Imaging sensor array and device and method for use therefor

• US 7,650,180 B2
• Filed: 07/04/2004
• Issued: 01/19/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 07/02/2003
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Given Imaging Limited (Medtronic Plc)
• Original Assignee: Given Imaging Limited (Medtronic Plc)
• Inventors: Mendel, Israel, Gan, Shmuel, Glukhovsky, Arkady
• Primary Examiner(s): Winakur; Eric F
• Assistant Examiner(s): Laryea; Lawrence N
• Application Number:
  US10/562,865
• Publication Number:
  US 20070078298A1
• Time in Patent Office: 2,025 Days
• Field of Search: 600/407, 600/424, 600/437, 600/472, 600/109, 600/300, 600/160, 600/473, 600/476, 348/76, 604/890.1, 604/93, 604/114, 346/33, 455/570, 455/557, 455/569.2
• US Class Current: 600/476
• 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. A method for adjusting operation of an in vivo sensing system, the method comprising:

detecting the presence or absence of a receiver connected by cable to a recorder, the receiver receiving image signals from a plurality of antennas placed on a body;

upon detecting the presence of the receiver;

identifying the type of the receiver;

automatically adjusting operation of the recorder according to the type of receiver identified;

transferring data received by the receiver to the recorder; and

storing in the recorder data transferred from the receiver; and

upon detecting the absence of the receiver, automatically adjusting the operation of the recorder, wherein automatically adjusting the operation of the recorder comprises an operation selected from the group consisting of;

not recording data, recording data indicating a receiver is not connected, and stopping to record data.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of antennas comprises a radio frequency antenna.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the receiver receives signals selected from a group consisting of:

radio frequency signals, control data, and energy.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the receiver is to adjust its operation according to the number of the plurality of antennas.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the signals are pre-amplified prior to being transferred to the recorder.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the strongest signal from the plurality of antennas is selected for recording.

7. The method according to claim 1 wherein the plurality of antennas receive image signals from an in-vivo imaging capsule.