In-vivo sensing device with alterable fields of view

• US 20050143644A1
• Filed: 12/29/2004
• Published: 06/30/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 12/31/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Given Imaging Limited (Medtronic Plc)
• Original Assignee: Given Imaging Limited (Medtronic Plc)
• Inventors: Gilad, Zvika, Blijevsky, Alex
• Granted Patent: US 7,625,338 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 600/407
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00158 using magnetic field
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/041 Capsule endoscopes for imaging
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/045 Control thereof

Abstract

The present invention may provide a device and system for in-vivo imaging with changeable fields of view. The device may contain, for example a rotatable structure that when rotated may change the field of view of an imager or other sensor. The rotating capability may be used to provide wide field of view. Control of the rotatable structure may be, for example, automatic or in response to user commands transmitted to or generated within the in-vivo device.

Claims

1. An in-vivo sensing device comprising:

an imager to capture in vivo images in a field of view; and

a rotatable structure to alter the field of view of the imager.

2. The in-vivo sensing device according to claim 1 wherein the imager is a CMOS.

3. The in-vivo sensing device according to claim 1 wherein the rotatable structure is an imaging unit.

4. The in-vivo sensing device according to claim 1 comprising:

an external shell.

5. The in-vivo sensing device according to claim 4 comprising a gear mechanism

rotatably engaging the imaging unit and the external shell.

6. The in-vivo sensing device according to claim 1 comprising a motor.

7. The in-vivo sensing device according to claim 1 comprising a controller to control the rotatable structure.

8. The in-vivo sensing device according to claim 7 wherein the control is in response to an external command.

9. The in-vivo sensing device according to claim 1 comprising a sensor to sense in vivo conditions.

10. The in-vivo sensing device according to claim 1 wherein the rotatable structure includes a reflective element.

11. The in-vivo sensing device according to claim 10 wherein the reflective element is positioned at an angle with respect to the imager.

12. The in-vivo sensing device according to claim 1 comprising:

a transmitter.

13. The in-vivo sensing device according to claim 1 wherein the device is an autonomous capsule.

14. An in-vivo imaging device comprising:

an imaging unit; and

an external shell rotatable with respect to the imaging unit.

15. The in-vivo imaging device according to claim 14 having a field of view that is at least partially side viewing.

16. The in-vivo imaging device according to claim 14 wherein the imaging unit

comprises:

an imager;

an illumination source; and

and a transmitter.

17. The in-vivo imaging device according to claim 14 comprising a motor.

18. The in-vivo imaging device according to claim 14 wherein a rotating means is fixed to the external shell.

19. The in-vivo imaging device according to claim 14 comprising a gear mechanism rotatably engaging the imaging unit and the external shell.

20. The in-vivo imaging device according to claim 14 wherein the imaging device is an autonomous capsule.

21. An in-vivo imaging device comprising:

an imager;

a rotatable reflective element wherein the reflective element reflects light onto the imager.

22. The in-vivo imaging device according to claim 21 wherein the reflective element is positioned at an angle with respect to the imager.

23. The in-vivo imaging device according to claim 21 comprising a controller wherein the controller is to control the rotation of the reflective element.

24. The in-vivo imaging device according to claim 21 wherein the device is an autonomous capsule.

25. A system for in-vivo sensing a wide field of view comprising:

a sensing device, said sensing device comprising an imager to capture in

vivo images in a field of view;

a rotating means to rotate a structure within said sensing device so as to

alter the field of view;

a controlling means to control the rotating means; and

a receiving means for receiving image data.

26. The system according to claim 25 wherein the rotating means is a motor.

27. The system according to claim 25 wherein the controlling means is integral to the rotating means.

28. The system according to claim 25 wherein the rotating means is magnet influenced by a magnetic field.

29. The system according to claim 25 wherein the controlling means is a magnetic field generator.

30. The system according to claim 25 wherein the receiving means is a RF receiver.

31. The system according to claim 25 comprising transmitting means for transmitting commands to the rotating means.

32. The system according to claim 25 wherein the rotation controlling unit comprises a magnetic field generator.

33. The system according to claim 25 comprising a storage means for storing image data.

34. The system according to claim 25 comprising a display means for displaying image data.