GI Biosensor Capsule Optics for Old vs Active Bleeding Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies for detecting blood in the gastrointestinal tract struggle to differentiate between old and active bleeding and require complex sensor fixation within organs.

Innovation Solution

A wireless biosensor capsule with a housing design featuring transparent walls and a light absorption mechanism that distinguishes between old and active bleeding by analyzing light absorption profiles at different wavelengths, coupled with a microcontroller for real-time data processing and wireless transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a sensor is fixed within an organ to detect blood presence, then detection capability is improved, but device complexity and invasiveness increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveblood detection capabilityVSAvoidsensor fixation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical sensor fixation within organs with an optical detection system using light sources and photodetectors arranged in a capsule. The optical system detects blood presence through light absorption characteristics without requiring mechanical attachment to organ walls, thereby reducing device complexity and invasiveness while maintaining detection capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an optical intermediary system using light sources and photodetectors that detect blood presence indirectly through light absorption properties. This intermediary optical measurement approach avoids direct mechanical contact with organs, simplifying the device structure while preserving measurement precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If multiple light sources are used to differentiate old and active bleeding, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebleeding differentiation accuracyVSAvoidlight source configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by assigning different wavelengths to different detection purposes: specific wavelengths target old blood characteristics while others detect active bleeding. This localized wavelength assignment allows differentiation of bleeding types using a manageable number of light sources, balancing measurement precision with device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by varying light wavelength to detect different blood states. By selecting specific wavelengths that correspond to the optical properties of old versus active blood, the system achieves bleeding differentiation using a practical number of light sources, avoiding excessive device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Loss of information

If real-time data transmission is implemented, then information availability is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereal-time data availabilityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic action by transmitting data at optimized intervals rather than continuously. The microcontroller monitors blood presence and transmits updates only when changes are detected or at predetermined time intervals, ensuring real-time information availability while significantly reducing average power consumption compared to continuous transmission

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The capsule effectively identifies both old and active bleeding in the GI tract with high accuracy and duration, providing real-time data transmission and a severity index, while maintaining a compact size and power efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a light source (21) mounted on the circuit board (30) and configured to emit light through a first housing wall (6, 7)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight transmission: Light

Implementation Method 2

a photodetector (22) mounted on the circuit board (30) and configured to detect light that has passed through in-vivo fluids in the gap

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentEP4275601B1Biosensor capsule and system
Publication Date: 2026.02.25 ENTERASENSE LTD
  • EP4275601B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4275601B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4275601B1 patent drawingFigure 5(a)~5(b)

AI summary

A biosensor system has a capsule (1) with a housing configured for ingesting in a mammal GI tract, being cylindrical with domed ends. The housing forms an external space akin to a "cut-out" shape with two opposing transparent walls (6 and 7) facing each other in the longitudinal direction and a base wall (5) facing radially. An LED emitter (21) emits at a number of wavelengths in time sequence, and radiation is detected by a photo-detector (22) via the wall (7) which forms a concave lens. An antenna (60) is for wireless transmission of data to an external device and is in the form of conical spiral in an overall conical shape, located for optimum space efficiency in a domed end (8). A battery compartment is at the opposed end of the housing, separated from the antenna (60) by the external space (5, 6, 7).