Multi-stream Image Decoding for Capsule Camera Data Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless transmission in capsule cameras is error-prone due to noise and multi-paths, leading to difficulties in decoding image data streams, especially when bit errors occur in codewords or headers, which can result in inferior data reception despite strong signal strength.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of multiple receiving units placed at various body locations to store multiple data streams, allowing for the selection of the best data stream post-diagnosis by comparing decoded results, with a process to activate and deactivate units based on network conditions and expected capsule camera locations, ensuring optimal data capture and reduction of errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If wireless transmission is used to transmit image data from capsule camera, then patient comfort and ambulatory capability are improved, but data transmission reliability deteriorates due to noise and multi-paths causing bit errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single receiving unit into multiple receiving units distributed at different body locations. Each receiving unit independently receives and stores data streams from the capsule camera. This segmentation allows the system to capture multiple versions of the same data transmitted under different wireless conditions, thereby improving reliability while maintaining patient comfort through wireless operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of receiving unit quantity from one to multiple. By deploying multiple receiving units with different spatial positions and reception characteristics, the system can select the best received data stream based on decoding success and error rates, thus improving transmission reliability without compromising the wireless convenience that benefits patient comfort.
2Reliability
If multiple receiving units are deployed to capture multiple data streams, then data reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates copies of the receiving unit at multiple body locations. Each receiving unit is essentially a copy of the same functional device, simplifying the overall system architecture. The complexity is managed by using identical, standardized receiving unit designs rather than complex centralized systems, making the multi-unit deployment more manageable despite the increased number of components.
Solution Approach 2:
Each receiving unit independently performs data reception, storage, and preliminary processing without requiring complex centralized control. The units autonomously capture data streams and store them locally, with the selection of the best stream performed based on predefined criteria. This self-service capability reduces the need for complex inter-unit communication and control mechanisms, thereby limiting the increase in system complexity.
3Measurement precision
If multiple data streams are stored and compared, then decoding accuracy is improved, but processing time and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by having multiple receiving units simultaneously capture and store data streams during the capsule camera's passage through the body. This parallel data collection eliminates the need for sequential processing of multiple streams later, as all streams are already captured and stored when needed. The selection of the best stream for decoding can then be performed efficiently without time-consuming re-capture or sequential acquisition.
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
This approach enhances the reliability of data capture and decoding by selecting the best data stream based on network conditions, reducing errors and improving the efficiency of image data retrieval from the gastrointestinal tract, thereby minimizing the impact of bit errors and noise.
Implementation Method 1
a transmitter for sending the images captured to an external receiver... an antenna array that is placed surrounding the bodily region or regions of interest and this antenna array can be temporarily affixed to the skin or can be incorporated into a wearable vest
Data Source
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Figure 2A~2B
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AI summary
A capsule camera includes a wireless transmitter that transmits data and a receiving system having multiple receiving units to allowing storing multiple data streams simultaneously. The multiple stored data streams may be used at a later time to derive the best data stream for analysis, based on the network conditions at the time each data packet is received. The best data stream may be derived from the multiple stored data streams at a later time during the decoding process. For example, in a capsule camera application, the multiple data streams may be stored in the memory devices associated with the receiving units, which are typically attached to different locations on the body during diagnosis. The multiple data streams are maintained as the capsule passes through the gastrointestinal tract. Subsequently, after the diagnosis, the receiving units are recovered and connected to a computer or another standalone device for analysis. At that time, the best data stream is derived from the stored data streams using a decoding process, or by comparing the decoded results. Not all receiving units store the data streams at the same time. A screening process, for example, may be provided such that only the receiving units with better network conditions store the data streams. In a real-time system, the data streams may be stored for only a short duration before the best data stream is derived by a decoding process, or by comparing the decoded results.