Wearable Sensor Belt for In-Vivo Device Localization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional magnetic localization systems for in-vivo devices in the gastrointestinal tract are stationary, limiting the subject's freedom of movement and requiring complex calibration, which complicates accurate localization of the device.
Innovation Solution
A wearable sensor belt with a plurality of magnetic field generating coils and sensors that can be selectively activated and used to generate and sense magnetic fields, allowing for dynamic calibration and accurate localization of the in-vivo device within the gastrointestinal tract.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a stationary magnetic localization system is used, then localization accuracy is maintained, but the subject's freedom of movement is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the stationary magnetic localization system into a dynamic wearable sensor belt that moves with the subject. The sensor belt includes multiple magnetic sensors distributed along its length, allowing it to track the in-vivo device's position relative to different anatomical locations as the subject moves freely. This dynamic configuration maintains localization accuracy while enabling natural subject movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a wearable sensor belt as an intermediary between the subject's body and the localization system. The belt acts as a mobile reference frame that carries magnetic sensors close to the GI tract, enabling accurate position measurement without requiring the subject to remain stationary or the system to be externally fixed.
2Ease of operation
If a wearable sensor belt is used to improve freedom of movement, then subject mobility is enhanced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the magnetic localization function into multiple distributed magnetic sensors arranged along the wearable belt. Each sensor independently measures magnetic field characteristics, and the system processes signals from multiple sensors to determine position. This segmentation distributes the measurement function across multiple simple components rather than requiring a single complex sensor.
Solution Approach 2:
The wearable sensor belt serves multiple functions: it acts as a structural support for the sensors, provides a flexible mounting platform that adapts to the subject's body contour, and creates a mobile reference coordinate system. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby managing system complexity.
3Measurement precision
If conventional stationary magnetic field sources are used, then localization is achieved, but calibration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-calibration by using the wearable sensor belt's own magnetic sensors to measure the magnetic field generated by the in-vivo device. The system automatically establishes the geometric relationship between the belt and the device during operation, eliminating the need for external calibration equipment or complex manual calibration procedures. The belt's flexible mounting allows automatic adaptation to different subjects and conditions.
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 accurate and flexible localization of in-vivo devices by using a wearable sensor belt that adapts to the subject's movement and body shape, improving the accuracy and reliability of device positioning within the gastrointestinal tract.
Implementation Method 1
an electrical circuit including a plurality N (N being an integer) of magnetic field generating coils for generating magnetic field(s)
Implementation Method 2
a plurality M (M being an integer) of magnetic field sensors for sensing the magnetic field(s) generated by the magnetic field generating coils
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
A wearable sensor belt used as a reference frame for determining a location of an in- vivo device in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, the belt including N magnetic field generating coils and M magnetic field sensors configured for dynamic calibration of the belt's geometry in order to accommodate for dynamic changes in the shape and/or size of the belt from one subject to another, and for dynamic changes in the shape and/or size of the belt as a result of changes in a subject's posture. A method for localizing an in- vivo device swallowed by a subject using a sensor belt is also described.