Side-Scan Infrared Imaging for Subsurface GI Tract Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ingestible cameras for gastrointestinal imaging are limited to capturing images on the surface of the GI tract tissue and cannot detect conditions existing below the surface.
Innovation Solution
The development of an ingestible imaging device equipped with a thermal infrared ring-array imager that uses side-scan infrared imaging to capture images below the tissue surface by detecting thermal infrared radiation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional ingestible cameras use reflective light imaging, then surface tissue images can be captured, but conditions below the tissue surface cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the imaging parameter from visible/reflective light to thermal infrared radiation. This parameter change enables detection of thermal emissions from deep within tissue (up to several millimeters below surface) without requiring complex illumination systems, as all living tissue naturally emits thermal infrared radiation that can be detected by appropriate sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical illumination system (light sources, mirrors, lenses) used in conventional reflective imaging with a passive thermal detection system. This substitution eliminates the need for complex internal light sources and illumination optics, reducing device complexity while enabling deeper tissue penetration through natural thermal radiation detection.
2Reliability
If thermal infrared radiation is used for imaging, then detection capability below tissue surface is improved, but device design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a ring-shaped array of thermal infrared detectors positioned around the imaging device, with each detector element oriented to scan a specific angular sector. This local specialization allows the system to achieve comprehensive 360-degree coverage and deep tissue detection accuracy while keeping each individual detector element relatively simple in design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from conventional 2D surface imaging to 3D volumetric detection by using a ring-shaped detector array that captures thermal radiation from multiple angular perspectives simultaneously. This dimensional enhancement enables detection of subsurface structures at various depths without proportionally increasing overall device complexity, as the ring geometry efficiently utilizes spatial arrangement.
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
Enables early detection of abnormal conditions such as tumors, cysts, or abnormal vessels below the GI tract surface, improving diagnostic capabilities beyond surface-level imaging.
Implementation Method 1
a ring-shaped detector element comprising a circular array of infrared detectors configured to detect thermal infrared radiation
Implementation Method 2
a focusing element configured to focus incident infrared radiation towards the circular array of infrared detectors
Implementation Method 3
The ring-shaped focusing element comprises a plurality of pinholes to focus incident infrared energy towards the infrared detectors
Data Source
AI summary
Infrared imaging devices are provided which are configured to implement side-scan infrared imaging for, e.g., medical applications. For example, an imaging device includes a ring-shaped detector element comprising a circular array of infrared detectors configured to detect thermal infrared radiation, and a focusing element configured to focus incident infrared radiation towards the circular array of infrared detectors. The imaging device can be an ingestible imaging device (e.g., swallowable camera) or the imaging device can be implemented as part of an endoscope device, for example.