Capsule Endoscope Position Estimation Using Signal Difference Thresholds
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current position information estimation systems for capsule endoscopes face challenges in accurately determining the position of the device within the body due to variations in signal levels received from multiple antennas, which can lead to inefficient diagnosis and tracking of the endoscope's movement.
Innovation Solution
A position information estimation system that includes a receiving unit with multiple antennas and an information processor that calculates difference values between signal levels, compares these values to a threshold, and determines the necessity for position estimation, allowing for accurate estimation of the capsule endoscope's position using a calculation unit and position information estimation unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple receiving antennas are used to estimate position information, then position estimation accuracy is improved, but system complexity and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the position estimation process into two distinct segments: a determination unit that decides whether position estimation is necessary based on signal level differences, and a position information estimation unit that performs the actual estimation only when needed. This segmentation reduces system complexity by avoiding continuous position estimation while maintaining accuracy when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs position estimation periodically or conditionally rather than continuously. The determination unit evaluates signal level differences at regular intervals or triggered events, and position estimation is executed only when the evaluation indicates it is necessary, reducing processing overhead while maintaining estimation accuracy.
2Reliability
If continuous position estimation is performed, then position information is always up-to-date, but processing time and computational load increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic evaluation of signal level differences by the determination unit, triggering position estimation only when necessary conditions are met. This approach ensures position information is updated reliably when changes occur while avoiding unnecessary continuous processing that would increase computational load and processing time.
Solution Approach 2:
The determination unit performs preliminary evaluation of signal level differences before initiating position estimation. This preliminary action filters out cases where estimation is unnecessary, reducing overall processing time while ensuring position information is estimated reliably when actual position changes occur.
3Productivity
If signal level differences are used to determine position estimation necessity, then processing efficiency is improved, but position estimation accuracy may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The determination unit performs preliminary analysis of signal level differences from multiple receiving antennas to identify when position estimation is actually necessary. This preliminary action improves processing efficiency by avoiding unnecessary estimation operations while maintaining accuracy by triggering estimation when signal level changes indicate genuine position changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from signal level differences received by multiple antennas to dynamically control when position estimation should occur. This feedback mechanism improves processing efficiency by adapting estimation frequency to actual position change conditions while maintaining estimation accuracy through timely updates when changes are detected.
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 system enables efficient and accurate estimation of the capsule endoscope's position, reducing the time required for position information derivation and enhancing diagnostic capabilities by utilizing multiple antennas to assess signal level differences and determine the need for position estimation.
Implementation Method 1
a body-insertable apparatus (3) that is inserted into a subject and moves through an inside of the subject; a receiving unit that receives information from the body-insertable apparatus
Data Source
AI summary
A position information estimation system includes: a body-insertable apparatus that is inserted into a subject and moves through an inside of the subject; a receiving unit that receives information from the body-insertable apparatus; and an information processor that performs processes on the information acquired from the receiving unit. The receiving unit includes an acquisition antenna that includes a plurality of receiving antennas and acquires information from the body-insertable apparatus. The information processor includes: a calculation unit that calculates difference values between signal levels acquired from the plurality of receiving antennas and corresponding signal levels acquired from the plurality of receiving antennas; a determination unit that compares each of the difference values with a threshold and determining whether to estimate position information; and a position information estimation unit that estimates position information of the body-insertable apparatus when the determination unit has determined that it is necessary to estimate the position information.