RU165065U1 - WIRELESS ENDOSCOPIC CAPSULE - Google Patents

Abstract

1. A wireless endoscopic capsule, which includes: a housing with a transparent front cover, an imager, a microcontroller, a radio-frequency transmitter module with a transmit-receive antenna, and a battery, while the transmit-receive antenna is a quarter-wave asymmetric vibrator oriented perpendicular to the surface of the transmitter and in parallel the main axis of the capsule. 2. A capsule according to claim 1, characterized in that the imaging device is a CMOS or CCD matrix equipped with a lens. The capsule of claim 2, wherein the lens is a lens system. A capsule according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises LEDs. 5. A capsule according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a memory. The capsule of claim 5, wherein the memory is removable and non-volatile.

Description

The utility model relates to the field of medicine, namely to endoscopic capsules.

Capsule endoscopy is a study using a capsule that is swallowed with a small amount of water and immediately begins to scan and transmit an image of the digestive system as it moves through it.

As you know, endoscopic examination of the esophagus and stomach fibrogastroduodenoscopy is a very unpleasant medical procedure. High-tech firms have come up with a capsule endoscopy to replace it.

Most often, an endoscopic capsule is a miniature swallowed device that takes pictures of the human viscera, it is disposable and does not require additional disposal measures when leaving the body.

Thus, at present, the urgent task is the development and creation of systems to ensure the possibility of real-time data transmission by the capsule.

One of the options for transmitting data by a capsule located in the human body is the use of radio signals. In this case, the patient is put on special clothing before swallowing the capsule, most often a vest containing many receiving sensors (see, for example, CN 201529152 U - capsule endoscopy vest), and the capsule itself is equipped with a transmitting antenna.

The main frequencies that are used with this approach to solving the problem are the frequencies 433.075-434.750 MHz, 446.00625-446.09375 MHz, 868.7-869.2 MHz, as well as the 2.4 GHz frequencies, since these frequencies are not licensed. The most common in capsule endoscopy are frequencies of ~ 400 MHz and ~ 2.4 GHz.

As is known from the prior art (see, for example, “Scattering and absorption of electromagnetic waves by inhomogeneous spherical bodies”, B. Panchenko, [Radiotechnika Publishing House] ISBN 978-5-880070-318-0) the use of the 400 MHz band will provide good transmission signal through the human body - dielectric. At the same time, the use of this range will require a significant increase in the size of the transmitting antenna of the capsule, as a result of an increase in the size of the capsule itself.

Using the 2.4 GHz band will allow (see, for example, “Scattering and absorption of electromagnetic waves by inhomogeneous spherical bodies”, Panchenko BA, [Radiotechnika Publishing House] ISBN 978-5-880070-318-0) to use extremely small ones antennas, but at the same time, such frequencies make it difficult to receive a signal, after passing through a human body - a dielectric.

Solving the problem of minimizing the size of the capsule, a choice was made in favor of the 2.4 GHz band. Consider the main analogues in this range.

The main analogue is the OMOM capsule, a Chinese manufacturer CHONGQING JINSHAN SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY (GROUP) CO., LTD, see for example http://www.infomed.com.ru/meditsinskoe-oborudovanie/product/view/40/45. This technology is patented (see for example EA 200601629 A1, publ. 04/27/2007) and is taken as a prototype.

The OMOM capsule includes a case with a transparent front cover, an imager, a microcontroller, and a radio-frequency transceiver module with a transmitting and receiving antenna. The OMOM capsule also contains a microprocessor, an information converter from an image former for compression and compact transmission, as well as optional other elements. A quarter-wave asymmetric vibrator is used as a transmit-receive antenna.

At the same time, it is worth noting the location of the transceiver antenna in the prototype — the antenna is parallel to the board with the transmitter and perpendicular to the main axis of the capsule. As is known from the prior art (see, for example, N.M. Izyumov, D.P. Linde, "BASIS OF RADIO ENGINEERING" M., L .; "ENERGY", 1965), the radiation pattern of a quarter-wave asymmetric vibrator has the shape of a torus perpendicular PCB plane. Thus, when such an antenna is located parallel to the board with the transmitter and perpendicular to the main axis of the capsule, the radiation pattern of such an antenna is “torn” and has a bad signal zone in front of the antenna (see Fig. 1a). This in turn leads to the need to increase the number of sensors put on a person during research.

This utility model solves the problem of reducing areas of a bad signal, improving the reception and transmission of a signal.

The technical result provided by this utility model is to improve the transceiver properties of the capsule.

The technical problem is solved, and the result is achieved by the fact that the wireless endoscopic capsule includes:

- housing with a transparent front cover,

- imaging device,

- microcontroller,

- a radio frequency transmitter module with a transceiver antenna,

- battery

in this case, the transceiver antenna is a quarter-wave asymmetric vibrator oriented perpendicular to the surface of the transmitter and parallel to the main axis of the capsule.

Additionally, it can be noted that:

The imager may be a CMOS or CCD matrix equipped with a lens.

The lens may be at least one lens or a lens system.

The capsule may further comprise an LED.

The capsule may further comprise a memory.

The memory may be non-volatile.

As will be shown in the further description using implementation examples and theoretical evidence, it is the use of a quarter-wave asymmetric vibrator oriented perpendicular to the transmitter and parallel to the main axis of the capsule that allows achieving a better signal-to-noise ratio at the required frequency of 2.4-2.5 GHz, while minimizing the number of “gaps” in the antenna pattern. Thus, it is thanks to such an arrangement of the antenna that the claimed technical result is achieved - an improvement in the transceiver properties of the capsule.

The claimed utility model is illustrated by drawings.

FIG. 1a is a transceiver antenna of the main prototype and its radiation pattern in a schematic form.

FIG. 1b is the appearance of the transceiver antenna of the main prototype.

FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of the claimed capsule.

FIG. 3A is a transceiver antenna of the claimed capsule and its radiation pattern in a schematic form.

FIG. 3b is an external view of the transceiver antenna of the claimed capsule.

Here, the numbers indicate the following elements:

1 - case

2 - a transparent cover on the case

3 - image sensor matrix

4 - imaging device

5 - microcontroller

6 - converter

7 - transceiver

8 - antenna

9 - dielectric substrate of the antenna

10 - conductor

11 - battery

Consider the preferred implementation of this utility model. When considering this implementation option, the specialist will also see the advantages of the present utility model, as well as the possibility of achieving the claimed technical result when implementing the present utility model.

In a preferred embodiment, the capsule is a cylinder of biodegradable material, the end of which has a rounded shape (see Fig. 2). The capsule is disposable and does not require additional disposal measures when leaving the body.

The capsule body (1) is preferably made of biodegradable material. At one end (hereinafter for convenience we will call it the front end), a cover (2) is made in the form of a half ball. The cover (2) is made of transparent material, it provides an overview for the imager (4).

Under the lid (2) in a preferred embodiment, an image sensor matrix (3) is located associated with the image sensor (4). In a preferred embodiment, the matrix (3) is a CMOS matrix. In another embodiment, matrix (3) is a CCD matrix. In other embodiments, other implementations of the imaging device (4) and the use of other elements are possible.

In a preferred embodiment, the resolution of the imager (camera in the considered embodiment) is from 160 × 120 (2 frames per second) pixels to 200 × 200 pixels (1 frame per second), transmission frequency 403-405 MHz, data transfer rate up to 500 kBit / seconds.

The imaging device (4) preferably comprises LEDs. LEDs are used as a flash in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) or inside other organs under investigation. LEDs can have different colors (red - to detect bleeding, blue - to highlight the venous network of the gastrointestinal tract, white - to search for other diseases). Thus, the color of the LED can be selected depending on the problem being solved and the planned study.

The imaging device (4) is connected to the microcontroller (5), which in the present preferred embodiment is a microprocessor. The microcontroller (5) controls the entire system (reads the frame from the image sensor, transfers the image to the converter, is responsible for turning on the flash, and performs other functions).

The converter (6) associated with the microcontroller (5) performs the function of compressing the image received through the microcontroller (5) from the image former (4) and transmitting data to the transceiver. In a preferred embodiment, the compression is performed using the JPEG algorithm or any other algorithm, depending on the task at hand, as well as the availability of the algorithms for commercial use and not violating existing patent rights to known algorithms. Also in a preferred embodiment, the converter (6) prepares a packet for transmission to a transceiver for convenience and speed up operation.

In a preferred embodiment, the transceiver (7) receives a data packet and transmits them using an antenna (8). It should be noted that the antenna (8) is closed by a part of the housing (1), which is made in the form of a half ball for smoothness and safety of movement throughout the body.

The battery (11) provides energy to all elements of the capsule. In a preferred embodiment, the battery (11) is rechargeable. In one embodiment, these are lithium-ion batteries. In other embodiments, other types of batteries may be used.

In FIG. 3a shows a more detailed view of the antenna (8) and the transceiver (7). The antenna (8) in a preferred embodiment is the substrate of the antenna (9) with a layer of conductor (10) deposited on it. The antenna is a well-known quarter-wave asymmetric vibrator (see, for example, N.M. Izyumov, D.P. Linde, "BASES OF RADIO ENGINEERING" M., L .; "ENERGY", 1965). All dimensions of the conductor layer (10) were obtained by theoretical calculations and experimental studies in order to obtain the best signal to noise ratio and gain in the range of 2.4-2.5 GHz. The most important in this case is the orientation of the antenna (8) - the antenna (8) is perpendicular to the transceiver (7) and parallel to the main axis of the capsule (the main axis is marked in Fig. 2).

By theoretical calculations and computer modeling, the antenna pattern was obtained in such a way (see, for example, Design and simulation of the operation of the antenna of an endoscopic capsule in the 2.4 GHz band, Averin A.V., Uleykin E.Yu., Kholyavin VB, Scientific and technical journal "Special equipment and communications" No. 3 May-June 2014. Moscow, 2014. S 48-51.). A schematic view of a beam pattern with reference to the capsule is shown in FIG. 3a (second figure). Thus, from the figure of FIG. 3a, it will be obvious to a person skilled in the art that such an antenna will have fewer “gaps” in the radiation pattern, and as a result will have better transmitting and receiving characteristics. Additionally, it is worth noting that improving the transceiver characteristics of the capsule antenna also reduces the number of transceivers installed on the body of the person under study.

In FIG. 3b shows a general view of the antenna (8) assembly. This figure is provided for clarity and simplification of understanding the essence of the claimed solution.

Separately, it is worth considering the possibility of creating and implementing all external equipment for research using the claimed capsule. It should be borne in mind that the applicant does not seek legal protection for all the external equipment described below, and the further description is provided only to simplify understanding the essence of the claimed solution, as well as confirm the possibility of its use for research in medical complexes.

External research equipment using this capsule primarily includes a set of transceivers designed to receive data from the capsule and transmit control commands to the capsule if necessary.

These transceivers can be made in the form of a vest or other special clothing containing miniature transceivers. The experimental work on the development of such transceivers showed that the patch antenna approach is best for these purposes (see, for example, https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patch antenna).

This vest or other clothing with transceivers can have one medium-long range transceiver, as well as non-volatile memory. Thus, it is possible to ensure the storage of data obtained from the capsule and the transfer of these data to the computer of a specialist or to the doctors' social network or to the cloud storage for processing. This makes it possible to conduct medical research without reference to a medical center - a person who swallows a capsule can do his own thing.

It is also possible, in one embodiment of the implementation of external equipment, the use of a portable reader of information.

The composition of the portable reader includes: a microcontroller - to control the system, antenna, battery, MicroSD card - to save images, a power source and memory with an external interface. A portable reader is used to record studies.

The reader, like the capsule, is a stand-alone device; batteries are installed on them, allowing the devices to function without being connected to power during the entire research process.

The reader constantly receives a radio signal with an image from the capsule and writes the images to the SD card. When connected to a computer, the battery starts to charge (through the charge circuit).

To avoid problems, there is not a single button on the reader body (except for the reset button hidden in the hole, which can only be pressed with a needle or pin), that is, the patient will not be able to accidentally disrupt the functioning of the device. The device turns on when connected to a USB computer. After that, the doctor can read the images or start the procedure for recording images from the capsule.

The software reads the entire set of images and allows the doctor to view the study in video mode. It also has semi-automatic analysis tools.

The software also allows you to:

- provide processes for setting up the capsule before the study, copying the study from the reader to the PC, analysis of the study,

- turn on the built-in player of video files created by the capsule,

- adapt the playback speed to the intensity of changes in the picture - the more changes occur between frames, the slower the video plays in this place,

- analyze the obtained images in an automated mode to identify suspicious symptoms (bleeding, tumors, etc.).

- generate reports,

- send pictures to the social network of endoscopists (with tags - disease, gender, age, etc.),

- view pictures from social networks, search.

Thus, it will be obvious to a specialist that it is possible to implement external equipment for using this utility model in medical complexes for research.

In general, the present utility model can be used as part of endoscopic medical complexes for the following types of studies:

Screening study - when there is no obvious indication for gastroscopy, but the patient wants to make sure that there are no diseases that are not symptomatically manifested. In this case, complex and painful gastro- and colonoscopy procedures can be replaced by a comfortable capsule examination.

Targeted research - when there are complaints and suspicions of a disease of the gastrointestinal tract. In this case, a capsule study can be recommended as a targeted replacement for gastro- and colonoscopy. Moreover, if the results of the capsule study are considered satisfactory by the doctor, treatment can be prescribed without additional procedures. An important special case is when the patient, due to the general condition, is contraindicated in gastro- and colonoscopy. In this case, capsule testing replaces immediate surgical intervention.

Comprehensive study. At the current level of technology, such means of early diagnosis of cancer as fluorescent agents are widespread. These agents, interacting with tumor cells, by virtue of their chemistry, begin to fluoresce with a radiation frequency in the visible, infrared or ultraviolet range. This indication allows you to diagnose cancer at an early asymptomatic stage, without requiring biopsy fences. As you can see, the technique of capsule video endoscopes expands to detect fluorescent agents used for early diagnosis of cancer. In this case, the functioning of the capsule can be significantly changed to adapt to a specific task.

Separately, it is worth noting that all the details of this utility model are to be connected at the manufacturer with the help of assembly operations - welding, brazing, screwing, jointing and others. All structural elements of this utility model are structurally combined by the housing.

It is also worth noting that all individual structural elements that have their own function have undergone a certain modernization for sharing and their separate use of each for its intended purpose is simply impossible because of the design features.

Additionally, you can consider the list of structural elements of various manufacturers, which, if necessary, can be assembled into a finished product:

So, for example, models can be used as quartz resonators:

425F35B016M0000

XRCGB27M000F3M00R0

As a capacitor chip, you can use, for example, models:

0201 NPO 22 pF 5% 50 V

0402 X7R 1 nF 50 V

0402 X7R 10 nF 10% 50 V

0402 X7R 33 nF 10% 25 V

0402 NPO 1.5 pF +/- 0.1 pF 50 V

0402 X7R 2.2 nF 10% 50 V

0402 NPO 1 pF +/- 0.1 pF 50 V

0402 NPO 4.7 pF +/- 0.25% 50 V

0201 X5R 0.1 μF 10% 10 V

0402 X5R 2.2uF 20% 10V

0201 X5R 1uF 20% 10V

0201 NPO 33 pF 5% 50 V

0603 X5R 4.7 μF 10% 16 V

As integrated circuits, you can use, for example, models:

LTC3240EDC-2.5

STM8L151F3U6

As LEDs, you can use, for example:

QBLP601-IW

As inductance chips, you can use, for example, models:

BLM03PG220SN1D

LQP03TN8N2H02D

For example, the following models can be used as chip resistors:

0201 22 kOhm 1%

0201 10 kOhm 5%

0201 100 kOhm 5%

0201 4.7 kOhm 5%

0402 100 ohm 5%

For example, the following models can be used as chip transistors:

DMN2005DLP4K

MK24-B-3-OE

Based on the lists of models of various elements, experts in the field of circuitry can easily assemble all the functional blocks of this utility model described in the above description. Means and methods for such collection are well known in the art. The principal electronic circuits of the present utility model are not given, since the applicant, understanding that the utility model belongs to the field of medicine, considers the electronic circuits not to be of paramount importance.

Thus, the possibility of realizing a real utility model and the fame of all the tools and methods for such an implementation are fully confirmed.

Claims (6)

1. Wireless endoscopic capsule, which includes: a body with a transparent front cover, imaging device, microcontroller, radio frequency transmitter module with transceiver antenna, battery, in this case, the transceiver antenna is a quarter-wave asymmetric vibrator oriented perpendicular to the surface of the transmitter and parallel to the main axis of the capsule. 2. The capsule according to claim 1, characterized in that the imaging device is a CMOS or CCD matrix equipped with a lens. 3. The capsule according to claim 2, characterized in that the lens is a lens system. 4. The capsule according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises LEDs. 5. The capsule according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a memory. 6. The capsule according to claim 5, characterized in that the memory is removable and non-volatile.

Images