Communication system with remote activation
First Claim
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1. A device for communication, the device comprising:
- an ingestible system comprising;
a communication system comprising;
a support structure;
a control module associated with the support structure;
a sealed housing defining a cavity configured to contain the communication system therein; and
a release material positioned within the cavity, wherein the communication system, upon receipt of a current signature via transconduction from an external source, is configured to cause the release material to expand and open the sealed housing to release the communication system into an electrically conductive fluid to activate the control module;
wherein the release material comprises a reactive material configured to expand based on a reaction with a voltage potential or an electrical current generated by the communication system or based on a reaction with a chemical located within the cavity.
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Abstract
The system of the present invention includes a conductive element, an electronic component, and a partial power source in the form of dissimilar materials. Upon contact with a conducting fluid, a voltage potential is created and the power source is completed, which activates the system. The electronic component controls the conductance between the dissimilar materials to produce a unique current signature. The system can also measure the conditions of the environment surrounding the system.
865 Citations
16 Claims
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1. A device for communication, the device comprising:
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an ingestible system comprising; a communication system comprising; a support structure; a control module associated with the support structure; a sealed housing defining a cavity configured to contain the communication system therein; and a release material positioned within the cavity, wherein the communication system, upon receipt of a current signature via transconduction from an external source, is configured to cause the release material to expand and open the sealed housing to release the communication system into an electrically conductive fluid to activate the control module; wherein the release material comprises a reactive material configured to expand based on a reaction with a voltage potential or an electrical current generated by the communication system or based on a reaction with a chemical located within the cavity. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A device for communication, the device comprising:
an ingestible system comprising; a communication system comprising; a support structure; a control module associated with the support structure; a sealed housing defining a cavity configured to contain the communication system therein; and a release material positioned within the cavity, wherein the communication system, upon receipt of a current signature via transconduction from an external source, is configured to cause the release material to expand and open the sealed housing to release the communication system into an electrically conductive fluid to activate the control module; and an impedance measurement unit configured to measure an impedance of an environment surrounding the device; and wherein the release material comprises a reactive material configured to expand based on a reaction with a voltage potential or an electrical current generated by the communication system or based on a reaction with a chemical located within the cavity. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A device for communication, the device comprising:
an ingestible system comprising; a communication system comprising; a support structure; a control module associated with the support structure; and a secondary communication module; a sealed housing defining a cavity configured to contain the communication system therein; and a release material positioned within the cavity, wherein the communication system, upon receipt of a current signature via transconduction from an external source, is configured to cause the release material to expand and open the sealed housing to release the communication system into an electrically conductive fluid to activate the control module; and wherein the release material comprises a reactive material configured to expand based on a reaction with a voltage potential or an electrical current generated by the communication system or based on a reaction with a chemical located within the cavity; and the secondary communication module configured to communicate with the control module, the secondary communication module associated with the support structure and configured to receive a signal from the external source or send a signal to the external source. - View Dependent Claims (16)
Specification