Optical Localization in an Electromechanical Pill for GI Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for analyzing the gastrointestinal (GI) tract are limited by the accuracy of data retrieval, which depends on precise location identification within the tract, and in vivo location detection is challenging due to variations in tract segments and individual differences.
Innovation Solution
An ingestible device with axial and radial optical sensing units that transmit and detect illumination to identify location based on reflectance, using a processing module to determine position within the GI tract.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If in vivo location detection methods are used in the GI tract, then location information can be obtained, but the accuracy is reduced due to substances like blood and individual anatomical differences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from single-dimensional location detection to multi-dimensional detection by implementing both axial optical sensing (along the longitudinal axis) and radial optical sensing (perpendicular to the axis). This dual-dimensional approach provides comprehensive spatial information about the device position within the GI tract, overcoming the limitations of single-direction detection when substances like blood are present.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensing system is divided into separate axial and radial optical sensing sub-units, each independently detecting reflectance in its specific direction. This segmentation allows the system to process and analyze different directional reflectance data separately, improving the ability to identify location despite the presence of interfering substances in any single detection path.
2Measurement precision
If single-direction optical sensing is used, then device complexity is reduced, but location identification accuracy is insufficient due to GI tract variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds radial optical sensing perpendicular to the axial direction, creating a multi-dimensional sensing capability. This dimensional expansion provides more comprehensive spatial information for location identification, enabling the system to distinguish between different GI tract segments more accurately despite the increased complexity of having multiple sensing sub-units.
3Measurement precision
If axial and radial optical sensing sub-units are implemented, then location identification accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the axial and radial optical sensing sub-units into a single cohesive sensing system with unified processing logic. The processing module combines data from both sub-units to determine device position, merging their functionalities to achieve accurate 3D localization while managing system complexity through integrated architecture rather than separate independent systems.
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
Enhances the accuracy of location identification within the GI tract by utilizing axial and radial reflectance data to determine the device's position, allowing for precise tracking and potential data collection or substance release at specific locations.
Implementation Method 1
an axial optical sensing sub-unit located proximal to at least one of the first end and the second end, the axial optical sensing sub-unit being configured to transmit an axial illumination towards an environment external to the housing and to detect an axial reflectance from the environment resulting from the axial illumination
Implementation Method 2
a radial optical sensing sub-unit located proximal to the radial wall, the radial optical sensing sub-unit being configured to transmit a radial illumination towards the environment external to the housing and to detect a radial reflectance from the environment resulting from the radial illumination
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments are described herein for a device, system, and method for identifying a location of an ingestible device within a gastrointestinal tract of a body. In some embodiments, the ingestible device includes a sensing unit with an axial optical sensing sub-unit located proximal to at least one end of the device, and a radial optical sensing sub-unit located proximal to a radial wall of the device, and may autonomously identify a location within the gastrointestinal tract. In some embodiments, the ingestible device includes optical illumination sources and detectors that operate at a plurality of different wavelengths, and may discern regions of a gastrointestinal tract by using the reflection properties of organ tissue and occasional particulates. In some embodiments, the ingestible device may sample fluid or release medicament based on a detected device location.