Multiple capsule camera apparatus and methods for using the same

• US 9,041,785 B2
• Filed: 09/11/2012
• Issued: 05/26/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 04/25/2009
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: CapsoVision, Inc.
• Original Assignee: CapsoVision, Inc.
• Inventors: Wang, Kang-Huai
• Primary Examiner(s): WINDER, PATRICE L
• Application Number:
  US13/609,253
• Publication Number:
  US 20130242070A1
• Time in Patent Office: 987 Days
• US Class Current: 348/65
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00016 using wireless means
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/0002 provided with data storages
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00029 externally powered, e.g. wireless
• 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 1/041 Capsule endoscopes for imaging
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/0684 using light emitting diodes [LED]
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2560/0209 adapted for power saving
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/185 from a mobile camera, e.g. for remote control

Abstract

A multiple capsule camera apparatus is disclosed to enhance the rate of detection and/or extend the overall imaging period. The multiple capsule camera apparatus coordinates the operations of the camera according to a schedule so that one camera may enter an active mode when the other camera is anticipated to have a low battery level. The capsule cameras may also coordinate their operations by communication with each other through a wireless link. A base station may also be used to coordinate the capsule camera operations with a wireless link established between the base station and each capsule camera.

Claims

1. A cooperative multiple capsule camera apparatus, comprising:

a first capsule cameras, wherein the first capsule camera includes a first battery, a first image sensor, first LEDs, a wireless transmitter and a first control module;

a second capsule cameras, wherein the second capsule camera includes a second battery, a second image sensor, second LEDs, a wireless receiver and a second control module; and

a base station having a wireless communication module and a third control module;

wherein the first control module provides first information to the third control module through a first wireless link from the wireless transmitter to the wireless communication module;

wherein the second control module receives second information from the third control module through a second wireless link from the wireless communication module to the wireless receiver; and

wherein the first information transmitted from the wireless transmitter to the wireless communication module includes status information of the first capsule camera and the status information includes battery status, a number of pictures captured by the first image sensor, or a total time period of illumination of the first LEDs.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second capsule camera enters an active mode from a sleep mode as indicated in the second information.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein transmitting status information from the first control module to the base station is triggered by low battery status, energy consumption profile, a low electrical current value of the first LEDs, or a number of pictures captured by the image sensor, or a combination thereof.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the third control module generates the second information according to the first information.

5. A method of operating a cooperative multiple capsule camera, the method comprising:

providing a first capsule cameras, wherein the first capsule camera includes a first battery, a first image sensor, first LEDs, a wireless transmitter and a first control module;

providing a second capsule cameras, wherein the second capsule camera includes a second battery, a second image sensor, second LEDs, a wireless receiver and a second control module; and

providing a base station having a wireless communication module and a third control module;

wherein the first control module provides first information to the third control module through a first wireless link from the wireless transmitter to the wireless communication module;

wherein the second control module receives second information from the third control module through a second wireless link from the wireless communication module to the wireless receiver; and

wherein the first information transmitted from the wireless transmitter to the wireless communication module includes status information of the first capsule camera and the status information includes battery status, a number of pictures captured by the first image sensor, or a total time period of illumination of the first LEDs.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the second capsule camera enters an active mode from a sleep mode as indicated in the second information.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein transmitting status information from the first control module to the base station is triggered by low battery status, energy consumption profile, a low electrical current value of the first LEDs, or a number of pictures captured by the image sensor, or a combination thereof.

8. The method of claim 5, wherein the third control module generates the second information according to the first information.