Ingestible Capsule Pose Detection for Gastrointestinal Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current invasive diagnostic methods for the gastrointestinal tract, such as colonoscopy and endoscopy, are costly, uncomfortable, and require highly trained personnel, limiting their use for asymptomatic individuals and frequent screenings.
Innovation Solution
A miniature, non-tethered ingestible capsule with an imaging device, transmitter, and pose detection system that provides real-time images and data from the gastrointestinal tract, allowing for non-invasive, self-administered examinations without the need for trained personnel and reducing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If invasive diagnostic methods such as colonoscopy are used, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but patient comfort and convenience deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical invasive colonoscopy system with an ingestible capsule containing imaging devices that travels through the gastrointestinal tract, eliminating the need for mechanical insertion of large instruments and providing diagnostic images without compromising patient comfort
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an ingestible capsule as an intermediary device that captures images internally from within the gastrointestinal tract, serving as a mediator between the diagnostic need and the patient's anatomy, thereby maintaining diagnostic accuracy while improving comfort
2Measurement precision
If invasive diagnostic procedures are performed, then diagnostic capability is improved, but healthcare costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a disposable ingestible capsule that is inexpensive to manufacture and use, replacing expensive reusable equipment like colonoscopes, thereby reducing overall healthcare costs while maintaining diagnostic capability
Solution Approach 2:
The ingestible capsule is self-contained with its own power source, imaging devices, and data transmission capabilities, eliminating the need for expensive specialized equipment and highly trained personnel required for traditional invasive procedures
3Measurement precision
If traditional endoscopy equipment is used, then imaging capability is improved, but device complexity and operational difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the complex endoscopy system into a simple ingestible capsule that performs imaging independently, with results transmitted externally, separating the complex imaging functions from the simple administration process
Solution Approach 2:
The ingestible capsule integrates multiple functions including imaging, illumination, and data transmission within a single device, eliminating the need for complex external equipment and reducing operational difficulty
Data Source
AI summary
A miniature ingestible capsule has multiple therapeutic or diagnostic operations that can be performed. These functions are controlled by a combination of an outside control, a pose beacon and through information relayed from an imagining array and transmitter. These functions can be in a separate capsule without an imaging array or within the same capsule with an imaging array. Typically, there is one function performed in addition to imaging. These functions can include suction and spray capabilities, ultrasound sensor, lithotripsy, laser, heat, electrocautery, BICAP, biopsy forceps, a needle knife snare cautery (cold and hot with continuous or pulsed current for cutting and coagulation), with a basket, and fine needle aspiration with various wheels and fins and motors controlled externally and other tools to be used in humans. All of these tools can be attached to a retractable arm. Also, they can be used on an elevator device that lifts them, allowing for an extra 180° of movement.