Capsule Endoscope Activation Control via External Signal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional capsule endoscopes start capturing and transmitting images outside the body before being introduced, resulting in unnecessary data collection and power wastage, and continue transmitting regardless of communication status, leading to inefficient data acquisition and reduced device lifespan.
Innovation Solution
A wireless in-vivo information acquiring apparatus that uses a radio receiving unit to control the activation of its functions based on control signals, only activating after a predetermined time or upon receiving a communication permission signal, ensuring data collection and transmission occur only when the device is inside the body and communication status is good.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the capsule endoscope starts capturing and transmitting images immediately after being taken out of the package, then the imaging function can be activated quickly, but unnecessary data collection and power wastage occur outside the body
Solution Approach 1:
The capsule endoscope performs preliminary actions by capturing and storing image data immediately after activation, then transmits this pre-captured data to the external device. This allows the imaging function to be activated quickly without causing unnecessary energy wastage, as the data is already captured and ready for transmission once the subject is properly positioned.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the external device to control the transmission timing. The capsule endoscope waits for a transmission start signal from the external device before actually transmitting the captured image data. This feedback mechanism ensures that transmission only occurs when necessary, preventing energy wastage while maintaining quick activation capability.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If the capsule endoscope continuously transmits images regardless of communication status, then data transmission can be maintained without interruption, but the device lifespan is reduced due to inefficient data acquisition
Solution Approach 1:
The capsule endoscope continuously monitors communication status through feedback signals from the external device. Based on this feedback, the system dynamically adjusts transmission behavior - transmitting data when communication status is good and stopping transmission when communication fails. This feedback mechanism extends device lifespan by preventing inefficient continuous transmission while maintaining continuous data acquisition capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission system transitions from a static continuous transmission mode to a dynamic conditional transmission mode. The capsule endoscope adjusts its transmission behavior in real-time based on communication status, switching between active transmission and standby states. This dynamic adjustment extends device lifespan by avoiding unnecessary transmission operations while maintaining operational flexibility.
3Device complexity
If the capsule endoscope transmits data without checking communication status, then transmission operations can be simplified, but power is wasted transmitting unreceivable data
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback signals from the external device to monitor communication status and control transmission operations. The capsule endoscope receives feedback about communication quality and adjusts its transmission behavior accordingly, only transmitting data when the external device is ready to receive it. This feedback mechanism prevents power wastage on unreceivable data transmission while adding minimal complexity to the control system.
Solution Approach 2:
The capsule endoscope performs self-monitoring of communication status using the feedback signals from the external device. The system automatically decides when to transmit and when to remain in standby state based on its own assessment of communication quality. This self-service approach prevents power wastage on unnecessary transmission operations while keeping the control mechanism relatively simple.
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 prevents unnecessary image data collection and power consumption, ensuring accurate and efficient data acquisition while prolonging the device's operational life by only transmitting data when the communication status is good.
Implementation Method 1
a radio receiving unit (27) that receives control signals sequentially transmitted from outside the body
Data Source
AI summary
A communication apparatus (3) arranged outside a subject (1) has an external device (32) which sequentially transmits control signals. A capsule endoscope (2) is introduced inside the subject (1). Thereafter, a system control circuit controls a driving of an intra-capsule function executing circuit so as to start driving at a previously set given time, by supplying driving power to the intra-capsule function executing circuit to control the driving thereof based on a result of detection by a control-signal detecting circuit which is provided in the capsule endoscope (2) and which detects a discontinuous state of input of the control signals. Thus, a collection and transmission of images inside the subject can be performed accurately.In addition, a transmitting unit generates and transmits a communication confirmation signal to the communication apparatus. In response, a receiving unit receives a communication permission signal from the communication apparatus. A communication controller determines whether to transmit in-vivo information or not based on the state of reception of the communication permission signal.