System and method of obtaining images of a subject using a capsule type medical device

• US 7,704,205 B2
• Filed: 02/08/2007
• Issued: 04/27/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 06/20/2001
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Olympus Corporation
• Original Assignee: Olympus Corporation
• Inventors: Mizuno, Hitoshi
• Primary Examiner(s): Leubecker; John P
• Application Number:
  US11/704,102
• Publication Number:
  US 20070135680A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,174 Days
• Field of Search: 600/109, 600/118, 600/160, 600/476, 600/300, 348/65, 348/74
• US Class Current: 600/118
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00016 using wireless means
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/041 Capsule endoscopes for imaging
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/042 characterised by a proximal camera, e.g. a CCD camera
• 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 5/062 using magnetic field
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/07 Endoradiosondes

Abstract

A system and method is provided for obtaining images of a subject using a capsule type medical device, The method performs the steps of preparing a swallowable capsule type medical device including at least an imaging device and a memory for storing a setting associated with an operation; changing the setting stored in the memory; introducing the capsule type medical device into the subject; and controlling the operation based on the setting. The operation can include controlling an imaging device. The system includes a swallowable case; an imaging device arranged in the case, the imaging device being operated based on a setting stored in a memory disposed in the case; and a receiver arranged in the case adapted to receive an instruction to change the setting from outside of the case.

Claims

1. A method of obtaining images of a subject using a capsule type medical device, the method comprising:

preparing a swallowable capsule type medical device including at least an imaging device and a memory for storing a setting associated with an operation of the imaging device;

changing the setting stored in the memory;

introducing the capsule type medical device into the subject;

controlling the imaging device based on the setting;

capturing images of the subject in real-time at an image taking rate; and

transmitting the captured images to a receiver external of the subject at a transmission rate slower than the image taking rate.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the changing comprises changing at least one of the image taking rate by the imaging device and an operation schedule of the imaging device.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the changing is performed prior to the introducing.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the changing is performed after the introducing.

5. A capsule type medical device comprising:

a swallowable case;

an imaging device arranged in the case, the imaging device being operated for capturing images of the subject in real-time at an image taking rate based on a setting stored in a memory disposed in the case;

a receiver arranged in the case adapted to receive an instruction to change the setting from outside of the case; and

a transmitter disposed in the case for transmitting the captured images external of the subject at a transmission rate slower than the image taking rate.

6. The capsule type medical device according to claim 5, wherein the receiver is adapted to receive an instruction of changing at least one of the image taking rate by the imaging device and an operation schedule of the imaging device.

7. A method of performing a medical action in a subject using a capsule type medical device, the method comprising:

preparing a swallowable capsule type medical device including a memory for storing a setting associated with an operation;

changing the setting stored in the memory;

introducing the capsule type medical device into the subject;

controlling the operation based on the setting;

capturing images of the subject in real-time at an image taking rate; and

transmitting the captured images to a receiver external of the subject at a transmission rate slower than the image taking rate.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the capsule type medical device includes an imaging device, the operation is an imaging operation and the changing comprises changing at least one of the image taking rate by the imaging device and an operation schedule of the imaging device.

9. The method of claim 7, wherein the capsule type medical device includes a transmitting circuit, the operation is a transmission of data and the changing comprises changing the transmission rate from the transmitting circuit.

10. The method of claim 7, wherein the operation is a storage of data in a storage portion and the changing comprises changing at least one of a timing and time for allowing the storing of the data into the storage portion.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the storage portion is provided in the memory.