US20060155174A1 - Device, system and method for selective activation of in vivo sensors - Google Patents

Device, system and method for selective activation of in vivo sensors Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US20060155174A1
US20060155174A1 US10/493,751 US49375104A US2006155174A1 US 20060155174 A1 US20060155174 A1 US 20060155174A1 US 49375104 A US49375104 A US 49375104A US 2006155174 A1 US2006155174 A1 US 2006155174A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
vivo
controller
sensitive
image sensor
sensing
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US10/493,751
Inventor
Arkady Glukhovsky
Mordechai Frisch
Tal Davidson
Gavriel Meron
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Given Imaging Ltd
Original Assignee
Given Imaging Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Given Imaging Ltd filed Critical Given Imaging Ltd
Priority to US10/493,751 priority Critical patent/US20060155174A1/en
Assigned to GIVEN IMAGING LTD. reassignment GIVEN IMAGING LTD. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: DAVIDSON, TAL, FRISCH, MORDECHAI, GLUKHOVSKY, ARKADY, MERON, GAVRIEL
Publication of US20060155174A1 publication Critical patent/US20060155174A1/en
Priority to US12/854,483 priority patent/US8216130B2/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61BDIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B1/00Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
    • A61B1/04Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor combined with photographic or television appliances
    • A61B1/041Capsule endoscopes for imaging
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61BDIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B1/00Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
    • A61B1/00002Operational features of endoscopes
    • A61B1/00025Operational features of endoscopes characterised by power management
    • A61B1/00036Means for power saving, e.g. sleeping mode
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61BDIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B1/00Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
    • A61B1/00002Operational features of endoscopes
    • A61B1/00043Operational features of endoscopes provided with output arrangements
    • A61B1/00055Operational features of endoscopes provided with output arrangements for alerting the user
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61BDIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B1/00Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
    • A61B1/04Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor combined with photographic or television appliances
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61BDIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/07Endoradiosondes
    • A61B5/073Intestinal transmitters
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61BDIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/145Measuring characteristics of blood in vivo, e.g. gas concentration, pH value; Measuring characteristics of body fluids or tissues, e.g. interstitial fluid, cerebral tissue
    • A61B5/14539Measuring characteristics of blood in vivo, e.g. gas concentration, pH value; Measuring characteristics of body fluids or tissues, e.g. interstitial fluid, cerebral tissue for measuring pH
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61BDIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B1/00Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
    • A61B1/00002Operational features of endoscopes
    • A61B1/00011Operational features of endoscopes characterised by signal transmission
    • A61B1/00016Operational features of endoscopes characterised by signal transmission using wireless means
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61BDIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B2560/00Constructional details of operational features of apparatus; Accessories for medical measuring apparatus
    • A61B2560/02Operational features
    • A61B2560/0204Operational features of power management
    • A61B2560/0209Operational features of power management adapted for power saving

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to the field of in vivo devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to a device, system and method for selectively activating or altering the operational mode of an in vivo device, for example, in response to in vivo conditions.
  • Certain in vivo devices may be introduced into a body in a location remote to the area where their sensing, diagnosing or other functions may be performed.
  • an in vivo device for imaging areas of the small intestine may be introduced into a body through the mouth and pass through the stomach and other parts of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract by way of peristalsis until reaching the small intestine.
  • GI gastrointestinal
  • an in vivo device may be introduced into a body wherein the location of an area of interest or of a suspected pathology may be unknown or uncertain, thereby necessitating that an in vivo device pass from its point of introduction and locate the area of pathology where its sensing functions or other functions may be required for diagnosing pathologies or performing other functions.
  • In vivo devices such as sensors are generally configured to capture sensory data on a fixed schedule that may be set or programmed into the in vivo sensor before it may be introduced into a body.
  • an in vivo image sensor may be configured to capture images at fixed intervals beginning with the time that it is introduced into the body.
  • an in vivo sensor may be activated by a doctor or medical practitioner who assists in introducing such sensor into the body.
  • Other in vivo sensors may be activated before ingestion, for example, automatically upon their removal from their original packaging.
  • an in vivo sensor introduced to a location in the body may perform its sensing functions or other functions in locations other than the area of interests for example where no pathology or suspected pathology exists.
  • the performance of such superfluous sensing may inefficiently utilize the power supply, data collection, data transfer (bandwidth), data storage capacity and/or other of the sometimes limited resource of the in vivo sensor. Redundant data may be required to be reviewed by the physician, increasing the overall review time.
  • an in vivo image capturing system may be programmed to capture in vivo images at a rate of, for example, two frames per second. While such frame capture rate may be for example sufficient to generally capture adequate images of most of the small bowel, such frame capture rate may be too slow to achieve the level of imaging detail that may be required for areas such as the esophagus or other areas.
  • a system for in vivo sensing including for example an in vivo sensing device with a condition tester, and a controller.
  • the condition sensor may for example be operatively linked with the controller so as to control for example an operational mode of the in vivo sensing device.
  • a method for controlling for example an in vivo imaging device by, for example, sensing a condition in vivo and triggering an event in the in vivo imaging device based on the sensing.
  • FIG. 1A is a schematic illustration of an in vivo device that may be used in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 1B is a schematic illustration of a receiver in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 1C is a schematic illustration of a data processor in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of an in vivo device with a condition sensitive, color-changing material in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of a device with two image sensors in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of a condition tester in the form of a coating in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIGS. 5A and 5B are schematic illustrations of a floatable device according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 6 sets forth a flow chart of the operation of a controller in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 7 sets forth a flow chart of the operation of a device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 8 sets forth a schematic diagram of a temperature triggered circuit in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention.
  • FIG. 9 is a chart depicting a change in mode based on a pH trigger in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention.
  • FIG. 10 is a chart depicting a change in mode initiated by a pH trigger and combined with a timed delay in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention.
  • a system, method and device are provided for triggering an event such as, for example, activating or altering the operational mode of an in vivo device and/or a receiving (and/or processing, and/or reviewing) unit, typically located outside a patient's body, in response to in vivo conditions as may be detected by an in vivo condition tester.
  • an event such as, for example, activating or altering the operational mode of an in vivo device and/or a receiving (and/or processing, and/or reviewing) unit, typically located outside a patient's body, in response to in vivo conditions as may be detected by an in vivo condition tester.
  • Such activating, deactivating or altering operational modes may include for example, activating or deactivating one or more components of the in vivo device and/or the receiving unit, increasing or decreasing the power consumption, increasing or decreasing the level of illumination, increasing or decreasing the rate of sensing, such as, for example, increasing the data capture rate from, for example, 2 images per second to for example, 14 images per second, or altering the sensing parameters such as, for example, in the case of an in vivo image sensor, increasing or decreasing the illumination intensity of the light sources or altering the image plane of the image sensor.
  • Other operational modes may be changed and other data capture rates may be used.
  • more than one in vivo sensor may be included in a single device.
  • a change in the operational mode of the device may in such embodiments include activating or deactivating one or both of such sensors or alternating the activation of such more than one sensor.
  • an in vivo image sensor may include two image sensors.
  • a change in operational mode may in such example mean activating or deactivating one or both of such image sensors, or alternating the activation of such image sensors.
  • one in vivo device may activate or deactivate one or more components in second in vivo device. Communication between two or more in vivo devices may be for example through one or more external receivers or may be through for example direct communication between one or more in vivo devices.
  • changes in the operational mode may for example include changes in the methods or procedures of processing sensory data obtained, and optionally transmitted, from the in vivo device.
  • sensory data such as images or ultrasound readings from endo-luminal areas that have villi may return distorted images as a result of the irregular surfaces of the villi.
  • such distortions may be corrected through changes in the methods of processing of the sensory data by the data processor.
  • specific image processing algorithms may be activated.
  • methods of processing sensory data may be executed, for example, in an external receiving unit.
  • the change may be in the mode of the data presentation (reviewing mode), e.g. presentation of the images in double image vs. single image mode.
  • the invention comprises an in vivo device such as, for example, an in vivo image capture system, an in vivo condition tester such as, for example, any of an in vivo pH tester, blood detector, thermometer, pressure tester, spectral analytic image sensor, biosensor for biosensing, accelerometer, or motion detector, and a controller for linking the condition tester with the in vivo device and for signaling the change to be made in the operational mode of the in vivo device.
  • Other condition testers may also be used as well as a combination of two or more condition sensor may be used.
  • a biosensor may be used to sense, for example, colon specific flora in a colon.
  • a pressure tester may be used to sense, for example, a change in pressure, such as a change in pressure pattern.
  • a drop in pressure may be sensed by a pressure tester, for example, when the device moves from the small intestine to the cecum (at the beginning of the colon).
  • signals emitted by the condition tester such as mechanical, electrical, electromagnetic, chemical, or optical signals may also be used.
  • Embodiments of the present invention may be used with in vivo devices and recording/receiving and display systems such as various embodiments described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,604,531, assigned to the common assignee of the present application and incorporated herein by reference, and/or Publication Number WO 01/65995, also assigned to the common assignee of the present application and incorporated herein by reference.
  • Other in vivo systems, having other configurations, may be used.
  • Embodiments of the device may be typically autonomous and typically self-contained.
  • the device may be a capsule or other units where all the components are substantially contained within a container or shell, and where the device does not require any wires or cables to, for example, receive power or transmit information.
  • the device may communicate with an external receiving and display system to provide display of data, control, or other functions.
  • power may be provided by an internal battery or a wireless receiving system.
  • Other embodiments may have other configurations and capabilities.
  • components may be distributed over multiple sites or units. Control information may be received from an external source.
  • An in vivo imaging system for example, that may be included in an ingestible device such as a capsule may capture and transmit images of the GI tract while the capsule may pass through the GI lumen.
  • a device such as a capsule may include, for example, an optical system for imaging an area of interest onto the imaging system and a transmitter for transmitting the image output of the image sensor.
  • a capsule may pass through the digestive tract and operate as an autonomous video endoscope. It may image difficult to reach areas of the GI tract, such as the small intestine.
  • Other devices may be included, and devices including sensors other than image sensors may be used. Configurations other than capsules may also be used.
  • FIG. 1A a schematic illustration of an in vivo device in the form of for example, a swallowable capsule that may be used in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Device 40 may comprise an image sensor 46 , an in vivo optical system 41 for focusing light reflected back from in vivo areas (not shown) onto image sensor 46 , an illumination source 42 , such as one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs) or other suitable sources, a dome 44 that may be useful, inter alia, for protecting the optical system from body fluids, a circuit or controller 48 for controlling the operational mode, such as for example settings of the device 40 , a condition tester 49 such as for example, a pH tester or thermometer, an in vivo memory unit 39 , an in vivo power source 45 such as a set of batteries, an in vivo receiver 43 for collecting signals transmitted to device 40 , and an in vivo transmitter 47 for transmitting signals and/or image data to a receiver.
  • LEDs light emitting diodes
  • in vivo image sensor 46 , in vivo illumination source 42 , controller 48 , in vivo memory unit 39 , in vivo transmitter 47 , in vivo receiver 43 and condition tester 49 may in certain embodiments of the present invention be operatively connected, for example to/or through PCB 38 , or included or embedded within an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) 50 .
  • image sensor 46 , controller 48 and condition tester 49 may be operatively linked to each other without an ASIC 50 or PCB 38 or other connecting means.
  • a wired or wireless connection such as for example a microwave connection or other suitable connections may be used between elements in the capsule.
  • Such an ASIC 50 may provide control for the capsule.
  • another component such as transmitter 47 may provide such control.
  • image sensor 46 may be a CCD or a CMOS image sensor that may have arrays of various typically color pixels. Other suitable image sensors or no image sensors may be used. In one embodiment of the invention, image sensor 46 may also function as a condition tester. For example, an image sensor may be used to detect for example, blood vessel structures typically found in colon, or villi structures typically found in small intestine. Detection of such structures, detection of lack of such structures, or detection of other structures or colors such as for example color specific to content in the intestine may be used to trigger an event in the in vivo device. Other suitable structures or colors detected may be used as a trigger. Detection, according to an embodiment of the invention, could be aided by appropriate image processing algorithms and/or suitable software.
  • components such as capsule receiver 43 , power source 45 , in vivo memory unit 39 or other units may be omitted.
  • device 40 is swallowed by a patient and traverses a patient's GI tract.
  • Other suitable body lumens or cavities may be imaged or examined.
  • External receiver 12 may typically be located outside the patient's body and may receive and/or record and/or process the data transmitted from device 40 .
  • External receiver 12 may typically include a receiver antenna (or antenna array) 15 , for receiving image and other data from device 40 and stored in for example storage unit 16 .
  • external receiver 12 may be portable, and may be worn on the patient's body during recording of the images.
  • External receiver 12 may also be equipped with processing unit 11 , such as for example signal processing unit and/or control software or for example a control mechanism or circuit emulating such functionality that may control for example, evaluate and respond to signals transmitted by device 40 .
  • External receiver 12 may also include a transmitter and receiver transmitter 17 that may enable external receiver 12 to transmit signals such as control signals to device 40 .
  • External receiver 12 may also include a user interface (not shown) that may inter alia provide indications to a user or patient as to changes made in the operational mode of a device. For example, passage of a capsule through the stomach may be identified by changes detected in pH levels that may for example trigger a change in the operational mode of a sensor such as an image sensor.
  • a patient may be signaled via a user interface that such mode change is being made and prompted to take certain actions such as for example, changing positions (such as for example, changing from a sitting position to a reclining position), ingesting a laxative, or certain liquids, etc.
  • data processor 14 data processor storage unit 19 and monitor 18 are part of a personal computer or workstation that may include standard components such as a processor 13 , a memory (such as storage unit 19 , or other memory), a disk drive, and input-output devices. Alternate configurations are possible. In alternate embodiments, the data reception and storage components may be of another configuration. Further, image and other data may be received in other manners, by other sets of components.
  • image data is transferred from external receiver 12 to data processor 14 , which, in conjunction with processor 13 , storage 19 , and software, stores, possibly processes, and displays the image data on monitor 18 .
  • data processor 14 which, in conjunction with processor 13 , storage 19 , and software, stores, possibly processes, and displays the image data on monitor 18 .
  • Other systems and methods of storing and/or displaying collected image data may be used.
  • processing of data can be performed by components within the external receiver 12 .
  • device 40 may capture an image and transmit the image by using, for example, radio frequencies, to receiver antenna(s) 15 .
  • external receiver 12 is an integral part of data processor 14 .
  • the image data recorded and transmitted is digital color image data, although in alternate embodiments other suitable image formats (e.g., black and white image data, infrared image data, etc.) may be used.
  • each frame of image data may include 256 rows of 256 pixels each, each pixel including data for color and brightness, according to known methods. For example, color may be represented in each pixel by a mosaic of four sub-pixels, each sub-pixel corresponding to primaries such as red, green, or blue (where one primary is represented twice).
  • the brightness of each sub-pixel may be recorded by, for example, a one byte (i.e., 0-255) brightness value.
  • image sensor 46 may capture or transmitter 47 may transmit image or other data in a diluted mode, capturing or transmitting for example, 16 rows of 16 pixels each.
  • in vivo transmitter 47 may include at least a modulator (not shown) for modulating the image signal from the image sensor 46 , a radio frequency (RF) amplifier (not shown), and an impedance matcher (not shown).
  • the modulator may convert the input image signal that may have for example, a cutoff frequency f c of less than 5 MHz to an RF signal having a carrier frequency f r , that may typically be in the range of 1 GHz.
  • the carrier frequency may be in other bands, e.g. a 400 MHz band.
  • the modulated RF signal may typically have an appropriate bandwidth of f t .
  • the impedance matcher may match the impedance of the circuit to that of the antenna.
  • transmission may occur at a frequency for example of 434 MHz, using for example Phase Shift Keying (PSK) or MSK (Minimal Shift Keying).
  • PSK Phase Shift Keying
  • MSK Minimal Shift Keying
  • AM or FM may be used.
  • External receiver 12 may detect a signal having the carrier frequency f r and the bandwidth f c such as described hereinabove.
  • External receiver 12 may be similar to those found in televisions or it may be one similar to those described on pages 244-245 of the book “Biomedical Telemetry” by R. Stewart McKay and published by John Wiley and Sons, 1970.
  • the receiver may be digital or analog. In alternate embodiments, other receivers, responding to other types of signals, may be used.
  • condition tester 49 may be an in vivo pH tester, as is well known in the art, for example a pH tester using the technology used in known pH measuring capsules.
  • pH tester may utilize as electrodes an external ring electrode made of antimony and the zinc-silver chloride electrode of the battery that powers the tester.
  • a saline solution such as for example, a 0.9% physiologic saline solution may be introduced into the electrode chamber immediately prior to the testing.
  • the potential difference that develops between the two electrodes and that depends on the pH may be applied to a transistor as a frequency-determining measuring voltage.
  • pH testers such as ion selective field effect transistors (ISFET) may also be used as condition tester 49 to evaluate pH in areas adjacent to the location of the device 40 .
  • ISFET sensor chips that may be used for in vivo pH detection are known in the art as may be described, for example, in Wang, L., Integrated Micro-Instrumentation for Dynamic Monitoring of the Gastro-Intestinal Tract, as presented at the IEEE Instrumentation and Measurement Technology Conference, May 2002, retrieved on Oct. 15, 2002 from the Internet: ⁇ URL: http://www.see.ac.uk/naa.publications.html>.
  • Other suitable pH testers may also be used.
  • An ISFET sensor serving as condition tester 49 may be operatively connected to ASIC 50 or otherwise may be connected directly to image sensor 46 .
  • an ISFET sensor serving as condition tester 49 may be situated adjacent to the outer wall of the device 40 so as to maximize the exposure of such condition tester 49 to the in vivo conditions outside of such wall of device 40 .
  • controller 48 may be substituted or complimented by an external controller located out of the body.
  • the external controller may be an integral part of processor 11 .
  • triggering may be external triggering.
  • Condition tester 49 may transmit a signal to in vivo transmitter 47 that transmits such signals to receiver antenna(s) 15 .
  • External receiver 12 may process such signals and transmit back triggering signal such as instructions by way of receiver transmitter 17 to in vivo receiver 43 .
  • In vivo receiver 43 may then direct a change in the mode of operation of device 40 .
  • external receiver 12 may be capable of overriding or initiating a change in the mode of operation of device 40 in response to a signal that is input to receiver by medical personnel.
  • a condition tester such as for example, a pressure sensor may use a strain gauge as a condition detector, such as for example, a thin foil, typically a semiconductor or a piezoelectric material.
  • a strain gauge may accept power through a wire and provide a variable strain signal on such wire.
  • condition tester 49 may take the form of a condition sensitive, color-changing material.
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of an in vivo sensor with a condition sensitive, color-changing material 202 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Material 202 may be temperature sensitive. “Temperature-sensitive” in the context of the present invention may be defined as reactive to a change in temperature. This temperature change may include a range of temperatures or a change from a reference temperature to another temperature.
  • material 202 may be pressure-sensitive, pH sensitive or sensitive to the presence of certain substances such as for example, blood, with color-changing characteristics varying with changes in such conditions.
  • a pH condition tester may use litmus paper as a color-changing material 202
  • a blood detector may use a polyelectrolyte as a color-changing material 202 , as known in the art.
  • the temperature-sensitive, color-changing material 202 may be a Thermotropic Liquid Crystal (TLC) paint or coating, such as are offered by Hallcrest, Inc. of Glenview, Ill.
  • TLCs that may, for example, be cholesteric (including sterol-derived chemicals) or chiral nematic (including non-sterol based chemicals) liquid crystals, or a combination of the two, provide color changes in response to temperature changes. These color changes may be reversible or hysteretic.
  • controller 48 may be programmed to reverse or further alter the operational mode changes in image sensor 46 in the event that a condition tester ceases to detect the changed color of material 202 .
  • the TLC can be used in several forms according to several embodiments, including but not limited to paints, microencapsulated coatings and slurries, TLC coated polyester sheets, and unsealed films.
  • temperature-sensitive color-changing material 202 may be placed on the inside of capsule 200 , with color-changing portions facing inwards.
  • material 202 By placing material 202 on the inside of the capsule, potential problems associated with the biocompatibility and the resilience of material 202 in light of bodily fluids and pH changes may be avoided.
  • color-changing material may also be placed on the outside of capsule 200 where it may be in contact with bodily fluids. Such contact between material 202 and bodily fluids may facilitate testing of such bodily fluids for reactions with material 202 . In certain embodiments, it may be necessary to achieve contact between bodily fluids and material 202 .
  • the attachment or placement of material 202 can be accomplished in several ways.
  • material 202 may be in the form of paint, and may be painted onto the capsule. In another embodiment, material 202 may be attached onto the capsule with adhesive. In a further embodiment, material 202 may be sprayed onto the dome 44 as a coating. In yet a further embodiment, material 202 may be enclosed in a semi-permeable membrane in contact with bodily fluids.
  • Light source 204 may include one or several components, preferably light emitting diodes (LEDs) that may be placed in various locations within capsule 200 .
  • Light source 204 may also be used as or provided by illumination source 42 shown in FIG. 1 , to illuminate the environment being imaged (outside of the capsule), or a separate illumination source 204 may be included for that purpose.
  • Changes in in vivo conditions may in certain embodiments cause various materials that can be used as color-changing material 202 , to change color.
  • Image sensor 46 detects the appearance of the new color when light from light source 204 is reflected back from material 202 onto image sensor 46 . Referring to FIG. 2 , such detection of changes in color may in certain embodiments be performed by a subgroup of pixels 206 included in the pixel array of image sensor 46 .
  • pixel array of image sensor may have one subgroup of pixels that are sensitive to a first range of wavelengths e.g., colors and another subgroup of pixels sensitive to second range of wavelengths, e.g., colors.
  • such one subgroup of pixels, or specific pixels may be positioned on the pixel array of image sensor 46 to be exposed to light reflected back from material 202 considering the angle of incidence 208 and angle or return 208 ′ of the light directed onto and reflected back from material 202 .
  • such subgroup of pixels 206 may be sensitive to a specified range of colors that appear on material 202 once the designated in vivo environmental condition may be detected.
  • special photodiode(s) may be used in addition to or in place of a subgroup of pixels 206 to detect color changes.
  • a signal may be sent to controller 48 by such a subgroup of pixels 206 or by another component operatively connected to a subgroup of pixels 206 .
  • a subgroup of pixels 206 may be replaced or supplemented by a spectral analyzer that is capable of detecting color changes in material 202 .
  • Other color-sensitive detectors may also be used.
  • detection or processing may also be aided or performed by a processor or circuitry located in ASIC 50 , external receiver 12 or data processor 14 .
  • a range of color sensitive pixels may be situated on pixel array 210 of image sensor 46 . Signals produced by each of such specific pixels 206 may vary depending on the color appearing on material 202 . Controller 48 may detect and differentiate between such various signals, for example by utilizing appropriate image processing algorithms, and issue instructions to a sensor in response to each thereof. According to one embodiment a change of color may be detected in the in vivo environment that is being imaged. For example, a spot of bleeding may appear in a certain image. The change of color, that may indicate, for example, pathology in the GI tract, may be recognized by known methods.
  • controller 48 or data processor 14 may generate a probability indication of presence of colorimetric abnormalities on comparison of color content of the images and at least one reference value, for example, as described in PCT publication WO 02/073507, published on 19 Sep., 2002, that is assigned to the common assignee of the present invention.
  • the controller 48 or data processor 14 may initiate a change in the mode of operation of device 40 , of the external receiver 12 , of both or of any other component or combination of components of the system.
  • a photodiode maybe used to detect changes in material 202 .
  • Such photodiode may in certain embodiments be connected to an amplifier that may be further connected to a comparator. A mode change may thereby be triggered by analog rather than digital electronics.
  • one or more photodiodes may be used to detect light, such as for example, visible light, IR light, or other ranges of light illuminated for example externally through the skin toward an in vivo area of interest.
  • a photodiode or other light detecting unit for example incorporated in an in vivo device may sense illumination when approaching for example toward such area of interest. Such detection may trigger a change in operational mode.
  • Other suitable signals besides light may be used to penetrate the skin or other tissue and other suitable detection units may be used to pick up penetrated signal in vivo. For example, an acoustic signal may be used.
  • capsule 200 may operate in a low power consumption mode until a color change in material 202 may be detected. For example, until such color change may be detected, light sources 204 may be set to illuminate once every second, thereby consuming less power than used by the overall capsule 200 during full operation that might in certain embodiments illuminate several times a second or more. In response to a signal that may be detected from specific pixels 206 , controller 48 (or another component located in capsule 200 , external receiver 12 or data processor 14 ) may alter the mode of operation of capsule 200 or of any other component of the system.
  • any or both of light source 204 and image sensor 46 may be directed to increase the rate of capture of images in order to more fully image the endo-luminal vicinity wherein a specific condition may have been detected.
  • Controller 48 may direct other activations or alterations in the mode or operation of capsule 200 .
  • the response of controller 48 to signals from specific pixels 206 may be, for example, any of turning on the image sensor 46 that may theretofore have been inactive, changing mode of image sensor or transmitter, collecting samples of in vivo liquids or other materials, releasing encapsulated drugs that were held in capsule 200 or performing other functions.
  • the pixels receiving the color indication may be, for example, the regular pixels of image sensor 46 .
  • Post processing circuitry or software located in capsule 200 , external receiver 12 or data processor 14 may analyze the signals from the set of pixels (set being understood to include one unit) and make a mode change determination therefrom.
  • calorimetric changes may include, for example, temperature measurement using devices such as thermistors (located in a capsule for example as a discrete component or as part of ASIC) or using pH electrodes, and other embodiments.
  • devices such as thermistors (located in a capsule for example as a discrete component or as part of ASIC) or using pH electrodes, and other embodiments.
  • FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of a capsule 300 with two image sensors in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Capsule 300 has one image sensor 302 at one end of capsule 300 and a second image sensor 304 at another end of capsule 300 .
  • condition tester such as a color-changing material 202 such as those described in FIG. 2 may be installed proximate to image sensor 302 , and such image sensor 302 may in such embodiment have specific pixels 206 similar to those described above for detecting color changes in material 202 .
  • image sensor 302 may in such embodiment have specific pixels 206 similar to those described above for detecting color changes in material 202 .
  • a signal of such change is sent to controller 48 of capsule 300 .
  • Controller 48 may in such embodiment alter the operational mode, such as for example by activating a component, for example the image sensor 304 of capsule 300 .
  • a component for example the image sensor 304 of capsule 300 .
  • the operational mode of both or either of image sensors 302 and 304 may be changed.
  • Such a mode change may, for example, increase the number of images to be captured of such area or alter the orientation of images captured or differential activation of either one or both image sensors may be affected in response to a signal, or other mode changes discussed herein.
  • controller 48 may be configured to delay issuing operational mode change orders to until more than one signal from condition detector 49 may have been received.
  • controller 48 may be configured with a delay mechanism in the form of for example a counter 51 that causes controller 48 to delay activating or altering the operational mode of image sensor 304 until several signals from condition tester 202 may have been received, or until signals signifying that a certain condition exists may be received over the course of a certain period of time. Such activation may, for example, reduce the chance that a false reading or fleeting condition activates image sensor 304 , or may provide “debouncing” in case conditions may change in a variable manner between one relatively steady state and another.
  • capsule 300 may operate in a first mode (e.g., low power consumption, or at a first frame capture rate) in the mouth and esophagus, where the pH is generally approximately 7-8.
  • a pH detector on or within capsule 300 may detect a change in pH, and the operational mode may change, for example to a different power consumption, or a different frame capture rate.
  • capsule 300 may detect a change in pH to, for example 7-8, and the operational mode may change again.
  • a change in pH may cause alteration in the operational mode only if received for, for example, one minute (other suitable time periods may be used). Other methods of debouncing or guarding against fleeting conditions may be used.
  • Controller 48 may in certain embodiments be a software controller embedded into ASIC 50 .
  • controller 48 may be a simple switch or circuit connected to for example a condition tester such as a thermistor 800 .
  • the controller may include, for example, an amplifier 802 and a comparator 804 , comparing the measured signal to some pre-defined threshold 806 , as are depicted forth, for example, in FIG. 8 .
  • Such switch or circuit may in certain embodiments power on or trigger the activation of ASIC 50 when the proper condition may be detected.
  • such switch or circuit may signal ASIC 50 to, for example, begin operation or change the mode of operation of the sensor.
  • the switch from one condition and then back to another may be the trigger for a mode change.
  • a mode change may occur only on the third condition change.
  • Other suitable signals or series of signals may be used to trigger other suitable functionalities.
  • altering the mode based on detection of a condition change may be combined with, for example, a delay.
  • capsule 300 may wait, for example, one hour after detecting a condition change to effect a mode change.
  • FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of a condition tester in the form of a coating in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
  • a portion of capsule 400 may be coated with one or more layers of a dissolvable material 402 .
  • Each layer of dissolvable material 402 may be comprised of varying substances that dissolve at varying rates or when exposed to specific materials or environments.
  • a first, outer layer 404 of dissolvable material may be pH sensitive and dissolve when exposed to the acidic environment of the stomach, and may expose certain components such as for example switches 412 , sensors 408 or drug compartment 410 with an opening, while capsule 400 may be in a specified site such as for example, the stomach.
  • a second inner layer 406 may for example, dissolve in the more basic environment of the small intestine and may activate other sensors or release other encapsulated drugs.
  • dissolvable materials that may be used as such coatings include starches, such as gelatinous materials, waxes, biodegradable plastics, and other known biodegradable materials. Other suitable dissolvable materials with other characteristics may also be used.
  • Dissolvable material 402 may cover any or all of a sensor 408 , such as for example, a pH sensor, a switch 412 , such as for example a switch that turns on an image sensor, an encapsulated drug compartment 410 that releases its contents or a sampling inlet 414 that lets surrounding fluids enter a compartment where such fluids may be sampled, captured or evaluated by a sensor.
  • a sensor 408 such as for example, a pH sensor
  • a switch 412 such as for example a switch that turns on an image sensor
  • an encapsulated drug compartment 410 that releases its contents
  • a sampling inlet 414 that lets surrounding fluids enter a compartment where such fluids may be sampled, captured or evaluated by a sensor.
  • the dissolving of dissolvable material 402 may facilitate contact between electrical leads that had theretofore been separated, such contact may signal a change in operational mode.
  • a magnet may be held in the vicinity of the capsule 400 such that it affects the ON/OFF status of the capsule.
  • the magnet may be embedded in a dissolvable coating, such as dissolvable material 402 , such that while the coating is intact, the capsule is OFF.
  • the coating dissolves, for example, in response to environmental pH, the magnet may be freed and may become dissociated from the capsule allowing the capsule to be ON.
  • other suitable environmental triggers may cause the dissolving of coatings.
  • an imaging capsule 500 may be a floatable capsule, for example, a capsule having a specific gravity of less than 1.
  • a floatable capsule is described, for example, in Publication Number WO 02/095351, published on Nov. 28, 2002 assigned to the common assignee of the present inventions and is hereby incorporated in its entirety by reference.
  • Such a capsule may be advantageous for passage through portions of a voluminous cavity, such as the stomach and/or large intestine. In other portions of voluminous cavities (e.g., the descending portion of the large intestine) a floatable capsule may be delayed rather than advanced.
  • a floatable capsule may benefit from having the option of loosing its floatation characteristics at a given point during its passage through the GI tract, for example, while in the large intestine.
  • a capsule may have a fluid chamber such as for example a floatation compartment 502 that may be filled with a fluid, a gas, or other suitable material that is lighter than the endo-luminal fluid, for example, air.
  • floatation compartment may be as small as 5% of the volume of capsule 500 .
  • Other suitable volumes may be used.
  • the floatation compartment 502 may have a valve 504 keeping the compartment 502 closed and the capsule 500 floating. Upon triggering, valve 504 may be opened (see FIG. 5B ). Floatation compartment 502 may then be filled with endo-luminal liquid, raising the specific gravity of capsule 500 and rendering capsule 500 non-floating. As such the floatation mode of a capsule may be altered.
  • a number of mechanisms for opening valve 504 may be implemented, such as, electronic, mechanical or chemically based mechanisms. For example instant heating (requiring only a small amount of battery energy) may be applied, melting material of valve 504 .
  • the signal for effecting the change may be as described above.
  • FIG. 6 sets forth a flow chart of the operation of a controller 48 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
  • controller may in an embodiment be a software controller in the form of logic programmed into, for example ASIC 50 , controller 48 , external receiver 12 or other suitable components.
  • Such software controller may have a flag to indicate the operational mode to which a sensor is set. Settings of such flag may be 0 or 1 for on or off, or other suitable settings to indicate other settings to which a sensor may then be operating.
  • Software controller may also include a counter that may in certain embodiments count signals received from condition tester 49 indicating the detection of the conditions to be tested by condition tester 49 .
  • Software controller may also be operatively linked to an operation activator of an in vivo component such as image sensor 46 that controls the operation of such sensor.
  • operation activator may be an internal clock that controls the timing of the image capture rate of image sensor 46 or the operation of light source 204 .
  • condition tester 49 may detect a changed condition in the in vivo area surrounding capsule 40 and may signal software controller 48 as to such changed condition. Such signal increments counter to 1 Step 604 may be repeated by condition tester 49 at periodic intervals that match the sampling rate of condition tester 49 . Each signal delivered by condition tester 49 that indicates the changed condition may increment the counter by 1 ( 605 ). Once the counter reaches a designated threshold in step 606 , the flag switches to 1 in step 608 .
  • Such switch by the flag to 1 switches the sensor activator to 1 as in Step 610 .
  • the activator may then change the mode of operation of image sensor 46 .
  • Such change may for example be an increase in the frame capture rate of image sensor 46 or any other suitable change in the operational mode of the sensor.
  • the counter may be decremented each time condition tester 49 sends a signal to controller 48 that indicates the absence of an elevated condition, thereby possibly indicating that conditions may have returned to pre-defined normal levels.
  • the flag may revert to 0 and may reset the activator to its initial setting so that such sensor may resume the operational mode that was in effect prior to the change described above, or some other suitable operational mode.
  • condition tester 49 may be, for example, a clock such as for example an internal clock embedded into ASIC 50 or otherwise operatively connected to image sensor 46 .
  • controller 48 may be a component such as for example a switch operatively attached to such embedded clock that may turn on once a designated period has elapsed.
  • elapsed period may be the estimated time that it takes capsule 300 to pass through the stomach and into the small intestine where the desired image capturing may take place.
  • Other periods may also be designated depending on where in the GI tract the desired image capturing may be designated to begin.
  • an ingestible capsule may be meant for imaging or otherwise sensing distal portions of the GI tract, such as the large intestine.
  • a method for economically using an imaging (or other sensing) capsule is provided according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 7 illustrates a method for imaging or otherwise sensing distal parts of the GI tract according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • An inactive device such as for example a capsule (e.g., does not sample or transmit images or other data) is swallowed ( 710 ) by a patient.
  • the capsule may comprise temperature sensing capabilities. Any in vivo temperature sensing mechanism, such as those known in the art, may be used.
  • a patient may be made to ingest a volume of cold or hot water ( 720 ) at regular intervals.
  • the patient may ingest cold or hot water over a period of a few hours (e.g., 3-5 hours), for example, a period in which the capsule has most probably left the stomach.
  • the patient may be made to ingest a volume of cold or hot water until alerted that the capsule has left the stomach (further detailed below). While the capsule may be in the stomach an ingested volume of cold or hot water may cause a change of temperature in the stomach environment. Once in the small intestine, the effect of a cold or hot drink may no longer be felt.
  • a capsule may be programmed to sense a periodical change in temperature ( 700 ), for example to sense a temperature above or below a certain threshold, at predetermined intervals. While a temperature change may be sensed at predetermined intervals, the capsule may be kept inactive ( 701 ). If a temperature change is not sensed at one predetermined time, the capsule may be triggered (for example, as detailed above) to activate the image sensor or other components ( 702 ). Thus, the capsule may begin collecting data only after leaving the stomach for example, such that it is closer to the large intestine thereby saving energy and allowing effective and complete action of the capsule in the large intestine.
  • activating the capsule may cause a signal to be transmitted ( 703 ) to an external receiving unit so as to activate an alert 730 (e.g., a beep or a flashing light), that may alert a patient to start or stop an action for example to stop drinking the cold or hot drink ( 740 ). Also, the patient may then be prepared for the expected imaging or otherwise sensing of the large intestine, for example, the patient may thus be warned to begin taking a laxative.
  • an alert 730 e.g., a beep or a flashing light
  • FIG. 9 is a chart depicting a change in mode based on a pH trigger in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention.
  • a device may be in a first operational mode from, for example beginning with the time it is turned on and while it is for example, in the stomach wherein pH is low. As the device may leave the stomach, pH may rise. Such rise may set off the pH trigger that may change the operational mode of the device. Other suitable triggers may be used as well.
  • Such change may, for example, be a component such as for example a switch of the device imaging with two image sensors 302 and 304 (as are depicted, for example, in FIG. 3 ) to imaging with only a first image sensor 302 .
  • effective viewing of the upper regions of the GI tract may be enabled, by using two image sensors whereas, a power saving mode may then be switched to in the small intestine where one image sensor may be enough to provide effective viewing.
  • FIG. 10 is a chart depicting a change in mode initiated by a pH trigger and combined with a timed delay in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention.
  • a device may be in a first mode of operation immediately when it is introduced into a body.
  • the mode of operation may change, such as for example, going to off or some other inactive state, until a trigger occurs such as for example a change in pH.
  • Other suitable triggers may be used as well.
  • the trigger may initiate, for example, a time delay during which the mode of operation may remain initially unchanged, but during which the device counts down until the delay ends, whereupon the mode change may be implemented.
  • a trigger combined with a time delay may be useful for example where the large intestine may be the area to be imaged.
  • the trigger may be the pH change that occurs when the device leaves the stomach.
  • the time delay may be the approximate time required for the device to traverse the small intestine (e.g., 3-6 hours). Once the device nears the large intestine it may change modes of operation to image the desired area. In this way, the device may preserve its power supply until many hours after it is introduced into a body and until it reaches the targeted imaging area. Other suitable combinations of time delays and triggers are possible.

Abstract

A device, system and method for selectively activating or altering the operational mode of an autonomous in vivo device in response to in vivo conditions. The system includes an in vivo sensing device with a condition tester, and a controller. The in vivo sensing device may be in communication with an external receiver.

Description

    FIELD OF THE INVENTION
  • The present invention relates to the field of in vivo devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to a device, system and method for selectively activating or altering the operational mode of an in vivo device, for example, in response to in vivo conditions.
  • BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  • Certain in vivo devices may be introduced into a body in a location remote to the area where their sensing, diagnosing or other functions may be performed. For example, an in vivo device for imaging areas of the small intestine may be introduced into a body through the mouth and pass through the stomach and other parts of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract by way of peristalsis until reaching the small intestine. Similarly, an in vivo device may be introduced into a body wherein the location of an area of interest or of a suspected pathology may be unknown or uncertain, thereby necessitating that an in vivo device pass from its point of introduction and locate the area of pathology where its sensing functions or other functions may be required for diagnosing pathologies or performing other functions.
  • In vivo devices such as sensors are generally configured to capture sensory data on a fixed schedule that may be set or programmed into the in vivo sensor before it may be introduced into a body. For example, an in vivo image sensor may be configured to capture images at fixed intervals beginning with the time that it is introduced into the body. Typically, an in vivo sensor may be activated by a doctor or medical practitioner who assists in introducing such sensor into the body. Other in vivo sensors may be activated before ingestion, for example, automatically upon their removal from their original packaging. As a result, an in vivo sensor introduced to a location in the body that may be remote from an area of interest or suspected pathology in a body, may perform its sensing functions or other functions in locations other than the area of interests for example where no pathology or suspected pathology exists. The performance of such superfluous sensing may inefficiently utilize the power supply, data collection, data transfer (bandwidth), data storage capacity and/or other of the sometimes limited resource of the in vivo sensor. Redundant data may be required to be reviewed by the physician, increasing the overall review time.
  • The capturing of data by an in vivo sensor based on a fixed schedule may result on the one hand, in superfluous data being collected in areas that may be of little diagnostic or other interest, and, on the other hand, in insufficient sensory data being captured of in vivo areas that may be of particular diagnostic or other interest. For example, an in vivo image capturing system may be programmed to capture in vivo images at a rate of, for example, two frames per second. While such frame capture rate may be for example sufficient to generally capture adequate images of most of the small bowel, such frame capture rate may be too slow to achieve the level of imaging detail that may be required for areas such as the esophagus or other areas.
  • There is therefore a need for a system and method for allowing an efficient and effective operation of an in vivo device.
  • SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
  • There is thus provided according to one embodiment of the invention, a system for in vivo sensing including for example an in vivo sensing device with a condition tester, and a controller. The condition sensor may for example be operatively linked with the controller so as to control for example an operational mode of the in vivo sensing device.
  • It is also provided according to an embodiment of the invention, a method for controlling, for example an in vivo imaging device by, for example, sensing a condition in vivo and triggering an event in the in vivo imaging device based on the sensing.
  • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
  • The present invention will be understood and appreciated more fully from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the appended drawings in which:
  • FIG. 1A is a schematic illustration of an in vivo device that may be used in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
  • FIG. 1B is a schematic illustration of a receiver in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
  • FIG. 1C is a schematic illustration of a data processor in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of an in vivo device with a condition sensitive, color-changing material in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
  • FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of a device with two image sensors in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
  • FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of a condition tester in the form of a coating in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
  • FIGS. 5A and 5B are schematic illustrations of a floatable device according to an embodiment of the invention;
  • FIG. 6 sets forth a flow chart of the operation of a controller in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
  • FIG. 7 sets forth a flow chart of the operation of a device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
  • FIG. 8 sets forth a schematic diagram of a temperature triggered circuit in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention;
  • FIG. 9 is a chart depicting a change in mode based on a pH trigger in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention; and
  • FIG. 10 is a chart depicting a change in mode initiated by a pH trigger and combined with a timed delay in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention.
  • DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
  • In the following description, various aspects of the present invention will be described. For purposes of explanation, specific configurations and details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will also be appreciated by one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without the specific details presented herein. Furthermore, well-known features may be omitted or simplified in order not to obscure the present invention.
  • According to some embodiments of the invention, a system, method and device are provided for triggering an event such as, for example, activating or altering the operational mode of an in vivo device and/or a receiving (and/or processing, and/or reviewing) unit, typically located outside a patient's body, in response to in vivo conditions as may be detected by an in vivo condition tester. Such activating, deactivating or altering operational modes may include for example, activating or deactivating one or more components of the in vivo device and/or the receiving unit, increasing or decreasing the power consumption, increasing or decreasing the level of illumination, increasing or decreasing the rate of sensing, such as, for example, increasing the data capture rate from, for example, 2 images per second to for example, 14 images per second, or altering the sensing parameters such as, for example, in the case of an in vivo image sensor, increasing or decreasing the illumination intensity of the light sources or altering the image plane of the image sensor. Other operational modes may be changed and other data capture rates may be used. In certain embodiments, more than one in vivo sensor may be included in a single device. A change in the operational mode of the device may in such embodiments include activating or deactivating one or both of such sensors or alternating the activation of such more than one sensor. For example, an in vivo image sensor may include two image sensors. A change in operational mode may in such example mean activating or deactivating one or both of such image sensors, or alternating the activation of such image sensors. In other embodiments, one in vivo device may activate or deactivate one or more components in second in vivo device. Communication between two or more in vivo devices may be for example through one or more external receivers or may be through for example direct communication between one or more in vivo devices.
  • In certain embodiments changes in the operational mode may for example include changes in the methods or procedures of processing sensory data obtained, and optionally transmitted, from the in vivo device. For example, sensory data such as images or ultrasound readings from endo-luminal areas that have villi may return distorted images as a result of the irregular surfaces of the villi. In certain cases, such distortions may be corrected through changes in the methods of processing of the sensory data by the data processor. For example, specific image processing algorithms may be activated. According to one embodiment methods of processing sensory data may be executed, for example, in an external receiving unit. In another embodiment the change may be in the mode of the data presentation (reviewing mode), e.g. presentation of the images in double image vs. single image mode.
  • The invention according to certain embodiments, comprises an in vivo device such as, for example, an in vivo image capture system, an in vivo condition tester such as, for example, any of an in vivo pH tester, blood detector, thermometer, pressure tester, spectral analytic image sensor, biosensor for biosensing, accelerometer, or motion detector, and a controller for linking the condition tester with the in vivo device and for signaling the change to be made in the operational mode of the in vivo device. Other condition testers may also be used as well as a combination of two or more condition sensor may be used. In one exemplary embodiment a biosensor may be used to sense, for example, colon specific flora in a colon. In another exemplary embodiment a pressure tester may be used to sense, for example, a change in pressure, such as a change in pressure pattern. For example, a drop in pressure may be sensed by a pressure tester, for example, when the device moves from the small intestine to the cecum (at the beginning of the colon). Various signals emitted by the condition tester such as mechanical, electrical, electromagnetic, chemical, or optical signals may also be used.
  • Embodiments of the present invention may be used with in vivo devices and recording/receiving and display systems such as various embodiments described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,604,531, assigned to the common assignee of the present application and incorporated herein by reference, and/or Publication Number WO 01/65995, also assigned to the common assignee of the present application and incorporated herein by reference. Other in vivo systems, having other configurations, may be used.
  • Embodiments of the device may be typically autonomous and typically self-contained. For example, the device may be a capsule or other units where all the components are substantially contained within a container or shell, and where the device does not require any wires or cables to, for example, receive power or transmit information. The device may communicate with an external receiving and display system to provide display of data, control, or other functions. For example, power may be provided by an internal battery or a wireless receiving system. Other embodiments may have other configurations and capabilities. For example, components may be distributed over multiple sites or units. Control information may be received from an external source.
  • An in vivo imaging system for example, that may be included in an ingestible device such as a capsule may capture and transmit images of the GI tract while the capsule may pass through the GI lumen. In addition to the imaging system, a device such as a capsule may include, for example, an optical system for imaging an area of interest onto the imaging system and a transmitter for transmitting the image output of the image sensor. A capsule may pass through the digestive tract and operate as an autonomous video endoscope. It may image difficult to reach areas of the GI tract, such as the small intestine. Other devices may be included, and devices including sensors other than image sensors may be used. Configurations other than capsules may also be used.
  • Reference is made to FIG. 1A, a schematic illustration of an in vivo device in the form of for example, a swallowable capsule that may be used in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Device 40 may comprise an image sensor 46, an in vivo optical system 41 for focusing light reflected back from in vivo areas (not shown) onto image sensor 46, an illumination source 42, such as one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs) or other suitable sources, a dome 44 that may be useful, inter alia, for protecting the optical system from body fluids, a circuit or controller 48 for controlling the operational mode, such as for example settings of the device 40, a condition tester 49 such as for example, a pH tester or thermometer, an in vivo memory unit 39, an in vivo power source 45 such as a set of batteries, an in vivo receiver 43 for collecting signals transmitted to device 40, and an in vivo transmitter 47 for transmitting signals and/or image data to a receiver. One or more of in vivo image sensor 46, in vivo illumination source 42, controller 48, in vivo memory unit 39, in vivo transmitter 47, in vivo receiver 43 and condition tester 49 may in certain embodiments of the present invention be operatively connected, for example to/or through PCB 38, or included or embedded within an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) 50. In other embodiments, image sensor 46, controller 48 and condition tester 49 may be operatively linked to each other without an ASIC 50 or PCB 38 or other connecting means. A wired or wireless connection, such as for example a microwave connection or other suitable connections may be used between elements in the capsule. Such an ASIC 50 may provide control for the capsule. Alternatively, another component such as transmitter 47 may provide such control.
  • In certain embodiments, image sensor 46 may be a CCD or a CMOS image sensor that may have arrays of various typically color pixels. Other suitable image sensors or no image sensors may be used. In one embodiment of the invention, image sensor 46 may also function as a condition tester. For example, an image sensor may be used to detect for example, blood vessel structures typically found in colon, or villi structures typically found in small intestine. Detection of such structures, detection of lack of such structures, or detection of other structures or colors such as for example color specific to content in the intestine may be used to trigger an event in the in vivo device. Other suitable structures or colors detected may be used as a trigger. Detection, according to an embodiment of the invention, could be aided by appropriate image processing algorithms and/or suitable software.
  • In other configurations of device 40, components such as capsule receiver 43, power source 45, in vivo memory unit 39 or other units may be omitted.
  • Typically, device 40 is swallowed by a patient and traverses a patient's GI tract. Other suitable body lumens or cavities may be imaged or examined.
  • Reference is now made to FIG. 1B, a schematic illustration of an external receiver 12 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. External receiver 12 may typically be located outside the patient's body and may receive and/or record and/or process the data transmitted from device 40. External receiver 12 may typically include a receiver antenna (or antenna array) 15, for receiving image and other data from device 40 and stored in for example storage unit 16. Typically, external receiver 12 may be portable, and may be worn on the patient's body during recording of the images.
  • External receiver 12 may also be equipped with processing unit 11, such as for example signal processing unit and/or control software or for example a control mechanism or circuit emulating such functionality that may control for example, evaluate and respond to signals transmitted by device 40. External receiver 12 may also include a transmitter and receiver transmitter 17 that may enable external receiver 12 to transmit signals such as control signals to device 40. External receiver 12 may also include a user interface (not shown) that may inter alia provide indications to a user or patient as to changes made in the operational mode of a device. For example, passage of a capsule through the stomach may be identified by changes detected in pH levels that may for example trigger a change in the operational mode of a sensor such as an image sensor. A patient may be signaled via a user interface that such mode change is being made and prompted to take certain actions such as for example, changing positions (such as for example, changing from a sitting position to a reclining position), ingesting a laxative, or certain liquids, etc.
  • Reference is now made to FIG. 1C, a schematic illustration of a data processor in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Preferably, data processor 14, data processor storage unit 19 and monitor 18 are part of a personal computer or workstation that may include standard components such as a processor 13, a memory (such as storage unit 19, or other memory), a disk drive, and input-output devices. Alternate configurations are possible. In alternate embodiments, the data reception and storage components may be of another configuration. Further, image and other data may be received in other manners, by other sets of components. Typically, in operation, image data is transferred from external receiver 12 to data processor 14, which, in conjunction with processor 13, storage 19, and software, stores, possibly processes, and displays the image data on monitor 18. Other systems and methods of storing and/or displaying collected image data may be used. In other embodiments, processing of data can be performed by components within the external receiver 12.
  • Typically, device 40 may capture an image and transmit the image by using, for example, radio frequencies, to receiver antenna(s) 15. In alternate embodiments external receiver 12 is an integral part of data processor 14. Typically, the image data recorded and transmitted is digital color image data, although in alternate embodiments other suitable image formats (e.g., black and white image data, infrared image data, etc.) may be used. In one embodiment, each frame of image data may include 256 rows of 256 pixels each, each pixel including data for color and brightness, according to known methods. For example, color may be represented in each pixel by a mosaic of four sub-pixels, each sub-pixel corresponding to primaries such as red, green, or blue (where one primary is represented twice). The brightness of each sub-pixel may be recorded by, for example, a one byte (i.e., 0-255) brightness value. Other data suitable formats may be used. In one embodiment, image sensor 46 may capture or transmitter 47 may transmit image or other data in a diluted mode, capturing or transmitting for example, 16 rows of 16 pixels each.
  • In an embodiment, in vivo transmitter 47 may include at least a modulator (not shown) for modulating the image signal from the image sensor 46, a radio frequency (RF) amplifier (not shown), and an impedance matcher (not shown). The modulator may convert the input image signal that may have for example, a cutoff frequency fc of less than 5 MHz to an RF signal having a carrier frequency fr, that may typically be in the range of 1 GHz. The carrier frequency may be in other bands, e.g. a 400 MHz band. The modulated RF signal may typically have an appropriate bandwidth of ft. The impedance matcher may match the impedance of the circuit to that of the antenna. Other suitable transmitters or arrangements of transmitter components may be used, utilizing different signal formats and frequency ranges. In one embodiment of device 40, transmission may occur at a frequency for example of 434 MHz, using for example Phase Shift Keying (PSK) or MSK (Minimal Shift Keying). In alternate embodiments, other suitable transmission frequencies and methods, such as for example AM or FM may be used.
  • External receiver 12 may detect a signal having the carrier frequency fr and the bandwidth fc such as described hereinabove. External receiver 12 may be similar to those found in televisions or it may be one similar to those described on pages 244-245 of the book “Biomedical Telemetry” by R. Stewart McKay and published by John Wiley and Sons, 1970. The receiver may be digital or analog. In alternate embodiments, other receivers, responding to other types of signals, may be used.
  • In certain embodiments, condition tester 49 may be an in vivo pH tester, as is well known in the art, for example a pH tester using the technology used in known pH measuring capsules. Such pH tester may utilize as electrodes an external ring electrode made of antimony and the zinc-silver chloride electrode of the battery that powers the tester. A saline solution such as for example, a 0.9% physiologic saline solution may be introduced into the electrode chamber immediately prior to the testing. The potential difference that develops between the two electrodes and that depends on the pH may be applied to a transistor as a frequency-determining measuring voltage.
  • Other pH testers, such as ion selective field effect transistors (ISFET), may also be used as condition tester 49 to evaluate pH in areas adjacent to the location of the device 40. ISFET sensor chips that may be used for in vivo pH detection are known in the art as may be described, for example, in Wang, L., Integrated Micro-Instrumentation for Dynamic Monitoring of the Gastro-Intestinal Tract, as presented at the IEEE Instrumentation and Measurement Technology Conference, May 2002, retrieved on Oct. 15, 2002 from the Internet: <URL: http://www.see.ac.uk/naa.publications.html>. Other suitable pH testers may also be used. An ISFET sensor serving as condition tester 49 may be operatively connected to ASIC 50 or otherwise may be connected directly to image sensor 46. In a typical embodiment, an ISFET sensor serving as condition tester 49 may be situated adjacent to the outer wall of the device 40 so as to maximize the exposure of such condition tester 49 to the in vivo conditions outside of such wall of device 40.
  • In some embodiments, controller 48 may be substituted or complimented by an external controller located out of the body. For example the external controller may be an integral part of processor 11. In such embodiments, triggering may be external triggering. Condition tester 49 may transmit a signal to in vivo transmitter 47 that transmits such signals to receiver antenna(s) 15. External receiver 12 may process such signals and transmit back triggering signal such as instructions by way of receiver transmitter 17 to in vivo receiver 43. In vivo receiver 43 may then direct a change in the mode of operation of device 40. In some embodiments, external receiver 12 may be capable of overriding or initiating a change in the mode of operation of device 40 in response to a signal that is input to receiver by medical personnel.
  • A condition tester such as for example, a pressure sensor may use a strain gauge as a condition detector, such as for example, a thin foil, typically a semiconductor or a piezoelectric material. Such strain gauge may accept power through a wire and provide a variable strain signal on such wire.
  • In other embodiments, condition tester 49 may take the form of a condition sensitive, color-changing material. Reference is now made to FIG. 2, which is a schematic illustration of an in vivo sensor with a condition sensitive, color-changing material 202 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Material 202 may be temperature sensitive. “Temperature-sensitive” in the context of the present invention may be defined as reactive to a change in temperature. This temperature change may include a range of temperatures or a change from a reference temperature to another temperature. In other embodiments, material 202 may be pressure-sensitive, pH sensitive or sensitive to the presence of certain substances such as for example, blood, with color-changing characteristics varying with changes in such conditions. Thus, different properties within the environment of the body lumen can be measured in a manner similar to the one described for temperature hereinbelow. For example, a pH condition tester may use litmus paper as a color-changing material 202, and a blood detector may use a polyelectrolyte as a color-changing material 202, as known in the art.
  • In an embodiment, the temperature-sensitive, color-changing material 202 may be a Thermotropic Liquid Crystal (TLC) paint or coating, such as are offered by Hallcrest, Inc. of Glenview, Ill. The TLCs, that may, for example, be cholesteric (including sterol-derived chemicals) or chiral nematic (including non-sterol based chemicals) liquid crystals, or a combination of the two, provide color changes in response to temperature changes. These color changes may be reversible or hysteretic. In certain embodiments that include materials 202 that may be capable of reversible color changes, controller 48 may be programmed to reverse or further alter the operational mode changes in image sensor 46 in the event that a condition tester ceases to detect the changed color of material 202.
  • The TLC can be used in several forms according to several embodiments, including but not limited to paints, microencapsulated coatings and slurries, TLC coated polyester sheets, and unsealed films.
  • As shown in FIG. 2, temperature-sensitive color-changing material 202 may be placed on the inside of capsule 200, with color-changing portions facing inwards. By placing material 202 on the inside of the capsule, potential problems associated with the biocompatibility and the resilience of material 202 in light of bodily fluids and pH changes may be avoided. However, it should be apparent that color-changing material may also be placed on the outside of capsule 200 where it may be in contact with bodily fluids. Such contact between material 202 and bodily fluids may facilitate testing of such bodily fluids for reactions with material 202. In certain embodiments, it may be necessary to achieve contact between bodily fluids and material 202. The attachment or placement of material 202 can be accomplished in several ways. For example, material 202 may be in the form of paint, and may be painted onto the capsule. In another embodiment, material 202 may be attached onto the capsule with adhesive. In a further embodiment, material 202 may be sprayed onto the dome 44 as a coating. In yet a further embodiment, material 202 may be enclosed in a semi-permeable membrane in contact with bodily fluids.
  • In the course of the function of capsule 200, light from a light source 204 may be directed towards material 202. Light source 204 may include one or several components, preferably light emitting diodes (LEDs) that may be placed in various locations within capsule 200. Light source 204 may also be used as or provided by illumination source 42 shown in FIG. 1, to illuminate the environment being imaged (outside of the capsule), or a separate illumination source 204 may be included for that purpose.
  • Changes in in vivo conditions, such as, for example, changes in temperature, pH, pressure, the presence of blood and the like (depending on the nature of material 202), may in certain embodiments cause various materials that can be used as color-changing material 202, to change color. Image sensor 46 detects the appearance of the new color when light from light source 204 is reflected back from material 202 onto image sensor 46. Referring to FIG. 2, such detection of changes in color may in certain embodiments be performed by a subgroup of pixels 206 included in the pixel array of image sensor 46. In one embodiment of the invention, pixel array of image sensor may have one subgroup of pixels that are sensitive to a first range of wavelengths e.g., colors and another subgroup of pixels sensitive to second range of wavelengths, e.g., colors. In some embodiments such one subgroup of pixels, or specific pixels may be positioned on the pixel array of image sensor 46 to be exposed to light reflected back from material 202 considering the angle of incidence 208 and angle or return 208′ of the light directed onto and reflected back from material 202. Similarly, in certain embodiments, such subgroup of pixels 206 may be sensitive to a specified range of colors that appear on material 202 once the designated in vivo environmental condition may be detected. In an alternative embodiment special photodiode(s) may be used in addition to or in place of a subgroup of pixels 206 to detect color changes.
  • When a designated change in color of material 202 is detected by a subgroup of pixels 206, a signal may be sent to controller 48 by such a subgroup of pixels 206 or by another component operatively connected to a subgroup of pixels 206. In certain embodiments, a subgroup of pixels 206 may be replaced or supplemented by a spectral analyzer that is capable of detecting color changes in material 202. Other color-sensitive detectors may also be used. Such detection or processing may also be aided or performed by a processor or circuitry located in ASIC 50, external receiver 12 or data processor 14.
  • In certain embodiments, a range of color sensitive pixels, some of which may be sensitive to the various colors that can appear on material 202 may be situated on pixel array 210 of image sensor 46. Signals produced by each of such specific pixels 206 may vary depending on the color appearing on material 202. Controller 48 may detect and differentiate between such various signals, for example by utilizing appropriate image processing algorithms, and issue instructions to a sensor in response to each thereof. According to one embodiment a change of color may be detected in the in vivo environment that is being imaged. For example, a spot of bleeding may appear in a certain image. The change of color, that may indicate, for example, pathology in the GI tract, may be recognized by known methods. For example, controller 48 or data processor 14 may generate a probability indication of presence of colorimetric abnormalities on comparison of color content of the images and at least one reference value, for example, as described in PCT publication WO 02/073507, published on 19 Sep., 2002, that is assigned to the common assignee of the present invention. According to some embodiments, once a color change may be detected the controller 48 or data processor 14 may initiate a change in the mode of operation of device 40, of the external receiver 12, of both or of any other component or combination of components of the system. In other embodiments, a photodiode maybe used to detect changes in material 202. Such photodiode may in certain embodiments be connected to an amplifier that may be further connected to a comparator. A mode change may thereby be triggered by analog rather than digital electronics.
  • In one embodiment of the invention, one or more photodiodes may be used to detect light, such as for example, visible light, IR light, or other ranges of light illuminated for example externally through the skin toward an in vivo area of interest. A photodiode or other light detecting unit, for example incorporated in an in vivo device may sense illumination when approaching for example toward such area of interest. Such detection may trigger a change in operational mode. Other suitable signals besides light may be used to penetrate the skin or other tissue and other suitable detection units may be used to pick up penetrated signal in vivo. For example, an acoustic signal may be used.
  • In an embodiment, capsule 200 may operate in a low power consumption mode until a color change in material 202 may be detected. For example, until such color change may be detected, light sources 204 may be set to illuminate once every second, thereby consuming less power than used by the overall capsule 200 during full operation that might in certain embodiments illuminate several times a second or more. In response to a signal that may be detected from specific pixels 206, controller 48 (or another component located in capsule 200, external receiver 12 or data processor 14) may alter the mode of operation of capsule 200 or of any other component of the system. For example, in certain embodiments, any or both of light source 204 and image sensor 46 may be directed to increase the rate of capture of images in order to more fully image the endo-luminal vicinity wherein a specific condition may have been detected. Controller 48 may direct other activations or alterations in the mode or operation of capsule 200. In other embodiments, the response of controller 48 to signals from specific pixels 206, may be, for example, any of turning on the image sensor 46 that may theretofore have been inactive, changing mode of image sensor or transmitter, collecting samples of in vivo liquids or other materials, releasing encapsulated drugs that were held in capsule 200 or performing other functions.
  • In some embodiments, the pixels receiving the color indication may be, for example, the regular pixels of image sensor 46. Post processing circuitry or software located in capsule 200, external receiver 12 or data processor 14 may analyze the signals from the set of pixels (set being understood to include one unit) and make a mode change determination therefrom.
  • Other embodiments besides calorimetric changes may include, for example, temperature measurement using devices such as thermistors (located in a capsule for example as a discrete component or as part of ASIC) or using pH electrodes, and other embodiments.
  • Reference is now made to FIG. 3 that is a schematic illustration of a capsule 300 with two image sensors in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Capsule 300 has one image sensor 302 at one end of capsule 300 and a second image sensor 304 at another end of capsule 300. In an embodiment of the present invention, condition tester such as a color-changing material 202 such as those described in FIG. 2 may be installed proximate to image sensor 302, and such image sensor 302 may in such embodiment have specific pixels 206 similar to those described above for detecting color changes in material 202. When a change in color of material 202 is detected by image sensor 302, a signal of such change is sent to controller 48 of capsule 300. Controller 48 may in such embodiment alter the operational mode, such as for example by activating a component, for example the image sensor 304 of capsule 300. For example, the operational mode of both or either of image sensors 302 and 304 may be changed. Such a mode change may, for example, increase the number of images to be captured of such area or alter the orientation of images captured or differential activation of either one or both image sensors may be affected in response to a signal, or other mode changes discussed herein.
  • In certain embodiments, controller 48 may be configured to delay issuing operational mode change orders to until more than one signal from condition detector 49 may have been received. In an embodiment of the present invention, controller 48 may be configured with a delay mechanism in the form of for example a counter 51 that causes controller 48 to delay activating or altering the operational mode of image sensor 304 until several signals from condition tester 202 may have been received, or until signals signifying that a certain condition exists may be received over the course of a certain period of time. Such activation may, for example, reduce the chance that a false reading or fleeting condition activates image sensor 304, or may provide “debouncing” in case conditions may change in a variable manner between one relatively steady state and another. For example, in one embodiment, capsule 300 may operate in a first mode (e.g., low power consumption, or at a first frame capture rate) in the mouth and esophagus, where the pH is generally approximately 7-8. When capsule 300 reaches the stomach, where the pH is typically about 2, a pH detector on or within capsule 300 may detect a change in pH, and the operational mode may change, for example to a different power consumption, or a different frame capture rate. Later, when capsule 300 reaches the small intestine, capsule 300 may detect a change in pH to, for example 7-8, and the operational mode may change again. A change in pH may cause alteration in the operational mode only if received for, for example, one minute (other suitable time periods may be used). Other methods of debouncing or guarding against fleeting conditions may be used.
  • Controller 48 may in certain embodiments be a software controller embedded into ASIC 50. In other embodiments, controller 48 may be a simple switch or circuit connected to for example a condition tester such as a thermistor 800. The controller may include, for example, an amplifier 802 and a comparator 804, comparing the measured signal to some pre-defined threshold 806, as are depicted forth, for example, in FIG. 8. Such switch or circuit may in certain embodiments power on or trigger the activation of ASIC 50 when the proper condition may be detected. In other embodiments, such switch or circuit may signal ASIC 50 to, for example, begin operation or change the mode of operation of the sensor.
  • In a further embodiment, the switch from one condition and then back to another may be the trigger for a mode change. For example, in case a high pH is detected for a period, then a low pH, then again a high pH, the mode change may occur only on the third condition change. Other suitable signals or series of signals may be used to trigger other suitable functionalities. Further, altering the mode based on detection of a condition change may be combined with, for example, a delay. For example, capsule 300 may wait, for example, one hour after detecting a condition change to effect a mode change. FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of a condition tester in the form of a coating in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In such embodiment, a portion of capsule 400 may be coated with one or more layers of a dissolvable material 402. Each layer of dissolvable material 402 may be comprised of varying substances that dissolve at varying rates or when exposed to specific materials or environments. For example, a first, outer layer 404 of dissolvable material may be pH sensitive and dissolve when exposed to the acidic environment of the stomach, and may expose certain components such as for example switches 412, sensors 408 or drug compartment 410 with an opening, while capsule 400 may be in a specified site such as for example, the stomach. A second inner layer 406 may for example, dissolve in the more basic environment of the small intestine and may activate other sensors or release other encapsulated drugs. Other materials that may be sensitive to elapsed time and dissolve in accordance with a specific period of time after introduction to the GI tract may also be possible as a means of delaying activation of certain functions of capsule 400. An example of dissolvable materials that may be used as such coatings include starches, such as gelatinous materials, waxes, biodegradable plastics, and other known biodegradable materials. Other suitable dissolvable materials with other characteristics may also be used.
  • Dissolvable material 402 may cover any or all of a sensor 408, such as for example, a pH sensor, a switch 412, such as for example a switch that turns on an image sensor, an encapsulated drug compartment 410 that releases its contents or a sampling inlet 414 that lets surrounding fluids enter a compartment where such fluids may be sampled, captured or evaluated by a sensor. When dissolvable material 402 dissolves, sensor 408 may be exposed, switch 412 may be activated, sampling inlet 414 may be opened or an encapsulated drug compartment 410 may release its contents into the surrounding area. In other embodiments, the dissolving of dissolvable material 402 may facilitate contact between electrical leads that had theretofore been separated, such contact may signal a change in operational mode. According to another embodiment a magnet may be held in the vicinity of the capsule 400 such that it affects the ON/OFF status of the capsule. In some embodiments the magnet may be embedded in a dissolvable coating, such as dissolvable material 402, such that while the coating is intact, the capsule is OFF. When the coating dissolves, for example, in response to environmental pH, the magnet may be freed and may become dissociated from the capsule allowing the capsule to be ON. In other embodiments other suitable environmental triggers may cause the dissolving of coatings.
  • Another embodiment is schematically illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B. In this embodiment an imaging capsule 500 may be a floatable capsule, for example, a capsule having a specific gravity of less than 1. A floatable capsule is described, for example, in Publication Number WO 02/095351, published on Nov. 28, 2002 assigned to the common assignee of the present inventions and is hereby incorporated in its entirety by reference. Such a capsule may be advantageous for passage through portions of a voluminous cavity, such as the stomach and/or large intestine. In other portions of voluminous cavities (e.g., the descending portion of the large intestine) a floatable capsule may be delayed rather than advanced. Thus, a floatable capsule may benefit from having the option of loosing its floatation characteristics at a given point during its passage through the GI tract, for example, while in the large intestine.
  • According to one embodiment, a capsule may have a fluid chamber such as for example a floatation compartment 502 that may be filled with a fluid, a gas, or other suitable material that is lighter than the endo-luminal fluid, for example, air. In certain embodiments, floatation compartment may be as small as 5% of the volume of capsule 500. Other suitable volumes may be used. The floatation compartment 502 may have a valve 504 keeping the compartment 502 closed and the capsule 500 floating. Upon triggering, valve 504 may be opened (see FIG. 5B). Floatation compartment 502 may then be filled with endo-luminal liquid, raising the specific gravity of capsule 500 and rendering capsule 500 non-floating. As such the floatation mode of a capsule may be altered.
  • A number of mechanisms for opening valve 504 may be implemented, such as, electronic, mechanical or chemically based mechanisms. For example instant heating (requiring only a small amount of battery energy) may be applied, melting material of valve 504. The signal for effecting the change may be as described above.
  • FIG. 6 sets forth a flow chart of the operation of a controller 48 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Such controller may in an embodiment be a software controller in the form of logic programmed into, for example ASIC 50, controller 48, external receiver 12 or other suitable components. Such software controller may have a flag to indicate the operational mode to which a sensor is set. Settings of such flag may be 0 or 1 for on or off, or other suitable settings to indicate other settings to which a sensor may then be operating. Software controller may also include a counter that may in certain embodiments count signals received from condition tester 49 indicating the detection of the conditions to be tested by condition tester 49. Software controller may also be operatively linked to an operation activator of an in vivo component such as image sensor 46 that controls the operation of such sensor. For example, operation activator may be an internal clock that controls the timing of the image capture rate of image sensor 46 or the operation of light source 204.
  • In its initial state 602, the flag of software controller may be set to 0, the counter may be set to 0 and the activator may be set to 0. In such settings, image sensor 46 may not be capturing images or may be in some other reduced mode of operation. In step 604, condition tester 49 may detect a changed condition in the in vivo area surrounding capsule 40 and may signal software controller 48 as to such changed condition. Such signal increments counter to 1 Step 604 may be repeated by condition tester 49 at periodic intervals that match the sampling rate of condition tester 49. Each signal delivered by condition tester 49 that indicates the changed condition may increment the counter by 1 (605). Once the counter reaches a designated threshold in step 606, the flag switches to 1 in step 608. Such switch by the flag to 1 switches the sensor activator to 1 as in Step 610. The activator may then change the mode of operation of image sensor 46. Such change may for example be an increase in the frame capture rate of image sensor 46 or any other suitable change in the operational mode of the sensor.
  • In certain embodiments, the counter may be decremented each time condition tester 49 sends a signal to controller 48 that indicates the absence of an elevated condition, thereby possibly indicating that conditions may have returned to pre-defined normal levels. Once the counter may have been decremented below a pre-defined threshold level, the flag may revert to 0 and may reset the activator to its initial setting so that such sensor may resume the operational mode that was in effect prior to the change described above, or some other suitable operational mode.
  • In other embodiments, condition tester 49 may be, for example, a clock such as for example an internal clock embedded into ASIC 50 or otherwise operatively connected to image sensor 46. In such case, controller 48 may be a component such as for example a switch operatively attached to such embedded clock that may turn on once a designated period has elapsed. Such elapsed period may be the estimated time that it takes capsule 300 to pass through the stomach and into the small intestine where the desired image capturing may take place. Other periods may also be designated depending on where in the GI tract the desired image capturing may be designated to begin.
  • In yet further embodiments, an ingestible capsule may be meant for imaging or otherwise sensing distal portions of the GI tract, such as the large intestine. A method for economically using an imaging (or other sensing) capsule is provided according to an embodiment of the invention. FIG. 7 illustrates a method for imaging or otherwise sensing distal parts of the GI tract according to an embodiment of the invention. An inactive device such as for example a capsule (e.g., does not sample or transmit images or other data) is swallowed (710) by a patient. According to one embodiment the capsule may comprise temperature sensing capabilities. Any in vivo temperature sensing mechanism, such as those known in the art, may be used. After a capsule is swallowed a patient may be made to ingest a volume of cold or hot water (720) at regular intervals. According to one embodiment the patient may ingest cold or hot water over a period of a few hours (e.g., 3-5 hours), for example, a period in which the capsule has most probably left the stomach. According to another embodiment the patient may be made to ingest a volume of cold or hot water until alerted that the capsule has left the stomach (further detailed below). While the capsule may be in the stomach an ingested volume of cold or hot water may cause a change of temperature in the stomach environment. Once in the small intestine, the effect of a cold or hot drink may no longer be felt. According to one embodiment a capsule may be programmed to sense a periodical change in temperature (700), for example to sense a temperature above or below a certain threshold, at predetermined intervals. While a temperature change may be sensed at predetermined intervals, the capsule may be kept inactive (701). If a temperature change is not sensed at one predetermined time, the capsule may be triggered (for example, as detailed above) to activate the image sensor or other components (702). Thus, the capsule may begin collecting data only after leaving the stomach for example, such that it is closer to the large intestine thereby saving energy and allowing effective and complete action of the capsule in the large intestine.
  • According to some embodiments activating the capsule may cause a signal to be transmitted (703) to an external receiving unit so as to activate an alert 730 (e.g., a beep or a flashing light), that may alert a patient to start or stop an action for example to stop drinking the cold or hot drink (740). Also, the patient may then be prepared for the expected imaging or otherwise sensing of the large intestine, for example, the patient may thus be warned to begin taking a laxative.
  • Reference is made to FIG. 9 that is a chart depicting a change in mode based on a pH trigger in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention. As depicted in FIG. 9, a device may be in a first operational mode from, for example beginning with the time it is turned on and while it is for example, in the stomach wherein pH is low. As the device may leave the stomach, pH may rise. Such rise may set off the pH trigger that may change the operational mode of the device. Other suitable triggers may be used as well. Such change may, for example, be a component such as for example a switch of the device imaging with two image sensors 302 and 304 (as are depicted, for example, in FIG. 3) to imaging with only a first image sensor 302. In such an embodiment effective viewing of the upper regions of the GI tract may be enabled, by using two image sensors whereas, a power saving mode may then be switched to in the small intestine where one image sensor may be enough to provide effective viewing.
  • Reference is made to FIG. 10 that is a chart depicting a change in mode initiated by a pH trigger and combined with a timed delay in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention. As depicted in FIG. 10, a device may be in a first mode of operation immediately when it is introduced into a body. The mode of operation may change, such as for example, going to off or some other inactive state, until a trigger occurs such as for example a change in pH. Other suitable triggers may be used as well. The trigger may initiate, for example, a time delay during which the mode of operation may remain initially unchanged, but during which the device counts down until the delay ends, whereupon the mode change may be implemented. A trigger combined with a time delay may be useful for example where the large intestine may be the area to be imaged. In such an embodiment, the trigger may be the pH change that occurs when the device leaves the stomach. The time delay may be the approximate time required for the device to traverse the small intestine (e.g., 3-6 hours). Once the device nears the large intestine it may change modes of operation to image the desired area. In this way, the device may preserve its power supply until many hours after it is introduced into a body and until it reaches the targeted imaging area. Other suitable combinations of time delays and triggers are possible.
  • It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited by what has been particularly shown and described herein above. Rather the scope of the invention is defined by the claims.

Claims (41)

1. A system for in vivo sensing, said system comprising:
an in vivo sensing device, said device comprising a condition tester; and
a controller to control an operational mode of said in vivo sensing device;
wherein said condition tester is operatively linked with said controller.
2. The system according to claim 1 comprising an image sensor.
3. The system according to claim 2 wherein the image sensor is selected from a group consisting of: CCD and CMOS.
4. The system according to claim 2 wherein the image sensor comprises one subgroup of pixels said one subgroup being sensitive to a first range of colors, and another subgroup of pixels, said other subgroup of pixels being sensitive to a second range of colors.
5. The system according to claim 4 comprising a spectral analyzer.
6. The system according to claim 1 wherein the condition tester is selected from a group consisting of: a pH tester, a blood detector, a thermometer, a pressure sensor, a biosensor, a spectral analytic image sensor, an image sensor, and a counter.
7. The system according to claim 1 wherein the condition tester is to test in vivo conditions.
8. The system according to claim 1 wherein the controller is incorporated in the in vivo sensing device.
9. The system according to claim 1 wherein the controller is an external controller.
10. The system according to claim 1 wherein the controller comprises a counter.
11. The system according to claim 1 wherein the controller is selected from a group consisting of: mechanical switch, software, and circuitry.
12. The system according to claim 1 wherein the controller is a circuit, said circuit comprising an amplifier and a comparator.
13. The system according to claim 12 wherein the condition tester is a thermistor.
14. The system according to claim 1 comprising an in vivo transmitter.
15. The system according to claim 1 comprising an in vivo illumination source.
16. The system according to claim 1 comprising a photodiode.
17. The system according to claim 1 wherein the in vivo sensing device is an autonomous device.
18. The system according to claim 1 wherein the in vivo sensing device is a capsule.
19. The system according to claim 1 wherein the in vivo sensing device comprises an ASIC wherein said ASIC is operatively connected to a component of the in vivo sensing device.
20. The system according to claim 19 wherein the component is selected from the group consisting of: an in vivo transmitter, an in vivo illumination source, an in vivo power source, a controller, an in vivo image sensor, a condition tester, an in vivo receiver, and an ASIC wherein said ASIC is operatively connected to the in vivo receiver.
21. The system according to claim 19 wherein the controller is an integral part of the ASIC.
22. The system according to claim 1 comprising an in vivo receiver.
23. The system according to claim 1 comprising an external receiver.
24. The system according to claim 1 wherein said external receiver includes a processing unit and a storage unit.
25. The system according to claim 1 comprising a monitor and a data processor.
26. The system according to claim 25 wherein said data processor comprises a storage unit and a processor.
27. The system according to claim 1 wherein the condition tester includes a color-changing material.
28. The system according to claim 27 wherein the color-changing material is selected from a group including: temperature sensitive material, pH sensitive material, and a blood sensitive material.
29. The system according to claim 1 wherein the condition tester includes a layer of pH sensitive and/or time sensitive dissolvable material.
30. The system according to claim 1 wherein the in vivo sensing device comprises a compartment coated with a pH sensitive and/or time sensitive dissolvable material.
31. The system according to claim 1 wherein the in vivo sensing device comprises a sampling inlet coated with a pH sensitive and/or time sensitive dissolvable material.
32. The system according to claim 1 wherein the in vivo sensing device comprises a switch coated with a pH sensitive and/or time sensitive dissolvable material.
33. A method for controlling an in vivo imaging device said method comprising:
sensing a condition in vivo; and
triggering an event in said in vivo imaging device based on said sensing.
34. The method according to claim 33 wherein sensing a condition in vivo is selected from a group consisting of: time sensing, pH sensing, temperature sensing, pressure sensing, blood sensing, and biosensing.
35. The method according to claim 33 wherein the triggering is by a controller.
36. The method according to claim 33 wherein the triggering is by an external receiver.
37. The method according to claim 33 wherein the event comprises a change in an operational mode of the in vivo imaging device.
38. The method according to claim 37 wherein the change in operational mode is selected from a group consisting of: activating a sensor, deactivating a sensor, altering data capture rate; altering signal format and frequency range of transmission; altering processing of sensory data; altering frame capture rate of an in vivo image sensor, altering illumination intensity, altering image plane of an in vivo image sensor, activating in vivo sample collection, releasing a drug, altering power consumption mode, and altering floatation mode.
39. The method according to claim 33 comprising delaying triggering of an event.
40. The method according to claim 33 comprising ingesting a volume of cold or hot water.
41. The method according to claim 33 wherein the triggering is by a pH sensitive and/or time sensitive dissolvable material.
US10/493,751 2002-12-16 2003-12-16 Device, system and method for selective activation of in vivo sensors Abandoned US20060155174A1 (en)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US10/493,751 US20060155174A1 (en) 2002-12-16 2003-12-16 Device, system and method for selective activation of in vivo sensors
US12/854,483 US8216130B2 (en) 2002-12-16 2010-08-11 Device, system and method for selective activation of in vivo sensors

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US43358602P 2002-12-16 2002-12-16
US10/493,751 US20060155174A1 (en) 2002-12-16 2003-12-16 Device, system and method for selective activation of in vivo sensors
PCT/IL2003/001080 WO2004054430A2 (en) 2002-12-16 2003-12-16 Device, system and method for selective activation of in vivo sensors

Related Child Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US12/854,483 Continuation US8216130B2 (en) 2002-12-16 2010-08-11 Device, system and method for selective activation of in vivo sensors

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20060155174A1 true US20060155174A1 (en) 2006-07-13

Family

ID=32595215

Family Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US10/493,751 Abandoned US20060155174A1 (en) 2002-12-16 2003-12-16 Device, system and method for selective activation of in vivo sensors
US12/854,483 Expired - Fee Related US8216130B2 (en) 2002-12-16 2010-08-11 Device, system and method for selective activation of in vivo sensors

Family Applications After (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US12/854,483 Expired - Fee Related US8216130B2 (en) 2002-12-16 2010-08-11 Device, system and method for selective activation of in vivo sensors

Country Status (5)

Country Link
US (2) US20060155174A1 (en)
EP (1) EP1578260B1 (en)
JP (1) JP2006509574A (en)
AU (1) AU2003285756A1 (en)
WO (1) WO2004054430A2 (en)

Cited By (152)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20040138558A1 (en) * 2002-11-14 2004-07-15 Dunki-Jacobs Robert J Methods and devices for detecting tissue cells
US20040225189A1 (en) * 2003-04-25 2004-11-11 Olympus Corporation Capsule endoscope and a capsule endoscope system
US20050043583A1 (en) * 2003-05-22 2005-02-24 Reinmar Killmann Endoscopy apparatus
US20050054897A1 (en) * 2003-09-08 2005-03-10 Olympus Corporation Capsule endoscope and capsule endoscope system
US20050246233A1 (en) * 2004-03-30 2005-11-03 Nathan Daniel Estruth Method of selling and activating consumer products and services
US20060004257A1 (en) * 2004-06-30 2006-01-05 Zvika Gilad In vivo device with flexible circuit board and method for assembly thereof
US20060217593A1 (en) * 2005-03-24 2006-09-28 Zvika Gilad Device, system and method of panoramic multiple field of view imaging
US20060287573A1 (en) * 2005-06-17 2006-12-21 Magnachip Semiconductor Ltd. Image senor for capsule type endoscope having frame puncturing function and method for processing image data thereof
WO2006070378A3 (en) * 2004-12-30 2007-01-25 Given Imaging Ltd Device, system and method for in-vivo examination
US20070167812A1 (en) * 2004-09-15 2007-07-19 Lemmerhirt David F Capacitive Micromachined Ultrasonic Transducer
US20070167811A1 (en) * 2004-09-15 2007-07-19 Lemmerhirt David F Capacitive Micromachined Ultrasonic Transducer
US20080045788A1 (en) * 2002-11-27 2008-02-21 Zvika Gilad Method and device of imaging with an in vivo imager
US20080051633A1 (en) * 2003-12-31 2008-02-28 Alex Blijevsky Apparatus, System And Method To Indicate In-Vivo Device Location
US20080058597A1 (en) * 2006-09-06 2008-03-06 Innurvation Llc Imaging and Locating Systems and Methods for a Swallowable Sensor Device
US20080076965A1 (en) * 2005-03-09 2008-03-27 Fukashi Yoshizawa Body-Insertable Apparatus and Body-Insertable Apparatus System
US20080114224A1 (en) * 2006-09-06 2008-05-15 Innuravation Llc Methods and systems for acoustic data transmission
US20080146871A1 (en) * 2006-09-06 2008-06-19 Innurvation, Inc. Ingestible Low Power Sensor Device and System for Communicating with Same
WO2008112577A1 (en) * 2007-03-09 2008-09-18 Proteus Biomedical, Inc. In-body device having a multi-directional transmitter
WO2008052136A3 (en) * 2006-10-25 2008-10-23 Proteus Biomedical Inc Controlled activation ingestible identifier
US20080300453A1 (en) * 2005-12-28 2008-12-04 Olympus Medical Systems Corp. Intra-subject observation system and intra-subject observation method
US20090030279A1 (en) * 2007-07-27 2009-01-29 Zander Dennis R Method and system for managing power consumption in a compact diagnostic capsule
US20090076326A1 (en) * 2007-08-29 2009-03-19 Olympus Medical Systems Corp. In-vivo image acquiring apparatus and in-vivo image acquiring system
US20090076349A1 (en) * 2007-09-14 2009-03-19 Corventis, Inc. Adherent Multi-Sensor Device with Implantable Device Communication Capabilities
US20090076348A1 (en) * 2007-09-14 2009-03-19 Corventis, Inc. Injectable Device for Physiological Monitoring
US20090088618A1 (en) * 2007-10-01 2009-04-02 Arneson Michael R System and Method for Manufacturing a Swallowable Sensor Device
US20090092196A1 (en) * 2007-10-05 2009-04-09 Innurvation, Inc. Data Transmission Via Multi-Path Channels Using Orthogonal Multi-Frequency Signals With Differential Phase Shift Keying Modulation
US20090095608A1 (en) * 2007-10-12 2009-04-16 Hoya Corporation Switching mechanism for swallowable medical device
US20090105532A1 (en) * 2007-10-22 2009-04-23 Zvika Gilad In vivo imaging device and method of manufacturing thereof
US20090198101A1 (en) * 2006-08-09 2009-08-06 Olympus Medical Systems Corp. Capsule endoscope
US20090234331A1 (en) * 2004-11-29 2009-09-17 Koninklijke Philips Electronics, N.V. Electronically controlled pill and system having at least one sensor for delivering at least one medicament
EP2106732A1 (en) * 2007-01-30 2009-10-07 Olympus Medical Systems Corp. Device for checking for lumen passage and method of producing device for checking for lumen passage
US20090253956A1 (en) * 2006-09-22 2009-10-08 Olympus Medical Systems Corp. Capsule endoscope and intra-stomach observing method
WO2009122323A1 (en) * 2008-03-31 2009-10-08 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Method of preparing a swallowable capsule comprising a sensor
US20090299144A1 (en) * 2006-11-24 2009-12-03 Olympus Medical Systems Corp. Capsule endoscope
US20090306632A1 (en) * 2006-06-23 2009-12-10 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Medicament delivery system and process
US20100069717A1 (en) * 2007-02-14 2010-03-18 Hooman Hafezi In-Body Power Source Having High Surface Area Electrode
US7684599B2 (en) 2003-06-12 2010-03-23 Given Imaging, Ltd. System and method to detect a transition in an image stream
US20100073512A1 (en) * 2004-05-17 2010-03-25 Alf Olsen Real-time exposure control for automatic light control
US20100214033A1 (en) * 2006-10-17 2010-08-26 Robert Fleming Low voltage oscillator for medical devices
WO2010068818A3 (en) * 2008-12-11 2010-08-26 Proteus Biomedical, Inc. Evaluation of gastrointestinal function using portable electroviscerography systems and methods of using the same
US20100220180A1 (en) * 2006-09-19 2010-09-02 Capso Vision, Inc. Capture Control for in vivo Camera
US20100249504A1 (en) * 2009-03-31 2010-09-30 Olympus Corporation In-vivo information acquiring system
US20100249509A1 (en) * 2009-03-30 2010-09-30 Olympus Corporation Intravital observation system and method of driving intravital observation system
US20100261959A1 (en) * 2009-04-03 2010-10-14 Olympus Corporation In-vivo observation system and method for driving in-vivo observation system
US20100324371A1 (en) * 2008-03-24 2010-12-23 Olympus Corporation Capsule medical device, method for operating the same, and capsule medical device system
US20100331827A1 (en) * 2008-02-18 2010-12-30 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Administration of drugs to a patient
US20110082334A1 (en) * 2009-09-29 2011-04-07 Richard Wolf Gmbh Endoscopic instrument
US20110092959A1 (en) * 2008-06-25 2011-04-21 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Electronic pill comprising a plurality of medicine reservoirs
US20110106064A1 (en) * 2008-06-19 2011-05-05 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Device for delivery of powder like medication in a humid environment
US20110151608A1 (en) * 2004-09-15 2011-06-23 Lemmerhirt David F Capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducer and manufacturing method
WO2011073892A1 (en) * 2009-12-17 2011-06-23 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Swallowable capsule for monitoring a condition
US7978064B2 (en) 2005-04-28 2011-07-12 Proteus Biomedical, Inc. Communication system with partial power source
US7998065B2 (en) 2001-06-18 2011-08-16 Given Imaging Ltd. In vivo sensing device with a circuit board having rigid sections and flexible sections
US20110237951A1 (en) * 2009-10-27 2011-09-29 Innurvation, Inc. Data Transmission Via Wide Band Acoustic Channels
US8036748B2 (en) 2008-11-13 2011-10-11 Proteus Biomedical, Inc. Ingestible therapy activator system and method
US20110301437A1 (en) * 2010-06-02 2011-12-08 Gabriel Karim M Health monitoring bolus
US20110319727A1 (en) * 2009-03-24 2011-12-29 Olympus Corporation Capsule-type medical device and capsule-type medical system
US8115618B2 (en) 2007-05-24 2012-02-14 Proteus Biomedical, Inc. RFID antenna for in-body device
US8114021B2 (en) 2008-12-15 2012-02-14 Proteus Biomedical, Inc. Body-associated receiver and method
US20120053451A1 (en) * 2010-08-25 2012-03-01 Brown University Methods and systems for prolonged localization of drug delivery
US20120202433A1 (en) * 2009-10-23 2012-08-09 Olympus Medical Systems Corp. Portable wireless terminal, wireless terminal, wireless communication system, and wireless communication method
US8258962B2 (en) 2008-03-05 2012-09-04 Proteus Biomedical, Inc. Multi-mode communication ingestible event markers and systems, and methods of using the same
DE102011005043A1 (en) * 2011-03-03 2012-09-06 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Method for adjusting density of endoscopic capsule in magnetically guided capsule endoscopy, involves presetting density-target value for endoscopic capsule and determining density-actual value in endoscopic capsule
US8285356B2 (en) 2007-09-14 2012-10-09 Corventis, Inc. Adherent device with multiple physiological sensors
US20120262560A1 (en) * 2009-12-17 2012-10-18 Micha Nisani Device, system and method for activation, calibration and testing of an in-vivo imaging device
US20120277550A1 (en) * 2009-12-30 2012-11-01 Hai Soo LEE Device for the measurement of individual farm animal data
US8374688B2 (en) 2007-09-14 2013-02-12 Corventis, Inc. System and methods for wireless body fluid monitoring
US8390679B2 (en) 2009-06-10 2013-03-05 Olympus Medical Systems Corp. Capsule endoscope device
US8412317B2 (en) 2008-04-18 2013-04-02 Corventis, Inc. Method and apparatus to measure bioelectric impedance of patient tissue
US8460189B2 (en) 2007-09-14 2013-06-11 Corventis, Inc. Adherent cardiac monitor with advanced sensing capabilities
US8540633B2 (en) 2008-08-13 2013-09-24 Proteus Digital Health, Inc. Identifier circuits for generating unique identifiable indicators and techniques for producing same
US8540664B2 (en) 2009-03-25 2013-09-24 Proteus Digital Health, Inc. Probablistic pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic modeling
US8547248B2 (en) 2005-09-01 2013-10-01 Proteus Digital Health, Inc. Implantable zero-wire communications system
US8545402B2 (en) 2009-04-28 2013-10-01 Proteus Digital Health, Inc. Highly reliable ingestible event markers and methods for using the same
US8558563B2 (en) 2009-08-21 2013-10-15 Proteus Digital Health, Inc. Apparatus and method for measuring biochemical parameters
US8596542B2 (en) 2002-06-04 2013-12-03 Hand Held Products, Inc. Apparatus operative for capture of image data
US8597186B2 (en) 2009-01-06 2013-12-03 Proteus Digital Health, Inc. Pharmaceutical dosages delivery system
US8608071B2 (en) 2011-10-17 2013-12-17 Honeywell Scanning And Mobility Optical indicia reading terminal with two image sensors
US8617058B2 (en) 2008-07-09 2013-12-31 Innurvation, Inc. Displaying image data from a scanner capsule
US20140012078A1 (en) * 2012-07-05 2014-01-09 Raymond Coussa Accelorometer Based Endoscopic Light Source Safety System
US8647259B2 (en) 2010-03-26 2014-02-11 Innurvation, Inc. Ultrasound scanning capsule endoscope (USCE)
US8718752B2 (en) 2008-03-12 2014-05-06 Corventis, Inc. Heart failure decompensation prediction based on cardiac rhythm
US8718193B2 (en) 2006-11-20 2014-05-06 Proteus Digital Health, Inc. Active signal processing personal health signal receivers
US8730031B2 (en) 2005-04-28 2014-05-20 Proteus Digital Health, Inc. Communication system using an implantable device
US8784308B2 (en) 2009-12-02 2014-07-22 Proteus Digital Health, Inc. Integrated ingestible event marker system with pharmaceutical product
US8802183B2 (en) 2005-04-28 2014-08-12 Proteus Digital Health, Inc. Communication system with enhanced partial power source and method of manufacturing same
US8836513B2 (en) 2006-04-28 2014-09-16 Proteus Digital Health, Inc. Communication system incorporated in an ingestible product
US8858432B2 (en) 2007-02-01 2014-10-14 Proteus Digital Health, Inc. Ingestible event marker systems
US8868453B2 (en) 2009-11-04 2014-10-21 Proteus Digital Health, Inc. System for supply chain management
US8897868B2 (en) 2007-09-14 2014-11-25 Medtronic, Inc. Medical device automatic start-up upon contact to patient tissue
US8911368B2 (en) 2009-01-29 2014-12-16 Given Imaging, Ltd. Device, system and method for detection of bleeding
US8912908B2 (en) 2005-04-28 2014-12-16 Proteus Digital Health, Inc. Communication system with remote activation
US8922633B1 (en) 2010-09-27 2014-12-30 Given Imaging Ltd. Detection of gastrointestinal sections and transition of an in-vivo device there between
US8945010B2 (en) 2009-12-23 2015-02-03 Covidien Lp Method of evaluating constipation using an ingestible capsule
US8956287B2 (en) 2006-05-02 2015-02-17 Proteus Digital Health, Inc. Patient customized therapeutic regimens
US8961412B2 (en) 2007-09-25 2015-02-24 Proteus Digital Health, Inc. In-body device with virtual dipole signal amplification
US8965079B1 (en) 2010-09-28 2015-02-24 Given Imaging Ltd. Real time detection of gastrointestinal sections and transitions of an in-vivo device therebetween
US9014779B2 (en) 2010-02-01 2015-04-21 Proteus Digital Health, Inc. Data gathering system
US9107806B2 (en) 2010-11-22 2015-08-18 Proteus Digital Health, Inc. Ingestible device with pharmaceutical product
EP2073698B1 (en) * 2006-09-29 2015-09-09 Medimetrics Personalized Drug Delivery B.V. Miniaturized threshold sensor
US9149175B2 (en) 2001-07-26 2015-10-06 Given Imaging Ltd. Apparatus and method for light control in an in-vivo imaging device
US9149423B2 (en) 2009-05-12 2015-10-06 Proteus Digital Health, Inc. Ingestible event markers comprising an ingestible component
US9198608B2 (en) 2005-04-28 2015-12-01 Proteus Digital Health, Inc. Communication system incorporated in a container
US9235683B2 (en) 2011-11-09 2016-01-12 Proteus Digital Health, Inc. Apparatus, system, and method for managing adherence to a regimen
US20160022185A1 (en) * 2013-03-11 2016-01-28 The University Of Toledo A Biosensor Device to Target Analytes in Situ, in Vivo, and/or in Real Time, and Methods of Making and Using the Same
US9268909B2 (en) 2012-10-18 2016-02-23 Proteus Digital Health, Inc. Apparatus, system, and method to adaptively optimize power dissipation and broadcast power in a power source for a communication device
US9270025B2 (en) 2007-03-09 2016-02-23 Proteus Digital Health, Inc. In-body device having deployable antenna
US9270503B2 (en) 2013-09-20 2016-02-23 Proteus Digital Health, Inc. Methods, devices and systems for receiving and decoding a signal in the presence of noise using slices and warping
US9271897B2 (en) 2012-07-23 2016-03-01 Proteus Digital Health, Inc. Techniques for manufacturing ingestible event markers comprising an ingestible component
US9324145B1 (en) 2013-08-08 2016-04-26 Given Imaging Ltd. System and method for detection of transitions in an image stream of the gastrointestinal tract
US9327076B2 (en) 2004-08-27 2016-05-03 Medimetrics Personalized Drug Delivery Electronically and remotely controlled pill and system for delivering at least one medicament
CN105813536A (en) * 2013-10-22 2016-07-27 吕甘雨 System and method for capsule device with multiple phases of density
US9411936B2 (en) 2007-09-14 2016-08-09 Medtronic Monitoring, Inc. Dynamic pairing of patients to data collection gateways
US9439599B2 (en) 2011-03-11 2016-09-13 Proteus Digital Health, Inc. Wearable personal body associated device with various physical configurations
US9439566B2 (en) 2008-12-15 2016-09-13 Proteus Digital Health, Inc. Re-wearable wireless device
US9577864B2 (en) 2013-09-24 2017-02-21 Proteus Digital Health, Inc. Method and apparatus for use with received electromagnetic signal at a frequency not known exactly in advance
US20170065158A1 (en) * 2015-09-09 2017-03-09 Boe Technology Group Co., Ltd. Endoscope and method of manufacturing the same, and medical detection system
US9597487B2 (en) 2010-04-07 2017-03-21 Proteus Digital Health, Inc. Miniature ingestible device
US9603550B2 (en) 2008-07-08 2017-03-28 Proteus Digital Health, Inc. State characterization based on multi-variate data fusion techniques
US20170127922A1 (en) * 2014-08-08 2017-05-11 Olympus Corporation Capsule endoscope, capsule endoscope system, and method for controlling capsule endoscope
US9659423B2 (en) 2008-12-15 2017-05-23 Proteus Digital Health, Inc. Personal authentication apparatus system and method
US9744139B2 (en) 2009-04-07 2017-08-29 Stoco 10 GmbH Modular ingestible drug delivery capsule
US20170245742A1 (en) * 2014-12-04 2017-08-31 Mikael Trollsas Capsule Coating for Image Capture Control
US9756874B2 (en) 2011-07-11 2017-09-12 Proteus Digital Health, Inc. Masticable ingestible product and communication system therefor
US9796576B2 (en) 2013-08-30 2017-10-24 Proteus Digital Health, Inc. Container with electronically controlled interlock
US9883819B2 (en) 2009-01-06 2018-02-06 Proteus Digital Health, Inc. Ingestion-related biofeedback and personalized medical therapy method and system
US20180092511A1 (en) * 2016-09-30 2018-04-05 Carl Zeiss Meditec Ag Medical apparatus
US20180125343A1 (en) * 2016-11-04 2018-05-10 Ovesco Endoscopy Ag Capsule endomicroscope for acquiring images of the surface of a hollow organ
US10045713B2 (en) 2012-08-16 2018-08-14 Rock West Medical Devices, Llc System and methods for triggering a radiofrequency transceiver in the human body
US10046109B2 (en) 2009-08-12 2018-08-14 Progenity, Inc. Drug delivery device with compressible drug reservoir
US10084880B2 (en) 2013-11-04 2018-09-25 Proteus Digital Health, Inc. Social media networking based on physiologic information
US10175376B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2019-01-08 Proteus Digital Health, Inc. Metal detector apparatus, system, and method
US10187121B2 (en) 2016-07-22 2019-01-22 Proteus Digital Health, Inc. Electromagnetic sensing and detection of ingestible event markers
US10223905B2 (en) 2011-07-21 2019-03-05 Proteus Digital Health, Inc. Mobile device and system for detection and communication of information received from an ingestible device
US20190114738A1 (en) * 2016-06-16 2019-04-18 Olympus Corporation Image processing apparatus and image processing method
US20190216859A1 (en) * 2015-08-24 2019-07-18 Hygieacare, Inc Systems for characterization of the contents of the large intestine and treatment of conditions of the large intestine
US10398161B2 (en) 2014-01-21 2019-09-03 Proteus Digital Heal Th, Inc. Masticable ingestible product and communication system therefor
US10529044B2 (en) 2010-05-19 2020-01-07 Proteus Digital Health, Inc. Tracking and delivery confirmation of pharmaceutical products
US20200121302A1 (en) * 2017-12-06 2020-04-23 Jame Phillip Jones Sampling system capsule
US10945635B2 (en) 2013-10-22 2021-03-16 Rock West Medical Devices, Llc Nearly isotropic dipole antenna system
US11051543B2 (en) 2015-07-21 2021-07-06 Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. Alginate on adhesive bilayer laminate film
US11147531B2 (en) 2015-08-12 2021-10-19 Sonetics Ultrasound, Inc. Method and system for measuring blood pressure using ultrasound by emitting push pulse to a blood vessel
US11149123B2 (en) 2013-01-29 2021-10-19 Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. Highly-swellable polymeric films and compositions comprising the same
US11158149B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2021-10-26 Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. Personal authentication apparatus system and method
CN113679329A (en) * 2021-07-27 2021-11-23 安翰科技(武汉)股份有限公司 Capsule endoscope
US11179421B2 (en) 2015-08-24 2021-11-23 Hygieacare, Inc. Reducing uncomfortable side effects of abdominal distension in patients treated in hydrocolonic preparation units
US11272858B2 (en) * 2016-05-29 2022-03-15 Ankon Medical Technologies (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. System and method for using a capsule device
US11529071B2 (en) 2016-10-26 2022-12-20 Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. Methods for manufacturing capsules with ingestible event markers
US11612321B2 (en) 2007-11-27 2023-03-28 Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. Transbody communication systems employing communication channels
US20230190084A1 (en) * 2021-12-16 2023-06-22 Karl Storz Imaging, Inc. Implantable Internal Observation Device and System
US11744481B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2023-09-05 Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. System, apparatus and methods for data collection and assessing outcomes
US11928614B2 (en) 2017-09-28 2024-03-12 Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. Patient customized therapeutic regimens

Families Citing this family (54)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
IL163684A0 (en) 2000-05-31 2005-12-18 Given Imaging Ltd Measurement of electrical characteristics of tissue
US7460896B2 (en) 2003-07-29 2008-12-02 Given Imaging Ltd. In vivo device and method for collecting oximetry data
JP4698938B2 (en) * 2003-08-26 2011-06-08 オリンパス株式会社 Capsule endoscope and capsule endoscope system
US8306592B2 (en) 2003-12-19 2012-11-06 Olympus Corporation Capsule medical device
JP4594616B2 (en) * 2003-12-19 2010-12-08 オリンパス株式会社 Capsule medical system
US8639314B2 (en) 2003-12-24 2014-01-28 Given Imaging Ltd. Device, system and method for in-vivo imaging of a body lumen
JP4762915B2 (en) * 2003-12-24 2011-08-31 ギブン イメージング リミテッド Device, system, and method for in vivo imaging of a body cavity
JP4608275B2 (en) * 2004-10-01 2011-01-12 オリンパス株式会社 Endoscope
JP2008526289A (en) * 2004-12-30 2008-07-24 ギブン イメージング エルティーディー Apparatus, system, and method for programmable in vivo imaging
WO2006070367A2 (en) * 2004-12-30 2006-07-06 Given Imaging Ltd. Device, system, and method for optical in-vivo analysis
JP2008526419A (en) * 2005-01-18 2008-07-24 コーニンクレッカ フィリップス エレクトロニクス エヌ ヴィ Electronically controlled ingestible capsule for sampling fluid in the digestive tract
TW200630066A (en) 2005-02-23 2006-09-01 Chung Shan Inst Of Science Disposable two-stage endoscope
DE102005015522A1 (en) * 2005-04-04 2006-10-05 Karl Storz Gmbh & Co. Kg Intracorporal probe for human or animal body, has image acquisition unit designed for optical admission of area outside probe, and movably held within housing in order to change movement of admission area
JP4772384B2 (en) * 2005-06-02 2011-09-14 オリンパス株式会社 Medical capsule
US8790248B2 (en) 2005-07-20 2014-07-29 Olympus Medical Systems Corp. Indwelling apparatus for body cavity introducing device and body cavity introducing device placing system
JP4839034B2 (en) * 2005-07-20 2011-12-14 オリンパス株式会社 In vivo information acquisition device indwelling system
US20070167834A1 (en) * 2005-12-29 2007-07-19 Amit Pascal In-vivo imaging optical device and method
JP2007228337A (en) 2006-02-24 2007-09-06 Olympus Corp Image photographing apparatus
GB2438873A (en) * 2006-06-08 2007-12-12 Univ Hull Determining correct positioning of a catheter
JP5132564B2 (en) * 2006-09-12 2013-01-30 オリンパスメディカルシステムズ株式会社 Capsule endoscope system
US9730573B2 (en) 2007-03-20 2017-08-15 Given Imaging Ltd. Narrow band in-vivo imaging device
JP5019589B2 (en) * 2007-03-28 2012-09-05 富士フイルム株式会社 Capsule endoscope, capsule endoscope system, and method for operating capsule endoscope
JP4936528B2 (en) * 2007-03-28 2012-05-23 富士フイルム株式会社 Capsule endoscope system and method for operating capsule endoscope system
DE102007032530B4 (en) * 2007-07-12 2011-08-25 Siemens AG, 80333 Method for creating a medical image and imaging device
JP2009034291A (en) * 2007-08-01 2009-02-19 Hoya Corp Capsule endoscope
JP5179111B2 (en) * 2007-08-01 2013-04-10 Hoya株式会社 Medical capsule
JP5271516B2 (en) * 2007-08-02 2013-08-21 Hoya株式会社 Time notification device
KR100876673B1 (en) * 2007-09-06 2009-01-07 아이쓰리시스템 주식회사 Capsule-type endoscope capable of controlling frame rate of image
US8162828B2 (en) * 2007-11-08 2012-04-24 Olympus Medical Systems Corp. Blood content detecting capsule
JP5035987B2 (en) * 2008-01-28 2012-09-26 富士フイルム株式会社 Capsule endoscope and operation control method of capsule endoscope
JP5314913B2 (en) * 2008-04-03 2013-10-16 オリンパスメディカルシステムズ株式会社 Capsule medical system
JP5118775B2 (en) * 2009-11-19 2013-01-16 オリンパスメディカルシステムズ株式会社 Capsule type medical device guidance system
US8911360B2 (en) 2009-11-20 2014-12-16 Given Imaging Ltd. System and method for controlling power consumption of an in vivo device
US20110144431A1 (en) * 2009-12-15 2011-06-16 Rainer Graumann System and method for controlling use of capsule endoscopes
CN102048519B (en) * 2010-12-23 2013-01-23 南方医科大学南方医院 Capsule endoscopy with automatically adjusted shooting frequency and method thereof
EP2599429B1 (en) * 2011-03-15 2015-11-18 Olympus Corporation Medical apparatus
JP5238100B2 (en) * 2011-04-01 2013-07-17 オリンパスメディカルシステムズ株式会社 Receiving device and capsule endoscope system
WO2013120184A1 (en) 2012-02-17 2013-08-22 Micropharma Limited Ingestible medical device
CN103340595B (en) * 2013-07-03 2015-08-26 安翰光电技术(武汉)有限公司 A kind of Wireless capsule endoscope and power control method thereof
JP6177083B2 (en) 2013-10-02 2017-08-09 オリンパス株式会社 Data receiving apparatus, capsule endoscope system, data receiving method, and program
US10143400B2 (en) 2014-02-20 2018-12-04 Given Imaging Ltd. In-vivo device using two communication modes
US9642556B2 (en) 2014-06-27 2017-05-09 Intel Corporation Subcutaneously implantable sensor devices and associated systems and methods
EP3509469A1 (en) 2016-09-09 2019-07-17 Progenity, Inc. Electromechanical ingestible device for delivery of a dispensable substance
JP6510591B2 (en) * 2017-07-19 2019-05-08 キャプソ・ヴィジョン・インコーポレーテッド System and method for use in capsule devices having multiple density phases
US11504024B2 (en) 2018-03-30 2022-11-22 Vibrant Ltd. Gastrointestinal treatment system including a vibrating capsule, and method of use thereof
US11638678B1 (en) 2018-04-09 2023-05-02 Vibrant Ltd. Vibrating capsule system and treatment method
US11510590B1 (en) 2018-05-07 2022-11-29 Vibrant Ltd. Methods and systems for treating gastrointestinal disorders
CN113348011B (en) 2018-11-19 2023-04-18 比奥拉治疗股份有限公司 Method and apparatus for treating disease with biotherapeutic agents
GB201901470D0 (en) * 2019-02-04 2019-03-27 Vibrant Ltd Vibrating capsule for gastrointestinal treatment, and method of use thereof
US20220175319A1 (en) * 2019-04-01 2022-06-09 Given Imaging Ltd In vivo immunoassay system
CA3146911A1 (en) * 2019-07-08 2021-01-21 Maxq Research Llc Remote integration of cloud services and transportable perishable products active monitor
EP4309722A2 (en) 2019-12-13 2024-01-24 Biora Therapeutics, Inc. Ingestible device for delivery of therapeutic agent to the gastrointestinal tract
US20220192467A1 (en) * 2020-12-20 2022-06-23 CapsoVision, Inc. Method and Apparatus for Extending Battery Life of Capsule Endoscope
US11612303B2 (en) * 2021-07-22 2023-03-28 Capso Vision Inc. Method and apparatus for leveraging residue energy of capsule endoscope

Citations (63)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3683389A (en) * 1971-01-20 1972-08-08 Corning Glass Works Omnidirectional loop antenna array
US3723644A (en) * 1972-04-24 1973-03-27 Bell Telephone Labor Inc Variable frame rate recording system using speed measurement
US3971362A (en) * 1972-10-27 1976-07-27 The United States Of America As Represented By The Administrator Of The National Aeronautics And Space Administration Miniature ingestible telemeter devices to measure deep-body temperature
US4278077A (en) * 1978-07-27 1981-07-14 Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. Medical camera system
US4631582A (en) * 1984-08-31 1986-12-23 Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. Endoscope using solid state image pick-up device
US4689621A (en) * 1986-03-31 1987-08-25 The United States Of America As Represented By The Administrator Of The National Aeronautics And Space Administration Temperature responsive transmitter
US4741327A (en) * 1986-04-30 1988-05-03 Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. Endoscope having bent circuit board
US4844076A (en) * 1988-08-26 1989-07-04 The Johns Hopkins University Ingestible size continuously transmitting temperature monitoring pill
US4854328A (en) * 1987-03-23 1989-08-08 Philip Pollack Animal monitoring telltale and information system
US5279607A (en) * 1991-05-30 1994-01-18 The State University Of New York Telemetry capsule and process
US5572252A (en) * 1992-07-10 1996-11-05 Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha Video camera having erroneous recording preventing function and method thereof
US5585840A (en) * 1992-06-11 1996-12-17 Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. Endoscope apparatus in which image pickup means and signal control means are connected to each other by signal transmitting means
US5596366A (en) * 1990-05-14 1997-01-21 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Camera apparatus having camera movement detection
US5604531A (en) * 1994-01-17 1997-02-18 State Of Israel, Ministry Of Defense, Armament Development Authority In vivo video camera system
US5738110A (en) * 1996-05-29 1998-04-14 Beal; Charles B. Device for the diagnosis of certain gastrointestinal pathogens
US5749830A (en) * 1993-12-03 1998-05-12 Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. Fluorescent endoscope apparatus
US5819736A (en) * 1994-03-24 1998-10-13 Sightline Technologies Ltd. Viewing method and apparatus particularly useful for viewing the interior of the large intestine
US5833603A (en) * 1996-03-13 1998-11-10 Lipomatrix, Inc. Implantable biosensing transponder
US5853005A (en) * 1996-05-02 1998-12-29 The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Army Acoustic monitoring system
US5873830A (en) * 1997-08-22 1999-02-23 Acuson Corporation Ultrasound imaging system and method for improving resolution and operation
US6053873A (en) * 1997-01-03 2000-04-25 Biosense, Inc. Pressure-sensing stent
US6074349A (en) * 1994-11-30 2000-06-13 Boston Scientific Corporation Acoustic imaging and doppler catheters and guidewires
US6165128A (en) * 1997-10-06 2000-12-26 Endosonics Corporation Method and apparatus for making an image of a lumen or other body cavity and its surrounding tissue
US6240312B1 (en) * 1997-10-23 2001-05-29 Robert R. Alfano Remote-controllable, micro-scale device for use in in vivo medical diagnosis and/or treatment
US20010017649A1 (en) * 1999-02-25 2001-08-30 Avi Yaron Capsule
US20010051766A1 (en) * 1999-03-01 2001-12-13 Gazdzinski Robert F. Endoscopic smart probe and method
US20020042562A1 (en) * 2000-09-27 2002-04-11 Gavriel Meron Immobilizable in vivo sensing device
US6402689B1 (en) * 1998-09-30 2002-06-11 Sicel Technologies, Inc. Methods, systems, and associated implantable devices for dynamic monitoring of physiological and biological properties of tumors
US20020103425A1 (en) * 2000-09-27 2002-08-01 Mault James R. self-contained monitoring device particularly useful for monitoring physiological conditions
US6428469B1 (en) * 1997-12-15 2002-08-06 Given Imaging Ltd Energy management of a video capsule
US6462770B1 (en) * 1998-04-20 2002-10-08 Xillix Technologies Corp. Imaging system with automatic gain control for reflectance and fluorescence endoscopy
US20020198439A1 (en) * 2001-06-20 2002-12-26 Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. Capsule type endoscope
US20030040685A1 (en) * 2001-07-12 2003-02-27 Shlomo Lewkowicz Device and method for examining a body lumen
US20030043263A1 (en) * 2001-07-26 2003-03-06 Arkady Glukhovsky Diagnostic device using data compression
US20030077223A1 (en) * 2001-06-20 2003-04-24 Arkady Glukhovsky Motility analysis within a gastrointestinal tract
US20030114742A1 (en) * 2001-09-24 2003-06-19 Shlomo Lewkowicz System and method for controlling a device in vivo
US6584348B2 (en) * 2000-05-31 2003-06-24 Given Imaging Ltd. Method for measurement of electrical characteristics of tissue
US20030117491A1 (en) * 2001-07-26 2003-06-26 Dov Avni Apparatus and method for controlling illumination in an in-vivo imaging device
US6607301B1 (en) * 1999-08-04 2003-08-19 Given Imaging Ltd. Device and method for dark current noise temperature sensing in an imaging device
US20030195415A1 (en) * 2002-02-14 2003-10-16 Iddan Gavriel J. Device, system and method for accoustic in-vivo measuring
US6635834B1 (en) * 2001-09-19 2003-10-21 Justin Bernard Wenner System and method to delay closure of a normally closed electrical circuit
US6709387B1 (en) * 2000-05-15 2004-03-23 Given Imaging Ltd. System and method for controlling in vivo camera capture and display rate
US20040111011A1 (en) * 2002-05-16 2004-06-10 Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. Capsule medical apparatus and control method for capsule medical apparatus
US20040115877A1 (en) * 2002-11-27 2004-06-17 Iddan Gavriel J Method and device of imaging with an imager having a fiber plate cover
US20040180391A1 (en) * 2002-10-11 2004-09-16 Miklos Gratzl Sliver type autonomous biosensors
US20040210105A1 (en) * 2003-04-21 2004-10-21 Hale Eric Lawrence Method for capturing and displaying endoscopic maps
US6900790B1 (en) * 1998-03-17 2005-05-31 Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba Information input apparatus, information input method, and recording medium
US20050148816A1 (en) * 2001-05-20 2005-07-07 Given Imaging Ltd. Array system and method for locating an in vivo signal source
US20050171418A1 (en) * 2004-01-08 2005-08-04 Tah-Yeong Lin Capsule endoscopy system
US20050183733A1 (en) * 2003-11-11 2005-08-25 Olympus Corporation Capsule type medical device system, and capsule type medical device
US6947788B2 (en) * 1998-08-02 2005-09-20 Super Dimension Ltd. Navigable catheter
US20050288594A1 (en) * 2002-11-29 2005-12-29 Shlomo Lewkowicz Methods, device and system for in vivo diagnosis
US20060164511A1 (en) * 2003-12-31 2006-07-27 Hagal Krupnik System and method for displaying an image stream
US20060217593A1 (en) * 2005-03-24 2006-09-28 Zvika Gilad Device, system and method of panoramic multiple field of view imaging
US7214182B2 (en) * 2003-04-25 2007-05-08 Olympus Corporation Wireless in-vivo information acquiring system, body-insertable device, and external device
US20070106111A1 (en) * 2005-11-07 2007-05-10 Eli Horn Apparatus and method for frame acquisition rate control in an in-vivo imaging device
US7228166B1 (en) * 1999-09-14 2007-06-05 Hitachi Medical Corporation Biological light measuring instrument
US20070225560A1 (en) * 2001-07-26 2007-09-27 Given Imaging Ltd. Apparatus and Method for Light Control in an in-Vivo Imaging Device
US7295226B1 (en) * 1999-11-15 2007-11-13 Given Imaging Ltd. Method for activating an image collecting process
US7316647B2 (en) * 2003-04-25 2008-01-08 Olympus Corporation Capsule endoscope and a capsule endoscope system
US7355625B1 (en) * 1999-03-17 2008-04-08 Olympus Corporation Endoscopic imaging system and endoscope system
US20080103363A1 (en) * 2004-12-30 2008-05-01 Daphna Levy Device, System, and Method for Programmable In Vivo Imaging
US7419468B2 (en) * 2003-04-25 2008-09-02 Olympus Corporation Wireless in-vivo information acquiring system and body-insertable device

Family Cites Families (31)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS559033A (en) * 1978-07-05 1980-01-22 Seiko Instr & Electronics Ltd Medical capsule
JPS6219857A (en) 1985-07-19 1987-01-28 Hitachi Ltd Photomask
JPH01305925A (en) * 1988-06-03 1989-12-11 Hitachi Ltd Living body information recording capsule
JPH04138128A (en) * 1990-09-28 1992-05-12 Shimadzu Corp Gastric juice sampling device
JPH05200015A (en) * 1991-03-14 1993-08-10 Olympus Optical Co Ltd Medical capsule device
US5318557A (en) 1992-07-13 1994-06-07 Elan Medical Technologies Limited Medication administering device
JP3279409B2 (en) * 1993-10-18 2002-04-30 オリンパス光学工業株式会社 Medical capsule device
JP3662072B2 (en) * 1996-06-07 2005-06-22 オリンパス株式会社 Medical capsule device
US6078353A (en) 1996-09-12 2000-06-20 Fuji Photo Optical Co., Ltd. All-pixels reading type electronic endoscope apparatus
US6364829B1 (en) 1999-01-26 2002-04-02 Newton Laboratories, Inc. Autofluorescence imaging system for endoscopy
JPH11225996A (en) * 1998-02-19 1999-08-24 Olympus Optical Co Ltd Capsule type in vivo information detector
US6254531B1 (en) 1998-03-10 2001-07-03 Fuji Photo Optical Co., Ltd. Electronic-endoscope light quantity controlling apparatus
JP2000059677A (en) 1998-08-06 2000-02-25 Minolta Co Ltd Digital camera
US20010051776A1 (en) * 1998-10-14 2001-12-13 Lenhardt Martin L. Tinnitus masker/suppressor
IL177381A0 (en) * 2000-03-08 2006-12-10 Given Imaging Ltd A device for in vivo imaging
JP2004516863A (en) * 2000-07-24 2004-06-10 モトローラ・インコーポレイテッド Ingestible electronic capsule
US20020099310A1 (en) 2001-01-22 2002-07-25 V-Target Ltd. Gastrointestinal-tract sensor
US6929636B1 (en) * 2000-11-08 2005-08-16 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. Internal drug dispenser capsule medical device
CA2435205A1 (en) * 2001-01-22 2002-08-01 V-Target Technologies Ltd. Ingestible device
AU2002307762A1 (en) * 2001-04-18 2002-10-28 Bbms Ltd. Navigating and maneuvering of an in vivo vechicle by extracorporeal devices
EP1397660B1 (en) * 2001-05-20 2013-05-15 Given Imaging Ltd. A floatable in vivo sensing device
US7724928B2 (en) 2001-06-20 2010-05-25 Given Imaging, Ltd. Device, system and method for motility measurement and analysis
US7160258B2 (en) 2001-06-26 2007-01-09 Entrack, Inc. Capsule and method for treating or diagnosing the intestinal tract
IL155046A (en) 2003-03-23 2013-12-31 Given Imaging Ltd In-vivo imaging device capable of defining its location
JP4744026B2 (en) 2001-07-30 2011-08-10 オリンパス株式会社 Capsule endoscope and capsule endoscope system
US6846994B2 (en) * 2001-09-19 2005-01-25 Justin B. Wenner System and method to delay closure of a normally closed electrical circuit
JP2002186672A (en) * 2001-09-28 2002-07-02 Olympus Optical Co Ltd Medical capsule device
US20040133095A1 (en) 2002-11-14 2004-07-08 Dunki-Jacobs Robert J. Methods and devices for detecting abnormal tissue cells
US7970455B2 (en) * 2004-05-20 2011-06-28 Spectrum Dynamics Llc Ingestible device platform for the colon
CN101237903A (en) * 2005-01-18 2008-08-06 皇家飞利浦电子股份有限公司 System and method for controlling traversal of an ingested capsule
EP2046434B1 (en) * 2006-06-23 2012-02-08 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Medicament delivery system

Patent Citations (67)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3683389A (en) * 1971-01-20 1972-08-08 Corning Glass Works Omnidirectional loop antenna array
US3723644A (en) * 1972-04-24 1973-03-27 Bell Telephone Labor Inc Variable frame rate recording system using speed measurement
US3971362A (en) * 1972-10-27 1976-07-27 The United States Of America As Represented By The Administrator Of The National Aeronautics And Space Administration Miniature ingestible telemeter devices to measure deep-body temperature
US4278077A (en) * 1978-07-27 1981-07-14 Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. Medical camera system
US4631582A (en) * 1984-08-31 1986-12-23 Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. Endoscope using solid state image pick-up device
US4689621A (en) * 1986-03-31 1987-08-25 The United States Of America As Represented By The Administrator Of The National Aeronautics And Space Administration Temperature responsive transmitter
US4741327A (en) * 1986-04-30 1988-05-03 Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. Endoscope having bent circuit board
US4854328A (en) * 1987-03-23 1989-08-08 Philip Pollack Animal monitoring telltale and information system
US4844076A (en) * 1988-08-26 1989-07-04 The Johns Hopkins University Ingestible size continuously transmitting temperature monitoring pill
US5596366A (en) * 1990-05-14 1997-01-21 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Camera apparatus having camera movement detection
US5279607A (en) * 1991-05-30 1994-01-18 The State University Of New York Telemetry capsule and process
US5585840A (en) * 1992-06-11 1996-12-17 Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. Endoscope apparatus in which image pickup means and signal control means are connected to each other by signal transmitting means
US5572252A (en) * 1992-07-10 1996-11-05 Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha Video camera having erroneous recording preventing function and method thereof
US5749830A (en) * 1993-12-03 1998-05-12 Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. Fluorescent endoscope apparatus
US5604531A (en) * 1994-01-17 1997-02-18 State Of Israel, Ministry Of Defense, Armament Development Authority In vivo video camera system
US5819736A (en) * 1994-03-24 1998-10-13 Sightline Technologies Ltd. Viewing method and apparatus particularly useful for viewing the interior of the large intestine
US6074349A (en) * 1994-11-30 2000-06-13 Boston Scientific Corporation Acoustic imaging and doppler catheters and guidewires
US5833603A (en) * 1996-03-13 1998-11-10 Lipomatrix, Inc. Implantable biosensing transponder
US5853005A (en) * 1996-05-02 1998-12-29 The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Army Acoustic monitoring system
US5738110A (en) * 1996-05-29 1998-04-14 Beal; Charles B. Device for the diagnosis of certain gastrointestinal pathogens
US6053873A (en) * 1997-01-03 2000-04-25 Biosense, Inc. Pressure-sensing stent
US5873830A (en) * 1997-08-22 1999-02-23 Acuson Corporation Ultrasound imaging system and method for improving resolution and operation
US6165128A (en) * 1997-10-06 2000-12-26 Endosonics Corporation Method and apparatus for making an image of a lumen or other body cavity and its surrounding tissue
US6240312B1 (en) * 1997-10-23 2001-05-29 Robert R. Alfano Remote-controllable, micro-scale device for use in in vivo medical diagnosis and/or treatment
US6428469B1 (en) * 1997-12-15 2002-08-06 Given Imaging Ltd Energy management of a video capsule
US6900790B1 (en) * 1998-03-17 2005-05-31 Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba Information input apparatus, information input method, and recording medium
US6462770B1 (en) * 1998-04-20 2002-10-08 Xillix Technologies Corp. Imaging system with automatic gain control for reflectance and fluorescence endoscopy
US6947788B2 (en) * 1998-08-02 2005-09-20 Super Dimension Ltd. Navigable catheter
US6402689B1 (en) * 1998-09-30 2002-06-11 Sicel Technologies, Inc. Methods, systems, and associated implantable devices for dynamic monitoring of physiological and biological properties of tumors
US20010017649A1 (en) * 1999-02-25 2001-08-30 Avi Yaron Capsule
US20010051766A1 (en) * 1999-03-01 2001-12-13 Gazdzinski Robert F. Endoscopic smart probe and method
US7355625B1 (en) * 1999-03-17 2008-04-08 Olympus Corporation Endoscopic imaging system and endoscope system
US6607301B1 (en) * 1999-08-04 2003-08-19 Given Imaging Ltd. Device and method for dark current noise temperature sensing in an imaging device
US7228166B1 (en) * 1999-09-14 2007-06-05 Hitachi Medical Corporation Biological light measuring instrument
US7295226B1 (en) * 1999-11-15 2007-11-13 Given Imaging Ltd. Method for activating an image collecting process
US20050110881A1 (en) * 2000-05-15 2005-05-26 Arkady Glukhovsky System and method for in-vivo imaging
US7022067B2 (en) * 2000-05-15 2006-04-04 Given Imaging Ltd. System and method for controlling in vivo camera capture and display rate
US6709387B1 (en) * 2000-05-15 2004-03-23 Given Imaging Ltd. System and method for controlling in vivo camera capture and display rate
US20040073087A1 (en) * 2000-05-15 2004-04-15 Arkady Glukhovsky System and method for controlling in vivo camera capture and display rate
US6584348B2 (en) * 2000-05-31 2003-06-24 Given Imaging Ltd. Method for measurement of electrical characteristics of tissue
US20020103425A1 (en) * 2000-09-27 2002-08-01 Mault James R. self-contained monitoring device particularly useful for monitoring physiological conditions
US20020042562A1 (en) * 2000-09-27 2002-04-11 Gavriel Meron Immobilizable in vivo sensing device
US20050148816A1 (en) * 2001-05-20 2005-07-07 Given Imaging Ltd. Array system and method for locating an in vivo signal source
US20030077223A1 (en) * 2001-06-20 2003-04-24 Arkady Glukhovsky Motility analysis within a gastrointestinal tract
US20020198439A1 (en) * 2001-06-20 2002-12-26 Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. Capsule type endoscope
US6939292B2 (en) * 2001-06-20 2005-09-06 Olympus Corporation Capsule type endoscope
US20030040685A1 (en) * 2001-07-12 2003-02-27 Shlomo Lewkowicz Device and method for examining a body lumen
US20030043263A1 (en) * 2001-07-26 2003-03-06 Arkady Glukhovsky Diagnostic device using data compression
US20030117491A1 (en) * 2001-07-26 2003-06-26 Dov Avni Apparatus and method for controlling illumination in an in-vivo imaging device
US20070225560A1 (en) * 2001-07-26 2007-09-27 Given Imaging Ltd. Apparatus and Method for Light Control in an in-Vivo Imaging Device
US6635834B1 (en) * 2001-09-19 2003-10-21 Justin Bernard Wenner System and method to delay closure of a normally closed electrical circuit
US20030114742A1 (en) * 2001-09-24 2003-06-19 Shlomo Lewkowicz System and method for controlling a device in vivo
US20030195415A1 (en) * 2002-02-14 2003-10-16 Iddan Gavriel J. Device, system and method for accoustic in-vivo measuring
US20040111011A1 (en) * 2002-05-16 2004-06-10 Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. Capsule medical apparatus and control method for capsule medical apparatus
US20040180391A1 (en) * 2002-10-11 2004-09-16 Miklos Gratzl Sliver type autonomous biosensors
US20040115877A1 (en) * 2002-11-27 2004-06-17 Iddan Gavriel J Method and device of imaging with an imager having a fiber plate cover
US20050288594A1 (en) * 2002-11-29 2005-12-29 Shlomo Lewkowicz Methods, device and system for in vivo diagnosis
US20040210105A1 (en) * 2003-04-21 2004-10-21 Hale Eric Lawrence Method for capturing and displaying endoscopic maps
US7419468B2 (en) * 2003-04-25 2008-09-02 Olympus Corporation Wireless in-vivo information acquiring system and body-insertable device
US7214182B2 (en) * 2003-04-25 2007-05-08 Olympus Corporation Wireless in-vivo information acquiring system, body-insertable device, and external device
US7316647B2 (en) * 2003-04-25 2008-01-08 Olympus Corporation Capsule endoscope and a capsule endoscope system
US20050183733A1 (en) * 2003-11-11 2005-08-25 Olympus Corporation Capsule type medical device system, and capsule type medical device
US20060164511A1 (en) * 2003-12-31 2006-07-27 Hagal Krupnik System and method for displaying an image stream
US20050171418A1 (en) * 2004-01-08 2005-08-04 Tah-Yeong Lin Capsule endoscopy system
US20080103363A1 (en) * 2004-12-30 2008-05-01 Daphna Levy Device, System, and Method for Programmable In Vivo Imaging
US20060217593A1 (en) * 2005-03-24 2006-09-28 Zvika Gilad Device, system and method of panoramic multiple field of view imaging
US20070106111A1 (en) * 2005-11-07 2007-05-10 Eli Horn Apparatus and method for frame acquisition rate control in an in-vivo imaging device

Cited By (287)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7998065B2 (en) 2001-06-18 2011-08-16 Given Imaging Ltd. In vivo sensing device with a circuit board having rigid sections and flexible sections
US9149175B2 (en) 2001-07-26 2015-10-06 Given Imaging Ltd. Apparatus and method for light control in an in-vivo imaging device
US8596542B2 (en) 2002-06-04 2013-12-03 Hand Held Products, Inc. Apparatus operative for capture of image data
US9224023B2 (en) 2002-06-04 2015-12-29 Hand Held Products, Inc. Apparatus operative for capture of image data
US20040138558A1 (en) * 2002-11-14 2004-07-15 Dunki-Jacobs Robert J Methods and devices for detecting tissue cells
US20080045788A1 (en) * 2002-11-27 2008-02-21 Zvika Gilad Method and device of imaging with an in vivo imager
US20040225189A1 (en) * 2003-04-25 2004-11-11 Olympus Corporation Capsule endoscope and a capsule endoscope system
US7316647B2 (en) * 2003-04-25 2008-01-08 Olympus Corporation Capsule endoscope and a capsule endoscope system
US20050043583A1 (en) * 2003-05-22 2005-02-24 Reinmar Killmann Endoscopy apparatus
US7885446B2 (en) 2003-06-12 2011-02-08 Given Imaging Ltd. System and method to detect a transition in an image stream
US7684599B2 (en) 2003-06-12 2010-03-23 Given Imaging, Ltd. System and method to detect a transition in an image stream
US20050054897A1 (en) * 2003-09-08 2005-03-10 Olympus Corporation Capsule endoscope and capsule endoscope system
US8206285B2 (en) * 2003-12-31 2012-06-26 Given Imaging Ltd. Apparatus, system and method to indicate in-vivo device location
US20080051633A1 (en) * 2003-12-31 2008-02-28 Alex Blijevsky Apparatus, System And Method To Indicate In-Vivo Device Location
US20050246233A1 (en) * 2004-03-30 2005-11-03 Nathan Daniel Estruth Method of selling and activating consumer products and services
US7725368B2 (en) 2004-03-30 2010-05-25 The Procter & Gamble Company Method of selling and activating consumer products and services
US20080215463A1 (en) * 2004-03-30 2008-09-04 Nathan Daniel Estruth Method of Selling and Activating Consumer Products and Services
US7374083B2 (en) * 2004-03-30 2008-05-20 The Procter & Gamble Company Method of selling and activating consumer products and services
US8547476B2 (en) 2004-05-17 2013-10-01 Micron Technology, Inc. Image sensor including real-time automatic exposure control and swallowable pill including the same
US8149326B2 (en) 2004-05-17 2012-04-03 Micron Technology, Inc. Real-time exposure control for automatic light control
US20100073512A1 (en) * 2004-05-17 2010-03-25 Alf Olsen Real-time exposure control for automatic light control
US9071762B2 (en) 2004-05-17 2015-06-30 Micron Technology, Inc. Image sensor including real-time automatic exposure control and swallowable pill including the same
US20060004257A1 (en) * 2004-06-30 2006-01-05 Zvika Gilad In vivo device with flexible circuit board and method for assembly thereof
US8500630B2 (en) 2004-06-30 2013-08-06 Given Imaging Ltd. In vivo device with flexible circuit board and method for assembly thereof
US9327076B2 (en) 2004-08-27 2016-05-03 Medimetrics Personalized Drug Delivery Electronically and remotely controlled pill and system for delivering at least one medicament
US20070167812A1 (en) * 2004-09-15 2007-07-19 Lemmerhirt David F Capacitive Micromachined Ultrasonic Transducer
US20110151608A1 (en) * 2004-09-15 2011-06-23 Lemmerhirt David F Capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducer and manufacturing method
US8309428B2 (en) 2004-09-15 2012-11-13 Sonetics Ultrasound, Inc. Capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducer
US8399278B2 (en) 2004-09-15 2013-03-19 Sonetics Ultrasound, Inc. Capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducer and manufacturing method
US20070167811A1 (en) * 2004-09-15 2007-07-19 Lemmerhirt David F Capacitive Micromachined Ultrasonic Transducer
US8658453B2 (en) 2004-09-15 2014-02-25 Sonetics Ultrasound, Inc. Capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducer
US20090234331A1 (en) * 2004-11-29 2009-09-17 Koninklijke Philips Electronics, N.V. Electronically controlled pill and system having at least one sensor for delivering at least one medicament
WO2006070378A3 (en) * 2004-12-30 2007-01-25 Given Imaging Ltd Device, system and method for in-vivo examination
US20090105537A1 (en) * 2004-12-30 2009-04-23 Daniel Gat Device, System and Method for In-Vivo Examination
US20080076965A1 (en) * 2005-03-09 2008-03-27 Fukashi Yoshizawa Body-Insertable Apparatus and Body-Insertable Apparatus System
US8257248B2 (en) * 2005-03-09 2012-09-04 Olympus Corporation Body-insertable apparatus and body-insertable apparatus system
US20060217593A1 (en) * 2005-03-24 2006-09-28 Zvika Gilad Device, system and method of panoramic multiple field of view imaging
US9597010B2 (en) 2005-04-28 2017-03-21 Proteus Digital Health, Inc. Communication system using an implantable device
US9439582B2 (en) 2005-04-28 2016-09-13 Proteus Digital Health, Inc. Communication system with remote activation
US8816847B2 (en) 2005-04-28 2014-08-26 Proteus Digital Health, Inc. Communication system with partial power source
US9649066B2 (en) 2005-04-28 2017-05-16 Proteus Digital Health, Inc. Communication system with partial power source
US7978064B2 (en) 2005-04-28 2011-07-12 Proteus Biomedical, Inc. Communication system with partial power source
US8730031B2 (en) 2005-04-28 2014-05-20 Proteus Digital Health, Inc. Communication system using an implantable device
US9161707B2 (en) 2005-04-28 2015-10-20 Proteus Digital Health, Inc. Communication system incorporated in an ingestible product
US9198608B2 (en) 2005-04-28 2015-12-01 Proteus Digital Health, Inc. Communication system incorporated in a container
US10517507B2 (en) 2005-04-28 2019-12-31 Proteus Digital Health, Inc. Communication system with enhanced partial power source and method of manufacturing same
US9962107B2 (en) 2005-04-28 2018-05-08 Proteus Digital Health, Inc. Communication system with enhanced partial power source and method of manufacturing same
US8802183B2 (en) 2005-04-28 2014-08-12 Proteus Digital Health, Inc. Communication system with enhanced partial power source and method of manufacturing same
US10542909B2 (en) 2005-04-28 2020-01-28 Proteus Digital Health, Inc. Communication system with partial power source
US8847766B2 (en) 2005-04-28 2014-09-30 Proteus Digital Health, Inc. Pharma-informatics system
US9119554B2 (en) 2005-04-28 2015-09-01 Proteus Digital Health, Inc. Pharma-informatics system
US11476952B2 (en) 2005-04-28 2022-10-18 Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. Pharma-informatics system
US8674825B2 (en) 2005-04-28 2014-03-18 Proteus Digital Health, Inc. Pharma-informatics system
US10610128B2 (en) 2005-04-28 2020-04-07 Proteus Digital Health, Inc. Pharma-informatics system
US8912908B2 (en) 2005-04-28 2014-12-16 Proteus Digital Health, Inc. Communication system with remote activation
US9681842B2 (en) 2005-04-28 2017-06-20 Proteus Digital Health, Inc. Pharma-informatics system
US20060287573A1 (en) * 2005-06-17 2006-12-21 Magnachip Semiconductor Ltd. Image senor for capsule type endoscope having frame puncturing function and method for processing image data thereof
US8758226B2 (en) * 2005-06-17 2014-06-24 Intellectual Ventures Ii Llc Image sensor for capsule type endoscope having frame puncturing function and method for processing image data thereof
US8547248B2 (en) 2005-09-01 2013-10-01 Proteus Digital Health, Inc. Implantable zero-wire communications system
US20080300453A1 (en) * 2005-12-28 2008-12-04 Olympus Medical Systems Corp. Intra-subject observation system and intra-subject observation method
US8632459B2 (en) * 2005-12-28 2014-01-21 Olympus Medical Sytems Corp. Intra-subject observation system and intra-subject observation method
US8836513B2 (en) 2006-04-28 2014-09-16 Proteus Digital Health, Inc. Communication system incorporated in an ingestible product
US8956287B2 (en) 2006-05-02 2015-02-17 Proteus Digital Health, Inc. Patient customized therapeutic regimens
US8597278B2 (en) * 2006-06-23 2013-12-03 MEDIMETRICS Personalized Drug Delivery B.V. Medicament delivery system and process
US20090306632A1 (en) * 2006-06-23 2009-12-10 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Medicament delivery system and process
US20090198101A1 (en) * 2006-08-09 2009-08-06 Olympus Medical Systems Corp. Capsule endoscope
US20080146871A1 (en) * 2006-09-06 2008-06-19 Innurvation, Inc. Ingestible Low Power Sensor Device and System for Communicating with Same
US20080114224A1 (en) * 2006-09-06 2008-05-15 Innuravation Llc Methods and systems for acoustic data transmission
US10320491B2 (en) 2006-09-06 2019-06-11 Innurvation Inc. Methods and systems for acoustic data transmission
US9900109B2 (en) 2006-09-06 2018-02-20 Innurvation, Inc. Methods and systems for acoustic data transmission
US8615284B2 (en) 2006-09-06 2013-12-24 Innurvation, Inc. Method for acoustic information exchange involving an ingestible low power capsule
US8512241B2 (en) 2006-09-06 2013-08-20 Innurvation, Inc. Methods and systems for acoustic data transmission
US20080161660A1 (en) * 2006-09-06 2008-07-03 Innurvation, Inc. System and Method for Acoustic Information Exchange Involving an Ingestible Low Power Capsule
US20080058597A1 (en) * 2006-09-06 2008-03-06 Innurvation Llc Imaging and Locating Systems and Methods for a Swallowable Sensor Device
WO2008030480A3 (en) * 2006-09-06 2008-08-14 Innurvation Inc Ingestible low power sensor device and system for communicating with same
US8588887B2 (en) 2006-09-06 2013-11-19 Innurvation, Inc. Ingestible low power sensor device and system for communicating with same
US7940973B2 (en) * 2006-09-19 2011-05-10 Capso Vision Inc. Capture control for in vivo camera
US20100220180A1 (en) * 2006-09-19 2010-09-02 Capso Vision, Inc. Capture Control for in vivo Camera
US20090253956A1 (en) * 2006-09-22 2009-10-08 Olympus Medical Systems Corp. Capsule endoscope and intra-stomach observing method
EP2073698B1 (en) * 2006-09-29 2015-09-09 Medimetrics Personalized Drug Delivery B.V. Miniaturized threshold sensor
US9227011B2 (en) 2006-09-29 2016-01-05 MEDIMETRICS Personalized Drug Delivery B.V. Miniaturized threshold sensor
US20100214033A1 (en) * 2006-10-17 2010-08-26 Robert Fleming Low voltage oscillator for medical devices
US8054140B2 (en) 2006-10-17 2011-11-08 Proteus Biomedical, Inc. Low voltage oscillator for medical devices
US11357730B2 (en) 2006-10-25 2022-06-14 Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. Controlled activation ingestible identifier
US10238604B2 (en) 2006-10-25 2019-03-26 Proteus Digital Health, Inc. Controlled activation ingestible identifier
WO2008052136A3 (en) * 2006-10-25 2008-10-23 Proteus Biomedical Inc Controlled activation ingestible identifier
US8945005B2 (en) 2006-10-25 2015-02-03 Proteus Digital Health, Inc. Controlled activation ingestible identifier
US9083589B2 (en) 2006-11-20 2015-07-14 Proteus Digital Health, Inc. Active signal processing personal health signal receivers
US9444503B2 (en) 2006-11-20 2016-09-13 Proteus Digital Health, Inc. Active signal processing personal health signal receivers
US8718193B2 (en) 2006-11-20 2014-05-06 Proteus Digital Health, Inc. Active signal processing personal health signal receivers
US8439822B2 (en) * 2006-11-24 2013-05-14 Olympus Medical Systems Corp. Capsule endoscope
US20090299144A1 (en) * 2006-11-24 2009-12-03 Olympus Medical Systems Corp. Capsule endoscope
EP2106732A1 (en) * 2007-01-30 2009-10-07 Olympus Medical Systems Corp. Device for checking for lumen passage and method of producing device for checking for lumen passage
US20090292173A1 (en) * 2007-01-30 2009-11-26 Olympus Medical Systems Corp. Lumen passability checking device and method of manufacturing lumen passability checking device
EP2106732A4 (en) * 2007-01-30 2013-06-19 Olympus Medical Systems Corp Device for checking for lumen passage and method of producing device for checking for lumen passage
US10441194B2 (en) 2007-02-01 2019-10-15 Proteus Digital Heal Th, Inc. Ingestible event marker systems
US8858432B2 (en) 2007-02-01 2014-10-14 Proteus Digital Health, Inc. Ingestible event marker systems
US20100069717A1 (en) * 2007-02-14 2010-03-18 Hooman Hafezi In-Body Power Source Having High Surface Area Electrode
US8956288B2 (en) 2007-02-14 2015-02-17 Proteus Digital Health, Inc. In-body power source having high surface area electrode
US11464423B2 (en) 2007-02-14 2022-10-11 Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. In-body power source having high surface area electrode
US9270025B2 (en) 2007-03-09 2016-02-23 Proteus Digital Health, Inc. In-body device having deployable antenna
US8932221B2 (en) 2007-03-09 2015-01-13 Proteus Digital Health, Inc. In-body device having a multi-directional transmitter
WO2008112577A1 (en) * 2007-03-09 2008-09-18 Proteus Biomedical, Inc. In-body device having a multi-directional transmitter
US8540632B2 (en) 2007-05-24 2013-09-24 Proteus Digital Health, Inc. Low profile antenna for in body device
US10517506B2 (en) 2007-05-24 2019-12-31 Proteus Digital Health, Inc. Low profile antenna for in body device
US8115618B2 (en) 2007-05-24 2012-02-14 Proteus Biomedical, Inc. RFID antenna for in-body device
US20090030279A1 (en) * 2007-07-27 2009-01-29 Zander Dennis R Method and system for managing power consumption in a compact diagnostic capsule
EP2196128A1 (en) * 2007-08-29 2010-06-16 Olympus Medical Systems Corp. Living body internal image acquisition device and living body internal image acquisition system
EP2196128A4 (en) * 2007-08-29 2015-01-21 Olympus Medical Systems Corp Living body internal image acquisition device and living body internal image acquisition system
US8622892B2 (en) 2007-08-29 2014-01-07 Olympus Medical Systems Corp. In-vivo image acquiring apparatus and in-vivo image acquiring system
US20090076326A1 (en) * 2007-08-29 2009-03-19 Olympus Medical Systems Corp. In-vivo image acquiring apparatus and in-vivo image acquiring system
US8374688B2 (en) 2007-09-14 2013-02-12 Corventis, Inc. System and methods for wireless body fluid monitoring
US8684925B2 (en) * 2007-09-14 2014-04-01 Corventis, Inc. Injectable device for physiological monitoring
US20090076349A1 (en) * 2007-09-14 2009-03-19 Corventis, Inc. Adherent Multi-Sensor Device with Implantable Device Communication Capabilities
US20090076348A1 (en) * 2007-09-14 2009-03-19 Corventis, Inc. Injectable Device for Physiological Monitoring
US8790257B2 (en) 2007-09-14 2014-07-29 Corventis, Inc. Multi-sensor patient monitor to detect impending cardiac decompensation
US9770182B2 (en) 2007-09-14 2017-09-26 Medtronic Monitoring, Inc. Adherent device with multiple physiological sensors
US9579020B2 (en) 2007-09-14 2017-02-28 Medtronic Monitoring, Inc. Adherent cardiac monitor with advanced sensing capabilities
US9538960B2 (en) 2007-09-14 2017-01-10 Medtronic Monitoring, Inc. Injectable physiological monitoring system
US10599814B2 (en) 2007-09-14 2020-03-24 Medtronic Monitoring, Inc. Dynamic pairing of patients to data collection gateways
US8285356B2 (en) 2007-09-14 2012-10-09 Corventis, Inc. Adherent device with multiple physiological sensors
US9186089B2 (en) 2007-09-14 2015-11-17 Medtronic Monitoring, Inc. Injectable physiological monitoring system
US10405809B2 (en) 2007-09-14 2019-09-10 Medtronic Monitoring, Inc Injectable device for physiological monitoring
US8897868B2 (en) 2007-09-14 2014-11-25 Medtronic, Inc. Medical device automatic start-up upon contact to patient tissue
US8460189B2 (en) 2007-09-14 2013-06-11 Corventis, Inc. Adherent cardiac monitor with advanced sensing capabilities
US9411936B2 (en) 2007-09-14 2016-08-09 Medtronic Monitoring, Inc. Dynamic pairing of patients to data collection gateways
US8961412B2 (en) 2007-09-25 2015-02-24 Proteus Digital Health, Inc. In-body device with virtual dipole signal amplification
US9433371B2 (en) 2007-09-25 2016-09-06 Proteus Digital Health, Inc. In-body device with virtual dipole signal amplification
US8869390B2 (en) * 2007-10-01 2014-10-28 Innurvation, Inc. System and method for manufacturing a swallowable sensor device
US20120153981A1 (en) * 2007-10-01 2012-06-21 Innurvation, Inc. System and Method for Manufacturing a Swallowable Sensor Device
US9730336B2 (en) 2007-10-01 2017-08-08 Innurvation, Inc. System for manufacturing a swallowable sensor device
US20090088618A1 (en) * 2007-10-01 2009-04-02 Arneson Michael R System and Method for Manufacturing a Swallowable Sensor Device
US9197470B2 (en) 2007-10-05 2015-11-24 Innurvation, Inc. Data transmission via multi-path channels using orthogonal multi-frequency signals with differential phase shift keying modulation
US20090092196A1 (en) * 2007-10-05 2009-04-09 Innurvation, Inc. Data Transmission Via Multi-Path Channels Using Orthogonal Multi-Frequency Signals With Differential Phase Shift Keying Modulation
US9769004B2 (en) 2007-10-05 2017-09-19 Innurvation, Inc. Data transmission via multi-path channels using orthogonal multi-frequency signals with differential phase shift keying modulation
US20090095608A1 (en) * 2007-10-12 2009-04-16 Hoya Corporation Switching mechanism for swallowable medical device
US20090105532A1 (en) * 2007-10-22 2009-04-23 Zvika Gilad In vivo imaging device and method of manufacturing thereof
US11612321B2 (en) 2007-11-27 2023-03-28 Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. Transbody communication systems employing communication channels
US20100331827A1 (en) * 2008-02-18 2010-12-30 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Administration of drugs to a patient
US9258035B2 (en) 2008-03-05 2016-02-09 Proteus Digital Health, Inc. Multi-mode communication ingestible event markers and systems, and methods of using the same
US8542123B2 (en) 2008-03-05 2013-09-24 Proteus Digital Health, Inc. Multi-mode communication ingestible event markers and systems, and methods of using the same
US8810409B2 (en) 2008-03-05 2014-08-19 Proteus Digital Health, Inc. Multi-mode communication ingestible event markers and systems, and methods of using the same
US8258962B2 (en) 2008-03-05 2012-09-04 Proteus Biomedical, Inc. Multi-mode communication ingestible event markers and systems, and methods of using the same
US9060708B2 (en) 2008-03-05 2015-06-23 Proteus Digital Health, Inc. Multi-mode communication ingestible event markers and systems, and methods of using the same
US8718752B2 (en) 2008-03-12 2014-05-06 Corventis, Inc. Heart failure decompensation prediction based on cardiac rhythm
US20100324371A1 (en) * 2008-03-24 2010-12-23 Olympus Corporation Capsule medical device, method for operating the same, and capsule medical device system
US8328713B2 (en) * 2008-03-24 2012-12-11 Olympus Corporation Capsule medical device, method for operating the same, and capsule medical device system
US20110017612A1 (en) * 2008-03-31 2011-01-27 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Method of preparing a swallowable capsule comprising a sensor
WO2009122323A1 (en) * 2008-03-31 2009-10-08 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Method of preparing a swallowable capsule comprising a sensor
US8990018B2 (en) 2008-03-31 2015-03-24 MEDIMETRICS Personalized Drug Delivery B.V. Method of preparing a swallowable capsule comprising a sensor
US8412317B2 (en) 2008-04-18 2013-04-02 Corventis, Inc. Method and apparatus to measure bioelectric impedance of patient tissue
US9668667B2 (en) 2008-04-18 2017-06-06 Medtronic Monitoring, Inc. Method and apparatus to measure bioelectric impedance of patient tissue
US20110106064A1 (en) * 2008-06-19 2011-05-05 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Device for delivery of powder like medication in a humid environment
US9067011B2 (en) 2008-06-19 2015-06-30 MEDIMETRICS Personalized Drug Delivery B.V. Device for delivery of powder like medication in a humid environment
US20110092959A1 (en) * 2008-06-25 2011-04-21 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Electronic pill comprising a plurality of medicine reservoirs
US8961498B2 (en) 2008-06-25 2015-02-24 Medimetrics Personalized Drug Delivery Electronic pill comprising a plurality of medicine reservoirs
US9603550B2 (en) 2008-07-08 2017-03-28 Proteus Digital Health, Inc. State characterization based on multi-variate data fusion techniques
US11217342B2 (en) 2008-07-08 2022-01-04 Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. Ingestible event marker data framework
US10682071B2 (en) 2008-07-08 2020-06-16 Proteus Digital Health, Inc. State characterization based on multi-variate data fusion techniques
US9788708B2 (en) 2008-07-09 2017-10-17 Innurvation, Inc. Displaying image data from a scanner capsule
US8617058B2 (en) 2008-07-09 2013-12-31 Innurvation, Inc. Displaying image data from a scanner capsule
US9351632B2 (en) 2008-07-09 2016-05-31 Innurvation, Inc. Displaying image data from a scanner capsule
US9415010B2 (en) 2008-08-13 2016-08-16 Proteus Digital Health, Inc. Ingestible circuitry
US8540633B2 (en) 2008-08-13 2013-09-24 Proteus Digital Health, Inc. Identifier circuits for generating unique identifiable indicators and techniques for producing same
US8721540B2 (en) 2008-08-13 2014-05-13 Proteus Digital Health, Inc. Ingestible circuitry
US8036748B2 (en) 2008-11-13 2011-10-11 Proteus Biomedical, Inc. Ingestible therapy activator system and method
US20110040203A1 (en) * 2008-12-11 2011-02-17 George Savage Evaluation of gastrointestinal function using portable electroviscerography systems and methods of using the same
US8055334B2 (en) 2008-12-11 2011-11-08 Proteus Biomedical, Inc. Evaluation of gastrointestinal function using portable electroviscerography systems and methods of using the same
WO2010068818A3 (en) * 2008-12-11 2010-08-26 Proteus Biomedical, Inc. Evaluation of gastrointestinal function using portable electroviscerography systems and methods of using the same
US8583227B2 (en) 2008-12-11 2013-11-12 Proteus Digital Health, Inc. Evaluation of gastrointestinal function using portable electroviscerography systems and methods of using the same
CN102271578A (en) * 2008-12-11 2011-12-07 普罗秋斯生物医学公司 Evaluation of gastrointestinal function using portable electroviscerography systems and methods of using the same
US9149577B2 (en) 2008-12-15 2015-10-06 Proteus Digital Health, Inc. Body-associated receiver and method
US9439566B2 (en) 2008-12-15 2016-09-13 Proteus Digital Health, Inc. Re-wearable wireless device
US9659423B2 (en) 2008-12-15 2017-05-23 Proteus Digital Health, Inc. Personal authentication apparatus system and method
US8545436B2 (en) 2008-12-15 2013-10-01 Proteus Digital Health, Inc. Body-associated receiver and method
US8114021B2 (en) 2008-12-15 2012-02-14 Proteus Biomedical, Inc. Body-associated receiver and method
US9883819B2 (en) 2009-01-06 2018-02-06 Proteus Digital Health, Inc. Ingestion-related biofeedback and personalized medical therapy method and system
US8597186B2 (en) 2009-01-06 2013-12-03 Proteus Digital Health, Inc. Pharmaceutical dosages delivery system
US8911368B2 (en) 2009-01-29 2014-12-16 Given Imaging, Ltd. Device, system and method for detection of bleeding
EP2412292A4 (en) * 2009-03-24 2015-07-08 Olympus Corp Capsule medical device and capsule medical system
US20110319727A1 (en) * 2009-03-24 2011-12-29 Olympus Corporation Capsule-type medical device and capsule-type medical system
US8540664B2 (en) 2009-03-25 2013-09-24 Proteus Digital Health, Inc. Probablistic pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic modeling
US9119918B2 (en) 2009-03-25 2015-09-01 Proteus Digital Health, Inc. Probablistic pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic modeling
US20100249509A1 (en) * 2009-03-30 2010-09-30 Olympus Corporation Intravital observation system and method of driving intravital observation system
US8663094B2 (en) * 2009-03-31 2014-03-04 Olympus Corporation In-vivo information acquiring system
US20100249504A1 (en) * 2009-03-31 2010-09-30 Olympus Corporation In-vivo information acquiring system
US20100261959A1 (en) * 2009-04-03 2010-10-14 Olympus Corporation In-vivo observation system and method for driving in-vivo observation system
US9744139B2 (en) 2009-04-07 2017-08-29 Stoco 10 GmbH Modular ingestible drug delivery capsule
US9320455B2 (en) 2009-04-28 2016-04-26 Proteus Digital Health, Inc. Highly reliable ingestible event markers and methods for using the same
US10588544B2 (en) 2009-04-28 2020-03-17 Proteus Digital Health, Inc. Highly reliable ingestible event markers and methods for using the same
US8545402B2 (en) 2009-04-28 2013-10-01 Proteus Digital Health, Inc. Highly reliable ingestible event markers and methods for using the same
US9149423B2 (en) 2009-05-12 2015-10-06 Proteus Digital Health, Inc. Ingestible event markers comprising an ingestible component
US8390679B2 (en) 2009-06-10 2013-03-05 Olympus Medical Systems Corp. Capsule endoscope device
US10046109B2 (en) 2009-08-12 2018-08-14 Progenity, Inc. Drug delivery device with compressible drug reservoir
US8558563B2 (en) 2009-08-21 2013-10-15 Proteus Digital Health, Inc. Apparatus and method for measuring biochemical parameters
US20110082334A1 (en) * 2009-09-29 2011-04-07 Richard Wolf Gmbh Endoscopic instrument
US20120202433A1 (en) * 2009-10-23 2012-08-09 Olympus Medical Systems Corp. Portable wireless terminal, wireless terminal, wireless communication system, and wireless communication method
US9002285B2 (en) * 2009-10-23 2015-04-07 Olympus Corporation Portable wireless terminal, wireless terminal, wireless communication system, and wireless communication method
US9192353B2 (en) 2009-10-27 2015-11-24 Innurvation, Inc. Data transmission via wide band acoustic channels
US10092185B2 (en) * 2009-10-27 2018-10-09 Innurvation Inc. Data transmission via wide band acoustic channels
US20110237951A1 (en) * 2009-10-27 2011-09-29 Innurvation, Inc. Data Transmission Via Wide Band Acoustic Channels
US8868453B2 (en) 2009-11-04 2014-10-21 Proteus Digital Health, Inc. System for supply chain management
US10305544B2 (en) 2009-11-04 2019-05-28 Proteus Digital Health, Inc. System for supply chain management
US9941931B2 (en) 2009-11-04 2018-04-10 Proteus Digital Health, Inc. System for supply chain management
US8784308B2 (en) 2009-12-02 2014-07-22 Proteus Digital Health, Inc. Integrated ingestible event marker system with pharmaceutical product
US20120262560A1 (en) * 2009-12-17 2012-10-18 Micha Nisani Device, system and method for activation, calibration and testing of an in-vivo imaging device
US9237839B2 (en) * 2009-12-17 2016-01-19 Given Imaging Ltd. Device, system and method for activation, calibration and testing of an in-vivo imaging device
WO2011073892A1 (en) * 2009-12-17 2011-06-23 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Swallowable capsule for monitoring a condition
US8945010B2 (en) 2009-12-23 2015-02-03 Covidien Lp Method of evaluating constipation using an ingestible capsule
US9504231B2 (en) * 2009-12-30 2016-11-29 Vitavis Gmbh Device for the measurement of individual farm animal data
US20120277550A1 (en) * 2009-12-30 2012-11-01 Hai Soo LEE Device for the measurement of individual farm animal data
US10376218B2 (en) 2010-02-01 2019-08-13 Proteus Digital Health, Inc. Data gathering system
US9014779B2 (en) 2010-02-01 2015-04-21 Proteus Digital Health, Inc. Data gathering system
US8647259B2 (en) 2010-03-26 2014-02-11 Innurvation, Inc. Ultrasound scanning capsule endoscope (USCE)
US9480459B2 (en) 2010-03-26 2016-11-01 Innurvation, Inc. Ultrasound scanning capsule endoscope
US9597487B2 (en) 2010-04-07 2017-03-21 Proteus Digital Health, Inc. Miniature ingestible device
US11173290B2 (en) 2010-04-07 2021-11-16 Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. Miniature ingestible device
US10207093B2 (en) 2010-04-07 2019-02-19 Proteus Digital Health, Inc. Miniature ingestible device
US7974454B1 (en) * 2010-05-10 2011-07-05 Capso Vision Inc. Capture control for in vivo camera
US10529044B2 (en) 2010-05-19 2020-01-07 Proteus Digital Health, Inc. Tracking and delivery confirmation of pharmaceutical products
US20110301437A1 (en) * 2010-06-02 2011-12-08 Gabriel Karim M Health monitoring bolus
US8771201B2 (en) * 2010-06-02 2014-07-08 Vital Herd, Inc. Health monitoring bolus
US8776802B2 (en) * 2010-08-25 2014-07-15 Brown University Methods and systems for prolonged localization of drug delivery
US20120053451A1 (en) * 2010-08-25 2012-03-01 Brown University Methods and systems for prolonged localization of drug delivery
US8922633B1 (en) 2010-09-27 2014-12-30 Given Imaging Ltd. Detection of gastrointestinal sections and transition of an in-vivo device there between
US8965079B1 (en) 2010-09-28 2015-02-24 Given Imaging Ltd. Real time detection of gastrointestinal sections and transitions of an in-vivo device therebetween
US11504511B2 (en) 2010-11-22 2022-11-22 Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. Ingestible device with pharmaceutical product
US9107806B2 (en) 2010-11-22 2015-08-18 Proteus Digital Health, Inc. Ingestible device with pharmaceutical product
DE102011005043A1 (en) * 2011-03-03 2012-09-06 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Method for adjusting density of endoscopic capsule in magnetically guided capsule endoscopy, involves presetting density-target value for endoscopic capsule and determining density-actual value in endoscopic capsule
US9439599B2 (en) 2011-03-11 2016-09-13 Proteus Digital Health, Inc. Wearable personal body associated device with various physical configurations
US9756874B2 (en) 2011-07-11 2017-09-12 Proteus Digital Health, Inc. Masticable ingestible product and communication system therefor
US11229378B2 (en) 2011-07-11 2022-01-25 Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. Communication system with enhanced partial power source and method of manufacturing same
US10223905B2 (en) 2011-07-21 2019-03-05 Proteus Digital Health, Inc. Mobile device and system for detection and communication of information received from an ingestible device
US8608071B2 (en) 2011-10-17 2013-12-17 Honeywell Scanning And Mobility Optical indicia reading terminal with two image sensors
US9235683B2 (en) 2011-11-09 2016-01-12 Proteus Digital Health, Inc. Apparatus, system, and method for managing adherence to a regimen
US20140012078A1 (en) * 2012-07-05 2014-01-09 Raymond Coussa Accelorometer Based Endoscopic Light Source Safety System
US9271897B2 (en) 2012-07-23 2016-03-01 Proteus Digital Health, Inc. Techniques for manufacturing ingestible event markers comprising an ingestible component
US10045713B2 (en) 2012-08-16 2018-08-14 Rock West Medical Devices, Llc System and methods for triggering a radiofrequency transceiver in the human body
US11058322B2 (en) 2012-08-16 2021-07-13 Rock West Medical Devices, Llc System and methods for triggering a radiofrequency transceiver in the human body
US9268909B2 (en) 2012-10-18 2016-02-23 Proteus Digital Health, Inc. Apparatus, system, and method to adaptively optimize power dissipation and broadcast power in a power source for a communication device
US11149123B2 (en) 2013-01-29 2021-10-19 Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. Highly-swellable polymeric films and compositions comprising the same
US20160022185A1 (en) * 2013-03-11 2016-01-28 The University Of Toledo A Biosensor Device to Target Analytes in Situ, in Vivo, and/or in Real Time, and Methods of Making and Using the Same
US10849540B2 (en) * 2013-03-11 2020-12-01 The University Of Toledo Biosensor device to target analytes in situ, in vivo, and/or in real time, and methods of making and using the same
US11158149B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2021-10-26 Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. Personal authentication apparatus system and method
US11741771B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2023-08-29 Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. Personal authentication apparatus system and method
US11744481B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2023-09-05 Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. System, apparatus and methods for data collection and assessing outcomes
US10175376B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2019-01-08 Proteus Digital Health, Inc. Metal detector apparatus, system, and method
US9324145B1 (en) 2013-08-08 2016-04-26 Given Imaging Ltd. System and method for detection of transitions in an image stream of the gastrointestinal tract
US10421658B2 (en) 2013-08-30 2019-09-24 Proteus Digital Health, Inc. Container with electronically controlled interlock
US9796576B2 (en) 2013-08-30 2017-10-24 Proteus Digital Health, Inc. Container with electronically controlled interlock
US10097388B2 (en) 2013-09-20 2018-10-09 Proteus Digital Health, Inc. Methods, devices and systems for receiving and decoding a signal in the presence of noise using slices and warping
US11102038B2 (en) 2013-09-20 2021-08-24 Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. Methods, devices and systems for receiving and decoding a signal in the presence of noise using slices and warping
US9270503B2 (en) 2013-09-20 2016-02-23 Proteus Digital Health, Inc. Methods, devices and systems for receiving and decoding a signal in the presence of noise using slices and warping
US9787511B2 (en) 2013-09-20 2017-10-10 Proteus Digital Health, Inc. Methods, devices and systems for receiving and decoding a signal in the presence of noise using slices and warping
US10498572B2 (en) 2013-09-20 2019-12-03 Proteus Digital Health, Inc. Methods, devices and systems for receiving and decoding a signal in the presence of noise using slices and warping
US9577864B2 (en) 2013-09-24 2017-02-21 Proteus Digital Health, Inc. Method and apparatus for use with received electromagnetic signal at a frequency not known exactly in advance
US10945635B2 (en) 2013-10-22 2021-03-16 Rock West Medical Devices, Llc Nearly isotropic dipole antenna system
US20160242632A1 (en) * 2013-10-22 2016-08-25 Ganyu Lu System and Method for Capsule Device with Multiple Phases of Density
CN105813536A (en) * 2013-10-22 2016-07-27 吕甘雨 System and method for capsule device with multiple phases of density
US10084880B2 (en) 2013-11-04 2018-09-25 Proteus Digital Health, Inc. Social media networking based on physiologic information
US10398161B2 (en) 2014-01-21 2019-09-03 Proteus Digital Heal Th, Inc. Masticable ingestible product and communication system therefor
US10575717B2 (en) * 2014-08-08 2020-03-03 Olympus Corporation Capsule endoscope, capsule endoscope system, and method for controlling capsule endoscope
US20170127922A1 (en) * 2014-08-08 2017-05-11 Olympus Corporation Capsule endoscope, capsule endoscope system, and method for controlling capsule endoscope
CN107205630A (en) * 2014-12-04 2017-09-26 M·特罗尔萨斯 The capsule coating controlled for capturing images
US20170245742A1 (en) * 2014-12-04 2017-08-31 Mikael Trollsas Capsule Coating for Image Capture Control
US11051543B2 (en) 2015-07-21 2021-07-06 Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. Alginate on adhesive bilayer laminate film
US11147531B2 (en) 2015-08-12 2021-10-19 Sonetics Ultrasound, Inc. Method and system for measuring blood pressure using ultrasound by emitting push pulse to a blood vessel
US10835557B2 (en) * 2015-08-24 2020-11-17 Hygieacare, Inc. Methods of image analysis of large intestine contents for diagnosis and treatment
US20190216859A1 (en) * 2015-08-24 2019-07-18 Hygieacare, Inc Systems for characterization of the contents of the large intestine and treatment of conditions of the large intestine
US11179421B2 (en) 2015-08-24 2021-11-23 Hygieacare, Inc. Reducing uncomfortable side effects of abdominal distension in patients treated in hydrocolonic preparation units
US10194787B2 (en) * 2015-09-09 2019-02-05 Boe Technology Group Co., Ltd. Endoscope and method of manufacturing the same, and medical detection system
US20170065158A1 (en) * 2015-09-09 2017-03-09 Boe Technology Group Co., Ltd. Endoscope and method of manufacturing the same, and medical detection system
US11272858B2 (en) * 2016-05-29 2022-03-15 Ankon Medical Technologies (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. System and method for using a capsule device
US20190114738A1 (en) * 2016-06-16 2019-04-18 Olympus Corporation Image processing apparatus and image processing method
US10187121B2 (en) 2016-07-22 2019-01-22 Proteus Digital Health, Inc. Electromagnetic sensing and detection of ingestible event markers
US10797758B2 (en) 2016-07-22 2020-10-06 Proteus Digital Health, Inc. Electromagnetic sensing and detection of ingestible event markers
US20180092511A1 (en) * 2016-09-30 2018-04-05 Carl Zeiss Meditec Ag Medical apparatus
US10842347B2 (en) * 2016-09-30 2020-11-24 Carl Zeiss Meditec Ag Medical apparatus having improved energy management
US11529071B2 (en) 2016-10-26 2022-12-20 Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. Methods for manufacturing capsules with ingestible event markers
US11793419B2 (en) 2016-10-26 2023-10-24 Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. Methods for manufacturing capsules with ingestible event markers
US10820788B2 (en) * 2016-11-04 2020-11-03 Ovesco Endoscopy Ag Capsule endomicroscope for acquiring images of the surface of a hollow organ
US20180125343A1 (en) * 2016-11-04 2018-05-10 Ovesco Endoscopy Ag Capsule endomicroscope for acquiring images of the surface of a hollow organ
US11928614B2 (en) 2017-09-28 2024-03-12 Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. Patient customized therapeutic regimens
US10722220B2 (en) * 2017-12-06 2020-07-28 James Phillip Jones Sampling system capsule
US20200121302A1 (en) * 2017-12-06 2020-04-23 Jame Phillip Jones Sampling system capsule
CN113679329A (en) * 2021-07-27 2021-11-23 安翰科技(武汉)股份有限公司 Capsule endoscope
US20230190084A1 (en) * 2021-12-16 2023-06-22 Karl Storz Imaging, Inc. Implantable Internal Observation Device and System

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
JP2006509574A (en) 2006-03-23
EP1578260A2 (en) 2005-09-28
AU2003285756A8 (en) 2004-07-09
WO2004054430A2 (en) 2004-07-01
WO2004054430A3 (en) 2004-10-07
US8216130B2 (en) 2012-07-10
EP1578260B1 (en) 2012-10-24
US20100324381A1 (en) 2010-12-23
EP1578260A4 (en) 2008-05-21
AU2003285756A1 (en) 2004-07-09

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US8216130B2 (en) Device, system and method for selective activation of in vivo sensors
EP2382463B1 (en) Device,system and method for detection of bleeding
EP1665976B1 (en) In-subject introducing device and wireless in-subject information capturing system
US7118529B2 (en) Method and apparatus for transmitting non-image information via an image sensor in an in vivo imaging system
US7061523B2 (en) Capsule type medical device
US8406490B2 (en) System and methods for determination of procedure termination
US7144366B2 (en) Capsule medical apparatus having evacuation detecting and notifying devices and capsule medical apparatus collecting system
JP4709836B2 (en) Autonomous internal device
US7140766B2 (en) Device, system and method for temperature sensing in an in-vivo device
US20080033247A1 (en) In Vivo Device with Balloon Stabilizer and Valve
EP2489303B1 (en) Positioning system and method for esophageal ph value wireless monitoring
CN104971423B (en) A kind of physiological parameter radio pill
US20100130837A1 (en) Modular ingestible capsule
EP2590558A2 (en) A device and method for continuous chemical sensing
JP2009532168A (en) Apparatus, system and method for in vivo analysis
US20050137468A1 (en) Device, system, and method for in-vivo sensing of a substance
US20060052667A1 (en) System and method for in vivo detection of h. pylori
Liu et al. A smart capsule system of gastric occult blood detection
EP1920703B1 (en) In-examiner information acquisition system
JP2017536968A (en) Capsule coating used for image acquisition control
AU2009201874B2 (en) Endoscope and method for operating the same
US8155414B2 (en) Device, system and method of in-vivo varix detection

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: GIVEN IMAGING LTD., ISRAEL

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:GLUKHOVSKY, ARKADY;FRISCH, MORDECHAI;DAVIDSON, TAL;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:017194/0203;SIGNING DATES FROM 20040401 TO 20040418

STCB Information on status: application discontinuation

Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION