WO2007074430A1 - Device, system and method for activation of an in vivo device - Google Patents

Abstract

A system device and a method for imaging, for example, endo-luminal areas. The system may include an in-vivo imag device such as a swallowable capsule (40), and a holder for holding the device (80). A switch (48) such as a normally closed M switch may be used in an in-vivo device to alter a mode or operation; for example, to disconnect the power unit (45) from electri circuitry during storage or the in-vivo device by introducing a magnetic field (84) in the proximity of the in-vivo device.

Description

DEVICE, SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ACTIVATION OF AN IN VIVO DEVICE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to the field of in-vivo devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to a device, system and method for activating an in vivo device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Devices and methods for performing in-vivo imaging of passages or cavities within a body, and for gathering information other than or in addition to image information (e.g., temperature information, pressure information), are known in the art. Such devices may include, inter alia, various endoscopic imaging systems and devices for performing imaging in various internal body cavities. An in-vivo imaging device may include, for example, an imaging system for obtaining images from inside a body cavity or lumen, such as the Gl tract. The imaging system may include, for example, an illumination unit, an optical system, and possibly a transmitter and antenna. Other types of in-vivo devices exist, such as endoscopes that may not require a transmitter, and devices performing functions other than imaging.

There is a need for a system device and method for allowing an efficient and effective activation of an in vivo device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to some embodiments of the present invention, a system for in- vivo imaging may include at least an in-vivo device including at least a sensor and a switch, such as a reed switch or MEMS switch; and a holder such as an external holding device for holding the in-vivo imaging device, the external holding device including at least a magnetic field source producing a magnetic field sufficient to control the switch. The sensor may be for example an imager. The in-vivo device may include at least a transmitter. According to one embodiment of the invention there is provided a swaϊlowable imaging capsule which is operated by a switch internal to the capsule. The capsule is carried within a holding device which has a magnet incorporated into it. The capsule is kept in the holding device and the holding device is kept within a packaging prior to use. While the capsule is held within the holding device, the magnet in the holding device will control the switch within the capsule to keep the capsule inactive. Typically, upon use, the holding device which contains the capsule is released from it's packaging and the holding device is handed to a patient so that the patient may free the capsule from the holding device, without the doctor having to touch the capsule. Once the capsule is freed from the holding device and thus taken away from the magnet in the holding device, the capsule may be activated and may be ready for the patient to swallow immediately.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The subject matter regarded as the invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. The invention, however, both as to organization and method of operation, together with objects, features and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following detailed description when read with the accompanied drawings in which: Fig. 1 is a schematic illustration of an in-vivo imaging system in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; and

Figs. 2A-2B depict an in-vivo device and a holder for holding the device, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements shown in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements may be exaggerated relative to other elements for clarity. Further, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following description, various aspects of the present invention will be described. For purposes of explanation, specific configurations and details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will also be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without the specific details presented herein. Furthermore, well- known features may be omitted or simplified in order not to obscure the present invention. Embodiments of the system and method of the present invention are typically used in conjunction with an in-vivo sensing system or device such as described in U.S. patent 5,604,531 to lddan et al. and/or in International Application number WO 01/65995 entitled "A Device And System For In-Vivo Imaging", published on 13 September, 2001. However, a device, system and method according to various embodiments of the present invention may be used with any in-vivo device, for example, any capsule endoscopes that may be controlled by a switch. Alternate embodiments of the system and method of the present invention may be used with other devices, non-imaging and/or non-in-vivo devices. Embodiments of the in-vivo device may typically be autonomous and may typically be self-contained. For example, the in-vivo device may be a capsule or another unit where all the components may be substantially contained within a container or shell, and where the in-vivo device may not require any wires or cables to, for example, receive power or transmit information. The in-vivo device may communicate with an external receiving and display system to provide display of data, control, or other functions. For example, power may be provided by an internal battery or a wireless receiving system. Other embodiments may have other configurations and capabilities. For example, components may be distributed over multiple sites or units. Control information may be received from an external source. A system according to some embodiments of the invention may include an in-vivo sensing device transmitting information (e.g., images or other data) to a data receiver and/or recorder possibly close to or worn on a subject. According to some embodiments data is transmitted from the device on radio frequencies (RF). A data receiver and/or recorder may take other suitable configurations. The data receiver and/or recorder may transfer the received information to a larger computing device, such as a workstation or personal computer, where the data may be further analyzed, stored, and/or displayed to a user. In other embodiments, each of the various components need not be required; for example, an internal device may transmit or otherwise transfer (e.g., by wire) information directly to a viewing or processing system.

Reference is made to Fig. 1, which schematically illustrates an in-vivo system, such as system 10, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. System 10 may include, for example an in-vivo device such as an autonomous in-vivo imaging capsule device 40 for imaging a body lumen, a capsule holding device, such as a holder 80 for sterile handling and holding the device 40 and a package 60 for packaging, for example the holder 80 with the device 40.

In one embodiment, a device 40 may be, for example, a swallowable capsule capturing images, but may also be another device that may collect information other than or in addition to image information. Typically, device 40 may include at least one sensor such as, for example, an imager 46, for capturing images, a processing chip or circuit 47 that processes the signals generated by the imager 46, and one or more illumination sources 42, for example one or more white LEDs (Light Emitting Diode), OLEDs (Organic LED) or any other suitable light source, for illuminating the body lumen. An optical system 50, including, for example, one or more optical elements, such as one or more lenses or composite lens assemblies, one or more suitable optical filters, or any other suitable optical elements that may aid in focusing reflected light onto the imager 46 and that may perform other light processing. Processing chip 47 need not be a separate component; for example, processing or a processing chip may be integral to the imager 46, or may not be needed. The sensor may be another type of sensor, such as a temperature sensor, a pH sensor, a pressure sensor, or other suitable sensor.

Device 40 typically may include a transmitter/receiver 41 , for transmitting image data and/or receiving data and possibly other information (e.g., control information) to and from a receiving device. The transmitter 41 may typically be an ultra low power radio frequency (RF) transmitter/receiver with high bandwidth input, possibly provided in chip scale packaging. The transmitter/receiver 41 may transmit via an antenna 49. The transmitter/receiver 41 may also include circuitry and functionality for controlling the device 40. Typically, the device 40 may include a power source or a power unit 45, such as one or more batteries. For example, the power source 45 may include silver oxide batteries, lithium batteries, or other electrochemical cells having a high energy density, or the like. Other suitable power sources may be used; for example power source 45 may be a unit designed to receive power from an external source. In one embodiment, the imager 46 may be a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) imaging camera. Such a CMOS imager may typically be an ultra low power imager and may be provided in chip scale packaging (CSP). According to other embodiments a 320x320 pixel imager may be used. Pixel size may be between 5 to 6 micron. According to some embodiments pixels may be each fitted with a micro lens. Other types of CMOS imagers may be used. In another embodiment, another imager may be used, such as a CCD imager, or another suitable imager.

In an embodiment of the present invention, device 40 may include a switch such as a switch 48, for example a normally closed MEMS switch or other suitable switch, such as a reed switch, that may open in the presence of a magnetic field. Switch 48 may be used, for example, to disconnect power source 45 during storage and/or during periods of time at which it is desired to keep device 40 dormant. For example, in an embodiment of the present invention, switch 48 may be connected to an electrical circuit that includes power source 45, and since switch 48 is normally closed, it may keep the electrical circuit closed when not in the presence of a magnetic field. Additionally or alternatively, at times when it is desired that the device 40 not be operational, for example, when the device 40 may be in storage, or just prior to use, such as when the device 40 is in holder 80 but no longer in package 60, the device 40 may be placed in proximity to a magnetic field and thus switch 48 may be kept open thus disconnecting any suitable electrical circuit, for example, a circuit that includes power source 45.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that switch 48 may be used for various functionalities within the device 40, for example, to bring an electrical circuit within the device 40 from a closed mode to an open mode, or vice versa. Additionally or alternatively, switch 48 may be used to change a property or mode of the device 40 and/or its functionality, for example, switch 48 may be electrically connected to a processing chip 47, or to processing circuit on the imager 46 and its operation may for example change the image capturing rate of the device 40. The operation of switch 48 may control a circuit that in turn controls the operation or on/off state of the device 40. It is noted that, in embodiments of the present invention, device 40 may include a switch 48 or a plurality of switches 48, to perform one or more of such functionalities, to close and/or open one or more of such electrical circuits, or to connect and/or disconnect one or more power sources similar to power source 45. As described in detail below, keeping switch 48 in an open mode may be achieved, for example, by a external magnet which is typically integrated or attached to the capsule holding device, such as a permanent magnet, a ballast magnet, an electromagnetic coil, and the like.

Typically, the device 40 may be swallowed by a patient and may traverse a patient's Gl tract, however, other body lumens or cavities may be imaged or examined. The device 40 may transmit image and possibly other data to components located outside the patient's body, which may receive and process the data. Typically, located outside the patient's body in one or more locations, are a receiver, typically including an antenna or antenna array, for receiving image and possibly other data from device 40, a receiver storage unit, for storing image and other data, a data processor, a data processor storage unit, an optional data decompression module for decompressing compressed data, and a display, such as for example an image monitor, for displaying, inter alia, the images transmitted by the device 40 and recorded by the receiver. Typically, the receiver and receiver storage unit may be small and portable, and may be worn on the patient's body during recording of the images. Typically, data processor, data processor storage unit and monitor may be part of a personal computer or workstation, which may include standard components such as, for example, a controller or processor, a memory (e.g., storage, or other memory), a disk drive, and input-output devices, although alternate configurations are possible. In alternate embodiments, the data reception and storage components may be of another configuration. Further, image and other data may be received in other manners, by other sets of components. Typically, in operation, image data is transferred to the data processor, which, in conjunction with processor and software, stores, possibly processes, and displays the image data on a monitor. Other systems and methods of storing and/or displaying collected image data may be used.

According to some embodiments of the present invention a holder such as the holder 80 may include a socket or niche 82 for holding the device 40 body and a magnet such as a permanent magnet 84, or another suitable source of a magnetic field. The holder may further include a handle by which a nurse or doctor may hold the holder without touching the device 40.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, a package such as a package 60 may include a base 62 and a cover such as a transparent sterile upper plastic cover 64. The package 60 may be made of any material suitable for storing device 40 within holder 80. For example, package 60 may be a blister type package in which cover 64 is made of a firm but flexible plastic and base 62 is a foil of material which may be ruptured by pressure applied by a user. The holder 80 and the device 40 may be released from the package 60 by exerting pressure on them, through the cover 64 in the direction of the base 62 of the package 60, until the base 62 is ruptured, releasing the holder 80 device 40 inserted therein.

In some embodiments a magnetic field to control a switch within an in-vivo device, such as device 40, may be produced by a magnet in a holder, such as holder 80 designed to hold the in-vivo device, possibly by a user, for example before swallowing the device 40. Removing the device 40, for example from the holder 80 distances the device 40 from the magnet in holder 80 and this may alter the mode of the device 40, for example switch the device from dormant to non- dormant mode, or turning the device 40 on. Other mode changes may occur. In some embodiments, the in-vivo device 40 may include a normally closed switch, such as a normally closed MEMS switch 84 or another suitable switch such as a reed switch. Such an arrangement may, in some embodiments, allow for the elimination of circuitry converting a signal from a normally open switch, reducing components, current consumption, etc. Other or different benefits may occur.

Figs. 2A and 2B schematically illustrate a side view and an isometric view of a device, such as device 40 and a holder such as a holder 80 for holding the device 40, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. A holder, for example holder 80 may include a holding part 86 for sterile holding the device 40. The device 40 may be positioned in the holder 80, using for example a balance cup or a stop 88, in alignment with the holder 80, such that the magnet 84 inhibits the switch 48 or the power source 45 which provides power to the entirety of electrical elements of the device 40. Components as described elsewhere herein are not shown in Figs. 2A and 2B for the sake of clarity. Switch 48 may be, for example, a normally closed switch, such as a MEMS switch or other suitable switch. A closed switch may cause device 40 to operate. When open the switch may cause device 40 to be inactive. Other suitable mode changes may be effected. Holder 80 may contain or partially contain device 40 and may include a permanent magnet 84, or another suitable source of a magnetic field. Holder 80 may be made from plastic, glass, metal or other suitable material. When device 40 is inserted in holder 80, magnet 84 may cause switch 48 to be open, which may for example prevent the operation of device 40. When device 40 is removed from (or a certain distance from) holder 80, switch 48 may be closed, which may for example cause or start the operation of device 40. Other suitable holding structures may be used, and other mode changes may be effected.

The device 40 may remain inactivated when it is released for example from a package and may be activated only when releasing the device 40 from the holder 80. According to some embodiments of the present invention a user may hold the holder 80 in his hand and may use his mouth to extract the device 40 out of the holder 80. For example the device 40 may be snapped out of the holder 80 to be swallowed by the patient. Once the device 40 is released from the holder 80, for example in a patient's mouth, it is distanced from the magnet 84 and the device 40 is activated e.g. the imaging system begins capturing images.

Typically, a holding device according to embodiments of the invention is less suitable for long term packaging or packaging for shipment of a capsule endoscope. According to some embodiments the holding device is more suitable for sterile handling of the capsule endoscope until it is ingested and for keeping the capsule endoscope inactive until just prior to ingestion so as to ensure a minimum of RF transmission from the capsule which is not masked by the patient's body.

While certain features of the invention have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications, substitutions, changes, and equivalents may occur to those of ordinary skill in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the invention.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A system for in-vivo imaging comprising: an in-vivo device the device comprises a sensor and a switch; and a holder for holding the device, the holder comprising a magnetic field source producing a magnetic field sufficient to control the switch.

2. The system of claim 1 , comprising a package for packaging the holder and the in-vivo device.

3. The system of claim 1 , wherein the sensor is an imager.

4. The system of claim 1 , wherein the switch is MEMS switch.

5. The system of claim 1 , wherein the MEMS switch is operable to alter the mode of the device.

6. The system of claim 1 , wherein the in-vivo device comprises a transmitter.

7. The system of claim 1 , wherein the in-vivo device comprises a power source.

8. The system of claim 1 , wherein the MEMS switch is a normally closed MEMS switch.

9. The system of claim 1 , wherein the in-vivo device is a swallowable capsule.

10. A holder suitable for holding therein an in-vivo device, the holder comprising; a socket for holding the device body; a handle for holding the holder without touching the device; and a magnet.

11. The holder of claim 10, comprising a stop for aligning the in-vivo device with the magnet.

12. The holder of claim 10, wherein the in-vivo device is a swallowable capsule.

13. The holder of claim 10, wherein the in-vivo device comprises an imager a transmitter and a switch.

14. The holder of claim 13, wherein the switch is MEMS switch.