In-vivo Device Dual Communication Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
In-vivo devices face communication challenges due to high power consumption and electromagnetic interference in RF communication, and electrode-based methods are prone to communication gaps due to unstable contact within the gastrointestinal system.
Innovation Solution
An in-vivo device equipped with both primary and auxiliary communication circuits, where the primary circuit uses electrodes for communication and the auxiliary circuit uses RF signals, with a controller monitoring electrical parameters to switch between the two based on communication conditions to maintain continuity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If RF communication is used for data transmission, then communication speed is improved, but power consumption increases and operation time shortens
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between RF communication mode and electrode-based communication mode based on real-time communication quality assessment. When RF communication quality degrades below a threshold, the system transitions to electrode-based communication, and vice versa. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize the balance between communication speed and power consumption according to actual operating conditions.
2Productivity
If RF communication is used, then data transmission capability is improved, but reception sensitivity deteriorates due to electromagnetic interference
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary assessment mechanism that evaluates communication quality parameters (such as signal-to-noise ratio, bit error rate) in real-time. Based on this assessment, the system mediates between RF communication and electrode-based communication modes. When RF interference is detected, the intermediary mechanism triggers a switch to electrode-based communication, thereby protecting reception sensitivity while maintaining data transmission capability.
3Use of energy by moving object
If electrode-based communication is used, then power consumption is reduced, but communication gaps occur due to unstable contact
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically monitors communication quality parameters during electrode-based communication. When contact stability deteriorates below a threshold (indicating impending communication gaps), the system proactively switches to RF communication mode to maintain continuity. This dynamic response prevents communication gaps rather than merely reacting to them, ensuring reliable data transmission while maintaining low power consumption during stable electrode contact.
4Speed
If high radio frequency is used for communication, then data transmission speed is improved, but harm to the human body increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the communication parameter (transmission mode) based on assessed conditions. Instead of continuously using high RF frequency for maximum speed, the system switches to electrode-based communication (zero or minimal RF exposure) when conditions permit, thereby reducing harm to the human body. The parameter change is driven by real-time evaluation of communication quality and environmental factors, allowing the system to achieve necessary data transmission speeds while minimizing harmful RF exposure.
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 approach enhances communication continuity by switching between RF and electrode-based methods, reducing power consumption and minimizing gaps, thereby improving data transfer efficiency and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a first communication circuit to communicate with a receiver external to the in-vivo device by using a first communication protocol while the in-vivo device is in the GI system of a subject
Implementation Method 2
a communication condition monitoring (CCM) circuit to continually monitor an electrical parameter characterizing, or associated with, the communication via the first communication circuit
Data Source
AI summary
An in-vivo device includes a first communication circuit to communicate with an external communication device by using a first communication protocol while the in-vivo device is in the gastrointestinal system of a subject, a communication condition monitoring (CCM) circuit to monitor communication conditions for the first communication circuit, a second communication circuit to communicate with the external communication device by using a second communication protocol, and a controller configured to receive, from the communication condition monitoring (CCM) circuit, a signal indicative of a communication condition of the communication via the first communication circuit, to compare the communication condition to prerequisite communication condition(s), and to activate the first communication circuit and concurrently deactivate the second communication circuit, or vice versa, based on the comparison result.