of the capacitive sensing touch element 4 will continue to detect whether a cavity is in contact with the corresponding outer shell portion of the capacitive sensing touch element 4. Since the capsule endoscope is located within the human body, the outer shell portion of the capacitive sensing touch element 4 is in constant contact with the cavity, and the capsule endoscope will restart the power supply module, remain powered on, and operate normally. Therefore, the present invention has the advantages of a compact structure, easy installation, high startup stability and sensitivity, and energy efficiency.

[0077] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention and are not limiting. Although the present invention has been described in detail through the above preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that various changes can be made in form and details without departing from the scope defined by the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A capsule endoscope, comprising a shell, and a capsule core disposed in the shell and fixed relative to an inner wall of the shell, wherein the capsule core comprises a first PCB board, and is characterized in that: The capsule endoscope further comprises a capacitive sensing touch element, which is arranged in the shell and electrically connected to the first PCB board, and the capacitive sensing touch element is fixed relative to the capsule core; wherein the capacitive sensing touch element is arranged adjacent to the inner wall of the shell.

2. The capsule endoscope according to claim 1, characterized in that: The capacitive sensing touch element includes a touch sensing portion and a sensing circuit, wherein the sensing circuit electrically connects the touch sensing portion and the first PCB board, wherein the touch sensing portion is disposed adjacent to the inner wall of the housing.

3. The capsule endoscope according to claim 2, characterized in that: The housing comprises a first end and a second end which are arranged opposite to each other along the axial direction of the housing; The capsule core further includes a camera unit and a battery, wherein the camera unit is disposed adjacent to the first end, the battery is disposed between the camera unit and the first PCB board, and the housing includes a transparent portion disposed within the field of view of the camera unit; Wherein, the first PCB board is arranged close to the second end.

4. The capsule endoscope according to claim 3, characterized in that: The battery and the first PCB are arranged adjacent to each other along the axis of the housing, and the battery is arranged on a side of the first PCB facing the camera unit; The sensing circuit is extended from the first PCB board toward the battery, and the touch sensing part is insulated and fixed on the outer wall of the battery.

5. The capsule endoscope according to claim 4, characterized in that: One end of the sensing circuit is electrically connected to the first PCB board, and the other end of the sensing circuit is bent and extended toward the battery to be electrically connected to the touch sensing part; Wherein, a side of the touch sensing portion close to the battery is a back adhesive surface, and the back adhesive surface is bonded to the outer wall of the battery.

6. The capsule endoscope according to claim 3, characterized in that: The capacitive sensing touch element is disposed between the first PCB board and the second end; The capacitive sensing touch element further includes a supporting component, which is insulated and fixed to the first PCB board and extends toward the second end. An accommodating space for accommodating the touch sensing part and the sensing circuit is defined between the supporting component and the inner wall of the housing.

7. The capsule endoscope according to claim 6, characterized in that: One end of the sensing circuit is electrically connected to the first PCB board, and the other end of the sensing circuit is electrically connected to the touch sensing part; The sensing circuit includes a fixed portion and a bent portion. The fixed portion is formed to extend from one end of the sensing circuit toward the other end of the sensing circuit and is insulated and fixed to the supporting component. The bent portion is bent and extended from the fixed portion toward the other end of the sensing circuit.

8. The capsule endoscope according to claim 7, characterized in that: The second end portion is a circular arc segment; The touch sensing portion is an arc-shaped structure that bends and extends from the other end of the sensing circuit toward the arc segment and is adapted to the arc segment; Wherein, the supporting component comprises an arc end surface, the arc end surface is arranged adjacent to the touch sensing portion, and the touch sensing portion is arranged between the arc end surface and the second end portion.

9. The capsule endoscope according to claim 3, characterized in that: The capsule core further includes a magnet, and the magnet is disposed between the camera unit and the battery. The camera unit, the magnet, the battery, and the first PCB board are sequentially disposed along the axial direction of the housing.

10. A touch-activated startup method for a capsule endoscope as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: After the touch sensing signal of the capacitive sensing touch element is acquired, the power supply module of the capsule endoscope is turned on.

11. The touch-activated startup method of a capsule endoscope according to claim 10, characterized in that: After the capacitive sensing touch element obtains the touch sensing signal at the preset signal acquisition frequency f within the preset time period T1, the power supply module remains in the on state; When the capacitive sensing touch element fails to obtain a touch sensing signal at least once within a preset time period T1 at a preset signal acquisition frequency f, determining whether the capsule endoscope obtains a control instruction of an external control device corresponding to the capsule endoscope; After confirming that the capsule endoscope obtains the control instruction of the external control device corresponding to the capsule endoscope, determining whether the capsule endoscope can communicate with the portable recorder corresponding to the outside of the capsule endoscope; After confirming that the capsule endoscope can communicate with the corresponding portable recorder outside the capsule endoscope, the power supply module remains connected; After confirming that the capsule endoscope has not obtained the control instruction of the external control device corresponding to the capsule endoscope, the power supply module of the capsule endoscope is disconnected.

12. The touch-activated startup method of a capsule endoscope according to claim 10, characterized in that: When the power supply module of the capsule endoscope is disconnected without receiving a disconnection instruction, acquiring a touch sensing signal of the capacitive sensing touch element; After the touch sensing signal of the capacitive sensing touch element is acquired, the power supply module of the capsule endoscope is turned on.

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