Device and system for in vivo imaging

• US 20080106596A1
• Filed: 10/29/2007
• Published: 05/08/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 03/08/2000
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Given Imaging Limited (Medtronic Plc)
• Original Assignee: Given Imaging Limited (Medtronic Plc)
• Inventors: MERON, Gavriel, GLUKHOVSKY, Arkady, AVNI, Dov, IDDAN, Gavriel
• Granted Patent: US 8,194,123 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 348/76
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00016 using wireless means
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00032 internally powered
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00036 Means for power saving, e.g. sleeping mode
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/0016 using motor drive units
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/041 Capsule endoscopes for imaging
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/0607 for annular illumination
• 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: A61B 1/2733 Oesophagoscopes
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/2736 Gastroscopes
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/31 for the rectum, e.g. proctoscopes, sigmoidoscopes , colonoscopes
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2560/0209 adapted for power saving
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0031 Implanted circuitry
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/073 Intestinal transmitters
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/14539 for measuring pH
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 25/03866 using scrambling
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/50 Constructional details
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/51 Housings
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/555 for picking-up images in sites, inaccessible due to their dimensions or hazardous conditions, e.g. endoscopes or borescopes
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/56 provided with illuminating means
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/66 : Remote control of cameras or camera parts, e.g. by remote control devices
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/185 : from a mobile camera, e.g. for remote control

Abstract

The present invention provides a system and method for obtaining in vivo images. The system contains an imaging system and a transmitter for transmitting signals from a camera to a receiving system located outside a patient.

Claims

1. A swallowable capsule for in vivo imaging comprising:

a housing, the housing including at least;

an imaging camera;

an illumination source;

an optical system for collecting light remitted from a gastrointestinal tract site and for focusing images of the gastrointestinal tract site onto the imaging camera; and

a switch internal to the housing, the switch operated by an external signal and the switch able to control the operation of components of the capsule.

2. The swallowable capsule of claim 1, wherein the switch is operated by an external magnet.

3. The swallowable capsule of claim 1 comprising a transmitter.

4. The swallowable capsule of claim 3, wherein the switch is to keep the transmitter inoperative when in the presence of an external magnet.

5. The swallowable capsule of claim 1, wherein the switch is closed when in proximity to an external magnet.

6. The swallowable capsule of claim 1, comprising a circuit to switch a logic of the switch.

7. The swallowable capsule according to claim 3 wherein the transmitter comprises an internal electronic switch for converting a logic of a normally open switch to a normally closed logic.

8. The swallowable capsule according to claim 1 wherein the switch includes a magnet.

9. A swallowable capsule for in vivo imaging comprising:

a housing, the housing including at least;

an imaging camera;

a plurality of LED illumination sources;

a wireless transmitter;

an optical system for collecting light remitted from a gastrointestinal tract site and focusing the images of the gastrointestinal tract site onto the imaging camera; and

a switch controlled by an external magnet.

10. The swallowable capsule according to claim 9 comprising a battery.

11. The swallowable capsule according to claim 9 wherein the wireless transmitter is an RF transmitter.

12. The swallowable capsule according to claim 9 wherein the housing comprises an optical window through which the LED illumination sources illuminate the gastrointestinal tract site and through which the imaging camera images the gastrointestinal tract site.