Capsule Endoscope Position Detection via Resonance Circuit Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional capsule endoscopes lack precise control over their position and movement within a subject, limiting their observational capabilities compared to traditional endoscopes, as they rely on peristaltic movements and require accurate detection of their position and direction for external magnetic field guidance.

Innovation Solution

A position detecting system comprising a body-insertable apparatus with an oscillation circuit and resonance circuit generating a resonance magnetic field, and an external apparatus with a drive coil and magnetic field sensor to derive the position of the capsule endoscope using resonance frequency signals and switching mechanisms to manage power consumption and precision.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the oscillation circuit is continuously operated to generate resonance magnetic field for position detection, then position detection precision is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition detection precisionVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The oscillation circuit is operated periodically rather than continuously. The control circuit activates the oscillation circuit at specific intervals to generate resonance magnetic field signals for position detection, then deactivates it when detection is not required. This periodic operation maintains adequate position detection precision while significantly reducing overall power consumption of the capsule endoscope.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters dynamically based on detection requirements. When position detection is needed, the oscillation circuit frequency and amplitude are adjusted to optimal values for signal strength. When detection is not needed, these parameters are reduced or stopped, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining detection precision when required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If the capsule endoscope uses peristaltic movement of digestive organs for transport, then device complexity is reduced, but control precision over position and movement deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidposition control precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback control for position detection. The oscillation circuit generates resonance magnetic field signals that are detected by external magnets or sensors. The control circuit processes these detection signals to determine the capsule's position and direction within the digestive tract, providing continuous feedback that enables precise position control despite using passive peristaltic movement for transport.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces active mechanical propulsion mechanisms with passive peristaltic movement utilization. Instead of incorporating complex mechanical drive systems, the capsule leverages the natural peristaltic movements of the digestive organs. Position control is achieved through magnetic field-based detection and guidance rather than mechanical actuation, reducing device complexity while maintaining adequate position control precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If magnetic field generating means is added to enable external magnetic field guidance, then movement control capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemovement control capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The oscillation circuit serves multiple functions: it generates resonance magnetic field signals for position detection, enables communication with external devices, and facilitates magnetic field-based guidance. By making this single component multi-functional, the system achieves improved movement control capability through external magnetic field guidance without proportionally increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the position detection function and magnetic field response function into a unified system. The oscillation circuit and resonance magnetic field generating means are integrated, allowing the same component to both detect position via resonance signals and respond to external magnetic fields for guidance. This merging reduces overall device complexity while maintaining enhanced movement control capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Enables accurate and efficient detection and control of the capsule endoscope's position and movement, improving its observational capabilities by switching between active and passive modes based on power source voltage and signal intensity, thereby optimizing power usage and precision.

Implementation Method 1

a resonance circuit that generates a resonance magnetic field having a resonance frequency in accordance with the induction signal output from the oscillation circuit or a drive magnetic field having the resonance frequency

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Implementation Method 2

detecting an induced magnetic field generated by a magnetic field applied from the outside (hereinbelow, called a drive magnetic field) by the LC resonance circuit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

a magnetic field sensor that detects the resonance magnetic field

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field detection: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 4

a drive coil that generates the drive magnetic field in the detection space in accordance with the drive signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS8049503B2Position detecting system and position detecting method
Publication Date: 2011.11.01 OLYMPUS CORPORATION(JP)
  • US8049503B2 patent drawing
  • US8049503B2 patent drawing
  • US8049503B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A system includes a body-insertable apparatus disposed while introduced in a subject in a detection space, and an external apparatus disposed on the outside of the subject. The body-insertable apparatus includes a first switch for connecting/interrupting a resonance circuit and an oscillation circuit or a ground line. The external apparatus includes a drive coil driving unit for outputting a drive signal having the resonance frequency; a drive coil for generating the drive magnetic field in the detection space in accordance with the drive signal; and a second switch for connecting/interrupting the drive coil driving unit and the drive coil. The second switch connects the drive coil driving unit and the drive coil when the first switch is off, and disconnects them when the first switch is on. The resonance circuit generates the resonance magnetic field in accordance with the induction signal or the drive magnetic field.