Capsule Endoscope Antenna Array for Precise Signal Reception

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing antenna apparatus for capsule endoscopes lacks precise positioning of receiving antennas, leading to inconsistent reception of radio signals from the capsule endoscope within a subject.

Innovation Solution

The antenna apparatus is designed with a specific arrangement of first to eighth receiving antennas, balanced for cross and main polarization, positioned at equal distances from a reference point on a plane, with active circuits and transmission lines, allowing precise detection of radio signals by optimizing antenna placement and signal processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If receiving antennas are arranged in a dispersed manner without specific positioning, then the device complexity is reduced, but the radio signal reception precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveradio signal reception precisionVSAvoidantenna arrangement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The antenna apparatus divides the receiving antenna system into multiple discrete antennas (first to fourth receiving antennas) arranged at specific positions. Each antenna is positioned at a predetermined distance from a reference point in specific directional relationships, creating segmented reception zones that collectively improve signal detection precision without requiring a single complex antenna structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each receiving antenna is assigned a specific local position with defined geometric relationships to the reference point and to other antennas. The first and second antennas are positioned at equal distances from the reference point, as are the third and fourth antennas, creating localized optimization zones that enhance overall signal reception precision through strategic local placement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If multiple receiving antennas are used to improve signal reception, then the reception reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal reception reliabilityVSAvoidantenna system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple receiving antennas (first to fourth antennas) into a single integrated antenna apparatus. These antennas work together as a unified system, with their specific geometric arrangement enabling cooperative signal reception that improves reliability while presenting a single apparatus interface, thereby reducing the perceived complexity of managing multiple separate antenna systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The antenna positions are arranged with specific geometric relationships where the first and second antennas are at equal distances from the reference point, and the third and fourth antennas are also at equal distances. This equipotential-like symmetry creates balanced signal reception characteristics that improve reliability through redundancy while maintaining a regular, manageable structural pattern that reduces complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #12Equipotentiality

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 configuration enables precise reception and accurate detection of radio signals from the capsule endoscope, reducing power consumption and interference, while allowing for reliable image data retrieval and position estimation of the capsule endoscope.

Implementation Method 1

first and second receiving antennas respectively disposed at positions on a plane which are in an equal distance from a reference point and face each other with the reference point therebetween; third and fourth receiving antennas disposed at positions on the plane, a gravity center of the third receiving antenna and a gravity center of the fourth receiving antenna being in an equal distance from the reference point on the plane

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation reception: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2647328B1Antenna apparatus
Publication Date: 2018.08.08 OLYMPUS CORPORATION(JP)
  • EP2647328B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2647328B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2647328B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An antenna apparatus that can precisely receive a radio signal transmitted from a capsule endoscope introduced in an inside of a subject is provided. The antenna apparatus includes: a first receiving antenna 41 and a second receiving antenna 42 respectively disposed at positions which are in an equal distance from a reference point O1 and face each other with the reference point O1 therebetween; a third receiving antenna 43 and a fourth receiving antenna 44 disposed at positions on a plane, a gravity center of the third receiving antenna 43 and a gravity center of the fourth receiving antenna 44 being in an equal distance from the reference point O1 on the plane, a straight line connecting the gravity centers of the third receiving antenna 43 and the fourth receiving antenna 44 being at an angle of 90 degrees with respect to a straight line connecting gravity centers of the first receiving antenna 41 and the second receiving antenna 42; and a fifth receiving antenna 45, a sixth receiving antenna 46, a seventh receiving antenna 47, and an eighth receiving antenna 48 disposed respectively at positions on the plane, gravity centers of the fifth receiving antenna 45 to the eighth receiving antenna 48 being on straight lines different from each other, which are rotated by an angle of 45 degrees from the straight line connecting the gravity centers of the first receiving antenna 41 and the second receiving antenna 42 and the straight line connecting the gravity centers of the third receiving antenna 43 and the fourth receiving antenna 44, respectively.