Inductive Powering Apparatus for Capsule Device

Abstract

A capsule device with an inductive powering apparatus is disclosed. The capsule device comprises a secondary coil to generate an induced secondary voltage when a first alternating magnetic field is coupled to the secondary coil externally. Embodiments of the present invention utilize a power conversion device to convert the induced secondary voltage into a DC output voltage for the capsule device. In particular, the power conversion device comprises a voltage booster to generate the DC voltage from a lower induced secondary voltage. Accordingly, the system can be operated using a lower secondary voltage, which will reduce the influence of magnetic flux on the circuit boards inside the capsule.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]The present invention is a continuation in part of and claims priority to PCT Patent Application, No. PCT / US13 / 39317, filed on May 2, 2013, entitled “Optical Wireless Docking System for Capsule Camera”. The PCT Patent Application, No. PCT / US13 / 39317 claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application, No. 61 / 649,238, filed on May 19, 2012, entitled “Optical Wireless Docking System for Capsule Camera”. The PCT Patent Application and the U.S. Provisional patent application are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to diagnostic imaging inside the human body. Particularly, the present invention relates to a capsule device incorporating inductive power to operate the capsule device, such as to retrieve image data or sensing data from the capsule device, after the capsule device exits from the human body.BACKGROUND[0003]Devices for imaging body cavities or passages in vi...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0005]A capsule device with an inductive powering apparatus is disclosed. The capsule device comprises a secondary coil to generate an induced secondary voltage when a first alternating magnetic field is coupled to the secondary coil externally. The magnetic field also causes a second induced voltage on at least one first trace of the PCB. This second induced voltage may affect performance of electronic circuits on the PCB. Additionally, induced currents in conductive materials within the capsule produce heat, which may degrade the performance or reliability of capsule components. Embodiments of the present invention utilize a power conversion device to convert the induced secondary voltage into a DC output voltage for the capsule device, wherein the power conversion device comprises a voltage booster to generate the DC output voltage from a lower induced secondary voltage. Accordingly, the lower induced secondary voltage allows for reduced magnetic flux which in turn will cause a lower second induced voltage on said at least one first trace of the PCB and reduced capsule heating. The capsule device is powered by an internal battery when the capsule device travels in the GI track. The battery is turned off or disconnected from the electronic subsystem of the capsule device when the capsule device exits from the human body or is placed in a docking station.

[0006]One aspect of the present invention addresses the voltage booster design.

Problems solved by technology

This second induced voltage may affect performance of electronic circuits on the PCB.

Additionally, induced currents in con

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