Ingestible Capsule Real-Time Location via Electromagnetic Signal Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current diagnostic tools, such as ingestible capsules, can sense and transmit physiological parameters within the body but lack the ability to accurately determine the real-time location of the capsule within a mammalian tract, which is crucial for precise data interpretation and targeted medicament delivery or fluid sampling.
Innovation Solution
The method involves providing a capsule with sensors to determine physiological parameters and a transmitter to send signals, allowing for the determination of the capsule's real-time location within the tract based on the received signal, using techniques such as phase difference, time difference, or signal strength, and optionally incorporating medicament dispensing or fluid sampling capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If an ingestible capsule is used to sense and transmit physiological parameters, then diagnostic data can be obtained from within the body, but the real-time location of the capsule cannot be determined
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary electromagnetic signal transmission system between the capsule and external receivers. The capsule transmits electromagnetic signals that are received by external antennas, and the location is determined by analyzing the signals from multiple receivers. This intermediary signal system enables location determination without direct physical measurement of the capsule's position.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical location tracking systems with an electromagnetic field-based system. Instead of using mechanical markers or physical tracking devices, the capsule uses electromagnetic signal transmission and reception, with location determined through signal analysis (phase difference, time difference, or signal strength) from multiple external receivers.
2Loss of time
If the capsule transmits signals continuously for location determination, then real-time location can be tracked, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic signal transmission by the capsule rather than continuous transmission. The capsule transmits electromagnetic signals at periodic intervals, and the external system processes these periodic signals to determine location over time. This periodic action reduces the energy consumption of the capsule while still enabling real-time location tracking through cumulative data analysis.
3Measurement precision
If multiple receivers are used to determine capsule location, then location precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the external receiver system with multi-functionality. The same receivers that detect electromagnetic signals for location determination also serve as physiological parameter sensors. This universal system performs both location tracking and physiological monitoring functions, reducing the need for separate specialized devices and thereby managing complexity while maintaining precision.
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 enables precise location determination of the capsule, allowing for accurate monitoring of its progression through the body and targeted interventions, enhancing diagnostic data accuracy and treatment efficacy.
Implementation Method 1
the capsule also having a transmitter operatively arranged to transmit a signal reflective of the sensed parameter
Implementation Method 2
sensors to determine at least two physiological parameters of the tract, such as pH, pressure, temperature, transit time
Implementation Method 3
determining the real-time location of the capsule within the tract as a function of the received signal
Implementation Method 4
techniques such as phase difference, time difference, or signal strength
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention broadly provides an improved ingestible capsule (28) that is arranged to sense one or more physiological parameters within a mammalian body, an to transmit such parameters to an extra-corporeal receiver (50). In use, the capsule and receiver perform the method of determining the real-time location of the capsule within a tract of a mammal. This method includes the steps of providing the capsule, the capsule having one or more sensors, ingesting the capsule, transmitting a signal from the capsule, receiving the transmitted signal, and determining the real-time location of the capsule within the tract as a function of the received signal. The received signal may also indicate the value of one or more sensed parameters.