AU2008202329A1 - A Device and System for In Vivo Imaging - Google Patents

Description

P01l Section 29 Regulation 3.2(2)

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT Application Number: Lodged: Invention Title: A Device and System for In Vivo Imaging The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to us: P111AHAU/1107 00 A DEVICE AND SYSTEM FOR IN VIVO IMAGING FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an in vivo imaging device and system such as for imaging the digestive tract.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 0Among known in vivo measuring systems are endoscopes, which are often Sutilized to provide images of the upper or lower gastro-intestinal tract. However.

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1 endoscopes do not provide views of the entire length of the small intestines. Additionally: they are uncomfortable, may cause damage to the patient and are complex to operate.

Swallowable electronic capsules which are moved through the digestive tracl through the action of digestion and which collect data and transmit the data to a receiver system are known, one such example is the "Heidelberg" capsule. Yet another example is a capsule disclosed in US 5,604,531. These capsules may be utilized to measure pH: temperature and pressure throughout the intestines.

00 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The device and system of the present invention enable obtaining in vivo images from within body lumens or cavities, such as images of the entire length of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The device and system contain an imaging system that includes a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) imaging camera. The device also contains an ultra low power radio frequency (RF) transmitter for transmitting signals from the CMOS imaging camera to a receiving system.

00 The CMOS imaging camera is an ultra low power imager, has low sensitivity to Sthe red spectrum and is provided in chip scale packaging (CSP). The transmitter is an ultra low power RF transmitter witlr-high-bandwidth input, possibly provided in chip scale packaging.

The high integration and low power consumption achieved by the imaging system of the device and system of the invention were unobtainable prior to the advances in CMOS technology. Further, an ultra low power, high bandwidth input transmitter for video signals is unknown in the art. Also, an RF product in CSP has not been previously disclosed in the art.

Further, the imaging system may utilize a white light emitting diode (LED) as a light source rather than a reddish incandescence miniature bulb or an RGB LED presently used in the art. The white LED enables to produce a higher quality and more pleasant to the eye image.

There is therefore provided, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention an in vivo imaging device. The device consists of at least one imaging system fol producing video output, preferably digital output, and a transmitter which transmits the video output to a receiving system.

00 The imaging system includes a CMOS imaging camera, at least one illumination

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Ssource for illuminating an in vivo site and an optical system for imaging the in vivo site Ct onto the CMOS imaging camera.

The illumination source may be a white LED. The term "white LED" as referred to herein relates to a combination of a blue LED chip (emitting light in the blue spectrum range) and a refracting crystal. The blue LED chip is encapsulated within the refracting

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C crystal such that blue light incident on the crystal is emitted in different spectrums, resulting 00 in white light. The white light emitted from the refracting crystal has a small fraction of red Slight and an even smaller, almost nonexistent, fraction of infra red (IR) light.

The illumination source may be a specific integrated light source in which a refracting crystal matrix has a plurality of blue LED chips integrated therein.

The components of the device are harbored in a housing having an optical window. The housing is configured for being inserted and passing through body lumens oi cavities.

Also provided, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, is a system for in vivo imaging, which includes an imaging system producing video output, preferabl) digital output, a transmitter which transmits the video output of the imaging system and E receiving system for receiving the transmitted video output. The imaging system consists ol a CMOS imaging camera, an illumination source for illuminating an in vivo site and ar optical system for imaging the in vivo site onto the CMOS imaging camera.

The system may further comprise an antenna array capable of surrounding a bod3 and comprising one or a plurality of antennas for receiving the transmitted video output anc for producing a plurality of received signals. Also the system may include a demodulatol capable of transforming the plurality of received video signals into a single videc 00 datastream. The system may also comprise a data processing system which generates

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Ni tracking and video data from the single datastream.

The receiving system and data processor are typically located outside a patient.

Optionally, the system can also include an apparatus for operating the transmitter intermittently.

In one embodiment of the invention, the device is a swallowable capsule having N an optical window and containing an imaging system for obtaining in vivo images of the o0 entire length of the GI tract and a transmitter which transmits the obtained images to a N receiving system.

The imaging system consists ofa CMOS imaging camera, a white LED and a lens for imaging a GI tract site onto the CMOS imaging camera. The swallowable capsule also includes a contained energy source for providing energy the entirety of the electrical elements of the capsule.

Also provided in accordance with an embodiment of the invention is a transmittel for transmitting signals on RF to a receiving system. The transmitter, which is controlled b) a normally opened (NO) switch, includes a control block for controlling the illuminatior and imager of the device of the invention.

The NO switch is controlled by an external magnet that keeps the switch close while it is in proximity to the switch. However, an internal block maintains the logistics o an open switch, so as to keep the transmitter circuits and all capsule main subsystem: inactive while the external magnet is present. Removal of the external magnet causes th.

switch to open and the internal block to close, thereby allowing the transmitter circuits an( capsule main subsystems to be activated.

00 Further provided is a method for obtaining images in vivo. The method includes 0 the steps of: illuminating a site in vivo; collecting remitted light onto pixels of a CMOS imaging camera, thereby generating an analog signal; processing and converting the analog signal to a digital signal; randomizing the digital signal; transmitting the digital signal to a receiving system; and processing the transmitted signals to obtain images of the in vivo a site.

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0', 0', 00 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The present invention will be understood and appreciated more fully from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the drawings in which: Figure I s a schematic longitudinal cross section illustration of an in vivo imaging device according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 is a schematic presentation of the CMOS imaging camera according to an embodiment of the invention; 00 Figure 3 is a cross section schematic illustration of a device, in accordance 'with an embodiment of the invention, including a-specific integrated illumination source; Figure 4 is a block diagram of the tramnmitter in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; and Figure 5 is a block diagram presentation of the method according to an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THLE INVENTION The device and system of the invention are utilized for viewing inside bod) lumens and cavities and for transmitting at least video data.

Reference is now made to Fig.l1which illustrates the device and its components.

according to an embodiment of the invention. The device 10 typically comprises an optica window 21 and an imaging system for obtaining images from inside a body lumen, such the GI tract. The imaging system includes an illumination source 23, such as a white LED a CMOS imaging camera 24, which detects the images and an optical system 22 whicl focuses the images onto the CMOS imaging camera 24. The illumination source 22-' illuminates the inner portions of the body lumen through optical window 21. Device 1 00 further includes a transmitter 26 and an antenna 27 for transmitting the video signal of the

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CMOS imaging camera 24, and a power source 25, such as a silver oxide battery, that Cprovides power to the electrical elements of the device It will be appreciated that a plurality of CMOS imaging cameras may be used in the device and system of the invention. Each CMOS imaging camera may include its own optical system and either one or more illumination sources, in accordance with specific 71 requirements of the device or system.

O0 Images obtained by the CMOS camera 24 are transmitted to a receiving system S(not shown), which may also include a data processing unit. The receiving system and data processing unit are typically located outside a patient.

The device 10 is capsule shaped, can be easily swallowed and may passively pass through the entire GI tract, pushed along by natural peristalsis.

Nonetheless, it should be appreciated that the device may be of any shape suitabl for being inserted into and passing through a body lumen or cavity. Furthermore, the device of the invention may be attached or affixed on to an instrument that is inserted into bod3 lumens and cavities, such as on an endoscope, laparoscope, stent, needle, catheter etc.

Thus, the device may be introduced into a body lumen or cavity by swallowing by using an endoscopic device, by surgery and so on.

A suitable CMOS imaging camera 24 is, for example, a "camera on a chip" typt CMOS imager specified by Given Imaging Ltd. of Yokneam, Israel and designed b: Photobit Corporation of California, USA, with integrated active pixel and post processinj circuitry (as will be further described with reference to Fig. The single chip camera cai provide either black and white or color signals.

00 The CMOS imaging camera 24 is designed such that it is less sensitive to light in C- the red spectrum than known CMOS cameras.

SThe optical system 22 comprises at least one lens and optionally mirrors and/or Sprisms for collecting and collimating remitted light on to the pixels of the CMOS imaging camera 24. Typically, the optical system comprises an aspherical focussing lens. A suitable lens is, for example, the lens designed by Given Imaging Ltd. of Yokneam, Israel, in ¢c-

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accordance with specific object plane, distortion and resolution parameters.

00 Illumination source 23, transmits illumination to the walls of the body lumen via the optical window 21. The lens of the optical system 22 then focuses remittent light onto the pixels of the CMOS imaging cameta 24.

A single or plurality of light sources or a specific integrated light source may be used and positioned in accordance with specific imaging requirements, such as to avoid stray light etc. Also, the optical window 21 may be positioned and shaped according to the device shape and according to specific imaging requirements. For example, optimized imaging conditions can be obtained when optical window 21 is formed to define ar ellipsoid shaped dome and the CMOS imaging chip camera system 24 and illuminatior sources 23 are positioned in the proximity of the focal plane of the shape defined by th( optical dome. Obtaining the above imaging conditions is described in WO 00/76391, whicl is assigned to the common assignees of the present invention and which is hereb3 incorporated in its entirety by reference.

The in vivo sites imaged in the present invention are usually very close to the imager. For example, an 11 x 30mm capsule passing through and imaging the smal intestine, images the intestine walls from a very short distance. It is therefore possible tc 00 satisfy the illumination requirements of the imaging process utilizing solid state Cillumination sources, such as LEDs.

ct In an embodiment of the invention the illumination source is a white LED. The white light emitted from the white LED has a small fraction of red light and even smaller

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fraction of IR light. Hence, a white LED is beneficial for use with silicone based image sensors (such as CMOS imaging cameras) because of the silicone sensitivity to red and IR N light.

00 In a system which includes the CMOS imaging camera of the invention with its reduced sensitivity to light in the red spectrum and a white LED illumination source, no IR reject filters (photopic filters) are needed.

A suitable transmitter may comprise a modulator which receives the video signal (either digital or analog) from the CMOS imaging camera, a radio frequency (RF) amplifier, an impedance matcher and an antenna. The transmitter will be further illustrated in Fig. 4.

Other optional parts of the system as well as the method for localization of a capsule containing the system within the digestive system may be similar to those described in US 5,604,531 (which is assigned to the common assignees of the present invention and which is hereby incorporated in its entirety by reference).

Device 10 can additionally include sensor elements for measuring pH, temperature, pressure, etc. These sensor elements, some of which are described in the prior art, may be any element suitable for measuring conditions prevailing in the body lumen (for example, the digestive system) and that are capable of being appended to or included in the device.

00 Reference is now made to Fig. 2, in which a schematic layout of the CMOS

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imaging camera is presented. The CMOS imaging camera 200 comprises active pixel and t post processing circuitry on a single chip. The CMOS imaging camera 200 includes photo cell 202 (the pixels of the CMOS imaging camera), correlated double sampler (CDS) 204, analog to digital converter 206, encoding and randomizing unit 208 and timing generator 210 for control and synchronization of the circuitry elements.

N Light collected by an optical system is directed onto CMOS imaging camera 200 00 and photons are converted to electrons as the light is absorbed by photo cell 202. Electrons N are converted to electrical current and an analog signal is produced by the active pixel circuitry. The analog signal is conve d d for further processing by on-chip post processing circuitry. The signal is further processed by CDS 204. CDS 204 performs correlated double sampling, for canceling noise and signal shaping before conveying the signal to the A/C converter 206. The A/D converter 206 is a serial output A/D converted which enables serial, low power transmission of signals. The signal is converted into a digital signal and i, further conveyed to encoding and randomizing unit 208 for defining frame and row parameters (encoding) and for priming the signals for transmission (randomizing). Th( encoding and randomizing unit 208 randomizes the occurrence of the digital and "1' signals such that transmission is not impeded by a reoccurring signal of one type.

The CMOS imaging camera 200 is specified by Given Imaging Ltd. of Yokneam Israel and designed by Photobit Corporation of California, USA, according to specification adjusted to in vivo imaging. The CMOS imaging chip has ultra low powe requirements (less than 3 milliwatts). The dynamics of the increase of dark curren generated by the imaging camera, as a function of temperature, is less than that of solii state devices known in the art, such that at 37 0 C a low fraction of the out put video signal i 00 dark current. Further, as discussed above, the imaging camera has reduced sensitivity to light in the red spectrum, abating the need for photopic filters.

Reference is now made to Fig. 3 in which a device for in vivo imaging comprising a specific integrated light source is illustrated. Device 300 comprises CMOS imaging camera 302, an optical system (not shown) for imaging in vivo images onto the CMOS imaging camera 302 and an integrated light source 304 for illuminating a site in vivo. The (71 device 300 finrther includes a transmitter 305 for transmitting video data from the imaging 00 camera 302 to a receiver (not shown). The transmitter 305 generates a high voltage and current source for the light source 304. The integrated light source 304 is connected to the transmitter 305 through connective wires 301. The electrical components of the device are powered by a battery contained wihnthe device (not shown).

The integrated light source 304 comprises a strip 306 of a refracting crystal matri,encircling the CMOS imaging camera 302. Blue LED chips 308, encapsulated within th( refracting crystal matrix of strip 306, are positioned along the strip 306 such tha illumination is provided in a ring around the CMOS imaging camera 302.

Blue LED chips 308 can also be sprinkled throughout the strip 306 such that th( whole strip 306 emits light.

Reference is now made to Fig. 4 in which a block diagram of the transmitter i: illustrated. The transmitter 400, an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit) designe( to fulfill international communication standards (such as the FCC) standards, operates on; minimum shift keying (MSK) modulation system to effect transmitting of digital signal through antenna 426 and 427 on radio frequencies to a receiving system. The transmitte 400 also controls the illumination and imager of the device of the invention and the logica conversion of the switch (as described above). The transmitter 400 includes a one tim 00 programming unit 408 in communication with external programming input 428, a control 0 N logic block 401 for communicating with the imager, a phase lock loop (PLL) 402 in eC communication with modulator 425, optionally, a LED power and control block 403 for controlling the illumination, a main oscillator 404 and a switch 405 which controls an internal electronic switch 406.

The control logic block 401communicates with the imager, reads preprogrammec

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parameters and performs the interface to the "outside" world in the programming mode 00 Control logic block 401 maintains a master clock, is synchronized by bit rate data 412 anc frame rate 413, and through control 411, which is generated by the imager, triggers LEE power and control block 403. Coitrol logic block 401 further controls the master clock 41Z and the imager shutdown 415.

During shutdown the transmitter sends out beacon signals only. The shutdowl enables economic use of the device's power supply. For example, in a device designed fo' imaging the small intestine, the transmitter 400 may be programmed to include a two hou delay, during which period shutdown of the imager and other device electronics is effected Two hours is approximately the time it takes a swallowable device to pass the stomach an( enter the small intestine, in particular patients. Thus, in those patients, the device will utilize power from the battery, for collecting images, only when the device has reached the smal intestine.

The PLL 402 is a feedback system intended to automatically correct drifts in th transmitted frequency. PLL 402 includes a pre-scaler 424 for fast frequency dividing that i not dependant on the channel frequency. The pre-scaler 424 is in communication with; divider 421 that divides the frequency of the oscillator 404 to perform the referenc frequency for the PLL. The division value is channel dependant. The PLL 402 also include 00 a phase frequency detector (PFD) 422 for performing the frequency comparison and the Sphase comparison of the PLL, and a charge pump 423 for performing the shape of the loop ^c transmission of the whole loop.

LED power and control block 403 includes a high voltage source 432 that is controlled by the external capacitor 431. LED power and control block 403 also includes a high current source 433 and the peak current value of the LEDs is controlled by the resistor C which is connected to LedRes 435.

00 The transmitter 400 is controlled by an external magnetic switch 405. The switch S405 is a normally opened (NO) switch that is kept closed by an external magnet, as described above. Switch 405 controls an internal electronic switch 406 that controls all the device electronics. Electronic switch 406 includes a low leakage circuitry to convert the logic of the NO switch 405 to "normally closed" (NC) logic, such that although switch 405 is a NO switch it will keep the transmitter inactive while it is closed.

The low leakage circuit only uses 1% 3% of the battery power per year, so thal the internal electronic switch 406 is not a significant factor in the power regimen of the device.

In an embodiment of the invention the device is a swallowable capsule having ar optical window and comprising a CMOS imaging camera, white LEDs, an optical system a transmitter and battery. The swallowable capsule is kept inactive while contained in i package having a magnet, such as the magnetic packaging described in PCT applicatior ILOO/00752 (which is assigned to the common assignee of the present invention and whici is hereby incorporated in its entirety by reference). Just prior to use the package having th( magnet is removed enabling the switch 405 to be opened, thereby activating the transmitte: and with it, initiating imager and illumination operation.

00 The input bandwidth of the information in the transmitter 400 is over 1.35Megabil Sper second. Such a low powered high input bandwidth transmitter for transmitting videc

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data, has not yet been shown in the art.

Reference is now made to Fig. 5 in which a block diagram of the method of the invention is illustrated. The method for in vivo imaging includes the following steps illuminating a site in vivo (502); collecting remitted light onto pixels of a CMOS imaginE Scamera, thereby generating an analog signal (504); converting the analog signal to a digita oO signal (506); randomizing the digital signal (508); transmitting the digital signal to Sreceiving system (510) and processing the transmitted signals to obtain images of the ii vivo site (512).

The step of illumination (502) is preferably carried out by employing white LED: to illuminate the site in vivo. Illumination may be continuous or alternating in accordanc' with specific requirements of the system.

Collecting light remitted from the site in vivo (504) and directing it on to the pixels of a CMOS imaging chip is achieved by employing an optical system whic] comprises a lens and which may further comprise any suitable collimator.

Conversion of the analog signal to a digital signal (506) is preferably effected in; serial manner.

Randomizing the digital signal (508), namely randomizing the occurrence of th digital signals and is performed so that transmission is not impeded by reoccurring signal of one type.

Transmission of the signal (510) is accomplished using radio frequencie (approximately 432 434 Mhz) at a rate of two to eight frames per second to an array c antennas attached to a patient's body. The antennas allow image capture and are also use 00 to calculate and indicate the position of the imager in the patient's body. An example of the Scalculation and indication the position of the imager in the patient's body is provided in the above mentioned US 5,604,531.

Processing of signals (512) can be carried out by employing suitable processors and software. For example, the RAPID software (propriety software developed and owned Sby Given Imaging Ltd. of Yokneam, Israel) is used to obtain a video clip of images

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captured from within the GI tract. The video clip can be synchronized with the trajectory of 00 the imaging device as it passes through the GI tract to enable localization of the device in Sthe GI tract.

Additionally, a plurality of receiving antennas can be used which can be moved tc the location enabling best receiving conditions.

The images can be stored on a small portable recorder carried on a belt anc subsequently downloaded for analysis and retrieval. Additionally, the receiver can be connected directly to a stationary data recorder.

Experiments were carried out with an 11 x 30 mm capsule comprising a CMOS imaging chip and miniature processor, white LED light sources, a short focal length lena and a miniature transmitter and antenna. The capsule, powered by silver oxide batteries was swallowed and more than 5 hours of continuous recording of images from thc gastrointestinal tract were achieved.

Live transmission of good quality video images were obtained for up to 6 hou periods in ambulatory dogs.

With ethical committee approval a human volunteer study was performed. Thi capsule was easily swallowed. Moving images were obtained from the stomach and smal OC intestine. No discomfort was experienced. The optical window remained clear tnrougiout the whole transmission.

Trigonometric analysis of signal strength allowed continuous monitoring of the capsule position. Imaging of the small bowl was successfully completed in 2 hours.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. Rather the scope of the present invention is defined only by the claims which follow: 00

Claims (39)

1. A device for in vivo imaging comprising at least one CMOS imaging camera, at least one illumination source for illuminating a site in vivo, an optical system for imaging the site in vivo onto the CMOS imaging camera and a transmitter for transmitting video output of the CMOS imaging camera. N

2. The device according to claim 1 wherein the CMOS imaging camera comprises 00 active pixel circuitry.

3. The device according to claim 2 wherein the CMOS imaging camera comprises a correlated double sampler for processing an analog signal produced by the active pixel circuitry.

4. The device according to claim 1 wherein the CMOS imaging camera comprises an analog to digital converter having serial output. The device according to claim 1 wherein the CMOS imaging camera comprises an encoding and randomizing unit for defining frame and row parameters and fo: priming digital signals for transmission.

6. The device according to claim 1 wherein the CMOS imaging camera comprises active pixel circuitry, said circuitry producing an analog signal; a correlated double sampler for processing the analog signal produced b: the active pixel circuitry; an analog to digital converter having serial output for converting th, analog signal to a digital signal; and an encoding and randomizing unit for defining frame and row parameter and for priming the digital signal for transmission. 00 7. The device according to claim 1 wherein the CMOS imaging camera is an ultra low N powered camera and has reduced sensitivity to light in the red spectrum.

8. The device according to claim 1 wherein the illumination source is a white LED. 1 9. The device according to claim 1 wherein the illumination source comprises a refracting crystal matrix having at least one blue LED chip integrated therein. device according to claim 1 wherein the optical system comprises an aspherical Sfocussing lens. 00

11.The device according to claim 10 wherein the optical system further comprises at least one collimator for collecting-remittent light.

12.The device according to claim 1 wherein the transmitter comprises an internal electronic switch for converting a logic of a normally open switch to a normally closed logic.

13.The device according to claim 1 wherein the transmitter comprises a control block for controlling the CMOS imaging camera.

14.The device according to claim 13 wherein the control block further controls the illumination source. swallowable capsule for in vivo imaging of the gastrointestinal tract, said capsule having an optical window and comprising at least one CMOS imaging camera; at least one illumination source for illuminating a gastrointestinal traci site; an optical system for imaging the gastrointestinal tract site onto the CMOS imaging camera; and s 0 a transmitter for transmitting video output of the CMOS imaging camera.

16.The swallowable capsule according to claim 15 wherein the CMOS imaging camera Scomprises active pixel circuitry. N 17.The swallowable capsule according to claim 16 wherein the CMOS imaging camera comprises a correlated double sampler for processing an analog signal produced by r the active pixel circuitry. 00 18.The swallowable capsule according to claim 15 wherein the CMOS imaging camera comprises an analog to digital converter having serial output.

19.The swallowable capsule according to claim 15 wherein the CMOS imaging camera comprises an encoding and randomizing unit for defining frame and row parameters and for priming digital signals for transmission. swallowable capsule according to claim 15 wherein the CMOS imaging camera comprises active pixel circuitry, said circuitry producing an analog signal; a correlated double sampler for processing the analog signal produced by the active pixel circuitry; an analog to digital converter having serial output for converting the analog signal to a digital signal; and an encoding and randomizing unit for defining frame and row parameters and for priming the digital signal for transmission.

21.The swallowable capsule according to claim 15 wherein the illumination source is a white LED. 0 0

22.The swallowable capsule according to claim 15 wherein the illumination source comprises a refracting crystal matrix having at least one blue LED chip integrated i therein.

23.The swallowable capsule according to claim 15 wherein the optical system comprises an aspherical focussing lens.

24.The swallowable capsule according to claim 23 wherein the optical system further N comprises at least one collimator for collecting remittent light. 00 swallowable capsule according to claim 15 wherein the transmitter comprises an internal electronic switch for converting a logic of a normally open switch' to a normally closed logic.

26.The swallowable capsule according to claim 15 wherein the transmitter comprises a control block for controlling the CMOS imaging camera.

27.The swallowable capsule according to claim 26 wherein the control block further controls the illumination source.

28.The swallowable capsule according to claim 27 wherein the control block sends a shutdown signal to the imager to inactivate it and to the transmitter itself to inactivate main capsule subsystems.

29.The swallowable capsule according to claim 28 wherein the control block sends a shutdown signal for a two hour period following activation of the transmitter. swallowable capsule according to claim 15 wherein the transmitter transmits on radio frequency.

31.A system for in vivo imaging comprising 00 an imaging system for capturing images in vivo and for producing video C output; ^c a transmitter for transmitting the video output; and a receiving system for receiving the transmitted video output, said imaging system comprising at least one CMOS imaging camera, at least one ,I illumination source for illuminating a site in vivo and an optical system for imaging the site in vivo onto the CMOS imaging camera.

32.The system according to claim 31 further comprising an antenna array capable of C I surrounding a body and comprising at least one antenna for receiving the transmitted video output and for producing a plurality of received signals.

33.The system according to claim 32 further comprising a demodulator capable of transforming the plurality of received video signals into a single video datastream.

34.The system according to claim 33 further comprising a data processing system which generates tracking and video data from the single datastream. system according to claim 34 wherein the receiving system and data processing system are located outside a patient.

36.In a device for in vivo imaging, said device comprising at least one CMOS imaging camera, at least one illumination source for illuminating a site in vivo and an optical system for imaging the site in vivo onto the CMOS imaging camera, a transmitter for transmitting signals from the CMOS imaging camera to a receiving system, said transmitter comprising a control block for controlling the CMOS imaging camera.

37.The transmitter according to claim 36 wherein the control block further controls the illumination source.

38.The transmitter according to claim 36 comprising an internal electronic switch for N converting a logic of a normally open switch to a normally closed logic.

39.The transmitter according to claim 36 wherein the control block sends a shutdown e rn signal to the imager to inactivate it and to the transmitter itself to inactivate main Sdevice subsystems. 00 transmitter according to claim 39 wherein the transmitter sends beacon signals.

41.The transmitter according to claim 36, said transmitter transmitting on radio frequency.

42.In a system for in vivo imaging, said system comprising an imaging system for capturing images in vivo and for producing video output and a receiving system for receiving the transmitted video output, said imaging system comprising at least one CMOS imaging camera, at least one illumination source for illuminating a site in vivo and an optical system for imaging the site in vivo onto the CMOS imaging camera, a transmitter for transmitting signals from the CMOS imaging camera to the receiving system, said transmitter comprising a control block for controlling the CMOS imaging camera.

43.The transmitter according to claim 42 wherein the control block further controls the illumination source.

44.The transmitter according to claim 42 comprising an internal electronic switch for converting a logic of a normally open switch to a normally closed logic. 00 45.The transmitter according to claim 42 wherein the control block sends a shutdown signal to the imager to inactivate it and to the transmitter itself to inactivate main Cdevice subsystems. i

46.The transmitter according to claim 45 wherein the transmitter sends beacon signals.

47.The transmitter according to claim 42, said transmitter transmitting on radio rr l frequency. 00

48.In a device for in vivo imaging, said device comprising at least one image sensor, an optical system for imaging a site in vivo onto the image sensor and a transmitter for transmitting signals from the image sensor to a receiving system, an illumination source for illuminating the site in vivo, said illumination source comprising at least one blue LED chip and a refracting crystal.

49.The illumination source according to claim 48 wherein the at least one blue LED chip is integrated within a refracting crystal matrix. method for imaging an in vivo site comprising the steps of illuminating a site in vivo; collecting remitted light onto pixels of a CMOS imaging camera, thereby generating an analog signal; processing and converting the analog signal to a digital signal; randomizing the digital signal; transmitting the digital signal to a receiving system; and processing the transmitted signals to obtain images of the in vivo site.

51.The method according to claim 50 wherein the step of illuminating is done by utilizing a white led. 00 52.The method according to claim 50 wherein the wherein the CMOS imaging camera C, comprises active pixel circuitry, said circuitry producing an analog signal; a correlated double sampler for processing the analog signal produced by the active pixel circuitry; C1 an analog to digital converter having serial output for converting the analog signal to a digital signal; and San encoding and randomizing unit for defining frame and row parameters N1 and for priming the digital signal for transmission.

53.The method according to claim 50 wherein the step of processing and converting the analog signal to a digital signal is preformed by an analog to digital converter having serial output.

54.The method according to claim 50 wherein the step of randomizing the digital signal is performed by randomizing occurrences of 0 and 1 digital signals. method according to claim 50 wherein the step of transmitting the digital signal to a receiving system is preformed by a transmitter, said transmitter comprising a control block for controlling a CMOS imaging camera.