WO2007074447A2

WO2007074447A2 - Device, system, and method for communicating with an in-vivo imaging device

Info

Publication number: WO2007074447A2
Application number: PCT/IL2006/001485
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ido Betesh; Micha Nisani
Original assignee: Given Imaging Ltd.
Priority date: 2005-12-29
Filing date: 2006-12-26
Publication date: 2007-07-05
Also published as: WO2007074447A3

Abstract

One embodiment of the invention relates to an in vivo sensing system which includes an autonomous in vivo sensing device to sense a body lumen and to transmit sensed data; a communication device located externally to a patient’s body to receive the transmitted data; and a recording device to record the received data, the recording device being connected to the communication device and comprising a controller to verify a version of the communication device that is connected to it. The autonomous in vivo sensing device may be an ingestible imaging capsule.

Description

DEVICE, SYSTEM, AND METHOD FOR COMMUNICATING WITH AN IN-VIVO

IMAGING DEVICE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a device, system, and method for communicating with an ingestible imaging device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Devices and methods for performing in- vivo imaging of passages or cavities within a body are known in the art. Such devices may include, inter alia, various endoscopic imaging systems and ingestible devices, for example, a capsule, for performing imaging in various internal body cavities.

Known capsule imaging devices, may be ingested and while passing naturally though the gastrointestinal (GI) tract may capture images of, for example, surfaces of the intestine and may transmit signals, for example, by RP transmission to an external receiving and recording device to be analyzed by a physician and/or health professional.

Some in- vivo imaging systems may require attaching of multiple sensors and/or antennas to a user's skin and/or body. In some imaging systems, multiple cables, from various sensors and/or antennas may be wired to a recording device, for example, a portable recording device. The multiple possibly lengthy cables required to be wired between the various antennas and the recording device may result in inefficient operation and/or inconvenient usage.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Embodiment of the present invention provide an in vivo sensing system which includes an autonomous in vivo sensing device to sense a body lumen and to transmit sensed data; a communication device located externally to a patient's body to receive the transmitted data; and a recording device to record the received data, the recording device being connected to the communication device and comprising a controller to verify a version of the communication device that is connected to it. According to some embodiments different versions of the communication device include a different number of receiving antennas. According to other embodiment different versions of the communication device differ with respect to the presence of either the transmitting unit or the position inquiry unit. According to some embodiments the sensing device is an ingestible capsule shaped device which includes an imager and an illumination source. According to some embodiments the communication device may include a receiving antenna. According to some embodiments the communication device comprises a transmitting unit to transmit a command to the sensing device. According to other embodiments the system includes a position inquiry unit for determining the position of the sensing device within the body.

According to some embodiments the transmitting unit and the position inquiry unit are part of the communication device.

The system may include a display to view images transmitted from the sensing device. Further provided by embodiments of the invention is a system for in vivo imaging which includes an autonomous in vivo imaging device to image a body lumen and to transmit image data; a communication device located externally to a patient's body to receive the transmitted image data; and a single use garment to be worn on the patient's body, the garment detachably incorporating the communication device. Further embodiments provide a system for in vivo imaging, which includes an autonomous in vivo imaging device to image a body lumen and to transmit image data; and a communication device located externally to a patient's body to receive the transmitted image data; wherein the communication device is incorporated into a substrate which is configured to enable a patient to lie on it. Further embodiments provide a system for in vivo imaging which includes an autonomous in vivo imaging device to image a body lumen and to transmit image data; and a communication device located externally to a patient's body. The communication device may include a reception unit to receive the transmitted image data and a transmitting unit to transmit a signal to the in vivo imaging device. According to some embodiments the reception unit and transmitting unit operate in different frequency ranges. According to one embodiment the reception unit operates at a frequency higher than the transmitting unit. According to one embodiment the reception unit operates in a frequency of 400 MHz or higher and the transmitting unit operates in a frequency of 20 MHz or lower.

According to some embodiments the signal transmitted to the device is a signal to alter an operation state of the imaging device. According to some embodiments the system includes a position inquiry unit to determine a location of the imaging device in a patient's body.

Further embodiments provide a system for in vivo imaging which includes an autonomous in vivo imaging device to image a body lumen and to transmit image data; and a communication device located externally to a patient's body said communication device including a reception unit to receive the transmitted image data and a position inquiry unit to determine a location of the imaging device in a patient's body. According to some embodiments the position inquiry unit is configured to check an occurrence of interfering signals.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be understood and appreciated more fully from the following detailed description of various embodiments of the invention, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of which:

Figure 1 is a conceptual illustration of an in-vivo imaging system including an ingestible imaging device, an external communication device, and an external recording device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a schematic simplified block diagram of an ingestible device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 3 is a simplified schematic block diagram of an external communication device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a simplified block diagram of an external recording device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram of a signal reception unit that may be included in an external communication device according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 6 is a schematic block diagram of a signal transmission unit that may be included in an external communication device according to an embodiment of the present invention; and FIG. 7 is a schematic block diagram of a position inquiry unit that may be included in an external communication 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.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Various embodiments of the present invention are described herein. For the purpose of explanation, specific configurations and details may be set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to person 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.

Reference is now made to Fig. 1 showing a conceptual illustration of an in-vivo imaging system including an ingestible imaging device, an external communication device, and an external recording device according to an embodiment of the present invention. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, ingestible imaging device 40 may be Ingested by a patient 100. Signals and/or data transmitted to and from imaging device 40 may be processed by an external communication device 201 that may include one or more antennas and/or sensors 203. Data, e.g. data received by ingestible imaging device 40, and control commands, e.g. control commands transmitted to ingestible imaging device 40 may be stored, processed and/or controlled by external recording device 202.

Data captured by ingestible device 40, received by external communication device 201, and recorded on external recording device 202 may be, for example downloaded to workstation 14 for processing, analysis, and display, for example, workstation 14 including for example, processor 17 and display unit 18. Downloading and/or processing in workstation 14 may occur off-line for example after the external recording device 202 completed recording of data from the ingestible device 40, or may occur in real-time and/or in pseudo real-time. In one embodiment of the present invention, external recording device 202 and workstation 14 may be integrated into a single unit, for example, may be integrated into a single portable unit. In yet another embodiment of the present invention, external recording device 202 may include display capability, for example external recording device 202 may include an on-line viewer for viewing information and/or images, for example information and/or images transmitted by ingestible device 40. Other information may be displayed.

In one example, external communication device 201 may include one or more antennas and/or sensors 203. In one example, external communication device 201 and sensors 203 may be incorporated in a wearable garment or article of clothing 301. In some embodiments, article 301 may include, for example, a vest, shirt, long-sleeve shirt, short- sleeve shirt, T-shirt, sleeve-less shirt, sleeve-less garment, pullover, sweat-shirt, training-shirt, bra, sports-bra, under-garment, jacket, blouse, top, gown, dress, robe, coat, belt, plurality of belts, horizontal and/or vertical and/or diagonal belts, or other article of clothing. In some embodiments, article 301 may be provided in various sizes to fit various body dimensions of different users, or, alternatively, article 301 may be provided in standard and/or average "one size fits all" dimensions to accommodate a wide variety of person sizes. In some embodiments, article 301 may be washable and/or cleanable. In some embodiments the garment may be a single use garment.

In other examples, article 301 may also include external recording device 202. Article 301 may include various design features and/or functionality features common in wearable garments, for example, article 301 may include one or more buttons, zippers, Velcro connectors, laces, pockets, etc. In some embodiments, article 301 incorporating external communication device 201 may be, for example, put on by a patient, such that communication device 201 may be positioned in proximity or in relative proximity to a desired body area to allow better and/or stronger capacity to receive and/or amplify and/or record signals and/or transmissions. In some embodiments, for example, article 301 may be placed in proximity to a patient's stomach and/or back and/or GI tract. Of course, article 301 may be worn and/or placed in proximity to other body areas, as desired to achieve various benefits and/or functionalities. It is noted that using article 301 in accordance with embodiments of the invention may obviate and/or reduce a need to glue, attach and/or bond sensors 203 and/or cables to a patient's body.

In some embodiments, article 301 may be washable and/or re-usable by various users. hi some embodiments, article 301 may incorporate external communication device 201 and external recording device 202, such that one or more of these units may be detachable from article 301, to allow removal and/or replacement of such units. La other embodiments of article 301 may include external communication device 201 and may be detachable from external recording device 202, to allow removal and/or replacement of such units. According to some embodiments the detachability of units from the garment 301 enables using a disposable garment, attaching the units to a new single-use garment for each new patient. hi some embodiments external communication device 201 and external recording device 202 may be implemented and/or incorporated as a bed, mattress, blanket, table, carpet, board, flat board, substantially flat pane, etc. Such implementations and embodiments may, for example, allow a patient to lie down over such communication device 201 and/or recording device 202. According to an embodiment of the present invention, external recording device 202 may have a generic configuration that may for example be configured to record, communicate and/or operate with one or more different configurations of external communication device 201 and or garment 301 including external communication device 201. For example, depending on the implementation, external communication device 201 may include different types and/or numbers of antennas and/or sensors 203 and/or operate with different operation state and/or different protocols. In one example, external communication device 201 may include only reception capability, hi another example, external communication device 201 may include reception as well as transmission capability. Other different modes of operation may exist. External recording device 202 may check the operational state, protocol, and/or the number of types of sensors included in external communication device 201 upon attachment and/or communication between external communication device 201 and external recording device 202. Based on the operational state, protocol, and/or the number of types of sensors detected, external recording device 202 may define its working mode. External recording device 202 may control the operation of external communication device 201. It is noted that other various benefits may be achieved using embodiments of the present invention.

Reference is now made to Fig. 2 showing an ingestible imaging device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Ingestible device 40, e.g. an imaging capsule, may be an autonomous in- vivo sensor that may transmit and optionally receive data to and from external communication device 201. Ingestible device 40 may include a sensing device such as for example an imaging unit 216 within an outer covering or housing 110. Imaging unit 216 may typically include at least one imager 116. In addition imaging unit 216 may include, for example a lens 122 and a lens holder 120 as well as one or more (e.g., a pair, a ring, etc.) illumination sources 118. Ingestible device 40 may include and/or contain one or more power units 126, a sensor 125, e.g. a position sensor, temperature sensor, pH sensor, etc., transceiver 127, e.g. an RF transceiver, and one or more antennas 128a for transmitting data and optionally one or more antennas 128b for receiving data, e.g. receiving control data. In other embodiments one or more antennas 128a and/or 128b may be used for transmission and/or reception. In other embodiments, transceiver 127 and/or its functionality may be spread among a plurality of components. Transceiver 127 may include control and or processing capability, for example transceiver 127 may be or include a controller for controlling various operations of ingestible device 40, although control capability or one or more aspects of control may be included in a separate component such as for example circuit board or other circuitry included in ingestible device 40. In other embodiments, when ingestible device 40 may only have transmitting ability, transceiver 127 may be replaced by a transmitter. Embodiments of ingestible device 40 are typically autonomous, and are typically self- contained. For example, ingestible device 40 may be a capsule or other unit where all the components, for example, an imager, illumination units, power units, control units, and transmitting/receiving units, may be substantially contained or sealed within the device body in a container or shell 110, wherein the container or shell 110 may include more than one piece. Ingestible device 40 may not require any wires or cables to, for example, receive power or transmit data. Ingestible device 40 may communicate with an external communication device 201 (Fig. 1). 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. Ingestible device 40 may include components and operate similarly to the ingestible imaging device and/or capsule, for example, in US Patent 5,604,531 to Iddan, et al. and/or in US Patent Application Publication Number 20010035902, entitled "Device and system for in vivo imaging", published on November 1, 2001 both of which are assigned to the common assignee of the present application and both of which are hereby fully incorporated by reference.

It is noted that while embodiments of the invention described herein are adapted for imaging of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, the devices and methods disclosed herein may be adapted for imaging other body cavities or spaces. Reference is now made to Fig. 3 showing simplified schematic block diagram of an external communication device according to an embodiment of the present invention. According to one embodiment of the present invention external communication device 201 may include a control unit 310 and a reception unit 330 for receiving data transmitted from ingestible device 40. Optionally external communication device 201 may also include a position inquiry unit 340 and a transmitting unit 350. According to one embodiment of the present invention position inquiry unit 340 and a transmitting unit 350 may be incorporated in a single unit that may transmit signals to the ingestible device 40. Signals transmitted to ingestible device 40, for example by position inquiry unit 340 and a transmitting unit 350 may be in a shared frequency range, e.g. the same frequency range.

Reception unit 330 may include one or more antennas 203A₅ for example, to receive signals and/or data from the ingestible imaging device 40. In one example the reception unit 330 may receive signals, for example RF signals in the range of approximately 400 MHz - 450 MHz frequency range, e.g. 434.1 MHz from one or more antennas 203 A. Antennas 203A may be positioned in proximity from which ingestible device 40 may be transmitting. Other frequency ranges may be used. Received signals may be transmitted to external recording device 202, for example, by wire connection as a single ended or differential signal. Control unit 310 may control the operation of reception unit 330, e.g. the time and duration of reception, the amplification level of the received signal, etc. According to one embodiment of the present invention, signals transmitted by ingestible device 40 may be received from a plurality of antennas 203A. hi one example, the signal obtained from an antenna with the highest or most coherent output may be transmitted to external recording device 202. hi another example, signals and/or data obtained from two or more antennas may be combined and transmitted to external recording device 202. In some embodiments of the present invention, reception unit 330 may be used to transmit as well as receive data in a specific frequency range, for example the defined frequency range of reception unit 330 and antennas 203 A. According to one embodiment of the present invention, reception unit 330 may receive data from one or more ingestible devices 40, for example reception unit 330 may receive image data, e.g. frames of image data or data from other sensors included in ingestible device 40. Other information and or data may be received by reception unit 330.

Transmitting unit 350 may include one or more antennas 203B. Antennas 203B may transmit signals to one or more ingestible devices 40. In one example, signals transmitted to iiigestible device may include control data, e.g. control data to alter operation state or operation mode of ingestible device 40. In other examples, the signal transmitted to ingestible device 40 may include a power signal to power ingestible device 40 or may be another signal. In one example, the quantity of data received from ingestible device 40 may be much larger as compared to the quantity of data to be transmitted to ingestible device 40. Transmission to ingestible device 40 may be at a significantly lower frequency range than reception from ingestible device 40. For example transmission to ingestible device 40 may be in the range of 10 to 20 MHz, e.g. 13.56 MHz. Other frequencies or frequency ranges may be used. Data to be transmitted to ingestible device 40 may be obtained directly from external recording device 202 and/or from control unit 310. Signals and/or data obtained from external recording device 202 may be received either as single ended or differential signals.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, position inquiry unit 340 may transmit signals through a plurality of antennas 203 C to ingestible device 40. Based on the signals received by ingestible device 40 and defined properties of the received signal, ingestible device 40 may sense a position of the ingestible device 40 in space and/or in relation to a defined coordinate system. In one example, the signal transmitted to ingestible device 40 may be the control data transmitted by transmitting unit 350 through antennas 203 A. hi another example, the signal transmitted to ingestible device 40 may be an alternate signal. Transmission to ingestible device 40 may be at a significantly lower frequency range than reception from ingestible device 40. For example transmission to ingestible device 40 may be in the range of 10 to 20 MHz, e.g. 13.56 MHz. The frequency range of position detecting unit and antennas 203 C may be the same as the frequency range of transmitting unit 350 and transmitting antennas 203B. In other words the position inquiry unit 340 and the transmitting unit 350 may share a single communication line and or a frequency range. Other frequencies or frequency ranges may be used. Data to be transmitted to ingestible device 40 may be obtained directly from external recording device 202 and/or from control unit 310. Signals and/or data obtained from external recording device 202 may be received either as single ended or differential signals.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, position inquiry unit 340 may receive a signal from ingestible device 40 via a plurality of antennas 203C and based on the received signal and defined properties of the received signal external communication 5 device 201, external recording device 202, or an external workstation may determine the position of the ingestible device 40.

Control unit 310 may control operation of communication device 201 and may control transmission and reception between external communication device 201 and external recording device 202. Memory unit 320 or memory capability may be incorporated in the functionality of control unit 310. For example, software commands and/or parameter values may be stored in memory 320.

Control unit 310 may receive power from or via external recording device 202, for example by wire connection. Clock, data, and optionally load commands may also be received by or via external recording device 202. Data may also be transmitted from external communication device 201 to external recording device 202. For example, data regarding the operational mode of external communication device 201 may be transmitted to external recording device 202. Other data including parameter values and other data may be transmitted to and from external communication device 201 and external recording device 202.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, communication between external communication device 201 and external recording device 202 may be wireless communication.

Reference is now made to Fig. 4 showing a simplified block diagram of an external recording device according to an embodiment of the present invention. External recording device 202 may receive signals, e.g. analog signals, from the external communication device 201 in a first frequency range and output and/or transmit a signal, e.g. an analog signal, to external communication device 201 in a second frequency range, for example a frequency range that may be lower than the first frequency range. In other examples, digital communication, e.g. reception and transmission of digital signal may be used. Signals received by external recording device 202 may include data transmitted by the ingestible device 40, for example image data, sensor data, position data, and other data. Signals received by external recording device 202 may be differential signals, requiring two lines for reception or single ended signals that may require one line for reception. Data received by external recording device 202 may pass a reception signal processing and modulation block 420 and be stored in storage 450. Processing and storage of received signal may be controlled by control unit 440. Reception signal processing and modulation block 420 may include one or more amplifiers to amplify the received signal, one or more filters, e.g. saw filter or other band pass filters, a modulator, e.g. an I/Q modulator, and an analog to digital converter (ADC) to convert the received analog signal to a digital format that may be stored in storage 450. Signals transmitted from external recording device 202 to external communication device 201 may be analog signals in a frequency range that may be different from the frequency range of signals that may be received by external recording device 202. Data to be transmitted to external communication device 201, may be, for example, data stored in storage 450, may be data received by user input, e.g. user input commands, or may be data configured from control unit 440. Data to be transmitted to external communication device 201 may pass a transmission signal processing and modulation block 430 to modulate the data into an analog signal to be transmitted, for example by wire communication to external communication device 201. The signal processing and modulation block may include a digital to analogue converter (DAC), I/Q modulator, and amplification. Other and/or alternate processing blocks and modulations may be implemented.

Recorder control unit 440 may control operation of external recording device 202 and may also control operation of external communication device 201. Software may be incorporated in control unit 440. Control unit 440 may be in communication with control unit 310 from external communication device 201 via, for example, data, load, and clock lines. Control unit 440 may also provide power and ground to control unit 310. Other connections between external communication device 201 and external recording device 202 may be present.

External communication device 201 may be detachably connected to external recording device 202. Attaching or establishing electrical connection between external communication device 201 and external recording device 202, may prompt control unit 440 to verify the type and/or version of external communication device 201, for example via communication with control unit 310 (Fig. 3). For example, more than one version of external communication device 201 may work together with a generic external recording device 202, for example application specific versions of external communication device 201. In one example, the number of antennas and/or sensors included in external communication device may vary depending on the specific application. In another example, specific versions of external communication device may not include one or more of the communication channels, e.g. may not include a transmitting unit; position inquiry unit, reception unit, one or more units, or other unit. Control unit 440 may automatically detect when external communication device 201 may have been connected to external recording device 202 and may automatically verify the specific version of the external communication device 201 that has been connected to it. Control unit 440 may choose a protocol to match its course of actions, protocol, and/or commands to the specific version of external communication device 201. Furthermore control unit 440 may control communication between the external recording device 202 and the external communication device 201, e.g. control unit 440 may be the master while control unit 310 may be the slave. Other circuitry or components may be included in either external communication device 201 and/or external recording device 202.

Reference is now made to Fig. 5 showing schematic block diagram of a signal reception unit that may be included in a communication device according to an embodiment of the present invention. One or more reception antennas may receive signals, for example analog signals in a defined frequency range, e.g. around 400 MHz that may have been transmitted by one or more ingestible devices 40. The signal may include data, for example image data, e.g. frames of image data that may have been captured in vivo. The signal received may pass a processing block 510 that may filter and amplify the received signal. For example, the signal received from one or more antennas 203A may be filtered with a band pass filter 501 and amplified with a linear amplifier 505. Control unit 310 may control operations of each of the processing elements of processing block 510. A signal transmitted by a single ingestible device 40 may be picked up by a plurality of antennas 203 A. Signal selector and/or combiner 520 may select and or combine one or more signals from the plurality of signals picked up. In one example signal selector and/or combiner 520 may be a multiplexer. The selected signal may undergo amplification with an amplifier 530 before being transmitted, e.g. by wire, to external recording device 202 as either a single ended or differential signal. According to an alternate embodiment of the present invention, antennas 203A may also be used to transmit signals in a given frequency range, for example in a frequency range around 400 MHz. The number of antennas 203 A that may be included may vary based on, for example the specific diagnosis performed with the ingestible device 40. Reference is now made to Fig. 6 showing a schematic block diagram of a signal transmission unit that may be included in a communication device according to an embodiment of the present invention. According to an embodiment of the present invention, one or more antennas may be used to transmit a signal to for example, a single ingestible device 40. The signal to be transmitted may be an analog signal originating and/or generated, for example by the external recording device 202. The generated signal may be received by external communication device 201 as a single ended or differential signal. The signal may be amplified, for example by a power amplifier 630. Control unit 310 may .control the operation and functionality of power amplifier 630. One or more antennas 203B may be used to transmit the desired signal to ingestible device 40. In one example, transmission may be in the range of 10-15 MHz. Antennas 203B may be specific for this frequency range. In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, antennas 203B may also be used for reception of a signal in the defined frequency range of the antennas 203B.

Reference is now made to Fig. 7 showing position inquiry unit 340 that may be included in the communication device according to an embodiment of the present invention. According to an embodiment of the present invention, one or more antennas may be used to transmit a signal to, for example, an ingestible device 40. In one example, ingestible device 40 may include a position detector, e.g. sensor 125 that may enable ingestible device 40 to decipher its location based on the plurality of signals received by position inquiry unit 340. One or more amplifiers, e.g. power amplifiers 730 may be used to amplify the position inquiry signal prior to wireless transmission. The signal to be transmitted may be an analog signal that may be generated in the external recording device 202 and transmitted, for example by wire connection to external communication device 201 via a single ended or differential signal. Transmission in the position inquiry channel may be in the same frequency range as the transmission for the transmission unit. In one example, the transmission unit and position inquiry unit may be consolidated into a single unit. In one example, position inquiry unit 340 may transmit as well as receive a signal. Switching mechanism 702 may switch connection to antennas 203C between a transmitting and or receiving circuitry. Reception through the position inquiry channel may be used for example, to check the occurrence of interfering signals in the frequency range of antennas 203 C, e.g. frequency range around 10 - 15 MHz. A signal selector 760, may scan the plurality of signals received from the plurality of antennas 203 C and select one or more signals for example, the signal with the highest amplitude, or the signal possessing some other defined characteristic. A signal strength detector 770, e.g. RSSI component may determine the strength of the selected signal. The signal selector 760, signal strength detector 770, the power amplifiers 006/001485

730, and the switches 702 may be directly controlled by control unit 310. Data received may be transferred to external recording device 202 for further processing and/or for recording. In some embodiments of the present invention, an analog to digital converter (ADC) may be present, and control unit 310 may process data received. Additional components may be added to position inquiry unit 340 and or to other units, e.g. reception unit 330 and/or transmitting unit 350.

External recording device 202 may be a generic recording and controlling device that may be capable of operating with one or more configurations of external communicating device 201. Having a separate communication device 201 and recording device 202 may decrease the number of cables to be connected to the recording device. It may also reduce the length of the cables that between the antennas and the amplifying units. It also allows standardizing the recording device that may interface with different types of communication device each having different number of sensors or communication lines. As such the external communication device may be application specific while the recording device may be standard or generic. This reduces the cost for the end user that can purchase a single recording device for various applications and diagnostic procedures.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, communication may be performed in two communication frequencies. One frequency for reception and a second frequency for position inquiry and transmission of control commands. Position inquiry and transmission of control commands may be in a single unit sharing the same antennas and processing blocks. In other embodiments of the present invention, communication may be performed in a single frequency range or in multiple frequency ranges.

While the present invention has been described with reference to one or more specific embodiments, the description is intended to be illustrative as a whole and is not to be construed as limiting the invention to the embodiments shown. It is appreciated that various modifications may occur to those skilled in the art that, while not specifically shown herein, are nevertheless within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. An in vivo sensing system comprising an autonomous in vivo sensing device to sense a body lumen and to transmit sensed data; a communication device located externally to a patient's body to receive the transmitted data; and a recording device to record the received data, the recording device being connected to the communication device and comprising a controller to verify a version of the communication device that is connected to it.

2. The system according to claim 1 wherein the sensing device comprises an imager and an illumination source.

3. The system according to claim 1 wherein the communication device includes a receiving antenna.

4. The system according to claim 1 wherein the communication device comprises a transmitting unit to transmit a command to the sensing device.

5. The system according to claim 1, the system comprising a position inquiry unit for determining the position of the sensing device within the body.

6. The system according to claim 3 wherein different versions of the communication device include a different number of receiving antennas.

7. The system according to claim 4 and 5 wherein the transmitting unit and the position inquiry unit are part of the communication device.

8. The system according to claim 7 wherein different versions of the communication device differ with respect to the presence of either the transmitting unit or the position inquiry unit.

9. The system according to claim 2 comprising a display to view images transmitted from the sensing device.

10. A system for in vivo imaging, the system comprising an autonomous in vivo imaging device to image a body lumen and to transmit image data; a communication device located externally to a patient's body to receive the transmitted image data; and a single use garment to be worn on the patient's body detachably incorporating the communication device.

11. A system for in vivo imaging, the system comprising an autonomous in vivo imaging device to image a body lumen and to transmit image data; and a communication device located externally to a patient's body to receive the transmitted image data; wherein the communication device is incorporated into a substrate, said substrate configured to enable a patient to lie on it.

12. A system for in vivo imaging, the system comprising an autonomous in vivo imaging device to image a body lumen and to transmit image data; and a communication device located externally to a patient's body said communication device comprising a reception unit to receive the transmitted image data and a transmitting unit to transmit a signal to the in vivo imaging device.

13. The system according to claim 12 wherein the reception unit and transmitting unit operate in different frequency ranges.

14. The system according to claim 13 wherein the reception unit operates at a frequency higher than the transmitting unit.

15. The system according to claim 14 wherein the reception unit operates in a frequency of 400 MHz or higher and the transmitting unit operates in a frequency of 20 MHz or lower.

16. The system according to claim 12 wherein the signal is a signal to alter an operation state of the imaging device.

17. The system according to claim 12 comprising a position inquiry unit to determine a location of the imaging device in a patient's body.

18. A system for in vivo imaging comprising an autonomous in vivo imaging device to image a body lumen and to transmit image data; and a communication device located externally to a patient's body said communication device comprising a reception unit to receive the transmitted image data and a position inquiry unit to determine a location of the imaging device in a patient' s body.

19. The system according to claim 18 wherein the position inquiry unit is configured to check an occurrence of interfering signals.