In-Vivo Device Movement Detection and Command Execution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing in-vivo devices with adaptive frame rate (AFR) capabilities are limited in their ability to execute movement-dependent commands independently of an external receiver/recorder system, particularly when the external system lacks AFR compatibility.
Innovation Solution
A swallowable in-vivo device is equipped with a method to predefine and characterize fiducial command-invoking movements spectrally and temporally, allowing it to autonomously execute commands by distinguishing between command-invoking and interference movements using sensors like accelerometers, magnetometers, and gyroscopes, and a processor for analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If the in-vivo device executes commands autonomously based on movement detection, then operational autonomy is improved, but device complexity increases due to onboard processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by predefining fiducial command-invoking movements and their spectral/temporal characteristics before the device is swallowed. The processor compares detected movements against these pre-stored characteristics, eliminating the need for complex real-time decision algorithms and reducing onboard computational complexity while maintaining autonomous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by analyzing movement signals through spectral and temporal parameter transformations. The processor extracts features such as frequency content, amplitude modulation, and time intervals from raw accelerometer data, converting complex movement patterns into comparable parameter sets that match predefined command-invoking movement signatures.
2Measurement precision
If spectral and temporal analysis is performed on movement signals, then measurement precision is improved, but use of energy increases due to processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by performing spectral and temporal analysis selectively rather than continuously. The processor analyzes movement signals only when acceleration thresholds are exceeded, conducting detailed spectral/temporal processing only for potentially command-invoking movements while using simpler threshold-based filtering for routine movements, thus reducing overall energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the movement analysis process into multiple stages: initial acceleration threshold filtering, spectral analysis of filtered movements, temporal characteristic extraction, and final comparison against predefined patterns. This segmentation allows the system to apply computationally intensive analysis only to movements that pass earlier filtering stages, optimizing the balance between precision and energy use.
3Reliability
If the device distinguishes between command-invoking and interference movements, then reliability is improved, but difficulty of detecting and measuring increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces intermediary elements in the form of fiducial command-invoking movements and their spectral/temporal characteristics as mediators between raw movement detection and command execution. These predefined reference patterns serve as intermediaries that the processor compares against detected movements, providing a systematic framework for distinguishing command-invoking movements from interference without requiring complex classification algorithms.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2(A)~2(G)
Figure 3A~4
AI summary
A swallowable in-vivo device contains a movement detection unit that includes a movement sensing unit, a frequency analyzing unit (FAU) and a time analyzing unit (TAU). The movement sensing unit senses movements of the in-vivo device relative to a non- stationary three-dimensional reference frame, and outputs a movement signal. The frequency analyzing unit may analyze the movement signal spectrally to detect a potential command-invoking movement, and the time analyzing unit may analyze the potential CIM temporally, possibly in conjunction with a series of other movement events, to determine whether the potential CIM is a genuine CIM. If the potential CIM is determined to be a genuine CIM, the in-vivo device may execute a predetermined command associated with the CIM. Otherwise, the in-vivo device may refrain from executing a CIM-related command. A PCB including the movement detection unit and a processor for processing their output is provided for the vivo sensing device.