Imaging sensor array and device and method for use thereof

• US 20070078298A1
• Filed: 07/04/2004
• Published: 04/05/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 07/02/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Given Imaging Limited (Medtronic Plc)
• Original Assignee: Given Imaging Limited (Medtronic Plc)
• Inventors: Glukhovsky, Arkady, Mendel, Israel, Gan, Shmuel
• Granted Patent: US 7,650,180 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 600/101
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/04 combined with photographic or television appliances
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/041 Capsule endoscopes for imaging
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0031 Implanted circuitry
• 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 5/062 using magnetic field

Abstract

A system and method for receiving an in vivo signal, using for example a receiver, a recorder and an antenna array. The receiver may include for example a switching unit and an amplifier, and may be in proximity to the antenna array.

Claims

1-40. -40. (canceled)

41. A system for receiving in vivo signals, the system comprising:

a receiver;

a plurality of antennas connected to the receiver, wherein the plurality of antennas are to receive an in vivo signal; and

a recorder, wherein the recorder is separated from the receiver and connected to the receiver by at least one cable.

42. The system according to claim 41, wherein the receiver comprises a selection unit and an amplifier.

43. The system according to claim 42, wherein the selection unit is to select a signal received by one of the plurality of antennas.

44. The system according to claim 43, wherein the signal is the strongest signal received by the plurality of antennas.

45. The system according to claim 42, wherein the selection unit comprises a processor.

46. The system according to claim 42, wherein the amplifier comprises a pre-amplifier.

47. The system according to claim 41, wherein the receiver comprises a switching unit.

48. The system according to claim 47, wherein the switching unit is to transfer to the recorder at least one signal received from at least one antenna out of the plurality of antennas.

49. The system according to claim 41, wherein the plurality of antennas comprises a radio frequency antenna.

50. The system according to claim 41, wherein the cable is to transfer a signal selected from a group consisting of:

radio frequency signals, control data, and energy.

51. The system according to claim 41, comprising a cable connected to the receiver and the recorder, wherein the cable is to transfer energy to the receiver, radio frequency signals to the recorder, and control signals.

52. The system according to claim 41, wherein the receiver is able to adjust its operation according to the number of antennas of the plurality of antennas used.

53. A method for receiving in vivo signals, the method comprising:

receiving signals by a plurality of antennas;

selecting a signal from the plurality of antennas;

amplifying the signal; and

.

routing the selected signal to a recorder.

54. The method according to claim 53, comprising recording the signal.

55. The method according to claim 53, wherein the signals are pre-amplified prior to said routing.

56. The method according to claim 53, wherein the selecting and the amplifying is performed in a unit separate from a recorder.

57. The method according to claim 53, wherein the signals comprise radio frequency signals.

58. The method according to claim 53, wherein selecting a signal comprises selecting the strongest signal from the plurality of antennas.