In-Vivo Camera Superpixel Readout for Battery and Response Trade-Off
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Solution Overview
Problem
Swallowable in-vivo devices face challenges in efficiently managing battery power consumption during image transmission from the gastrointestinal tract, as existing adaptive frame rate techniques waste energy by transmitting redundant images when stationary and have slow response times to movement changes.
Innovation Solution
The device employs a pixel array that operates in superpixel and single pixel readout modes, autonomously determining when to capture and transmit images based on movement detection and scene changes, using a controller to adjust the frame rate dynamically and conserve battery power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If adaptive frame rate technique uses low frame rate when stationary, then battery power consumption is reduced, but response time to detect movement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel array is divided into multiple blocks that can be read out independently. The system segments the image data acquisition into different modes: full frame readout for normal operation and partial block readout for motion detection, allowing rapid movement detection without requiring full image transmission at high frame rates
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary motion detection by reading out selected blocks of the pixel array at high frame rates before committing to full frame transmission. This preliminary action allows the system to detect movement early and only transmit full images when necessary, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining fast response
2Loss of time
If adaptive frame rate technique uses high frame rate to detect movement quickly, then response time to movement is improved, but battery power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of performing full frame readout and transmission at high frame rates, the system performs partial action by reading out only selected blocks of the pixel array. This partial readout provides sufficient information for motion detection while consuming significantly less power than complete frame transmission at high rates
3Loss of information
If the device transmits all captured images, then complete GI tract coverage is achieved, but unnecessary battery energy is wasted on redundant images
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from motion detection results to control image transmission. When no motion is detected between consecutive blocks, the system determines the image is redundant and skips transmission. This feedback mechanism ensures complete GI tract coverage is maintained while eliminating unnecessary energy expenditure on duplicate images
Data Source
AI summary
Methods for capturing and transmitting images by an in-vivo device comprise operating a pixel array in a superpixel readout mode to capture probe image, for example, according to a time interval. Concurrently to capturing of each probe image, the probe image is evaluated alone or in conjunction with other probe image(s), and if it is determined that no event of interest is detected by the last probe image, or by the last few probe images, the pixel array is operated in the superpixel readout mode and a subsequent probe image is captured. However, if it is determined that the last probe image, or the last few probe images, detected an event of interest, the pixel array is operated in a single pixel readout mode and a single normal image, or a series of normal image, is captured and transmitted, for example, to an external receiver.