Capsule Endoscope Position Detection Using Linear and Diffuse Magnetic Fields
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional capsule endoscope systems face high power consumption issues due to the need for continuous strong magnetic fields to detect the position of the capsule endoscope within the body, which is inefficient and burdensome, especially when trying to minimize the size and energy usage of the device.
Innovation Solution
A position detecting apparatus that generates a linear magnetic field and a diffuse magnetic field, using a combination of magnetic-field generators and orientation calculators to determine the position of the capsule endoscope, reducing the power required for position detection by optimizing the magnetic field strength and coverage area based on the capsule's predicted movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a strong magnetic field is generated in all digestive organs to detect the capsule endoscope position, then the position detection capability is improved, but the power consumption greatly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the digestive tract into multiple regions (esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine) and generates magnetic fields locally in each region rather than uniformly across the entire tract. This segmentation allows position detection to be performed in a distributed manner, reducing the overall power required while maintaining detection capability across all regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic position detection at specific time intervals as the capsule moves through different regions. Instead of continuous monitoring throughout the entire digestive tract, the system performs detection periodically when the capsule enters each segmented region, significantly reducing power consumption while still tracking the capsule's progression.
2Area of stationary object
If a magnetic field is generated to cover all digestive organs for position detection, then the detection coverage is improved, but the influence on external equipment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by generating magnetic fields with specific spatial characteristics tailored to each digestive region. Each region receives a magnetic field optimized for its specific geometry and detection requirements, rather than using a uniform strong field throughout. This localized approach reduces the overall magnetic field strength required, minimizing interference with external equipment while maintaining adequate coverage in each region.
3Productivity
If position detection is performed at constant time intervals, then the detection frequency is improved, but the power consumption in the capsule endoscope increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static, uniform time-interval detection to dynamic detection timing. The detection frequency is adjusted based on the capsule's movement characteristics and the specific region being traversed. Detection intervals are optimized for each digestive region, performing more frequent detections when the capsule is moving through critical areas and less frequent detections in transition zones, thereby maintaining productivity while reducing overall power consumption.
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 significantly reduces power consumption and minimizes the magnetic field's influence on external equipment while maintaining accurate position detection, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of the capsule endoscope system.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic field is generated, which has the position dependency regarding strength inside the subject into which the capsule endoscope is introduced, and the position of the capsule endoscope in the subject can be detected based on the magnetic field strength detected by a magnetic field sensor incorporated in the capsule endoscope
Data Source
AI summary
A position detecting apparatus includes a linear magnetic-field generator that generates a linear magnetic field in an area inside the subject; a diffuse magnetic-field generator that generates a diffuse magnetic field having position dependency on magnetic field direction in the area; a magnetic-field line orientation database in which a correspondence between magnetic field direction and position of the diffuse magnetic field in a reference coordinate axis is recorded; an orientation calculator that calculates orientation information of a body-insertable device introduced into a subject in the reference coordinate axis based on linear magnetic-field information and the earth magnetism direction; and a position calculator that calculates a magnetic field direction of the diffuse magnetic field at the position of the body-insertable device based on the linear magnetic-field information, orientation information, and diffuse magnetic-field information, and calculates the position of the body-insertable device based on the magnetic field direction and correspondence recorded.