Miniature ingestible capsule

• US 20030167000A1
• Filed: 01/12/2001
• Published: 09/04/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 02/08/2000
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Ramgopal Nair
• Original Assignee: Padmanabhan P. Nair, Ramgopal Nair, Sudhir K. Dutta, Tarun Mullick
• Inventors: Nair, Padmanabhan P., Mullick, Tarun, Dutta, Sudhir K., Nair, Ramgopal
• Granted Patent: US 7,039,453 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 600/424
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00016 using wireless means
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00082 Balloons
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00087 Tools A61B17/00234 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00094 Suction openings
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00156 using self propulsion
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/041 Capsule endoscopes for imaging
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/12 with cooling or rinsing arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/126 provided with means for cleaning in-use
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/06 Devices, other than using radiation, for detecting or locating foreign bodies for removing same A61B17/50 ; determining position of probes within or on the body of the patient
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/061 Determining position of a probe within the body employing means separate from the probe, e.g. sensing internal probe position employing impedance electrodes on the surface of the body A61B1/00158 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/073 Intestinal transmitters
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/411 Detecting or monitoring allergy or intolerance reactions to an allergenic agent or substance
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/4839 combined with drug delivery
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6882 Anchoring means
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 8/12 in body cavities or body tracts, e.g. by using catheters catheters per se A61M25/00

Abstract

A miniature ingestible capsule has multiple therapeutic or diagnostic operations that can be performed. These functions are controlled by a combination of an outside control, a pose beacon and through information relayed from an imagining array and transmitter. These functions can be in a separate capsule without an imaging array or within the same capsule with an imaging array. Typically, there is one function performed in addition to imaging. These functions can include suction and spray capabilities, ultrasound sensor, lithotripsy, laser, heat, electrocautery, BICAP, biopsy forceps, a needle knife snare cautery (cold and hot with continuous or pulsed current for cutting and coagulation), with a basket, and fine needle aspiration with various wheels and fins and motors controlled externally and other tools to be used in humans. All of these tools can be attached to a retractable arm. Also, they can be used on an elevator device that lifts them, allowing for an extra 180° of movement.

Claims

1. An imaging device comprising:

a membrane defining an internal cavity and being provided with a window;

a lens disposed in relation to said window;

a light source disposed in relation to said lens for providing illumination to outside of said membrane through said window;

an imaging array disposed in relation to said lens, wherein images from said lens impinge on said imaging array; and

a transmitter disposed in relation to said imaging array for transmitting a signal from said imaging array to an associated transmitter outside of said capsule, said lens, light source and projection device, imaging array, and transmitter being enclosed within said internal cavity.

2. The imaging device of claim 1, further comprising a pose beacon, said beacon being tracked by an associated pose detection system outside of said imaging device and tracking information is relayed to an associated recording and display system.

3. The imaging device of claim 1, further comprising a power source which provides power to said imaging array, said transmitter and said light source.

4. The imaging device of claim 1, wherein said membrane is made of a non-allergenic, non-digestible, impervious material.

5. The imaging device of claim 1, wherein said lens is made from plastic.

6. The imaging device of claim 1, wherein said lens is made from glass.

7. The imaging device of claim 1, wherein said lens is made from a fiber optic bundle.

8. The imaging device of claim 1, wherein said imaging array is a charged-couple device array.

9. The imaging device of claim 1, wherein said light source is a toroidally shaped source with a ring-semi parabolic mirror which is concentric with said window.

10. The imaging device of claim 1, wherein said transmitter is a miniature amplitude modulation video transmitter in the 400 MHz-1.5 GHz region.

11. The imaging device of claim 1, wherein said window is made from a material to which mucous and other biological materials will not adhere.

12. The imaging device of claim 1 wherein said window has a flat surface.

13. The imaging device of claim 1 wherein said window has a curved surface.

14. The imaging device of claim 1 further comprising at least one pair of wheels extending from said membrane.

15. The imaging device of claim 1 further comprising at least one pair of fins extending from said membrane.

16. The imaging device of claim 1 further comprising at least one pair of prongs extending from said membrane for stabilizing said device.

17. The imaging device of claim 1 further comprising a port comprising an opening for a miniature laser device and a miniature laser device positioned within said opening.

18. The imaging device of claim 1 further comprising a port comprising an opening for a miniature ultrasound sensor and a miniature ultrasound sensor positioned within said opening.

19. The imaging device of claim 1 further comprising a port comprising an opening for a miniature argon plasma coagulator and a miniature argon plasma coagulator positioned within said opening.

20. The imaging device of claim 1 further comprising a port comprising an opening for a miniature heat cautery and a miniature heat cautery positioned within said opening.

21. The imaging device of claim 1 further comprising a port comprising an opening for a miniature biopsy forceps and miniature biopsy forceps, said forceps being retractable within said opening.

22. The imaging device of claim 1 further comprising a port comprising an opening for a miniature needle and a miniature needle, said needle being retractable within said opening.

23. The imaging device of claim 1 further comprising a suction port and a suction tube, said tube passes through said suction port.

26. The imaging device of claim 1 further comprising a port comprising an opening for a miniature snare, and a miniature snare positioned with said opening for coagulation and cutting cautery.

27. The imaging device of claim 1 further comprising a port comprising an opening for a miniature BICAP, and a miniature BICAP positioned within said opening.

28. The imaging device of claim 1 further comprising a port comprising an opening for a miniature cytology brush, and a miniature cytology brush positioned within said opening.

29. The imaging device of claim 1 further comprising a port comprising an opening for a miniature catheter and a miniature catheter retractable within said opening for injecting imaging dye.

30. The imaging device of claim 1 further comprising a port comprising an opening for a miniature lithotripsy device, and a miniature lithotripsy device positioned within said opening.

31. The imaging device of claim 1 further comprising a port comprising an opening for a miniature rat tooth forceps, and a miniature rat tooth forceps located within said opening.

32. The imaging device of claim 1 wherein movement of said device is controlled by a remote external source.

33. The imaging device of claim 17 further comprising an elevation device connected to said miniature laser device for raising and lowering said miniature laser device, said elevation device being controlled by an external source.

34. The imaging device of claim 18 further comprising an elevation device connected to said miniature ultrasound sensor for raising and lowering said miniature ultrasound sensor, said elevation device being controlled by an external source.

35. The imaging device of claim 19 further comprising an elevation device connected to said miniature argon plasma coagulator for raising and lowering said miniature argon plasma coagulator, said elevation device being controlled by an external source.

36. The imaging device of claim 20 further comprising an elevation device connected to said miniature heat cautery for raising and lowering said miniature heat cautery, said elevation device being controlled by an external source.

37. The imaging device of claim 21 further comprising an elevation device connected to said miniature biopsy forceps for raising and lowering said miniature biopsy forceps, said elevation device being controlled by an external source.

38. The imaging device of claim 22 further comprising an elevation device connected to said miniature needle for raising and lowering said miniature needle, said elevation device being controlled by an external source.

39. The imaging device of claim 26 further comprising an elevation device connected to said miniature snare for raising and lowering said miniature snare, said elevation device being controlled by an external source.

40. The imaging device of claim 27 further comprising an elevation device connected to said miniature BICAP for raising and lowering said miniature BICAP, said elevation device being controlled by an external source.

41. The imaging device of claim 28 further comprising an elevation device connected to said miniature cytology brush for raising and lowering said miniature cytology brush, said elevation device being controlled by an external source.

42. The imaging device of claim 29 further comprising an elevation device connected to said miniature catheter for raising and lowering said miniature catheter, said elevation device being controlled by an external source.

43. The imaging device of claim 30 further comprising an elevation device connected to said miniature lithotripsy device for raising and lowering said miniature lithotripsy device, said elevation device being controlled by an external source.

44. The imaging device of claim 31 further comprising an elevation device connected to said miniature rat tooth forceps for raising and lowering said miniature rat tooth forceps, said elevation device being controlled by an external source.

24. The imaging device of claim l wherein said lens is rotatable about an axis.

25. The imaging device of claim 24 further comprising a rotatable wiper mounted on said lens.

45. An imaging device comprising:

an anterior membrane;

a posterior membrane connected to said anterior membrane, said anterior membrane and said posterior membrane define an internal cavity;

a lens disposed on an outside surface of said anterior membrane;

a light source and projection device disposed in relation to said lens for providing illumination to outside of said anterior membrane;

an imaging array disposed in relation to said lens, wherein images from said lens impinge on said imaging array;

a transmitter disposed in relation to said imaging array for transmitting a signal from said imaging array to an associated transmitter outside of said capsule;

a pose beacon positioned in relation to said transmitter;

said light source and projection device, imaging array, transmitter, and pose beacon are enclosed within said internal cavity.

46. The imaging device of claim 45, further comprising a power source which provides power to said imaging array, said transmitter and said light source and projection device.

47. The imaging device of claim 45, wherein said anterior membrane is made of a non-allergenic, non-digestible, impervious material.

48. The imaging device of claim 45, wherein said posterior membrane is made of a non-allergenic, non-digestible, impervious material.

49. The imaging device of claim 45 further comprising at least one pair of wheels extending from one of said anterior membrane and said posterior membrane.

50. The imaging device of claim 45 further comprising at least one pair of fins extending from one of said anterior membrane and said posterior membrane.

51. The imaging device of claim 45 further comprising at least one pair of prongs extending from said posterior membrane for stabilizing said device.

52. The imaging device of claim 45 further comprising a port comprising an opening for a miniature laser device and a miniature laser device positioned within said opening.

53. The imaging device of claim 45 further comprising a port comprising an opening for a miniature ultrasound sensor and a miniature ultrasound sensor positioned within said opening.

54. The imaging device of claim 45 further comprising a port comprising an opening for a miniature argon plasma coagulator and a miniature argon plasma coagulator positioned within said opening.

55. The imaging device of claim 45 further comprising a port comprising an opening for a miniature heat cautery and a miniature heat cautery positioned within said opening.

56. The imaging device of claim 45 further comprising a port comprising an opening for a miniature biopsy forceps and a miniature biopsy forceps, said forceps being retractable within said opening.

57. The imaging device of claim 45 further comprising a port comprising an opening for a miniature needle and a miniature needle, said needle being retractable within said opening.

58. The imaging device of claim 45 further comprising a suction port and a suction tube, said tube passes through said suction port.

59. The imaging device of claim 45 wherein said lens is rotatable about an axis.

60. The imaging device of claim 59 further comprising a rotatable wiper mounted on said lens.

61. The imaging device of claim 45 further comprising a port comprising an opening for a miniature snare, and a miniature snare positioned with said opening for coagulation and cutting cautery.

62. The imaging device of claim 45 further comprising a port comprising an opening for a miniature BICAP, and a miniature BICAP positioned within said opening.

63. The imaging device of claim 45 further comprising a port comprising an opening for a miniature cytology brush, and a miniature cytology brush positioned within said opening.

64. The imaging device of claim 45 further comprising a port comprising an opening for a miniature catheter and a miniature catheter retractable within said opening for injecting imaging dye.

65. The imaging device of claim 45 further comprising a port comprising an opening for a miniature lithotripsy device, and a miniature lithotripsy device positioned within said opening.

66. The imaging device of claim 45 further comprising a port comprising an opening for a miniature rat tooth forceps, and a miniature rat tooth forceps located within said opening.

67. The imaging device of claim 52 further comprising an elevation device connected to said miniature laser device for raising and lowering said miniature laser device, said elevation device being controlled by an external source.

68. The imaging device of claim 53 further comprising an elevation device connected to said miniature ultrasound sensor for raising and lowering said miniature ultrasound sensor, said elevation device being controlled by an external source.

69. The imaging device of claim 54 further comprising an elevation device connected to said miniature argon plasma coagulator for raising and lowering said miniature argon plasma coagulator, said elevation device being controlled by an external source.

70. The imaging device of claim 55 further comprising an elevation device connected to said miniature heat cautery for raising and lowering said miniature heat cautery, said elevation device being controlled by an external source.

71. The imaging device of claim 56 further comprising an elevation device connected to said miniature biopsy forceps for raising and lowering said miniature biopsy forceps, said elevation device being controlled by an external source.

72. The imaging device of claim 57 further comprising an elevation device connected to said miniature needle for raising and lowering said miniature needle, said elevation device being controlled by an external source.

73. The imaging device of claim 61 further comprising an elevation device connected to said miniature snare for raising and lowering said miniature snare, said elevation device being controlled by an external source.

74. The imaging device of claim 62 further comprising an elevation device connected to said miniature BICAP for raising and lowering said miniature BICAP, said elevation device being controlled by an external source.

75. The imaging device of claim 63 further comprising an elevation device connected to said miniature cytology brush for raising and lowering said miniature cytology brush, said elevation device being controlled by an external source.

76. The imaging device of claim 64 further comprising an elevation device connected to said miniature catheter for raising and lowering said miniature catheter, said elevation device being controlled by an external source.

77. The imaging device of claim 65 further comprising an elevation device connected to said miniature lithotripsy device for raising and lowering said miniature lithotripsy device, said elevation device being controlled by an external source.

78. The imaging device of claim 66 further comprising an elevation device connected to said miniature rat tooth forceps for raising and lowering said miniature rat tooth forceps, said elevation device being controlled by an external source.

79. An imaging system comprising:

a capsule, said capsule comprising;

an anterior membrane, said membrane comprises a window;

a posterior membrane connected to said anterior membrane, said anterior membrane and said posterior membrane define an internal cavity;

a lens disposed in relation to said window;

a light source and projection device disposed in relation to said lens for providing illumination to outside of said anterior membrane;

an imaging array disposed in relation to said lens, wherein images from said lens impinge on said imaging array;

a first transmitter disposed in relation to said imaging array;

a pose beacon positioned in relation to said transmitter;

said lens, light source and projection device, imaging array, transmitter, and pose beacon are enclosed within said internal cavity;

a second transmitter located outside of said capsule, said first transmitter transmits a signal from said imaging array to said second transmitter;

a pose detection system outside of said capsule, said pose detection system tracks said pose beacon; and

a recording and display device, said pose detection system relays tracking information to said recording and display device.

80. The imaging system of claim 79, wherein said anterior membrane is made of a non-allergenic, non-digestible, impervious material.

81. The imaging system of claim 79, wherein said posterior membrane is made of a non-allergenic, non-digestible, impervious material.

82. The imaging system of claim 79, wherein said imaging array is a charged-couple device array.

83. The imaging system of claim 79, wherein said light source is a toroidally shaped source with a ring-semi parabolic mirror which is concentric with said window.

84. The imaging system of claim 79, wherein said first transmitter is a miniature amplitude modulation video transmitter in the 400 MHz-1.5 GHz region.

85. The imaging system of claim 79, wherein said window is made from a material to which mucous and other biological materials will not adhere.

86. The imaging system of claim 79 wherein said window has a flat surface.

87. The imaging system of claim 79 wherein said window has a curved surface.

88. The imaging system of claim 79 further comprising at least one pair of wheels extending from one of said anterior membrane and said posterior membrane.

89. The imaging system of claim 79 further comprising at least one pair of fins extending from one of said anterior membrane and said posterior membrane.

90. The imaging system of claim 79 further comprising at least one pair of prongs extending from said posterior membrane for stabilizing said capsule.

91. The imaging system of claim 79 further comprising a port comprising an opening for a miniature laser device and a miniature laser device.

92. The imaging system of claim 79 further comprising a port comprising an opening for a miniature ultrasound sensor and a miniature ultrasound sensor.

93. The imaging system of claim 79 further comprising a port comprising an opening for a miniature argon plasma coagulator and a miniature argon plasma coagulator.

94. The imaging system of claim 79 further comprising a port comprising an opening for a miniature heat cautery and a miniature heat cautery.

95. The imaging system of claim 79 further comprising a port comprising an opening for miniature biopsy forceps and miniature biopsy forceps, said forceps being retractable within said opening.

96. The imaging system of claim 79 further comprising a port comprising an opening for a miniature needle and a miniature needle, said needle being retractable within said opening.

97. The imaging system of claim 79 further comprising a suction port and a suction tube, said tube passes through said suction port.

98. The imaging system of claim 79 wherein said lens is rotatable about an axis.

99. The imaging system of claim 98 further comprising a rotatable wiper mounted on said lens.

100. The imaging device of claim 79 further comprising a port comprising an opening for a miniature snare, and a miniature snare positioned with said opening for coagulation and cutting cautery.

101. The imaging device of claim 79 further comprising a port comprising an opening for a miniature BICAP, and a miniature BICAP positioned within said opening.

102. The imaging device of claim 79 further comprising a port comprising an opening for a miniature cytology brush, and a miniature cytology brush positioned within said opening.

103. The imaging device of claim 79 further comprising a port comprising an opening for a miniature catheter and a miniature catheter retractable within said opening for injecting imaging dye.

104. The imaging device of claim 79 further comprising a port comprising an opening for a miniature lithotripsy device, and a miniature lithotripsy device positioned within said opening.

105. The imaging device of claim 79 further comprising a port comprising an opening for a miniature rat tooth forceps, and a miniature rat tooth forceps located within said opening.

106. The imaging device of claim 91 further comprising an elevation device connected to said miniature laser device for raising and lowering said miniature laser device, said elevation device being controlled by an external source.

107. The imaging device of claim 92 further comprising an elevation device connected to said miniature ultrasound sensor for raising and lowering said miniature ultrasound sensor, said elevation device being controlled by an external source.

108. The imaging device of claim 93 further comprising an elevation device connected to said miniature argon plasma coagulator for raising and lowering said miniature argon plasma coagulator, said elevation device being controlled by an external source.

109. The imaging device of claim 94 further comprising an elevation device connected to said miniature heat cautery for raising and lowering said miniature heat cautery, said elevation device being controlled by an external source.

110. The imaging device of claim 95 further comprising an elevation device connected to said miniature biopsy forceps for raising and lowering said miniature biopsy forceps, said elevation device being controlled by an external source.

111. The imaging device of claim 96 further comprising an elevation device connected to said miniature needle for raising and lowering said miniature needle, said elevation device being controlled by an external source.

112. The imaging device of claim 100 further comprising an elevation device connected to said miniature snare for raising and lowering said miniature snare, said elevation device being controlled by an external source.

113. The imaging device of claim 101 further comprising an elevation device connected to said miniature BICAP for raising and lowering said miniature BICAP, said elevation device being controlled by an external source.

114. The imaging device of claim 102 further comprising an elevation device connected to said miniature cytology brush for raising and lowering said miniature cytology brush, said elevation device being controlled by an external source.

115. The imaging device of claim 103 further comprising an elevation device connected to said miniature catheter for raising and lowering said miniature catheter, said elevation device being controlled by an external source.

116. The imaging device of claim 104 further comprising an elevation device connected to said miniature lithotripsy device for raising and lowering said miniature lithotripsy device, said elevation device being controlled by an external source.

117. The imaging device of claim 105 further comprising an elevation device connected to said miniature rat tooth forceps for raising and lowering said miniature rat tooth forceps, said elevation device being controlled by an external source.

118. A capsule comprising:

an anterior membrane;

a posterior membrane connected to said anterior membrane, said anterior membrane and said posterior membrane define an internal cavity;

a port disposed on a surface of said anterior membrane;

an ultrasound sensor disposed within said port; and

a transmitter disposed in relation to said port with said capsule for transmitting a signal from said port to an associated transmitter outside of said capsule.

119. The capsule of claim 118, further comprising a pose beacon, said beacon being tracked by an associated pose detection system outside of said capsule and tracking information is relayed to an associated recording and display system.

120. The capsule of claim 118, further comprising a power source which provides power to said port and said transmitter.

121. The capsule of claim 118, wherein said anterior membrane and said posterior membrane are made of a non-allergenic, non-digestible, impervious material.

122. The capsule of claim 118, wherein said transmitter is a miniature amplitude modulation video transmitter in the 400 MHz-1.5 GHz region.

123. The capsule of claim 118, wherein said port is made from a material to which mucous and other biological materials will not adhere.

124. The capsule of claim 118 wherein said port has a curved surface.

125. The capsule of claim 118 further comprising at least one pair of wheels extending from one of said anterior membrane and said posterior membrane.

126. The capsule of claim 118 further comprising at least one pair of fins extending from one of said anterior membrane and said posterior membrane.

127. The capsule of claim 118 further comprising at least one pair of prongs extending from said posterior membrane for stabilizing said capsule.

128. The imaging device of claim 118 further comprising a port comprising an opening for a miniature laser device and a miniature laser device positioned within said opening.

129. The imaging device of claim 118 further comprising a port comprising an opening for a miniature ultrasound sensor and a miniature ultrasound sensor positioned within said opening.

130. The imaging device of claim 118 further comprising a port comprising an opening for a miniature argon plasma coagulator and a miniature argon plasma coagulator positioned within said opening.

131. The imaging device of claim 118 further comprising a port comprising an opening for a miniature heat cautery and a miniature heat cautery positioned within said opening.

132. The imaging device of claim 118 further comprising a port comprising an opening for a miniature biopsy forceps and miniature biopsy forceps, said forceps being retractable within said opening.

133. The imaging device of claim 118 further comprising a port comprising an opening for a miniature needle and a miniature needle, said needle being retractable within said opening.

134. The imaging device of claim 118 further comprising a suction port and a suction tube, said tube passes through said suction port.

135. The imaging device of claim 118 wherein said lens is rotatable about an axis.

136. The imaging device of claim 135 further comprising a rotatable wiper mounted on said lens.

137. The imaging device of claim 118 further comprising a port comprising an opening for a miniature snare, and a miniature snare positioned with said opening for coagulation and cutting cautery.

138. The imaging device of claim 118 further comprising a port comprising an opening for a miniature BICAP, and a miniature BICAP positioned within said opening.

139. The imaging device of claim 118 further comprising a port comprising an opening for a miniature cytology brush, and a miniature cytology brush positioned within said opening.

140. The imaging device of claim 118 further comprising a port comprising an opening for a miniature catheter and a miniature catheter retractable within said opening for injecting imaging dye.

141. The imaging device of claim 118 further comprising a port comprising an opening for a miniature lithotripsy device, and a miniature lithotripsy device positioned within said opening.

142. The imaging device of claim 118 further comprising a port comprising an opening for a miniature rat tooth forceps, and a miniature rat tooth forceps located within said opening.

143. The imaging device of claim 128 further comprising an elevation device connected to said miniature laser device for raising and lowering said miniature laser device, said elevation device being controlled by an external source.

144. The imaging device of claim 129 further comprising an elevation device connected to said miniature ultrasound sensor for raising and lowering said miniature ultrasound sensor, said elevation device being controlled by an external source.

145. The imaging device of claim 130 further comprising an elevation device connected to said miniature argon plasma coagulator for raising and lowering said miniature argon plasma coagulator, said elevation device being controlled by an external source.

146. The imaging device of claim 131 further comprising an elevation device connected to said miniature heat cautery for raising and lowering said miniature heat cautery, said elevation device being controlled by an external source.

147. The imaging device of claim 132 further comprising an elevation device connected to said miniature biopsy forceps for raising and lowering said miniature biopsy forceps, said elevation device being controlled by an external source.

148. The imaging device of claim 133 further comprising an elevation device connected to said miniature needle for raising and lowering said miniature needle, said elevation device being controlled by an external source.

149. The imaging device of claim 137 further comprising an elevation device connected to said miniature snare for raising and lowering said miniature snare, said elevation device being controlled by an external source.

150. The imaging device of claim 138 further comprising an elevation device connected to said miniature BICAP for raising and lowering said miniature BICAP, said elevation device being controlled by an external source.

151. The imaging device of claim 139 further comprising an elevation device connected to said miniature cytology brush for raising and lowering said miniature cytology brush, said elevation device being controlled by an external source.

152. The imaging device of claim 140 further comprising an elevation device connected to said miniature catheter for raising and lowering said miniature catheter, said elevation device being controlled by an external source.

153. The imaging device of claim 141 further comprising an elevation device connected to said miniature lithotripsy device for raising and lowering said miniature lithotripsy device, said elevation device being controlled by an external source.

154. The imaging device of claim 142 further comprising an elevation device connected to said miniature rat tooth forceps for raising and lowering said miniature rat tooth forceps, said elevation device being controlled by an external source.

155. A method for imaging a gastrointestinal tract, comprising the steps of:

providing a capsule for ingestion,

illuminating the gastrointestinal tract via a light source within the capsule,

providing a lens for entering images into the capsule,

impinging the images onto an imaging array, and

transmitting a signal from the imaging array to a transmitter outside of the capsule.

156. A method of claim 155, further comprising the step of:

relaying data from the transmitter outside of the capsule to a recording and display system.

157. The method of claim 155, further comprising the step of:

tracking a beacon located within the capsule and relaying the information to the recording and display system.