In-Vivo Capsule Battery Status Check via Frame Counting
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Solution Overview
Problem
In-vivo sensing devices, such as swallowable capsules, face issues with battery status monitoring, as batteries may be inadvertently activated during production, storage, or shipping, leading to reduced battery life and potential malfunction during use, necessitating a non-invasive method to check battery status before patient use.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an in-vivo imaging device with an imager, frame counter, and indicator that captures and counts image frames, wirelessly transmits this data, and provides warnings if the frame count exceeds a critical number, or if battery voltage deviates from a safe range, using separate receiver and workstation components to indicate battery status.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the battery is installed during production and the device is sealed, then the device can be manufactured and shipped, but the battery may be inadvertently activated during production, storage, or shipping, leading to reduced battery life
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing a pre-activation check mechanism that detects whether the battery has been inadvertently activated before the device is used by the patient. The system checks battery status, counts image frames captured, and compares against expected values to determine if premature activation occurred, allowing corrective action before actual use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by monitoring battery-related parameters (battery status, frame count, voltage) and providing feedback signals when abnormal conditions are detected. The system compares actual frame counts with expected counts and provides feedback warnings when discrepancies indicate premature battery activation, enabling corrective measures.
2Reliability
If the battery status is monitored continuously, then battery reliability can be ensured, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by implementing targeted monitoring of specific battery-related parameters (frame count, battery voltage, activation status) rather than continuous comprehensive monitoring of all device functions. This selective monitoring approach ensures battery reliability while minimizing additional device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements multi-functionality by using the existing imager and processor for both their primary imaging functions and secondary battery monitoring functions. The frame counter serves dual purposes: tracking imaging progress and detecting premature battery activation, thereby reducing the need for separate dedicated monitoring components.
3Reliability
If the device checks battery status before use, then battery malfunction can be prevented, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing automated battery status checks and frame count verifications before the device is activated for patient use. The system proactively identifies potential battery issues through pre-programmed checks, eliminating the need for manual verification steps and maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the device to automatically monitor and assess its own battery status without requiring external intervention. The system self-diagnoses potential battery problems by comparing frame counts and voltage levels, providing automatic warnings when issues are detected, thereby maintaining operational simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
A device and system for monitoring the status of a battery in an in-vivo imaging device, prior to use of the in-vivo imaging device. The device may include a frame counter for counting the number of frames captured and may include monitoring the voltage of the battery. A warning signal is generated if it is determined that the battery is faulty prior to use. The warning signal can be generated by the device and/or by a receiver which receives data from the in-vivo imaging device and/or a by workstation which receives the data from the receiver.