Wireless Relay System for Capsule Endoscope Signal Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current capsule endoscope systems face challenges in efficiently transmitting in-vivo images from within a subject to a receiving device outside the body, particularly due to interference and the need for reliable power supply for wireless relay devices.
Innovation Solution
A receiver system comprising a capsule endoscope that transmits in-vivo information to wireless relay devices on the body surface, which relay the information to a receiving device using distinct frequencies to prevent interference, and includes a control unit to manage signal transmission and power supply, allowing for efficient image capture and display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single frequency is used for wireless transmission between capsule endoscope and receiving device, then the transmission system is simple, but signal interference occurs and transmission reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless communication system is segmented into multiple frequency channels. The capsule endoscope transmits data using one frequency (e.g., 2.4 GHz), while relay devices on the body surface receive on this frequency and re-transmit to the external receiver on a different frequency (e.g., 5.8 GHz). This frequency segmentation eliminates interference between uplink and downlink signals, improving transmission reliability without requiring complex frequency management at each device.
2Length of stationary object
If wireless relay devices are placed on the body surface to extend transmission range, then transmission distance is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless relay devices on the body surface operate in a periodic duty cycle mode rather than continuously. They activate only when needed to receive data from the capsule endoscope and relay it externally, then enter low-power sleep mode. This periodic operation extends transmission range through relay functionality while significantly reducing overall power consumption compared to continuous transmission.
3Reliability
If the capsule endoscope transmits images continuously, then image quality is maintained, but power consumption of the capsule increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous image transmission, the capsule endoscope transmits images at partial intervals based on peristalsis detection. When peristalsis is detected (indicating movement through the digestive tract), the capsule captures and transmits images. Between peristaltic events, transmission is reduced or suspended. This partial action maintains diagnostic image quality by capturing images at physiologically relevant moments while dramatically reducing power consumption compared to continuous transmission.
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 system enables reliable and interference-free transmission of in-vivo images from the capsule endoscope to the receiving device, improving image quality and reducing power consumption, thus enhancing diagnostic capabilities while simplifying sanitation and mobility.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the wireless relay devices includes an interior side receiving unit that receives in-vivo information transmitted by the capsule endoscope at a first frequency; an exterior side transmitting unit that transmits the in-vivo information at a second frequency
Data Source
AI summary
An object is to provide a receiver system that allows a plurality of antennas to be easily attached onto a body surface without losing receiving functions of the antennas while improving freedom for a living body. A receiver system transmits in-vivo information including in-vivo images received from a capsule endoscope being the interior of a subject to an exterior receiving device via a plurality of wireless relay devices. Each of the wireless relay devices includes a receiving unit that receives the in-vivo information from the capsule endoscope at a first frequency, a transmitting unit that transmits the in-vivo information at a second frequency, a receiving unit that receives a control signal transmitted by the receiving device at the second frequency, and a control unit that controls transmissions and receptions performed by the receiving unit and the transmitting unit based on the control signal.