Device, system and method for image based size analysis

• US 7,551,955 B2
• Filed: 03/31/2003
• Issued: 06/23/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 12/20/2001
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Given Imaging Limited (Medtronic Plc)
• Original Assignee: Given Imaging Limited (Medtronic Plc)
• Inventors: Adler, Doron
• Primary Examiner(s): Winakur; Eric F
• Assistant Examiner(s): Laryea; Lawrence N
• Application Number:
  US10/402,245
• Publication Number:
  US 20040258328A1
• Time in Patent Office: 2,276 Days
• Field of Search: 600/424, 600/407, 600/476, 600/473, 600/423, 600/117, 382/160, 382/286, 382/128, 382/916, 356/21, 358/98
• US Class Current: 600/424
• 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 5/1076 for measuring dimensions inside body cavities, e.g. using catheters A61B3/1005 takes precedence

Abstract

A device, system and method for calculating a size of an object using images acquired by a typically moving imager, for example in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. A distance traveled by the moving imager during image capture may be determined, and spatial coordinates of image pixels may be calculated using the distance. The size of the object may be determined, for example, from the spatial coordinates. The moving imager may be in a swallowable capsule, or, for example, an endoscope.

Claims

1. A method for calculating a size of an object in vivo using images acquired by an imager, the method comprising:

determining a distance traveled by said imager during capture of two of said images;

calculating relative spatial coordinates of a set of objects within said images using said distance; and

calculating the size of one of the set of objects from said spatial coordinates;

wherein the above steps are performed by a processor.

2. The method according to claim 1 wherein said distance traveled is non-negligible as compared to a distance between said imager and said objects.

3. The method according to claim 1 wherein the imager is included within an endoscope.

4. The method according to claim 1 wherein the imager is included within a swallowable capsule.

5. The method according to claim 1 comprising determining the position of the imager.

6. The method according to claim 1 comprising determining the velocity of the imager.

7. The method according to claim 1 comprising determining an optical flow of the images.

8. The method according to claim 1 comprising determining the distance traveled by analyzing the images.

9. The method according to claim 1 wherein the object is in a gastrointestinal tract.

10. A swallowable capsule comprising:

an image sensor capable of obtaining images from within the gastrointestinal tract;

a distance-detecting sensor capable of generating data for determining a distance traveled by said capsule during reception of at least two of said images, wherein said data may be used by a processor for generating spatial coordinates of at least one object found within said two images and for converting said spatial coordinates into a size calculation of said at least one object.

11. The capsule according to claim 10 where said distance-detecting sensor includes an induction coil.

12. The capsule according to claim 10 wherein said distance-detecting sensor includes a velocity sensor.

13. The capsule according to claim 10 wherein distance-detecting sensor includes an imager.