Ingestible Device GI Tract Localization Using Multi-Wavelength Reflectance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies face challenges in accurately determining the location of ingestible devices within the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, which limits their ability to provide reliable data for medical diagnostics and potential treatments.
Innovation Solution
The development of ingestible devices equipped with processing units and machine-readable storage devices that use light of different wavelengths to determine their location within the GI tract, employing reflectance measurements and data analysis to achieve high accuracy in identifying specific sections such as the duodenum, jejunum, cecum, and colon.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional location determination methods are used for ingestible devices, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and reliability of location data deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses multiple wavelengths of light (different physical parameters) to probe different tissue depths and characteristics. By analyzing reflectance patterns at multiple wavelengths, the system achieves high-precision location determination without requiring complex mechanical or electronic components in the ingestible device itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an external computing device as an intermediary that performs the complex data analysis and location determination algorithms. The ingestible device remains simple while the external system handles the computational complexity, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If high accuracy location determination is achieved using multiple wavelengths and reflectance measurements, then measurement precision improves, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement process into distinct wavelength channels (first wavelength, second wavelength, etc.), with each wavelength providing specific information about different tissue properties. This segmentation simplifies the detection process by breaking down the complex measurement task into manageable spectral components that can be analyzed independently and then integrated.
3Measurement precision
If the ingestible device transmits data to external devices for location determination, then measurement precision improves, but loss of time in data transmission and processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary data processing and feature extraction within the ingestible device before transmission. By pre-processing the reflectance data and extracting key characteristics, the system reduces the amount of data that needs to be transmitted and processed externally, thereby minimizing time loss while maintaining high measurement 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
These devices can accurately determine their location within the GI tract with high precision, enabling reliable data collection and potential local treatments, improving diagnostic capabilities and treatment efficacy.
Implementation Method 1
the first light source is configured to emit light at a first wavelength, and the second light source is configured to emit light at a second wavelength different from the first wavelength
Implementation Method 2
determining a location of the ingestible medical device within the GI tract of a subject based on measured reflected light signals within the GI tract
Implementation Method 3
the first detector is configured to detect light at the first wavelength, and the second detector is configured to detect light at the second wavelength
Data Source
AI summary
Ingestible devices are disclosed that provide very high localization accuracy for the devices when present in the GI tract of a body. Related systems and methods are also disclosed.