In-vivo imaging device, optical system and method

• US 20080055404A9
• Filed: 06/30/2004
• Published: 03/06/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 06/15/1999
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Given Imaging Limited (Medtronic Plc)
• Original Assignee: Given Imaging Limited (Medtronic Plc)
• Inventors: Meron, Gavriel, Glukhovsky, Arkady, Iddan, Gavriel
• Granted Patent: US 7,996,067 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 348/77
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00096 Optical elements
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00163 Optical arrangements A61B1/002, A61B1/06 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/041 Capsule endoscopes for imaging
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/0676 at distal tip of an endoscope
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/0684 using light emitting diodes [LED]
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/51 Housings
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/18 Closed-circuit television [CCTV] systems, i.e. systems in which the video signal is not broadcast

Abstract

An in-vivo device may include an optical system, and a method for viewing in-vivo sites. A dome or cover may cover an end of the device, protecting optical elements such as illumination devices or imagers, which may be behind the dome. The dome may be forward projecting. The field of view of the imager may be for example forward looking. Illumination element(s) and a receiving unit or imager may be disposed behind a single optical window, which for example may enable obtaining of images free of backscatter and stray light.

Claims

1. An autonomous in-vivo imaging device comprising:

a device body, the device body having a longitudinal axis;

an imager; and

an optical system positioned at a first end of the device body, the field of view of the imager via the optical system being along the longitudinal axis and towards the first end.

2. The device of claim 1, comprising a convex shaped optical dome positioned at the first end.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the device is a capsule.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein the device travels in at least a forward direction, and wherein the imager is forward looking.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein the optical system includes at least a lens.

6. A method for in-vivo imaging, the method comprising:

receiving images at an imager, the imager disposed within a capsule, the imager collecting images from a forward direction, the forward direction being substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the device.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the device is autonomous.

8. The method of claim 6, comprising collecting images through an optical dome, the optical dome positioned at a first end of the device and being convex shaped.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the dome extends from the device in the direction of travel.

10. An in-vivo imaging device comprising:

a convex optical dome;

an imager; and

an illumination source, the imager and the illumination source both being behind the optical dome, the imager accepting images via the optical dome.

11. The device of claim 10, wherein the device is autonomous.

12. The device of claim 10, wherein the device is a capsule.

13. The device of claim 10, wherein the device travels in at least a forward direction, and wherein the imager is forward looking.

14. The device of claim 10, wherein the illumination source illuminates through the optical dome.

34. The device of claim 10, wherein the optical dome is ellipsoid shaped.

15. An in-vivo imaging device comprising:

an imager; and

at least one end, the end being substantially convex and being at least partially transparent, the imager accepting images via the end.

16. The device of claim 15, wherein the device is autonomous.

17. The device of claim 15, wherein the device is a capsule.

18. The device of claim 15, comprising a dome projecting from the body of the device.

19. The device of claim 15, comprising an illumination source positioned behind the forward end.

20. An in-vivo imaging method comprising:

collecting images via an imager, the imager being in a device, the device having at least one end, the end being substantially convex and being at least partially transparent, the imager accepting images via the end.

21. The method of claim 20, comprising collecting images of objects generally forward of the end of the device.

22. The method of claim 20, comprising transmitting the images wirelessly.

23. The method of claim 20, wherein the device is a capsule.

24. (Cancelled)

25. (Cancelled)

26. (Cancelled)

27. (Cancelled)

28. An autonomous in-vivo imaging device comprising:

an optical dome forming a space;

an illumination source within the space; and

an imager, wherein the imager is within the space and at least imaging portions of the imager are not touching the optical dome.

29. The device of claim 28, wherein the optical dome is positioned at a first end of the device and projects forward of the device.

30. The device of claim 28, comprising a wireless transmitter.

31. The device of claim 28, wherein the device travels in at least a forward direction, and wherein the imager is forward looking.

32. An in vivo imaging capsule comprising

a housing, said housing having a longitudinal axis;

at least an image sensor; and

an illumination source;

image sensor and illumination source being on a plane substantially at right angle with the longitudinal axis;

wherein said housing is attached at a substantially right angle with the longitudinal axis to a convex dome.

33. The capsule as in claim 32 wherein the convex dome is at least partially transparent.